Thursday, November 21, 2024

Two New Knockouts, One New Persona

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As we reported yesterday, two new Knockouts have joined the ranks of TNA’s women’s division. Yesterday, it was revealed former developmental talent, Shantelle Taylor was one of those new Knockouts. Today it has been confirmed that the second is SHIMMER and ROH star, Daizee Haze.

Daizee made her in-ring debut at last night’s tapings (which will air this Thursday), while Shantelle will tape her debut tonight (airing next week). But here’s where things get complicated… current TNA Knockout, Raisha Saeed is about to pull a Mick Foley. You remember the whole Mankind, Dude Love, Cactus Jack shtick right? Well Raisha is doubling up for TNA, taking on her pre-TNA character Cheerleader Melissa. Melissa makes her “debut” (if you can call it that), this Thursday night on iMPACT! when she (as a face) takes on Daizee (a heel). Confused yet?

How do you feel about this latest development? It’s not the first time TNA has pulled a Two-Face (The Dark Knight, in theatres this summer!) on it’s audience… Dustin Rhodes doubled up as himself and Blackdust… I mean Black Reign last year. So now, we can cheer Melissa on and boo her at the same time (well not exactly the same time)!

RAW Redux – April 29, 2008

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RAW Redux is set to become a regular feature here at Diva Dirt, so on with the thoughts on last night’s show:

Thoughts & Reactions
I was bittersweet with this week’s RAW. On one hand, you had a 12-Diva rematch and on the other hand, you had Katie Lea‘s in-ring debut. I think it was a huge risk – and a bad choice – to have a rematch of the Divas match from Backlash. Going into that match, we were all very uncertain and uneasy because it could’ve gone the totally wrong way, thankfully WWE pulled it out of the bag and put on a pleasantly surprising and good match up. But then to do the very same match the next night, when the first one was so touch and go, I just knew last night’s match wouldn’t be very good and in truth, it wasn’t. It wasn’t a very good match, didn’t achieve the things that the first match did on the pay per view – and actually, has hindered storylines not developed them. What possible reason is there for Team Mickie to win other than because the heels won the night before? This storyline is meant to be centered around Beth Phoenix and Mickie James, having Beth win at Backlash had her come off strong and sent the message out there that she was coming after Mickie and the title. The very next night, Mickie gets one over – it doesn’t leave much room for the storyline to go anywhere. We’ll have to see what they do (if anything at all) next week to develop the obvious rematch at Judgment Day.

One more thing, what is with the face Divas acting like heels? Cherry getting in the ring breaking up the count and Michelle kicking Melina? I don’t get the logic behind that.

On the other hand, I really enjoyed the aspect of Katie Lea and Paul Burchill teaming up. It had shades of Essa Rios and Lita, which was a great gimmick while it lasted. Now, I know this is just rehashing that old gimmick but if it gets Katie in the ring and gets her and Burchill over, I’m all for it. I’ve really liked what I’ve seen of Katie thus far, I hope it’s not too soon before she gets involved in the women’s division! Hopefully this gimmick will continue for a little while longer, with Katie and Burchill teaming up in 2-on-1 matches. Katie is the star of this duo if you ask me, Burchill’s head is up on the chopping block – Katie can easily be integrated into the women’s division, hopefully WWE has enough sense to mix her into the fold.

All in all, it was a really blase week for the Divas on RAW. Hopefully SmackDown! kicks it up a gear this Friday night!

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Men Beware, Predator On The Loose!

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And not of the sexual kind! Easily the best heel of all the women in WWE or TNA, Awesome Kong is set to face a new challenge in TNA – wrestling men. The Knockout Champion has ravaged the likes of Gail Kim and ODB and it seems TNA now wants to push the boundaries even further.

It was just earlier this year, actually, that Kurt Angle was praising Kong and saying how much he’d love to work with her. That’d be a match for the ages, huh? Well it could be likely in the future! Kong will wrestle her up some man at TNA’s Sacrifice pay per view, next month. The big reveal (sorry for the spoilers!) will be made this Thursday night on iMPACT!, spoilers below:

Jim Cornette comes to the ring and brings out the “Egotistical Eight” singles wrestlers for the Deuces Wild tournament: Matt Morgan, Kip James, BG James, James Storm, Booker T, Robert Roode and Sting. He says now that we have 7 but remembers there is one person left, Awesome Kong. Everyone played it up as if they were shocked as Kong looked down at all the other guys from the top of the ramp.

Two New Knockouts Set for “iMPACT!”

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Two new TNA Knockouts are to make their debuts for the company at this week’s tapings! One of them is former WWE developmental talent, Shantelle Taylor who made waves last year, when she wrestled under a mask against Jamie Noble in a dark match with the audience having no idea she was in fact, a woman. Impressive, no? The other is unknown at this time:

Former WWE developmental Diva Shantelle Taylor will be debuting for TNA “officially” at this week’s Impact taping. She worked a dark match at the last set of tapings and should be appearing on this Thursday’s Impact. She’s considered a strong performer in the ring and is from Canada. WWE did the deal where they sent her on house shows as a masked performer and had her work Jamie Noble, never identifying that she was indeed a female. It worked to the point none of the live reports we received for the tour even suspected it, until we reported her identity here on the site.

There is at least one other new Knockout set for debut this week as well, but until I am 100% sure of her identity, I don’t know want to list the wrong person.

Bring ’em on! Let’s hope these new Knockouts can actually break through, because TNA’s girls are beginning to get lost in the shuffle (with the exception of Gail Kim, ODB and Awesome Kong)

WWE Doing Some “House Cleaning”

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It’s that time again, folks! A little later than usual, WWE is finally making it’s annual post-WrestleMania roster cuts. And as I look at the current Divas roster, I look at the girls which may be on the chopping block. And actually, there are far fewer than ever before! Usually, I worry for the likes of Victoria, Jillian and pray WWE will finally get rid of Ashley but this time around, there are actually only two Divas who are offering nothing and WWE should and may cut their losses.

Truth be told, the WWE has done a pretty damn good job of utilising more Divas than ever before. Last night is proof! 12 Divas in one match, that’s 80% of the Divas roster. I think it’s safe to say all those Divas are safe. Furthermore, Eve regularly provides interviewing assistance as she did last night, so she too will likely be safe. From the injured list, WWE isn’t about to let Candice go and we already know that Torrie Wilson is staying with WWE and renegotiating her contract as we speak!

So I know what you’re thinking – “Hold up and rewind… who are the two Divas you mean?” I’m talking about two girls you wouldn’t even miss (literally, not in the emotional way), yes they truly offer that much. They are Lena Yada and Maryse. So, we want to ask you – of the two Divas (if they even deserve to be called that), who would you cut? Lena? Maryse? Both? Or someone else? (If someone else, comment and say who!)

[poll=15]

Systematic Breakdown of Backlash

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Diva Dirt presents it’s “systematic breakdown” of last night’s Backlash pay per view, in the same vain as RAW Redux last week. So on with the show:

Thoughts & Reactions
Hmm, did someone from WWE Creative read Diva Dirt, yesterday? I don’t mean to brag, but it seems they followed our prelude pretty closely. Promote Beth Phoenix and Mickie James‘ feud above all else? Check! Keeping the inexperienced (“inferior”) Divas out of the ring for the most part of the match? Check! Promote the likes of Michelle McCool? Check! The inevitable rush at the end of the match? Check! Have Beth go over and look strong? Check! All in all, I thought that match was handled really well. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it, but I did!

One of the immediate standout moments that comes to mind, is the spot at the end of the match with all the Divas getting one over on each other. I mean come on, Victoria hitting Mickie with the Widow’s Peak made me mark out a little! Melina‘s splits thing on Michelle and Jillian‘s face buster were awesome too! Good stuff! Given WWE’s logic, I wasn’t expecting a strong match – I was expecting Maria, Ashley, Kelly and Layla to have a lot more ring time like last year’s Survivor Series; but it’s a good thing they didn’t! Instead, they managed to utilise the top five heel Divas effectively: Beth, Melina, Victoria, Natalya and Jillian were all tagged in and wrestled for parts of the match. I wasn’t really expecting Jillian to get tagged in or do much in the match, since she’s pretty much the “forgotten Diva” but WWE booked this one really well.

There were a lot of fun scenarios in the match, the prospect of Mickie-Natalya was promising, that’s a match I wouldn’t mind seeing in future. Melina and Michelle is another one, given that they are “second in command” to Beth and Mickie, respectively, this could be another feud they could develop. Victoria’s Widow’s Peak on Mickie was amazing, I don’t care how much they build up Beth Phoenix – she will always be a badly produced carbon copy of Victoria. The girl still has it!

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Prelude: Divas Feel Backlash

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Given the fact that this Divas match was booked on the fly six days before the pay per view, WWE did a pretty good job selling it in a spectacular 5 minute segment this past week on RAW. Able to condense their storylines from all three brands into one match, gives the Divas some meaning as they get to do battle on pay per view. This match offers the Divas of SmackDown! and ECW a pay per view payday and underutilised Divas like Jillian, a shot too.

But in reality, with 12 Divas in the ring this one is going to be a clusterfuck and could either get really bad, real quick or by limiting the number of Divas who compete, could actually be a good tag team match. However that method of booking would defeat the purpose of a 12-Diva tag match anyway. Even so, I think it wise to limit the number of Divas active in the match, leaving the less experienced ones – Ashley, Layla, Kelly, Maria – out of the match as much as possible. Sure, all the girls can have a little spot during the inevitable “rush” at the end of the match… but for the most part it’s best to leave it to the pros.

It’s a shame that the Divas who can actually wrestle are on the same team, except Mickie, because this could’ve been an opportunity to see some of our Diva dream matches. Had they been on opposing teams; wouldn’t it be cool to see some action between Beth and Victoria, or Beth and Natalya? Having said that, one Diva – Michelle McCool – stands a trial to see if she can really be a “top Diva”, if WWE booked with logic they’d have her face off with Beth, Melina and Jillian.

As for the finish, I think Beth should come off strong in this match, going over one of the “inferior” ones, like Maria maybe. After all, given her guarantee that she will take back the Women’s Championship, it would be odd not to have her look dominant, picking apart the opposing team. I say it’s best to limit exchanges between Beth and Mickie for now.

Overall, it could be a good match that enhances storylines for all three brands. Or it could be a botchfest with the wrong combination of Divas in the ring. But at the end of the day, this match was built around the Women’s Championship with the Divas taking sides between Mickie and Beth Phoenix. At the end of the day, it should be those two Divas and the Women’s Championship that are given the limelight. Any good writer worth their salt, would be able to do that and at the same time, develop background plots (i.e. the rise of Michelle).

Torrie’s Wrestling Career “Finished For Now”

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Speaking to Chinese television during her trip over there, Torrie Wilson confirmed what many a fan has been dreading – telling audiences her career is “finished for now.” The veteran Diva is however, renegotiating her contract with WWE to become an official spokesperson for the company which will see her take part in autograph signings, promotional events among other things. In the interview, Torrie said WWE plans to team her up with the recently retired Hall of Famer, Ric Flair! A fantastic partnership in my eyes, Ric and Torrie are good friends and legends in their own right:

WWE Diva Torrie Wilson did an interview on Chinese television this week. She said her back is hurting, and is doing therapy every day but the doctor tells her not to wrestle again. She said WWE has been supportive like family and have told her not worry about her job, just get better. Wilson said her wrestling career is finished for now. She is negotiating a new contract to become a spokesperson for WWE, she said like Ric Flair. WWE wants to put them together for promotions and oversee trips and autograph signings. She said she loves China and can’t wait to come back.

While I’m sad and devestated to see the end of Torrie’s in-ring career, at least we can take solace in the fact she will still be in the limelight and still with the WWE. It’s great to see WWE has taken such good care of her, given their treatment of Divas in the past few years – Torrie is definitely up there with the likes of Trish, Lita, Sable and Sunny in terms of legendary Divas in WWE. And with her being on good terms with the company, there could be a future Hall of Fame slot for the Diva (possibly after they’ve inducted Trish and Lita). So as Torrie transitions from SmackDown! Diva to Alumni… what are your thoughts? Sad to see her go? Glad to see she’s in good hands?

Yahoo! It’s Michelle McCool

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Apparently, Diva Dirt aren’t the only ones seeing a rise in Michelle McCool‘s star power, it seems in the past year or so she’s gone from Amerie to Mariah Carey. We can now solidify that fact with fully fledged proof… Michelle is the #1 searched item on Yahoo! today ahead of the NFL Draft among other things.

Michelle follows in the footsteps of legendary Divas before her when it comes to Internet searches, Torrie Wilson last year had a strong showing in Yahoo!’s Buzz charts breaking into the top 10. Earlier this year, Trish Stratus topped Lycos’ top 50 searches. Given the popularity and storied careers both Torrie and Trish have had, Michelle seems to be on the way to joining them. Watch out Divas, there’s a new star on the rise…

Is Melina Jaded?

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Melina‘s rants blogs are becoming part of our weekly routine lately. This time the former Women’s Champion launches another scathing attack on the inexperienced, or as Beth Phoenix put it on Monday night, “inferior Divas.” Melina’s blogs are always very passionate, I’ve always assumed they are part shoot-part character, but with every week that passes – and I hate to say this – I can see where all those rumours might come from. I’m sure you’ve all heard rumours about Melina over the past few years, as given her raw and honest personality, it would be easy to assume that her comments are “bitchy.” Don’t get me wrong, I have the utmost respect for Melina – but as hard as I try, a part of me can’t help but roll my eyes at a Diva that I actually admire. I guess (and hope) my ability to critique my favourite Divas makes me more of a fan and not a mark, who laps up everything served by their favourite celebs.

Obviously, she knows that Monday Night RAW is scripted, so to me her comments in this blog are somewhat redundant. Where does Melina the character end and where does Melina the person begin? Is Melina just a tad bit (or a lot) jaded? Read for yourself:

Last year at Backlash, I had one of the most competitive matches of my career for the Women’s Championship against Mickie James. We fought tooth and nail for that title! We are wrestlers! We work so hard and put ourselves on the line for the highest honor to hold … the Women’s Championship.

One year later, bravo to Mickie James for regaining the championship. A win is a win. I give it to her. But my anger is not at her championship win. I’m upset because I feel that these girls who gave Mickie the party do not take wrestling and what we do seriously. I am still in awe that these girls threw a little party to celebrate Mickie’s championship win. They just did it for attention! Come on people!!!! So they can get dressed up and prance around. Don’t any of these women want the championship?

Every girl who hugged Mickie saying congratulations was hugging her thinking, “I want that championship, and I am going to take it from you”? Well, I hope so, because it’s a normal thing to think if you are a true competitor. If none of those girls had that thought cross their mind, they shouldn’t even call themselves wrestlers.

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SmackDown: Cherry vs Natalya

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Here we have tonight’s featured Diva contest from SmackDown! In the in-ring debut of Natalya (she seems to have dropped her surname), the third-generation Diva defeats Cherry in a very good match – using the sharpshooter no less!

I can’t stress how much I loved seeing Natalya wrestle in this match, she made me realise something about the Divas in WWE. With the rise of incompetent women in the ring, we get so caught up in Divas just pulling off the moves, we forget about other important factors such as in-ring psychology etc. Natalya truly is a Hart, she (and we mean no offence to her) works very much like the men in her family. The Superstars in WWE, in my eyes, have a harder job than the Divas. They have to to tell a story in the ring, have the pyschological factor. The Divas? The Divas are just expected to put on a passable match and look hot doing it. If only more Divas had the mentality of Natalya. In this match, she tells a story working on Cherry’s knee before making her tap with the infamous Sharpshooter. We can’t wait to see more of Nattie in the ring!

YouTube Classics – Trish/Lita vs. Jericho/Christian

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Welcome to the second edition of the YouTube Classics! If you weren’t here last time, I’ll catch you up on what this whole thing is about: each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, I will post a classic or otherwise memorable match.

This week’s offering of the YouTube Classics takes us to Armageddon 2003 (a PPV where I myself was in attendance. Weee!!), where Eric Bischoff’s “Battle of the Sexes” took place, pitting Trish Stratus & Lita vs. Chris Jericho & Christian. Obviously those four had some complicated history between them, and it was intriguing to see whether the girls could hold their own and if the men – namely Jericho – would hold back on their opponents. That bastard just didn’t want to fight Trish, apparently. Check out the match below to see for yourself!

Eve Turns Up The Heat, Cools Down

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Hot damn! Look who just turned it out! Eve is the latest Diva to get the “April Showers” treatment following Candice and Maria, but unlike her colleagues has turned in a gorgeous, classy and sexy photoshoot. There are no “trashy” overtones in this one like Candice’s. Eve has put the rest of the Diva roster on blast with this photoshoot, for serious! Each and every shot is as hot as the last, if not hotter. The best Diva photoshoot in a long, long time. I can’t even imagine what her the rest of the film must’ve looked like, whoever picked the final pictures that made the cut must’ve had a tough job! The above picture is my personal favourite, just gorgeous! Check out the rest here.

Eve is easily the most gorgeous Diva in WWE right now, her features are just on point rivalling the likes of Eva Mendes and Jessica Alba, I don’t know why she isn’t a fashion model, WWE’s brand of modelling seems beneath her. I’m confident if Eve was more famous i.e. an actress, it would be her topping FHM’s 100 Sexiest list not Megan Fox.

Apologies From Diva Dirt

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Diva Dirt would officially like to extend an apology to the member of SmackDown!’s Creative Team who is really responsible for the recent rise in women’s action on Friday Night SmackDown! Over the past few weeks, I have praised the SmackDown! writers – specifically head writer, Michael Hayes – for the strong and compelling viewing that has been the SmackDown! women’s division since WrestleMania 24. As has been revealed this week, Hayes was suspended during WrestleMania weekend for use of a racial slur.

So to whomever is the true writer of what’s been a great few weeks on SmackDown!, we apologise and would love to send you a gift basket! But we’re poor and you work for WWE, so buy yourself one… on us! And here’s to hoping Hayes doesn’t come back, as I believe he was responsible for the glorified 5-week bikini contest that was the SmackDown! Diva contest. Using racist language is absolutely unacceptable in the multicultural world we live in today, no matter the context. Hayes should be canned, if not for his poor behaviour – but for the sake of the growing SmackDown! women’s division! Keep up the great work, anonymous writer man! We salute you!

Playlist – April 24, 2008

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playlist.jpg
Welcome to another edition of the Playlist, our regularly scheduled music column! This week we have a little mixture of everything… some news, YouTube videos and new music!

mariah.pngNews & Tidbits
Here at the Playlist, in previous issues I’ve heavily touted two of my favourite artists – Mariah Carey and Leona Lewis! Well it’s with extreme pleasure I’m able to share some chart news on both of these talented divas (of the musical kind)!

• Last week, Leona Lewis made history when she became the first British female artist in history to top the Billboard album charts! Leona’s debut album Spirit sold just over 200,000 copies to give her the number one album in the United States. In fact, Leona also had the #1 single in the country too making her week extra special as she topped both the singles and album charts! (More Leona after the cut, when we YouTube her American Idol performance last night!)

• Last week was Leona’s week, but this week – the original diva, Mariah Carey knocked her off the top spot as her new album E=MC2 topped the album charts, giving Mimi her highest selling debut week of all time! Her 11th studio album sold 463,000 copies over the course of a week. Mariah’s last album, The Emancipation of Mimi was her previous record setter with 404,000 copies in it’s first week. (More Mimi after the cut in our new music section!)

For new music and a YouTube video of Leona on Idol:

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A Few “First”s For Natalya

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WWE.com has finally added Natalya Neidhart‘s profile, and along with it, her first photoshoot. It’s nothing groundbreaking, but it’s nice to see her officially listed among the Divas.

Stay tuned for another Natalya first as she will be competing in her first WWE match on this week’s SmackDown. You know us – we’ll be sure to have the video up as soon as possible!

100 Posts!

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Having logged into the WordPress admin panel to write a new post, I saw that the stats area said “You have 100 posts” much to my surprise and joy! With Erin’s YouTube Classics post yesterday, we have officially achieved 100 posts in just two short months! Thanks to everyone who’s visited and supported Diva Dirt for their Diva news with a side of commentary!

I’d like to say a big thank you to Erin, our new contributor Kaycie and all of you guys – a pat on the back all around, methinks!

YouTube Classics – Victoria vs. Talia

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This is the advent of a new feature on Diva Dirt – the YouTube Classics! Each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, I will post a classic or otherwise memorable match. Whether it be for a touch of nostalgia or sheer amusement, I’ll provide you with a new match to watch, admire, or pick apart. Enjoy!

This week’s helping of YouTube Classics takes us back to the year 2005, when Victoria took on the unknown Talia on an episode of Heat. Does Talia seems familiar to you? She should, because, as most of us are aware, she’s currently known as Velvet Sky in TNA. So, how would a Knockout fare against a Diva? Check out the match below and see for yourself!

Beth Phoenix vs. Michelle McCool?

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WWE.com has posted video interviews with both Beth Phoenix and Michelle McCool concerning their recent run-in on RAW. This begs the question – are they hinting at a feud between the two? This would hardly make sense, as both women have been developing feuds on their respective shows. The WWE has finally managed to put a decent amount of Diva action on both RAW and SD, so why would they feel the need to consolidate this into one feud? It only mixes things up.

That’s not to say that I’d be against a push for Michelle – she seems to be improving in every facet (she even has produced the first decent WWE.com photoshoot in some time), it just seems silly to forsake the other feuds for one. Time will tell, though, what exactly they’re planning..

Shameless Plug: NattieNeidhart.net

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Please do forgive my shameless plugging, but I thought I would like to invite you all to check out NattieNeidhart.net, a new fansite dedicated to SmackDown!’s newest Diva, Natalya. Erin and I were both impressed by Nattie enough to make a site for her and would love your support! Thank you!

TNA to Rhaka Khan: You “Ain’t Nobody”

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What’s that smell? Oh right… the smell of fire purging TNA Knockout, Rhaka Khan. According to Internet reports, the former WWE developmental talent has some heat on her over, wait for it… trading cards!

Rhaka Khan also has backstage heat. She attended the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony yet nothing much was made about that, since TNA figured she was fairly new to the business and thus not as politically savvy about such matters (Velvet Sky also attended, since she is dating Gregory Helms). However, she also failed to sign 1,000 trading cards at the recent TV tapings, which everybody on the roster has to do as part of a new trading card deal the company has started. She took them home to sign and then fed-ex in, which a number of the main event wrestlers also did. This rubbed some the wrong way, since she is obviously not at main event level, but matters grew worse when the trading card company contacted TNA since her signatures didn’t all look the same and in some the Rhaka Khan name was spelled wrong. She said she had gotten tired and started experimenting with her signature. Jeff Jarrett finally just sent her home from the tapings.

Damn, is money so tight in TNA that they can’t just print off cards based on a prototype like normal people do? Somebody inform Guantanamo – Jeff Jarrett has thought up a new method of torture! Just have those pesky terrorists sign 1,000 trading cards and they’ll ‘fess up all you need to know! You make me sign 1,000 cards and I’d go a little stir crazy too. Furthermore, having heat on Rhaka coz she’s not a main event level talent is just lol-worthy when their idea of main event talent are Kevin Nash (a man so past it, his gravestone has already been picked out) and Tyson Tomko (a man who was essentially, Trish Stratus‘ bitch).

We’re siding with Rhaka in what is just another display of why TNA isn’t a global icon like WWE even though they like to think they are. Even if she can’t spell her own ring name, we can and we got your back girl!

Take a Seat?

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http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j258/wristsareforgirls/maryse.jpg

WWE have posted a new photoshoot of Maryse entitled “Take A Seat” It’s a nice change from recent photoshoots, WWE have finally posted a nice one.. well almost. Some are definitely misses, but apart from the tacky boxes and trying to figure out what exactly Maryse does in the WWE, err okay, maybe that’s a different post, this is rather nice.

Click here to view the entire photoshoot.

SmackDown! Spoilers for April 25th

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Some very early (and undetailed) SmackDown spoilers are in. Highlight below to read:

Nattie Neidhart beat Cherry with a Sharpshooter.

Killing 12 Birds With 1 Stone

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Looks like the Divas are getting the shotgun treatment – WWE.com has announced that all 12 girls who participated in RAW’s “West Side Story”-style face-off are going to compete in a 12-Diva tag team match at this Sunday’s Backlash.

Now, I’m not saying this match was made ridiculously late because most matches not featured on WrestleMania usually have about 5 days of build up, but doesn’t it appear that the WWE is attempting to avoid putting a SmackDown-only Diva match on the card? Just because it’s not for the Women’s Title doesn’t mean a Divas singles match isn’t PPV-worthy.

It appears to me that the “heel” side has more talent, but knowing the WWE, they’ll go for the feel-good ending and let the less talented “face” side get the victory. That or have the heels win but be stripped to their bra and panties. Nothing says “happy ending” like girls being stripped against their will.

So, who do you think will win? That’s will win, not should win, because God knows those two differ a helluva lot:

[poll=14]

RAW Redux – April 22, 2008

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We’re ripping a page out of PWInsider’s book today, with our very own look at last night’s edition of RAW. However, we won’t be looking at the whole show, rather the Divas segment! So we welcome you to RAW Redux!

Thoughts & Reactions
Wow, I was really impressed at how WWE utilised what was essentially a filler segment and made it meaningful! It’s been a long, long time since the Divas have been involved in a promo (the last time I can remember was the days of Trish and Lita), and this was one of the best things they’ve done on RAW since then. Sure it wasn’t a match, but this segment achieved much more than just throwing all the girls in the ring for a tag match or worse – a battle royal. It told a story, better than just a match could, WWE has really been down in the dumps with Diva booking on RAW over the past year with illogical decisions. Wherever this one is going (a 12 Diva tag match at Backlash?), it started out strong. Having Maria and co. come out to congratulate Mickie was a nice touch, adding to the prestige of the Women’s Championship (finally!) and of course, led onto the heel Divas hitting the ring. I loved the two rival Diva gangs, the entrance of Team Phoenix had me popping, anyway!

Golly gosh… Beth Phoenix has gotten her voice back! For a while there, we worried whether she had become a mute. Beth oozed charisma and confidence on the microphone, if you ask me, had WWE let her cut more promos when she was Champion maybe her reign would have been more enjoyable? I wasn’t checking for Beth to get a rematch with Mickie at Backlash, as I’ve found their previous matches boring but by adding a story to it, actually I may be a little more inclined to see another Beth-Mickie match somewhere down the line. Beth showed more personality and charisma than she did in her entire title run. The problem was, with Beth being this wrecking machine with no story to it, not letting her cut promos etc. it made her dull. Please keep it up, WWE!

Of the “supporting cast”, they did a pretty good job by establishing Michelle McCool in this segment also. Michelle has been growing on me of late and it’s only now that I see her as a true top level Diva, although it’s not hard when your face counterparts (Mickie excluded) are Ashley and Kelly Kelly. Michelle in my eyes, is second only to Mickie James at the moment on the face side. RAW isn’t Michelle’s brand, but Creative sort of gave us a little bit extra for our money – having Michelle, SmackDown!’s top Diva, come off strong in this segment also. They didn’t need to do that, but by doing so they’re acknowledging that “Hey, SmackDown! is growing a pretty impressive women’s division too” and opening up the doors, not restricting the women’s division simply to RAW.

What I don’t agree with and what I find laughable, is having the face Divas clear house of the likes of Beth Phoenix, Melina, Victoria, Jillian and Natalya – all of whom could pummel most of their asses in a heartbeat. It wasn’t realistic, but obviously WWE is going for the big face pop here.

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Payton Banks Done With TNA?

Melanie
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Word has it on the Internet, TNA’s Payton Banks may be done with the company. Banks is not under contract and is paid per appearance. Apparently, the LockDown pay per view at which Robert Roode gave Payton the brush off ended their relationship and Banks’ tenure.

The reports persist however, Banks may be brought back further down the line. She probably quit because the writers’ strike is over and she has to get back to work on 30 Rock…

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