Nearly two months following her TNA release, ex-Knockouts Champion Angelina Love (Angel Williams) has reportedly booked her first post-TNA match. She is scheduled to face SHIMMER star, Mercedes Martinez on November 14th in New Jersey. In an update to her TNA status, sadly, there really isn’t one. A couple of weeks ago, Diva Dirt first … Read more
As revealed on SmackDown last week, the WWE Divas will also be involved in the Raw vs SmackDown aspect of Bragging Rights this Sunday on pay per view. The match announcement will likely be announced tonight on Raw, but it’s expected to be Divas Champion Melina (representing Raw) taking on Women’s Michelle McCool (representing SmackDown), … Read more
TNA has just announced a huge match for this Thursday’s Impact, as Awesome Kong will face off against Raisha Saeed. Interestingly, the TNA website is referring to Saeed as Kong’s ‘former manager’. I guess there’ll be no pay-off of Kong turning on Saeed on screen, after all.
Last night’s Kim Couture-Tara fight has already gained a lot of buzz. A PWInsider fan report explains how the confrontation was pulled off: The railing that Kim Couture ran through had already been opened, since it was used to move out the Ultimate X structure following the opener, and was also the spot where Booker … Read more
Discuss tonight’s Bound for Glory pay per view as it happens in this post! It’s the biggest pay per view event in TNA history, with both the Knockouts Title and Knockouts Tag Team Titles on the line. Saritaylor defend against The Beautiful People in the Tag Team Championship bout. Meanwhile, ODB defends against Awesome Kong … Read more
It’s the biggest night on the TNA calendar! Two Knockouts matches, two sets of titles on the line. ODB defends the Knockouts Championship in a triple threat match against Awesome Kong and Tara. Meanwhile Saritaylor put up the Knockouts Tag Team Titles against The Beautiful People. Who will be victorious tonight? The Diva Dirt writers weigh in:
Erin: ODB seems to be getting the short end of the stick in this–getting left behind by Kong and getting kicked in the face by Tara. It seems like this match is more about Kong and Tara’s issues than the Knockouts Championship, so I don’t see either of them coming out with gold. I have a feeling that Tara and Kong’s problems will take their full attention, which will give ODB the opportunity to sit back and let those two beat the tar out of each other before taking advantage of either one and sneaking out a victory.
Melanie: As badly as this has been built up [I mean did we ever find out why there so much tension between these Knockouts?] I think this could be a good match. These three are the heavyweights of the Knockouts division so it makes sense for them to go at it on the biggest event of the year. That said, as everyoneelse has pointed out, this one has been all about Kong & Tara with ODB as an afterthought. I don’t know why, but because it’s the biggest show of the year, I expect to see Tara finally get her WrestleMania moment… except at TNA’s WrestleMania. I can’t explain why, but I just feel like this is all about Tara and she’ll finally get that big moment here. Then she could go off and feud with Kong for the title, perhaps.
Steven: Even though this is a triple threat match, it seems like ODB is just being tacked on to the Tara/Kong feud. That said, I see Taracoming out on top this Sunday. I think it’s safe to say that Tara’s first title reign was a sham, so this could be the time for her to have a decent run with the title and a meaningful feud with Kong.
In order to consolidate our Eye Candy coverage, we’ve developed a new feature: Unwrapped! We’ll take all the new photoshoots from the week and grade (or “brand”) each based on the following criteria:
• Appearance(hair, clothes, makeup.. you get the drift)
• Poses(are they versatile or just glorified statues?)
• Uniqueness(have we seen this photoshoot a billion times before?) Grading scale: Sweet (Great)/Bland (Iffy)/Sour (Awful)
Brie Bella‘s Hallway Holdup Appearance: In head-to-toe black, Brie’s wearing a fitted dress and a loose, cardigan-like vest. I’m sure it would look a lot worse if they were in any other color, but in black it looks like one piece. Her headband this time isn’t so bad, and her cork heels are super sexy and in its neutral color go perfectly with all the black. Damn, they’re high. Poses: It looks like she’s sitting around in a hallway in the arena, using the massive curved wall of windows for a cool, futuristic setting. The way the light reflects on the floor almost makes it look like she’s sitting on a body of ice. She looks calm and relaxed in a good compliment to her casual look. I’d lose the chairs, though–they just look awkward coming out of nowhere. Uniqueness: I love this setting, and it’s unique in its almost pristine feel, as much of what we see from non-studio settings in photoshoots is relatively gritty. Grade: Sweet. Brie channels her unique style into a pretty cool photoshoot, not allowing her love for hippy-ish style to weigh her down, as the peace sign and headband are still prevalent, but in understated ways.
• Click to see the rest of the photoshoot.
Christy Hemme‘s Electric Blue Appearance: Christy’s wearign a form of what’s become her in-ring signature: bikini top and a skirt or shorts in one solid color, this color being a pretty shade of blue. Absent however are shoes, which kind of irks me for some reason. I guess I just feel like the floor isn’t that clean, so going barefoot isn’t all that sexy. She’s got enough accessories to make up for them in weight, though, piling on the bangles, a shiny belt, and big hoop earrings. Poses: It wouldn’t be Christy if there weren’t a few manic facial expressions, right? They’re here, along with a bizarre jumping shot and a few strange crouching poses. They just don’t look sexy to me, and for some reason give me a dirty Lindsay Lohan vibe, especially in the 2nd photo. I don’t mean to deliver such a cruel insult to Christy, but yikes.. Uniqueness: Nothing new here.. Grade: Sour. Maybe if she actually wore a complete outfit, it’d look like more than just a half-baked photoshoot.
• Click to see the rest of the photoshoot.
Eve Torres‘s Swept Up Appearance: Eve’s wearing her signature ring gear, covered in silver and bright shades of green and purple. It’s kind of 80s-like in its coloring, but I like it. She almost looks like the 80s’ idea of sexy futuristic clothing. The cut of it is unique too, giving her a different look amongst her fellow Divas. Poses: Her hair is the focus, with a well-placed fan giving her that wind-swept look that’s sending her locks flying around. It’s a little distracting, but it gives the photoshoot a unique edge to it, making it more than her just posing in her tights. It almost appears to be in slow motion, with her simple poses complimenting that idea. Some of the shots may look awkward, but most of them look artistic, almost graceful, in how her hair takes flight. Uniqueness: Like I said, the wind-swept look gives the shoot a unique edge, and if I recall correctly, this is one of the few times Eve has posed in her ring gear. Grade: Sweet. Nice ring gear and artistic hair placement? What more could a Diva ask for?
• Click to see the rest of the photoshoot.
Read more to see the rest of this week’s photoshoots and vote for your favorite.
Welcome to the Diva Dirt Style Jury! No more are the separate ‘Best’ and ‘Worst’ lists, instead we have come up with a scientific approach *cough* to compiling our weekly fashion column. The Diva Dirt team will weigh in on the different looks from the week gone by & mark each look with a score out of ten. The look with the highest average score will be our best look and the look with the lowest average score will be the worst look. Click each photo to see the look in full size.
Let the proverbial runway show begin!
ALICIA FOX Erin: I like the colors, as you don’t see that combo on Divas very often. (Not girly enough?) Though I’m not sure what design accent’s going on on her leg and top. It’s not the most creative ring attire, but hopefully she can develop an interesting signature style pretty soon–this is a decent start. 7/10 Melanie: This, to me, has a touch of the Glamazon mixed with the Rosa about it. It definitely seems like an amalgamation of the two, but I like it. I like Alicia’s little belts every week too. Alicia looks great in the darker colour scheme, but I hope she begins incorporating some brighter colours soon too. 7/10 Steven: I’m really becoming a fan of Alicia’s gear as of late. As usual, Alicia is simple without being boring. Also, the copper accents really work for her. 8/10
BETH PHOENIX Erin: It’s tough to judge this outfit when you can only see the top at one angle, but to me it looks like a tube top with a sequined vest layered over it. It really doesn’t look that bad, but I’d probably like it better if it were all in one matching piece. It looks like it would be a cool, stylish cut. 6/10 Melanie: From what we could see on screen, it looks like a cute outfit for Beth on television. Not something you’d wear everyday but for TV, it works. I love the hair band and the way her hair looks here and the shiny vest is cute. 7/10 Steven: Something about this outfit is just off to me. Maybe if the vest wasn’t so tight. I know it’s meant to be that way but it gives the illusion that she’s busting out of it. I could live without the sequins too. 5/10
Read on for more of this week’s outfits and to see who’s been branded our winner and loser.
Roundtable is back tomorrow [barring any technical issues]. Details below:
On Monday’s Roundtable, we discuss:
– Thoughts on Bound for Glory
– The Diva Trade
– TNA Knockouts in Muscle & Fitness
– Maryse to return
– Eve considered the ‘future’ of WWE Divas
If you’d like to add your comments & ask a question for the Mailbag, reply with the following:
Name:
Who will benefit most from Diva Trade?:
Thoughts on Knockouts in Muscle & Fitness:
What should Maryse do upon her return?:
Is WWE right in picking Eve as the future of Divas?:
Question for Melanie/Erin/Steven/Tiffany (delete as applicable):
Make sure your comment for each topic is no longer than one sentence. Any longer and it will be overlooked.
To take part in the reader survey for each of the topics follow the cut!
House show results from the past couple of days are in, with the new Divas rosters working for their new respective brands. House shows often share some indication of where WWE plans to go with television storylines, allowing Superstars to familiarise themselves with each other before TV tapings or pay per views. For the Raw … Read more
With the Diva reshuffle now complete, WWE is pushing ahead with it’s new vision for the women’s division. As mentioned in today’s Maryse article, the Diva Trade is being seen by management as a ‘do-over’. One Diva perhaps with more to gain from the move than any other is Eve Torres. The Diva was moved … Read more
As first reported last week by the Wrestling Observer website, it’s expected that former WWE Divas Champion Maryse will return to television imminently. With last week’s Diva Trade, this sets the stage for her comeback even further as the Trade is being considered a ‘do-over’ for the women’s division, setting up brand new feuds etc. … Read more
This week on Impact, TNA finds new ways to bring the ratings lulz (SUPER 3 hour promo show… really?) while The Tiffany Guide finds its way into your hearts via a computer screen. Velvet Sky, Madison Rayne, and Lacey Von Erich take on Awesome Kong, Tara, and ODB in tag team competition.
First off, let it be known – I’m not a fan of choreographed entrances in any capacity. They just seem so unnatural, gratuitous, and rather lame. So… I’m not really feeling this new Beautiful People entrance. It just seems far too unrefined and hokey (not to mention homoerotic. Come on, Taylorita had that market cornered first). As relatively simple as it was, the original entrance was just fine. I was hoping that Lacey would just take Angelina’s place in the original choreography. Understandably, this new group will take some getting used to – the viewers need to get comfortable with the new lineup just as much as the members do. Plus, it seems like they might’ve been pressed for time and might’ve thought to just throw something together on the fly. That being said, the “Beautiful People” has slowly transformed into somewhat of a parody of itself. This entrance is merely Exhibit A. What was once comical and somewhat charming is now in-your-face and reminiscent of high school glory days. I can almost see it in Madison Rayne’s face – poor girl looks distressed, and who wouldn’t be? Though, Lacey (who has somehow managed to escape the notorious clown makeup and mini-skirt getup) looks pretty incredible. Looking at her, I feel like I should have no room to complain. Well, at least they all match right?
Tara makes her way to the ring (looking as stunning as ever), and Awesome Kong enters the Impact Zone with Raisha Saeed in tow. Funny thing is, I completely forgot about ODB. Her involvement in this match didn’t cross my mind until she made her entrance. What could be a testament to my ailing memory, I’d rather blame on TNA’s booking inability. The title holder and forefront of the division = forgettable? That’s rather unfortunate.
At the start of the match, Awesome Kong quickly takes down her squabbling partners. The Beautiful People fly in like vultures to pick at the leftovers. The boiling rivalry between Kong and Tara comes to a head yet again. Meanwhile, ODB endures the 3 on 1 onslaught. The Beautiful People continue to cut the ring in half with the Knockouts Champion until Tara crawls back to her rightful corner. ODB overpowers Madison Rayne (who has proven herself as the star of this match) which results in a near double count-out. Both ladies make the tag out to their respective partners. Tara hurries into the ring, bulldozing both Velvet and Madison down in her path. She appoints a nice slap across Lacey’s face for good measure. Tara sets Velvet up for a moonsault, but ODB makes a blind tag. ODB sets Velvet on top of her shoulders for the apparent finish, but Tara disrupts in retaliation. A staredown commences between the two Knockouts before Tara finally takes ODB down with a superkick. Velvet quickly makes the pin and picks up the win for her team. More gratuitous ass!
Somehow, I don’t feel so apologetic for discounting ODB’s presence. The way she’s booked, it doesn’t seem like TNA could give much of a care either. This three-way rivalry lost its purpose long ago; I’m just pulling for a conclusion come Bound for Glory.
On the other hand, Lacey did not get as much time in the ring – not that I expected her to, really. Lacey has plenty of time to prove her in-ring ability, and it’s in TNA’s best interest to be patient. At the very least, she has proven to have some amount of charisma thus far… right? She seems very comfortable in the role of a Beautiful Person (as opposed to Madison) and doesn’t seem to have many inhibitions. If all else fails, let Madison be the muscle (so to speak). She has already shown that she can work her way around a six-sided ring – at least with much more skill than her sorority sisters.
Next up: the Hamada vs. Alissa Flash grudgefest continues.
Last time on SmackDown: Michelle and Eve did battle, with the Women’s Champion coming out on top. Meanwhile, Maria’s untimely chair stealing cost Dolph a match and the both of them their relationship. This week: To say that Monday’s “Diva Draft” put a different spin on things would be an understatement. How will SmackDown two … Read more
The first image of the new Celebrity Apprentice cast has been released. The photo was taken in New York yesterday as the cast filmed the title sequence for the season. Maria, in her business best, is spotted at the far right. EDIT: Even more on-set pictures of Maria with Bret Michaels, Sharon Osbourne and er… … Read more
Former 7-time Women’s Champion, Trish Stratus looked every bit the elegant red carpet Diva last week at the Bell Gala 2009 in aid of the SickKids Foundation. The event was held in Toronto and also attended by former WWE Champion, Edge. Trish looked gorgeous in her black gown and I must say, her new brunette … Read more
SmackDown Diva Maria is stepping out of the ring and into the boardroom, according to the New York Post. Maria has been announced as a cast member on the upcoming third season of The Celebrity Apprentice, hosted by Donald Trump. Maria will be joined by fellow celebrities including former X Factor and current America’s Got … Read more
With SmackDown vs Raw 2010 in stores next week, lots of information is pouring in. Thanks to all of the readers who have passed along updates. First of all, legendary 7-time Women’s Champion Trish Stratus has officially been confirmed for the game. Trish appears in a strategy guide and is seen wrestling a Bella Twin. … Read more
Tonight on the special 3-hour Impact: – The Beautiful People vs. Tara, Awesome Kong, & ODB – Falls Count Anywhere match: Alissa Flash vs. Hamada Tune in to the show at 9 pm EST on Spike and discuss the show in this post.
Just 48 hours after a medical scare that very nearly took her life, Torrie Wilson rocked the carpet in a sassy purple number on Tuesday night for FOX Reality Channel’s Really Awards. The former Diva looked incredibly glamorous & sexy at the awards. The one thing I would change is the red heels which clash … Read more
Reports circulating on various websites are that WWE head honcho, Vince McMahon was behind the Diva Trade of Monday night, feeling that the women’s division needed a shake up. According to one website, McMahon had become frustrated with the division (much like the fans) and had determined that it had become stale. Other websites report … Read more
Raw celebrity guest, Maria Menounos has spoken on her stint on Monday night. The former One Tree Hill actress reveals to Boston.com that she requested a chance to wrestle: “They agreed,’’ Maria told us yesterday, “so I took six training sessions and learned the different moves – the leg drop, the arm drag, the sunset … Read more
More rumours on each of the Diva trades has circulated. This time, NoDQ.com reports why Beth Phoenix, the Bella Twins and Melina were moved: Beth Phoenix was moved to Smackdown because it was felt that she lost momentum on RAW. It’s been rumored that she could be paired up with Dolph Ziggler. The Bella Twins … Read more
As teased at the SmackDown taping last night, there is expected to be a third Raw vs SmackDown match at Bragging Rights on October 25th — this one going to the Divas. From the sounds of it, it will likely be a singles match. No names were made official however.
Just under 24 hours removed from last night’s Diva Trade, what do the moves mean for each of the 7 Divas that have changed homes? We aim to offer our insight into what they could be getting up to:
The Bella Twins
Returning to Monday Night Raw, the Bella Twins’ brief excursion to ECW seems to be over… unfortunately. That said, given the fact they have been making trips to Raw over the past month or two anyway, it only seems fitting to make it official, right? I don’t expect the Bellas will be doing much in the way of wrestling on Raw, nor will they probably have much part in the women’s division at all — except at house shows. If they do wrestle, it will likely be as rarely as they did on ECW. So what does that leave them to do? What they’ve been doing already — backstage segments with the Guest Host for the week, maybe even a few skits here and there with Santino. It looks to me as though they were brought back to Raw for that reason, to serve as characters rather than wrestlers which I guess, is okay.
Beth Phoenix
I’m not entirely happy with this move for Beth, I truly feel not all of the avenues of the Beth Phoenix character were explored and there was more that she could have offered to Raw; feuding with Gail Kim, Kelly Kelly and possibly even Melina again. On SmackDown, while there is the possibility [technically] that she could go toe-to-toe with Michelle McCool or Natalya — both of which are salivating prospects — it just doesn’t seem likely with all three as heels. That just leaves two Divas: Maria and Mickie James. One of those feuds we’ve seen already and would be like beating a dead horse, the other of those feuds seems like an extremely mismatched affair. Nonetheless, it seems like Maria vs Beth could be the only avenue they explore in a singles situation. There is always the chance of a three-way feud with Michelle McCool and Mickie James also. Beyond those two storylines, I don’t see there being much for Beth to accomplish on SmackDown.
The Bella Twins
Beth Phoenix