It looks like SmackDown! continues to be the “one to watch” having read this week’s spoilers, which can be found below. Highlight to read:
Victoria introduced Natalia Neidhart. They did a video package on her and put over she was Jim Neidhart’s daughter. She cut a promo and did his trademark laugh. Victoria defeated Michelle McCool after Neidhart distracted her.
Follow the cut for more (contains spoilers):
Keep your votes coming for the casting call of WWE’s Next Top Model here at Diva Dirt. The poll will close on Friday and we will reveal which ten Divas have made it through to the competition! From there, each week you will vote out one Diva until we determine which Diva has the most top model potential.
Unfortunately we couldn’t afford Tyra, but oh well. Click here to vote!
Clearly, WWE’s photo direction is on another level of classy, but would they be able to outdo themselves? Luckily, we won’t have to wait long to find out because Maria is scheduled to have her own set of “April Showers” photos released next week. Until then, try and contain yourselves!
It’s no secret that I’m partial to some Layla, the Diva continues to grow and shine in the debilitating women’s division that is WWE’s. I guess top brass doesn’t pay attention to ECW (actually, come to think of it – does anyone?) otherwise they’d probably fire the show’s head writer for God forbid, allowing Layla some screen time and character development. Layla showed just that on last night’s show, proving what I’ve suspected for a while now – she could be one of the best Divas to come out of the Diva Search well… ever!
In fact, I think Layla transcends WWE! Anyone got the number for Usher’s people, so we can get her in his next video? Check out Layla putting Kelly Kelly and Eve Torres in their places on last night’s show:
TNA’s Gail Kim talked pretty in-depth with the Baltimore Sun, touching on many different topics. It’s a very insightful piece, some highlights below:
On her WWE release: Yeah, it really did. I remember us talking about a brand new story line at that time that was with me, Trish [Stratus] and Lita, and I actually went in the pre-tape room the day before. And then at Raw that night I did a run-in to start that whole angle, and then the very next day I got the phone call. So, yeah, I was shocked. Johnny Ace [John Laurinaitis, WWE senior vice president of talent relations] called me and basically said that I was released. And then he just tried to hang up (laughs). I wasn’t even upset; I was just in shock, I think. I said, “Hold on, hold on. Can I get a reason for this?†He just said that they wanted to change the direction of the women’s division. And they did; he didn’t lie about that. But everything happens for a reason, and I would never have accomplished everything that I have to this day if that never happened.
On WWE Divas vs TNA Knockouts: I think those girls are very hot and they look great and everything, but I think to succeed in this business you need to have the passion. A lot of girls that are in our company took it upon themselves to go get trained and learn about the business and pay their dues. If the fans watch our show, they can say, “Oh, that’s Awesome Kong, she’s this character. And ODB’s that nutty, crazy character, and Roxxi Laveaux is the gypsy character.†We have characters and we all have our own distinctive look. I think a lot of the time when you just see a lot of beautiful girls it kind of just all blends in together. You want something about yourself to stand out.
I thought those parts were the most interesting, for me personally. A different direction for the women’s division… he sure wasn’t kidding there. We were robbed of what could have been an awesome three-way match between Trish, Gail and Lita. All three have such different in-ring skills but all so talented, it could have been a fun feud. I certainly see where she’s coming from in terms of the Knockouts, they all seem to have their own niche gimmick and it’s great to see the character development among them. The whole interview is a fantastic read, be sure to check it out by clicking here.
Gail will be action this Sunday night on pay per view, be sure to order TNA LockDown for Gail and ODB taking on Awesome Kong and Raisha Saeed. Not to mention Booker T & Sharmell taking on Robert Roode and Payton Banks as well as a Queen of the Cage match!
The almighty Trish Stratus paid a compliment to TNA’s ever-growing women’s division when she appeared on wrestling radio show, Live Audio Wrestling. The seven time Women’s Champion loves the Knockout division – branding it “amazing” and that she loves the fact all the girls really do work.
Trish also talks of returning to Monday Night RAW, for the 15th anniversary episode:
Why did she come back for Raw’s 15 Anniversary? Simply because it was the show’s anniversary instead of a big storyline. Called it a good feel moment for Trish fans & Lita fans. Her and Amy loved it. WWE was generous on what they wanted to do and eventually came up with a scenario. (Credit to Stratus-Faction.com)
Read a full recap courtesy of our favourite Trish fansite, by clicking here.
Given that a women’s division is RAW’s forte, SmackDown!’s writers have done a solid job over the past year in creating storylines for their Divas and often outdoing RAW, where the actual women’s division and Women’s Championship are meant to be. Over the past couple of months, the blue brand has really established it’s Divas (albeit through a glorified 5-week bikini contest), they have paved the way for Michelle to become the top Diva of the brand, furthered Victoria as a comedic heel, even introduced new Divas into the fold; Cherry, Eve and Maryse have all been utilised in the SmackDown! “women’s division.” And now with the debut of Nattie Neidhart, the division is really coming full circle in terms of talent. They’ve got the girls and now it’s time to concentrate on creating better stories, better feuds – not just flimsy wedding angles (i.e. Kristal-Teddy), they may have been sufficient before but now is the time for change. And with the inevitable Michelle-Nattie feud that will hopefully begin this week on SmackDown!, WWE will be given an option… an option to interchange between the RAW and SmackDown!’s women’s divisions when it comes to pay per view booking.
Every year after WrestleMania, WWE ties up old storylines and begins new ones – often taking risks. This year is no different, with the launch of a JBL-Randy Orton feud and even a Batista-Shawn Michaels feud. Maybe it’s time for Creative to experiment with the Divas also? It’s fair to say that Beth Phoenix as Women’s Champion has been rather lackluster and following BunnyMania, RAW is in a state of change – it’s time to transition (as they do every year) from giving the “flavour of the month” Playboy covergirl a shot at the title and moving back to serious contenders. Last year, straight after WrestleMania – Ashley was dropped after her shot at the title and Mickie was inserted back into a feud with Melina. During that transition period, it couldn’t hurt to give SmackDown! some time to shine on pay per view and with the Michelle-Nattie feud, they could finally have a pay per view worthy feud. Sure, the Women’s Championship isn’t on the line but that wouldn’t make this match any less compelling with a well written story to it. We’re not suggesting they headline WrestleMania, but by giving SmackDown! a few Diva matches on B-shows like the upcoming Backlash and Judgment Day would really give a boost to the growing women’s division on the blue brand.
Not since the days of Torrie Wilson has a SmackDown! Divas feud really been highlighted on pay per view. There were a few Diva matches here and there during the days of the SmackDown!-branded pay per views, but those have since been dropped around this time last year in fact. In that time, no SmackDown! Diva feud has taken precedent over RAW – but now could be the time to do it. There’s nothing too much of importance going on over on RAW right now, until they establish a true contender for Beth Phoenix and her title. With the strong writing over on SmackDown!, I have no doubt that Michael Hayes will be able to create a strong feud between Michelle and Nattie and would be deserving of a pay per view pay-off match possibly at Backlash or Judgment Day.
SmackDown! is developing and it’s going in the right direction. RAW’s women’s division seems to be stuck in a rut, partly due to having to reorganise their entire women’s division every year around Playboy and WrestleMania. Maybe it’s time for SmackDown! to get a shot? Michelle McCool’s rise, I believe, is due in part to her relationship with the Undertaker which could help her cause of SmackDown! finally breaking down that wall and putting on a match on pay per view again. And with the axing of the Cruiserweight title, there could even be room in future for a second Women’s Championship dedicated to SmackDown! But for now we’ll settle for Michelle versus Nattie… on pay per view.
Anyway, the show is pretty funny and just goes to show how much personality Layla has. Check it out by clicking here. Anyone else think Layla should just manage Miz & Morrison to give her some screen time? They could be the new MNM.
However, we have a problem – there are more than ten Divas. Therefore, we’re going to have a casting call featuring all the Divas! The ten Divas with the most votes will continue on to the competition. Vote now for your favourite Diva:
“Leatherheads” – starring George Clooney, Renée Zellweger, & John Krasinski
Plot summary – A romantic comedy set against the backdrop of America’s nascent pro-football league in 1925. Dodge Connolly, a charming, brash football hero, is determined to guide his team from bar brawls to packed stadiums. But after the players lose their sponsor and the entire league faces certain collapse, Dodge convinces a college football star to join his ragtag ranks. This new champ is almost too good to be true, and Lexie Littleton aims to prove that’s the case. A cub journalist playing in the big leagues, Lexie is a spitfire newswoman who suspects there are holes in Carter’s war story. As the new game of pro-football becomes less like the freewheeling sport he knew and loved, Dodge must both fight to keep his guys together and to get the girl of his dreams.
My take – I saw this movie yesterday, but I’ll spare you from a review. Let me just say that the period aspect of the movie (it’s set in the late 1920s) certainly adds to its appeal to me. I like the vintage styles and the classic look at football that we usually don’t get to see this side of ESPN Classic.
Get this week’s Diva news rounded up… with commentary! This week we discuss BunnyMania aftermath, a new Diva on the block, Victoria‘s ride, Melina‘s wrath
and more!
• Beth, Melina Prevail
The big news story of the week, Beth Phoenix and Melina defeated Ashley and Maria at the grandest stage of them all – WrestleMania 24. The match saw the involvement of Santino Marella, The King not to mention the Lumberjills (or is that Lumberjacks this year?). After the match, master of ceremonies Snoop Dogg planted Santino with a clothesline – and Maria with a kiss!
Erin: It definitely wasn’t as bad as I thought it’d be. Not great, but not a disaster. The presence of the Lumberjill/jacks/whatever was totally unecessary. All they did was stand there in their tacky outfits and scramble when the occasional Diva was tossed out of the ring. Not a great representation of the Divas, I’d say. A Women’s Title match would’ve been more fitting, but at least Maria didn’t get the undeserving annual title shot.
Melanie: I, for one, was pretty shocked to see Beth and Melina win. I didn’t see it coming but I’m so glad for it! As I wrote in my review of the match, Melina was the standout and really captured the essence of WrestleMania. Kudos to Ashley and Maria (more so) for putting on a real effort in the ring. This match wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.
Title in honour of Beyonce and Jay-Z’s wedding!
WWE continues it’s hard sell of Michelle McCool as they try to put her over as the top Diva on SmackDown!, but all this pushing is giving us a severe sense of deja vu (not to mention an allergic reaction). I hate to compare real-life friends and I’m sure Michelle is lovely and sweet, but this transformation into the next Torrie Wilson is not cool.
Case in point, WWE.com has a new article citing Michelle as “SmackDown!’s top Diva”, apparently winning the glorified 5-week bikini contest comes with such a tag. Not to mention the constant mentions of being the “All-American Diva.” There was a time when Torrie was SmackDown!’s top Diva and was seen as the all American girl. It seems Michelle’s current run is pretty much a carbon copy of Torrie. Torrie feuds with Victoria, Michelle feuds with Victoria. Torrie gets attacked by a mystery blonde Diva, Michelle gets attacked by a mystery blonde Diva. Though it can be argued Michelle has had a run of her own with the Chuck Palumbo-Jamie Noble saga.
Had Torrie not been on the injured list, there’d be no doubt in my mind just which of these two girls would sitting on the throne. What does this suggest for Torrie’s return? After all this hard selling of Michelle, is there room for Torrie considering she was considered the top Diva during both her stays on SmackDown? Will she even return to SmackDown? Logically, it would hurt both Michelle and Torrie if they were on the same brand at this point – moving Torrie to RAW would seem wise (not to mention make me break out in songs of joy).
Time will tell if Michelle can fill Torrie’s boots. But Michelle is definitely in favour with WWE Creative right now, it’ll be interesting to see if they continue to rip pages out of the Torrie Wilson handbook in coming weeks and months. For a girl that was a blip on the radar one year ago, see what sleeping with a legend can get ya!
Catfightttttt! You know you’re truly in the 21st century when feuds aren’t only happening in the ring, but on the Internet as well. ECW’s Kelly Kelly has posted a new blog on her MySpace and has dedicated a paragraph to Melina‘s blog yesterday on WWE.com. Melina wrote:
When I watched as a fan, as a female I wanted someone I could look up to and say I want to be strong like her. Not, I can’t wait to stand around and have people look at me in little outfits. Anyone can just stand around. Girls do that all over the world and it’s not a big deal. If you want to see that, go to the mall! Or watch ECW!
Kelly, in her best English I might add responds however doesn’t name Melina directly hmm:
On another note i was reading another blog that one of the divas had written referring to the ecw divas something along the lines that we just stand around in little outfits and have people look at us and thats all we do…well i may be jumping out on a limb here but im guessing shes talking about me and layla since were the only divas on ecw lol…im going to speak on behalf of layla and myself how much of a load of S**t that is we work our butts off every week and put our heart and soul into our matches and everything else we do on the show we may be beginners at all this but every chance were able to get in that ring to train or work on promos you better bet your ass we do it with 110 % ..to better ourselves and to prove to people like u WRONG!all i have to say is im only 21 im finishing up my college degree and i have and amazing family that supports me.. this person knows who she is and i dont care what u think your opinion means nothing to me..im getting my chance to live my dream to finally prove im not just another pretty face and im laughing in yours all the way up im not letting anything get in my way!!!
I don’t know, it certainly doesn’t seem like a work. Melina’s blogs are usually part character-part shoot. What do you think? Is it a work or is there some backstage tension between these two Divas? And raise your hand if you think Kelly didn’t name Melina because girl knows she’d get her ass handed to her.
Thanks to the almighty YouTube, we’ve found a clip of tonight’s Diva segment from SmackDown! which features the debut of Nattie Neidhart.
Somewhat reminiscent, though not as affective as Krissy Vaine‘s debut attacking Torrie last September, if you ask me. Though Nattie did look a lot better attacking Michelle McCool; I will never forget Krissy’s hideous outfit lol. Loving Michael Cole slipping up and saying “Torrie” at the end… oh how she is missed! What do you think of Nattie’s big debut? The start of big things to come? Or will she just job to Michelle?
TNA has announced plans for a “Queen of the Cage” match at their Lockdown pay per view on April 13th. The ground-breaking match will feature Angelina Love, Velvet Sky, Salinas, Rhaka Khan, Traci Brooks, Jacqueline and Roxxi Laveau. Read the details below:
After an all-out brawl between several Knockouts on Thursday’s “iMPACT!”, TNA Management Director Jim Cornette has announced that a “Queen Of The Cage” match has been signed for the April 13 “Lockdown” Pay-Per-View event.
According to Cornette, eight TNA Knockouts will start the bout battling on the outside of the cage, trying to get inside the steel structure. The first two Knockouts that are successful will then have a one-on-one match.
The “Queen Of The Cage” match will feature Angelina Love vs. Velvet Sky vs. Salinas vs. Rhaka Khan vs. Traci Brooks vs. Christy Hemme vs. Ms. Jacqueline vs. Roxxi Laveaux.
And all we get from WWE is a glorified bikini contest for five weeks on SmackDown! and BunnyMania.
No, I haven’t gone completely insane. WWE has actually done something right as it’s being reported that they have dropped the incest storyline with Paul Burchill and Katie Lea as they move forward in targeting younger children to the WWE product.
Great news, right? Actually, maybe not so… for Paul Burchill. Bad news for the Superstar, who’ll likely be relegated to Heat or released altogether. Good news is, Katie is in a position to be integrated into the women’s division as she is part of the RAW roster already.
Let’s hope WWE actually utilises this talented Diva as a wrestler… perhaps turning her face and acting as though this storyline never happened? Mickie is in dire need for some assistance on RAW and Katie could provide some competition for Beth Phoenix and Melina.
Melina is on a blogging roll this week, the former Women’s Champion has logged her second “Internet Confessions” over at WWE.com, in as many days. In today’s column, she expresses her thoughts on Santino’s comments this past Monday night on RAW, when he had a few choice words for the WWE Divas calling them “the lowest form of entertainment.”
It’s good to see Melina using her brain where WWE Creative can’t, because as well as being obviously heart-felt from the A-List Diva, also offers a bridge for WWE storylines. I found it rather bizarre that Melina on Sunday night, came out with Santino and beat Maria and Ashley and the next night was helping her – against Santino no less. This blog adds some logic, I think:
Wow … I heard that and stopped what I was doing and ran to the TV … Did he say what I thought he said? Wait … No seriously … Did he say that?
I had mixed feelings … I laughed a bit; but everyone laughs at Santino Marella. I mean Snoop Dogg kicked his @ss and made out with his girl! When I finished laughing, it all sank in … I was really upset. Santino said he was involved in the lowest form of sports-entertainment: WWE Divas. That WWE Divas should not even be competing. They should be at home looking pretty walking around making pasta and making babies. Hello!!!! Santino, when was the last time you wrestled at WrestleMania? You escorted ME to the ring!
Again, how can you not laugh at his comments? They are so ridiculous! But what pisses me off is that there are people out there that feel that way. I met a fan who told me he didn’t care about the BunnyMania match. He just wants to see us walk around in our little outfits. Are you serious? Well this little girl who wears cute outfits could take him out in a second. I can’t believe that!
There have been many conflicting reports over the SmackDown! spoilers for tomorrow night (April 4th), but multiple sources have now confirmed the rumours! Follow the cut for spoilers and our thoughts:
In a pretty classy move by WWE, they have some of the current Divas talking about the legendary Divas who paved the way over at WWE.com. In honour of Women’s History Month, Divas such as Mickie James and Candice Michelle pay homage to Moolah, Mae Young, Lita and Trish Stratus. Check ’em out!
» Mae & Moolah
» Lita & Trish
On one hand, she has the looks and charisma – more than some of the current Divas, I’d say – to warrant a decent role. She’s not a wrestler, of course, but if she were paired with a Diva – say Jillian, whom she was to feud with sometime last year, but plans for which were inexplicably abandoned. She could certainly play a role in a decent storyline, providing a foil for a heel Diva to torment and a face Diva to stick up for.
On the other hand, she has been involved in storylines in the past, however brief. Anyone care to conjure up the memory of her proposing marriage to Viscera? Yeah, I too have tried to block it out mentally. But isn’t that the fault of the WWE writers, whom haven’t come up with something decent and original since the turn of the millenium? Is that a true test of Lilian’s potential (or lack thereof), or does the failure of that storyline lie elsewhere?
So what do you think? Should Lilian’s role be expanded, or is she merely a ring announcer to you?
This post contains spoilers pertaining to this Friday’s edition of SmackDown! To view the post, please follow the cut:
Trish Stratus appeared on an upcoming edition of the LAW radio program, where she touched upon WrestleMania and shared her honest thoughts on BunnyMania (transcript courtesy of PWTorch.com):
Jason Agnew: You know, I am looking at someone like Beth Phoenix, who is really a good in-ring worker and is in a Playboy Mania match at WrestleMania, any thoughts on that because I think you and her in a match would be much more entertaining than what they are doing right now.
Trish Stratus: Yeah, well what is it called, Bunny Mania?
Jason Agnew: Yeah.
Trish Stratus: Ok I think… (makes spitting sound). I’m sorry did you get that? Did I make you wet with that? Um… (laughs) I don’t, I have always been this way, I think there is a place for it because particularly there is a deal with Playboy so there is obviously a place for it, there always will be, but I really think they could always provide the other additional idea, that is kind of what I did, I had the women’s storyline going for the Women’s Championship and then it’s like Beth is the champion and there is no Women’s Championship match, so I just… boo hoo, I don’t like it. I don’t like it one bit Jason.
Can’t say I disagree with her. They definitely should have come up with some sort of Women’s Title match, regardless of the setbacks that have been reported to have caused the axe to fall on the scheduled plans. The fact that Playboy represented the entire Women’s Division on the biggest night of the year does nothing to sell them as legitimate wrestlers. But hell, that ship probably sailed a long time ago..
For the first time since November, Melina has penned a new “Internet Confessions of a True Diva” blog on WWE.com, focusing on BunnyMania and why she thinks wrestling should take precedence over Playboy:
You have to understand, I may not write very frequently, but you know that when I do write something it’s what I feel with my heart and it’s what I strongly believe. I am very passionate in everything that I do. My writing, my workouts, my entrance, my wrestling and in love. That is me. When you see me, you are going to get just that: MELINA. I will continue to say, whether you love me or hate me, you can’t help but watch me!
My message about Playboy is … if you want to do it, that’s fine. If that is your dream, your goal and your personal achievement for YOUR life, that’s fine. Just know, that isn’t mine. I am a physical person, so it makes perfect sense for me to choose wrestling. I am a woman of action and never want to be one of those women in distress, if I can help it.
I have trained for eight years and I continue to train to better myself in this physical art form that I love with all my heart. And I will fight for it and work hard to be great at it with everything I have.
This week’s SmackDown! tapings brought an end to the SmackDown Diva Contest and introduced a possible feud. Highlight below to read the spoilers:
Teddy Long came out and awarded the Diva contest and motorcycle to Michelle McCool, to nobody’s surprise. Thank God for taping because she couldn’t start her motorcycle. Victoria came out to attack McCool & Cherry.
WrestleMania 24 is in the history books, folks! And you know what? Despite my initial scepticism *coughunderstatementcough* about BunnyMania, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be! Join me in looking back at the match:
Despite the “BunnyMania” tagline, this one was pretty much a normal tag team match and the Diva lumberjacks didn’t offer much to the match itself. Though it was fun to see the likes of Victoria and Mickie at ringside. It’s unfortunate that they didn’t send Torrie out there too, I for one am saddened she has broken her record of WrestleMania appearances. One Diva that I noticed was missing, was Eve. I don’t think she was missed though! Some honourable fashion mentions: Candice looked really pretty in her dress, Mickie looked unusually glamourous and beautiful, Layla looked extremely hot too!
As for the Divas involved, Ashley looked as per usual but despite the spotlight being on her tonight – what was up with Maria? I don’t know what kind of look she was going for but it was all kinds of wrong; it always makes me laugh when WWE tries to make out how fashion-forward Maria is when really, her fashion tastes are laughable. Once I got past the horror of her hair and moved onto the outfit, the first thing I thought was: “This was obviously inspired by Melina.” Maria’s attire was just like a bad version of Melina’s unique, well accessorised, polished-looking outfits that I’ve been a fan of forever! Beth didn’t look any different than usual either; but I love that one Diva truly gets the grandeur of WrestleMania – Melina looked frickin’ smokin’ head to toe! Wow, wow, wow! Needless to say, I loved it! Melina pulled out the stops at WrestleMania 23 for a special addition to her ring attire and this year, she outdid herself. The peacock feathers were unique and fun and her wrestling attire, while in a similar style to her usual outfits, was just gorgeous! I loved the colours, I loved everything about it. Okay, I should save something for the Fashion Focus piece I need to write after this post!
Read more including thoughts on the match, high points, low points and most importantly – who I voted the Most Valuable Player of BunnyMania after the cut:
Yesterday, we looked at the best and worst WrestleMania matches in history and today, Diva Dirt delves into the best WrestleMania matches that never were. Some of these matches could still occur, it’s just a case of they haven’t yet. And in other cases, due to retirements, firings etc. they haven’t been able to take place. Featuring some of the most legendary Divas and Divas that could go onto become legends, without further ado here is our guide to the best WrestleMania matches that never were!
10. Chyna vs Trish Stratus
Both have their own unique, individual accomplishments. You put two of the most decorated Divas in WWE history and you have WrestleMania magic. Sure, when these two were on the same roster, Trish wasn’t up to par with the dominant Ninth Wonder. However, we think that Trish in her prime could give Chyna in her prime a run for her money.
9. Lita vs Victoria
Two fierce competitors, fans loved Lita for her daredevil persona and fans love Victoria because she is an all out brawler. These two Divas competed in the first ever steel cage match, but were never given a storyline feud. We think that Victoria as the Vicious Vixen she was when she won her first Women’s Championship and Lita, during her 2003-2004 era could put on one hell of a WrestleMania match.
8. Ashley & Maria vs Candice & Torrie
A step up from WWE’s idea of BunnyMania, we think this match is way more appropriate! Old school vs new school, Ashley and Maria teaming up against Candice & Torrie seems a little more logical than Beth and Melina. All four are Playboy covergirls and with Candice and Torrie’s real life friendship and storied on-screen history, it would be a great reunion for Vince’s Devils/Ladies in Pink.
7. Lita & Trish vs Melina & Mickie
We believe that Melina and Mickie are the next Lita and Trish, unfortunately WWE just hasn’t realised it yet. These two Divas could have one heck of an epic rivalry, coming close to that of Lita and Trish’s. Wouldn’t it be fun to put the old school against the new school in a similar logic to the match above.
6. Candice vs Victoria
Sure these two Divas have some on-screen history, but with Candice’s improvement in the ring and Victoria being well, Victoria – these two Divas could have a rivalry similar to that of Trish and Victoria. Victoria, being the aggressor with Candice as the underdog going into a WrestleMania match.
