This week’s SmackDown spoilers are in the tags below. The show will air this Friday, September 11th. Click the ‘+’ to read:
Thoughts after the cut:
WWE Superstars Spoilers: September 10th, 2009
Check out spoilers for Thursday night’s episode of Superstars below. Show airs at 8pm on WGN America. Click the ‘+’ to read:
Breaking: Angela Fong Debuts
FCW Diva Angela Fong will make her television debut tonight on ECW. The standout star, who has been touted as the best female talent in developmental, just taped a backstage interview segment under the name Savannah. She interviewed ECW Champion, Christian and Tommy Dreamer. What this says about the short-lived previous interviewer, Courtney Taylor, is … Read more
Women of Wrestling Podcast Ep. 2 Announced; Questions for Portia Perez
From Women of Wrestling Podcast hosts, Stew Allen & Lee Burton: This week, the Women of Wrestling Podcast returns with episode #2, as Stew and Lee welcome the “Ridiculously Awesome” Portia Perez to the show. Portia is one half of the SHIMMER Tag Team Champions along with her Canadian NINJA partner Nicole Matthews. Apart from … Read more
Raw Redux (September 7th, 2009) – The Price is Wrong, Bitch!
It was a bittersweet episode of Raw last night. On the one hand, Bob Barker was a lot of fun but on the other hand, you just knew with Barker hosting Raw most, if not all the Divas would be relegated to ‘Barker Beauties’. And lo-and-behold, that’s exactly what happened. In fact, WWE felt there weren’t enough ‘Beauties’ on Raw, they decided to import the Bella Twins from ECW — with no explanation, I might add. I guess they have to earn their paycheck somehow.
Seeing them last night made me realise just how jealous I am of them, it must feel pretty great to get paid a ton just to coast along and do little to no work. It’s not their fault however, but in an economic downturn, shouldn’t WWE be putting all their stars to work to justify their wages? The Bellas get to travel the country, look pretty, hardly ever wrestle and get paid! Like I said: jealous.
So I don’t even have anything to write about in this week’s Redux because there wasn’t a match! I think WWE’s logic is that they had two matches last week, so they can afford to skip this week. Plus with the ultimate Diva, Trish Stratus hosting Raw next week — those stupid Diva fans, they get Trish next week, that’s enough ‘Divas action’ to justify not putting them on last night. Somehow I doubt Trish will get quite as much screen time as Bob Barker did last night, though. I fear also, that next week’s Raw may be a throwaway in the Diva stakes. If Trish really were really the booker and it wasn’t scripted, one would assume she’d want to put over the Divas and give them a prominent role next week. But because Raw is scripted, the writers will probably put Trish in a match as our quota-filling Divas bout next week. Sure it’ll be nice and nostalgic to see Trish wrestle again but Raw is already in a lull and we need some semblance of storyline to break this holding pattern. Honestly, I am not expecting anything out of the norm that will champion the women’s division next week, even though the guest host is a legendary former Diva that was once part of said division. That’s WWE writers for ya…
Speaking of Trish, she is the first female guest host of Raw since the gimmick began in July. So what do you do? You tack on a much hyped guest appearance from an injured top Superstar! Because God forbid, a woman… A WOMAN… is not a big enough draw on her own. Yes Trish, not even you — the quintessential, legendary Diva — can be trusted to carry Raw on your own. Even though she has more personality than most of the past guest hosts and will be more exciting to watch than Dusty Rhodes’, Sergeant Slaughter’s, Jeremy Piven’s and Freddie Prinze Jr’s weeks combined! It just shows how much faith WWE has in a female guest host, even the most popular female wrestler of all time, can’t get a show to herself without the added Batista appearance. Don’t be surprised if over the next week, the Batista announcement gets more hype from WWE than Trish Stratus as guest host.
With Kelly, Jillian, Rosa and extra added flavour in the Bella Twins, four Divas were left off the show and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank God they were! Alicia Fox, Beth Phoenix, Gail Kim and Mickie James were given the shove last night and perhaps it was for the better. I’m actually a little surprised they decided not to use Alicia Fox when she fits the same ‘Barker Beauty’ model role they used Kelly, Rosa and the Bellas for. But I think Alicia should be flattered and consider it a compliment, considering the company she’s in with the other Divas that got snubbed. It suggests to me that Alicia isn’t seen as a ‘model’ by WWE anymore and in my eyes, that’s a good thing. She has too much potential and talent as a wrestler to be doing double duty that kind of degrades the progress she’s making.
Anyway for the rest of this week’s Redux, I am going to critique the Divas we did see in a ‘Best & Worst Dressed’ of Raw. And in honour of Bob Barker hosting Raw, instead of ‘Best’ and ‘Worst’, I’ll use ‘Right’ and ‘Wrong’. Follow the cut for more:
Lilian Garcia’s Final Raw Confirmed
Decade Diva, Lilian Garcia has confirmed her final date with WWE on her Twitter page. The Raw ring announcer will be leaving in two weeks time — her final Raw will be Monday, September 21st. There had been rumours that Garcia may host her final Raw, a guest host for the 21st has yet to … Read more
Natalya: “My Time Will Come”
Arguably the best female wrestler on the WWE roster right now, fans and critics alike have been wondering just why third-generation Diva, Natalya hasn’t shot to the top of the women’s division. Well the SmackDown Diva has spoken out, in an interview with SunSport, saying ‘her time will come’: “I think sometimes if you get … Read more
Raw Response: September 7th, 2009
Tonight Raw is hosted by former Price is Right host, Bob Barker. Under his authority, which Divas will ‘come on down’? Discuss tonight’s Raw in this post! Next week, Raw is hosted by the legendary 7 time Women’s Champion, Trish Stratus! Join us next Monday from 8.45pm ET/1.45am UK for a special one-off live blog … Read more
Roundtable (Sept. 7, 2009): Maria & Melina Feud?, Knockouts Minus Angelina
This week on the Roundtable: Melanie leads the panel of Erin and Steven as we discuss the storyline between Maria, Melina and Dolph Ziggler. Where will it go? Is it a waste of Melina’s talents? In our TNA topic, we debate the future of the Knockouts division minus Angelina Love. Who will take her place … Read more
Angelina Love’s Agent Issues First Statement on Release
A representative for recently released TNA Knockout, Angelina Love‘s agent, Michael Klyzub has issued the first statement since her shocking departure from the company last week. The rep attempts to clear up exaggerated rumours that have been circulating in the 72 hours since news broke — which we have made a point not to cover. … Read more
Update on Kevin Nash’s ‘Big Sexy Tour’ and Candice
In response to yesterday’s post about Candice Michelle possibly being the fixed winner of Kevin Nash’s ‘Big Sexy Tour’ valet search, a TNA source tells me that the search is expected to be legit. They continue that if plans are for Candice to come in, management are ‘playing it close to the vest’. As far … Read more
Questions for Kristal Marshall
Diva Dirt will be talking to former WWE Diva, Kristal Marshall in an exclusive interview! Do you have a question to put to Bobby Lashley’s beautiful baby mama? Let us know in the comments!
Unwrapped: Eye Candy for the Week Ending September 5th, 2009
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:
• 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 Red Hot
Appearance: Both of the Bellas seem partial to the color red, as more often than not, they wearing red tights or are sporting red flowers in their hair. I can’t say it’s a bad thing, though–they look terrific in red. Their bright red ring attire may not be my favorite, but Brie’s dress in this photoshoot is absolutely gorgeous. It’s cute and sexy, but looks like something even your average girl could wear, unlike some of the more “ambitious” Diva outfits. The gigantic flower looks like it may give her a neck ache, so a downsize in that department wouldn’t hurt. The shoes are red as well, and have little rosettes on them. This hyper-coordination brings it just a hair away from overkill–black shoes would’ve kept the look from being too matchy-matchy. Though, as is, Brie still rocks it.
Poses: Sweet grins and knowing smiles are her obviously strong suit–she pulls them off without looking too try-hard or air headed. She’s a prime example that a Diva can look drop dead sexy without sticking out her butt or making fish lips all day long.
Uniqueness: Just your standard studio shoot..
Grade: Sweet. Red is her color, and though the look could use a bit of a reduction on that hue, she looks great. She looks very at ease in the photoshoot, and shows that even though the WWE seems keen on packaging the Bellas in a one-size-fits-all way, she’s got a spark of her very own.
• Click to see the rest of the photoshoot.
Christy Hemme‘s Untitled
Appearance: Sticking to the familiar ring attire she’s worn since the WWE, Christy’s wearing a teeny weeny bikini top and matching skirt. The color is gorgeous, and the ribbed fabric adds a little bit more substance to it. Her red hair compliments the color of the outfit really well–it just pulls the whole thing together, as simple as it all is.
Poses: TNA’s photoshoots are notoriously small, so a Knockout only has a few photos to show some variety. Christy does this pretty well, showcasing both her sex appeal and the spunkiness that she was so associated with in her time with the WWE. It’s all toned down compared to her more in-your-face shoots.
Uniqueness: Well, Christy is rarely this toned-down and mellow, so I suppose that gives this shoot a unique edge.
Grade: Sweet. With that beautiful greenish-blue outfit, how could I rate it any differently?
• Click to see the rest of the photoshoot.
Follow the cut to see the rest of this week’s photoshoots.
Project Diva: Get Tiffany’s Shirt Dress Look
This is Project Diva! Consider me your own personal Heidi Klum as I guide you through the looks of your favourite Divas & Knockouts! As a former personal stylist, fashion is srs bsns when it comes to this here web-diva; I’ll teach you how you can emulate the look, offer alternative solutions & suggest the perfect accessories to polish it off.
This week: ECW General Manager, Tiffany is white hot in this shirt dress complete with a waist belt and gold strappy heels. The look is almost effortless but the inclusion of the belt shows some thought to bring it all together by Tiffany. Let’s break it down…
Look Book
Women’s shirt dress: Just like Tiffany’s, this white shirt dress looks organic and simple, part of actress Taryn Manning’s clothing line. Revolve Clothing, $61.00
Flower pattern woven belt: Not quite the same size as Tiffany’s waist belt, but this patterned woven belt looks pleasantly similar. Serengeti, $7.99
Strappy buckle side heeled sandal: A n average pair of gold sandals completes this look. ASOS, £55.00
More after the cut:
More on Candice & TNA
As we first broke, there was some talk of Candice Michelle at the post-Hard Justice Impact tapings last month. Well PWInsider’s Mike Johnson has now reported that Candice could be brought in as the ‘winner’ of the Big Sexy Tour to search for Kevin Nash’s valet. In July, TNA announced that Nash and the company … Read more
Daily Lulz: Inner Workings of a Maria Mark
We get a lot of e-mails from disgruntled fans and in the past, we have shared with you one particular e-mail from a lovely Ashley mark. Well since then, we haven’t really found a worthy successor — until now!
Big thank you to Ryan Short for giving me my first good chuckle of the day, I hope this e-mail hits the spot for you guys too!
WARNING: Contains strong language, so follow the cut to read:
Saturday Supplement: Dating While Diva
In the Saturday Supplement, the Diva Dirt team will aim to discuss a news story, a televised event or other relevant and current topics. The objective, like the average weekend newspaper, is to offer more indepth and lengthy discussion.
Talks of Divas in the media has been ample and well… I’m striking while the iron is hot. A woman’s personal life is her personal life, whether or not she may be in show business. And don’t you try to tell her any differently. However, when it comes to the disesteemed offense of “Dating while Diva,” is there a double standard?
We’ve seen this trend more recently this past week. In break of some rather personal news, Superstars like Batista will be called “man-whores” by boasting their alleged sexual prowess to the masses… while Divas such as one Kelly Kelly will receive just as much, if not more criticism for being spotted in a harmless social engagement. The very same can be said for Divas like Michelle McCool who have been accused for dating for power. It seems as though the Divas can’t catch a break when it comes to relationships outside of the ring.
Recently, it was reported that Batista has courted none other than Raw’s Rosa Mendes. The reaction to the story was universal. “What a pig/sicko/pervert…how disrespectful…women are not to be objectified.” So on and so forth. It became apparent that the Animal plows through Divas like cornfields, and Diva fans were none too pleased with the discovery. Somewhat of an outpour of outrage and disgust commenced as news broke on the Internet. Some even suspect that Rosa’s success on Raw can be somewhat attributed to any passed relationships she might have attained. Whether or not there may be any truth to that, there is little question that men like Batista have major pull backstage. So, what’s the appeal?
Roundtable Discussion for Monday: Maria, Melina & Angelina Love
The Roundtable is back on Monday to our usual format, in our new slot! This week’s WWE and TNA topics are below, so sound off in tyhe comments with your opinions: Please try to keep them short and sweet — just one sentence, so we can read out as many comments as possible. WWE Topic: … Read more
Michelle McCool Returns to Ring
Women’s Champion, Michelle McCool made her anticipated in-ring return last night during the SmackDown roster’s tour of Puerto Rico. McCool defeated Melina in a singles match. With McCool now back and a pay per view in just over a week, a third encounter between the two seems likely for Breaking Point. EDIT: Handheld footage of … Read more
Angelina Love Correction
In a correction to yesterday’s story on Angelina Love‘s release, PWInsider is now reporting that Love was not working under the visa issued during her time in WWE developmental. Her visa was revoked at the time of her release.
SmackDown Redux (September 4th, 2009) – Maria’s Got 99 Problems But We Care About None
Last time on SmackDown: Melina and Layla went toe-to-toe with Michelle again standing at ringside, this time with crutches and a knee brace. Another rough shove by Melina leaves Michelle writhing in agony.
This week: Is there retribution in the cards for Michelle? Or will she let her “understudy” do the talking/walking? What about Maria–will she continue to play the damsel in distress?
Once again we start this week’s action with a backstage segment pilfered from the daytime soaps. And what else could it be about but Maria‘s woes? I personally can’t wait to see what epic twist the story takes this week! Fake pregnancy? Evil twin? Elaborately orchestrated death? Well, at the very least, I hope someone wears an eye patch..
We see Maria and Eve in the locker room, discussing tonight’s match. Maria tells Eve that all they need to do is go in there with a lot of confidence and passion, because when you don’t have talent, a whole mess o’ confidence will solve all your problems. (Though maybe having a scheme of selling broke-ass calendars with self-indulgent and hokey slogans for $25 wouldn’t hurt either..) Michelle takes the layup that Maria tosses her way, and shows up to remark, “..and you’ll still be losers.” Michelle tears down Maria’s makeup and passion for rhinestones, saying that no matter what she does, Dolph won’t keep his eyes off of other women, like her. (OMG, is that a hint of a twist? Probably not.) She says that Maria is nothing but his “flavor of the week”. (Damn, this has been the longest week of my life..) Maria counters, calling Michelle the most egotistical Diva on the roster.
Melina appears out of nowhere (Seriously, was there a door over there?), but Maria tells her that she’s got in under control. But one insult later, Melina gets in Michelle’s face, and Michelle threatens legal action if she even lays a finger on her. Obviously not interested in filing legal papers just yet, Michelle leaves before things can unravel. Melina apologizes on her behalf, but Maria tells her to stay out of her business. I couldn’t agree more with that sentiment–let’s all stay out of her business! No? Okay..
Kelly Kelly & Jeremy Piven aka Jelly at the NY Jets Game
It’s our second Jelly (thanks for the name xmelissaa) post of the day! Already today, we have posted the first images of Kelly Kelly and Entourage star, Jeremy Piven together in public. Well now we’ve got even more! As mentioned in the first post, Jelly were seen at the NY Jets game last night and … Read more
Spotted: Kelly Kelly & Jeremy Piven in New York
Oh em gee… what do we have here?! It’s the first pictures of Raw Diva, Kelly Kelly with Emmy-award winning actor and serial lothario, Jeremy Piven! And you saw ’em here first! Miss Kelly has been rumoured to be courted by Piven since he hosted Raw last month. Good ol’ JR became a Page Six … Read more
Breaking News: Angelina Love Released
In a huge shocker, former Knockouts Champion, Angelina Love was released by TNA last night. Angelina, real name Angel Williams, is Canadian and had been working in the States under a work visa which was issued when she was signed to her WWE developmental contract in 2004. The visa has expired or is soon to … Read more
Dixie Carter’s WWE-esque Mandate: Looking for ‘Models’
Much like WWE’s hiring process, sources reveal to me that TNA too, is now looking to hire more model-like women. The mandate was laid down by TNA President, Dixie Carter herself. Carter is said to be only interested in hiring ‘beautiful women’, though thankfully for fans — ones that can actually wrestle. One source tells … Read more
The Tiffany Guide to Impact – People Are Strange, the Knockouts Are Stranger
This week on TNA Impact leads us into Round Numero Dos of the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship Tournament (say that five times fast): Victoria & Christy Hemme vs. Hamada & Sojourner Bolt. Talk about a tag team thrown together at the last minute…
As a precursor to the match, the Beautiful (Velvet Sky and Angelina Love) film a backstage segment further discussing Madison’s “mystery” partner. More Lauren-pwnage arises. “We no speak-y, ugly!” I think that just about synopsizes that segment.
The contenders of this round of the tag team tournament make their way to the six-sided ring. Holy tye-dye, Batman! Christy has either confused a bathing suit for wrestling gear or she is paying a cheap homage to Daizee Haze. I can’t decide.
Onto the match at hand… Somewhat of a teaser for what could be a dream match of the ages, Hamada and Victoria start off the contest as both ladies lock up. Victoria gets the upperhand early with a bridge into the 2-count. Victoria counters an attempt by Hamada and goes for a second cover. Hamada kicks out and manuevers into a pin attempt of her own. When both women perform respective kip-ups into a fighting stance position, a foretold stare-down commences.
In either a show of respect or arrogance, Victoria bows down to Hamada only to receive a kick to the shoulder in retaliation. Following through on an Irish Whip, Hamada effortlessly springs off the middle rope and into a moonsault. I blinked twice and almost missed it. Victoria kicks out just as swiftly.
Sojo and her two-toned tracks get tagged in; she follows up an armbar with a kick. Taking a bit of time to do a little trash talking, Sojo pays for it with a drop toehold from Victoria. Victoria takes Sojo down again with a scoop slam. Christy flails around a bit until Hamada gets tagged in. Some brief tandem action, and Christy eats the bottom of Hamada’s big boot, followed by a series of headbutts. TNA takes a needed break, and I’m left to amuse myself with Christy’s selling “ability.”