It’s funny how things can change so much in just seven days, yet still remain very much the same. Since last Thursday, it’s been one bombshell after another. In the last seven days, both WWE and TNA have made, I’m sure what they consider to be ‘wise business decisions’, in releasing Mickie James and allowing Tara to slip through their fingers. It is odd to watch this as a fan, as we effectively need to readjust the way we watch women’s wrestling on national television and prepare ourselves to no longer see two women, who combined, have probably entertained us for some 12-13 years. When it rains, it pours, right?
I say that things still remain the same because though these two extremely popular women have moved on or are going to move on, the status quo remains unchanged and that status quo is that the women aren’t considered as valuable as the men. Who’d have thought that Mickie James, the heir apparent to Trish Stratus’ throne, would leave under any circumstance other than her own? James seemingly had a meal ticket for as long as she wanted and seemingly had a send-off somewhere between Trish’s and the then-Victoria’s whenever she did hang up her boots. Where did it all go wrong? I’m sure you’re reading much speculation on the Internet, but it baffles me that WWE would dismiss the fact that Mickie was the most popular Diva in the WWE with audience reaction far more than that of some of the men they seem intent on pushing to the moon. Perhaps Mickie’s release should have been foreshadowed when WWE pulled a similar stunt in February, releasing Maria Kanellis, also extremely popular as proven by the fact that she won a worldwide fan vote for ‘Diva of the Year’ in December. Are the women that expendable? Are they that interchangeable?
Speaking for the first time on a variety of subjects, Mickie James spoke with the Canadian “Fight Show with Mauro Ranallo” in her first interview since being released by the WWE. Mickie maintains a professional, optimistic stance on the subjects in question, ranging from her release to the controversial “Piggie James” storyline. In the interview, … Read more
WWE.com has now added Katie Lea, who was released along with Mickie James last week, to the Alumni section. Click here to check that out. I am pretty certain that the profile was not up at the time of the earlier post about Maria & Mickie as I took a moment to scan the whole … Read more
Five time Women’s Champion, Mickie James and Celebrity Apprentice star Maria Kanellis have been added to WWE.com’s ever growing Alumni section in record time. James was released just last week while Kanellis was let go in February, meanwhile the last former Diva to make the page, Candice Michelle, was only added in March after a … Read more
Celebrity scandal meets wrestling! The woman whose affair with Sandra Bullock’s husband, Jesse James, led to the end of their marriage — Michelle ‘Bombshell’ McGee — is getting into wrestling. The tattooed model will be part of a ‘celebrity’ [and I use that term loosely] wrestling bout on May 7th in New Jersey for Dangerous … Read more
Former TNA Knockouts Champion, Tara has CONFIRMED that is leaving TNA next month on her MySpace page. The blog comes after a report in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter revealing that Tara — real name Lisa Marie Varon — may be leaving at the end of her contract, which expires on May 21st. The Observer went … Read more
Two former TNA Knockouts Champions’ futures look uncertain going into next month. Three time Knockouts Champion, Tara tweeted that her contract with the company is set to expire next month amidst rumours that she may be leaving the company. The Wrestling Observer newsletter says: “Her contract expires at the end of next month and she … Read more
Diva Dirt‘s own Kristin Astara is our first ever guest in a new (hopefully) monthly feature that puts you in the driver’s seat. ‘Live Chat with…’, beginning in May, is your chance to talk to some of the stars of women’s wrestling, asking them whatever you want! The first ‘Live Chat’ with special guest Kristin … Read more
WWE Hall of Famer, Jim Ross posted the following on his website about the state of women’s wrestling (I’m assuming) in the major promotions i.e. WWE and TNA. He writes: We get lots of emails from fans of women’s wrestling. I hate to break the news to you die hards of this specific genre but … Read more
This Impact Write-Up is bittersweet for me. As great of a night as this was for the Knockouts, I think of the repercussions it had. We learned last week that at this particular taping not one, but two Knockouts were ultimately injured and it’s unclear when they will return. One of the stars of tonight’s Impact, Angelina Love, suffered a few injuries thanks to the segment we will get to see. I’m not sure how bad her injuries were or if she will miss any time, so maybe someone in comments can clear it up for me. I want to dedicate this Write-Up to Angelina and our Zombie Hot goddess, Daffney. Get well soon and get back ASAP. TNA needs you both and so do all of the fans!
Now with the sap out of the way, lets get down to business. A lot of us were annoyed last week with the lack of Tara and Angelina in our lives and thankfully, TNA made up for it this week. Angelina and Tara squared off in one amazing post match fight that gave Knockout fans from around the world ample opportunity to get to their feet and cheer their faces off. But prior to that, there was a match featuring brand new Knockouts Champion, Madison Rayne, defending against the two former champions; Tara and Angelina.
Skip ahead to 3:45 unless you want AJ Styles hotness!
Before the match starts, we’re treated to a backstage segment featuring the Beautiful People and to say they’re unhappy about Madison’s title defense would be an understatement. The BP are downright furious that Madison has to step into the ring against two former champions. As Madison rants, she points out that doesn’t even need to be pinned in order to lose her Knockouts Title and Velvet makes a highly disgusted sound. They talk about how it’s total BPD and after a minute, Lacey is like “oooh. Boston Police Department.” An awkward silence ensues for a half second before Lacey starts getting stroked and informed that BPD stands for “Beautiful People Discrimination.” Velvet claims that the minute the Beautiful People get things under control, TNA management literally starts falling over themselves to try and find ways to screw over the group. Lacey declares that no one can screw them and Velvet very gently reminds her that they can’t screw the Beautiful People “over.” Lacey agrees to that as well as Madison stands in the background shaking her head. Velvet’s getting super upset so Madison intervenes and says that as the new Knockouts Champion she is going to take care of both Angelina and Tara tonight. With the way the two of them have been barking over the title as of late, Madison will easily be able to cleanse TNA of not one, but two ugly people tonight.
A video package is played highlighting all the events that have led up to Angelina and Tara feuding and finally it’s time for the match. Angelina is the first woman to make her way to the ring and the crowd gives her a great pop. We’re reminded that she lost her title at Lockdown without getting pinned or submitting, and Tara comes out next. Tara has her mascot in hand and the cameras cut to a view of the ring where the referee is having to restrain Angelina from running down the ramp and attacking Tara before the match even begins! Tara reminds stoney-faced and taunts her rival, while the music of the Beautiful People begins to play. As usual, they make their way to the ring as the solid, cohesive unit they are and I must say, I want Velvet Sky’s shoes added to my closet right freakin’ now. Can someone please find out where she got them? Anyway, they do their usual thing but in a fun twist of events, the referee ejects them which leaves Madison on her own for this match.
With last week being a bust, Diva-wise, there was considerable hope (at least on my part) that the Divas would have a significant part on the big, 3-hour Draft episode of Raw. While the actual Draft picks didn’t go the way we expected or hoped, it was the action inside (and immediately outside) the ring that surpassed expectations.
This go-round, the WWE went with a new route on Diva Draft picks. Instead of any match during the night putting a Diva up for a switch, it was only Diva matches that made them eligible for the Draft. Unfortunately, since we (like most weeks) were only treated to one Divas match, that meant we only had one girl get drafted tonight. And, for being the solitary Diva drafted during the show, it was a pretty underwhelming choice, in my opinion.
But before we get into the Draft pick, let’s see how it came to be. Michelle McCool and Layla (as always, with Vickie Guerrero) teamed up to represent SmackDown, and rivals Eve Torres and Maryse repped Raw. The winning team, of course, would win a Diva Draft pick for their brand. Watch the match to see which brand is down a Diva:
Most people’s reactions to finding out that Eve and Maryse were teaming centered on shock. Of course, these types of “strange bedfellows” matches have happened before, but not usually with such a tight-knit team as their opponents and with so much at stake. Still, they played it off to perfection, with Maryse breezing right past happy-go-lucky Eve as they made their entrance, even giving her one of the “talk to the hand” gestures as she led the way. Funny though, that they’re still pretty color coordinated.
A ‘We Want Mickie’ chant broke out during a Divas tag team match on tonight’s live three hour Draft episode of Raw. The episode hails from Richmond, Virginia, James’ hometown. The former five-time Women’s Champion was released last Thursday after being the top babyface Diva for the company for the past several years. Perhaps it’s … Read more
Tonight on Impact, new Knockouts Champion Madison Rayne faces two former champions in a triple threat match — Angelina Love and Tara. Tune in from 8pm ET on Spike. Discuss the show in the comments!
Extreme Rules is done and over with, and the mixed reviews continue to pour in. Last night, each and every one of us were able to watch the first ever Extreme Makeover Match which starred the reigning WWE Women’s Champion, Michelle McCool, and the lovely, beautiful Beth Phoenix. These two talented Divas fought within the confines of the match regulations and delivered one of the best diva matches we’ve had in awhile. Michelle’s cohorts and resident SmackDown mean girls, Layla and Vickie Guerrero, would make their presence felt, and as the match reached it’s crescendo we all watched as the Phoenix rose again. When the dust settled and the smoke cleared, Beth Phoenix was crowned the ultimate Queen of the WWE once again and Simply Flawless were sent limping to the back with their heads bowed down in silent defeat.
Before the match begins, the WWE gives us a close up of the make-up table and the so-called weapons that are going to make this match extreme. Michelle McCool and her Simply Flawless stablemates make their way to the ring first. Michelle does this unnecessary dance at the top of the ramp before she begins to saunter down to the ring. It’s not as if we were able to see her walk to the ring because the ‘E decided to get in a sponsor announcement but hey, at least they didn’t go to commercial a la TNA. Michelle and Layla are matching and Vickie is sporting some sexy mom jeans that didn’t have an elastic waist thus making me wonder if they were even mom jeans at all?
As the Vickie insults start to fly thanks to our wonderful broadcast team, the Glamazon’s theme music hits and Beth receives a massive pop as she makes her way onto the stage. As always, the shapely blonde looks gorgeous and her face reads of nothing but absolute confidence as she stalks down to the ring. As tonight’s “Buffet of Beauty” waits to get underway, Beth poses to the crowd while Laycool plus Vickie try to not look that effected. When things settle down, the referee holds the championship up for everyone to see and then calls for the bell. Michelle and Beth circle one another before locking up and jockeying for position. Beth forces Michelle to the ropes and the ex-teacher slips between them temporarily. Beth doesn’t break the hold but Michelle does get the advantage and nails the Glamazon right in the face. Beth staggers back and Michelle follows it up with a kick, an uppercut, and a whip into the turnbuckle. Beth jumps on the ropes, over a charging Michelle, and rolls her up for a quick pin. Michelle is out after the one count, but the match is off to a fantastic start.
In advance of tonight’s Post Raw & Impact Show, here are some news and notes from Extreme Rules last night: * The 1st Mariner Arena is tiny! Only about 12,000 people were there and the place was full. * The crowd was really, really fired up at the beginning of the night. The dark match … Read more
Recap of last night’s episode below, courtesy of our friends at Maria Kanellis Online. Please head over there for more including pictures and videos from the show! On this week’s episode, Mr. Trump decided to switch things up. With RockSolid down to 2 members, Donald moved Curtis Stone over to Tenacity while Sharon Osbourne and … Read more
WWE Magazine has named the Beth Phoenix vs Melina ‘I Quit’ Match at One Night Stand 2008 as an ‘Extremely Underrated’ match in the May 2010 issue. The feature looks at some of the stipulation matches that have perhaps been overlooked by WWE fans. An unnamed Diva Dirt reader emailed the following: In the May … Read more
The Glamazon, Beth Phoenix has won her third Women’s Championship, defeating Michelle McCool at Extreme Rules moments ago. Beth pinned McCool after hitting the Glam Slam. The switch came in an awesome Extreme Makeover Match, the first of its kind, which saw the two Divas battle using several props. Congratulations to Beth!
We’ve all been wondering what an Extreme Makeover Match is, well look no further. The following was posted by WWE Universe leader, Corey Clayton in the ongoing live chat on WWE.com: I’ve received word that “Extreme Makeover Match” rules are the same as a hardcore or “Extreme Rules” match. Anything goes. Sounds promising considering it … Read more
The Women’s Championship is on the line between Beth Phoenix and Michelle McCool in the first ever Extreme Makeover Match. Who will walk away with the gold? The Diva Dirt team weigh in: Cryssi: Now a lot of people are going to assume that this match is going to be all about Beth Phoenix winning … Read more
WWE Hall of Famers, Jim Ross and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin have tweeted their desire to see Awesome Kong in WWE. Kong met both the legends last week at the Cauliflower Alley Club reunion in Las Vegas. JR writes: “Met Awesome Kong @ CAC. What an opponent for Beth Phoenix or Nattie Neidhart, among other … Read more
Earlier this month, rising Australian star Madison Eagles shot to the top of independent women’s wrestling by becoming the new SHIMMER Champion two weekends ago. After briefly catching up with her just a couple of hours after her title win in Berwyn, we are now joined by Madison for a full length interview this time … Read more
Before this Sunday’s big Women’s Championship bout between Michelle McCool and Beth Phoenix, McCool and her Simply Flawless teammates literally ironed out the details for the match on SmackDown this week. Also, who knew that this would end up being Mickie James’ final appearance on WWE television? It’s a very interesting week for the blue brand. Watch below:
First comes the announcement of an ‘Extreme Makeover’ match between Michelle and Beth for this Sunday. What is an ‘Extreme Makeover’ match? Beats me. But I guess we’ll find out Sunday. Just as long as there’s no vanity mirror with light bulbs around it and the Divas aren’t forced to dress in feathered robes like this, I’m good.
So after months of waiting for this tag team match, it’s finally here — Beth and Mickie James versus Michelle and Layla with Vickie on the outside. It seems like this match itself has been months in the making, let alone the Women’s Championship bout. I was really looking forward to seeing a relationship develop between Phoenix and James so it’s weird to think this will be their one and only appearance together as a team.
The match begins with Layla and Phoenix, Layla smartly runs around Beth and applies a side headlock on the Glamazon but is then hoisted in the air and twirled around by the forceful #1 Contender. Layla begins to find her ground, reapplying the headlock but is picked up again and dropped by Beth Phoenix. Beth runs at Layla, who kicks her in the leg, followed by a kick. Layla then irish whips herself off the ropes, as McCool blind tags herself in, and runs at Beth who catches her by the legs. Layla is locked into a giant swing by Beth but in comes Michelle who for some reason, jumps over Layla and then gets hit with a back elbow by Beth. Not even sure what’s going on here. Beth then picks up Layla in a lateral press position, hoisting her above her head but is kicked in the back of the leg by Michelle and ends up falling to her knees. McCool then works over the leg and goes for a pin but to no avail.
Katie Lea posted the following on her Twitter earlier today in regards to her release: omg you guys! v touched by all the love and support… actually a little bit overwhelmed… thank you !! :) As we mentioned on last night’s podcast, Katie is someone who never truly got a break in WWE and has … Read more
