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Diva Dirt presents its sixth annual Writers’ Choice Awards, as decided by the Diva Dirt team. As we come to the end of 2016, we have picked the best of the best to be awarded our Writers’ Choice trophies.
Most Improved: Carmella
Carmella has managed to go against the very difficult odds and become a driving force in the newly built SmackDown Live women’s division.
The Princess of Staten Island was left on developmental once her boys hit the big leagues, and she used this time to prove herself as a solid singles competitor. After winning a battle royal to compete for the NXT Women’s championship, ‘Mella delivered a fantastic match against then champion Bayley.
The developmental talent would then slowly work her way up the division by facing tough competitors in Alexa Bliss and Nia Jax. Though victories didn’t come her way, she did have some solid matches that would help to get the fans on her side – even if it was just a little bit. Things were looking up for the Princess of Staten Island.
And then, to make matters even greater for the young talent, on July 19th, Carmella was called up to the main roster to be a part of the fresh and exciting SmackDown Live women’s division! Things were looking solid for her with her wins against the likes of veterans such as Natalya. However, the situation would take a bitter turn for the worse as fan favourite Nikki Bella returned at SummerSlam to pin the Staten Island Chick in front of her hometown crowd in Brooklyn. Although she put on an impressive fight, it was devastating to see her lose at such an important venue.
But instead of allowing her spotlight to be completely taken away from her, the Princess of Staten Island made sure that the WWE Universe would remember her name. The rookie would take it upon herself to attack Nikki Bella at every chance she could, hoping to cement her name and take out the credible talent for good.
The two would fight it out at No Mercy, as well as a No Disqualification match at TLC. And despite Bella taking home both wins, Carmella proved throughout the feud that she can compete with the best of ’em.
Carmella had us watching her every move, anticipating what she would do to Nikki and when she would do it. And not only that but through her hilarious delivery and connection with her character, ‘Mella has proven to be one of the best mic workers in the division today.
No longer is she the “hottest chick in the ring” that would escort Enzo & Cass to the ring to watch them win matches. Now Carmella has taken things into her own hands and has become a very valuable member of WWE’s main roster. She is now very much capable of becoming our next SmackDown Women’s champion, as her enticing feud with Nikki and her fantastic skills on the mic have proven.
Carmella may not have been your one to watch at the beginning of this year, but if her recent work has proven anything, it is that she has become a brilliant wrestler and performer that is capable of stealing the show. The Princess of Staten Island has come a long way, and 2017 really could be the year of ‘Mella.
Stay tuned for more Writers’ Choice Award reveals throughout the day.
