Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Shantelle Taylor Signed to TNA

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Well, with last week’s news that Jazz possibly passed up a TNA deal, this info will surely restore hope in TNA Knockout fans. Indy darling Shantelle Taylor has reportedly signed with the company, according to PWInsider.com:

TNA has signed former WWE developmental talent Shantelle Taylor. The company quietly signed her after her initial dark match in Orlando a few months back but had to work out visa issues as she’s a Canadian native. Taylor has been seen in the crowd during the last few weeks of Impact so my guess is she’ll eventually become involved in the Awesome Kong open challenge.

Personally, I love this news. She was excellent in her matches on the SHIMMER DVDs. For those of you curious as to how Shantelle works in the ring, here’s a match from when she was briefly under a WWE developmental deal and competed in the short-lived Deep South Wrestling:

Dead Ringer: Melina & Jennifer Lopez

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Ever think a Diva or Knockout looks strikingly similar (say, a Dead Ringer?) to a celebrity or public figure? We do too – maybe too often, because we’ve made a feature out of it!

As the webmaster of Melina‘s official website, I often get feedback from visitors who think Melina looks a lot like Jennifer Lopez. Obviously, the two are from different backgrounds – Melina is of Mexican descent, while Jennifer is Puerto Rican – but they do have similar features – specifically in the eyes, nose, and lips. I certainly see the resemblance myself, but what do you think?

[poll=50]

Style Showdown: Dynamic Duos

Welcome to Style Showdown, here to cure weekends of slow news! In Style Showdown, we take two Diva rivals from the past or present and put them in a battle of a different kind – in a battle of “Who looks better!”

Previously on Style Showdown: Extreme Divas Kelly Kelly and Layla took their long-running feud outside of the ring and into our Style Showdown. 120 votes were cast and Layla came out triumphant, nearly doubling Kelly’s 44 votes with 76 of her own.

This week: It’s not very often that two WWE Divas can see eye-to-eye in the ring, much less enough to coexist in a photoshoot! Brand new “BFF”s Victoria & Natalya recently showed off their customized tank tops and LA starlet-worthy tights. A while back, ECW Divas Layla & Lena showed momentary solidarity in posing for a more serious photoshoot. Which do you prefer – sweet sentiment or skin-tight style?

[poll=49]

Follow the cut to view the full photoshoots:

SmackDown!: Introducing the Divas Championship

This week on SmackDown!, history is made as Vickie Guerrero announces the launch of the WWE Divas Championship, a title exclusively to SmackDown! Watch as all the Divas of SmackDown! and ECW compete for a chance to wrestle in the title match and watch the announcement from Vickie below:

Match after the cut:

Diva Dirt’s Next Top Model: Top 10

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As first revealed in this week’s Diva Dirt Sheet, the votes are in and the 10 Divas who will compete in Cycle 1 of Top Model have been announced. The 10 lucky Divas, as voted for by you are:

Check back on Monday to vote in the first elimination! Which Diva will be the first to pack their belongings and go home? Vote on Monday!

Meet N and V

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Hey Upper East Siders! Do we have a scoop (or two) for you today; move over S and B… there’s two new bitchy BFFs on the block and these two don’t settle things with texts either. Meet N and V, WWE’s newest Diva double act. Natalya and Victoria posed for these hot shots to accompany an article in this week’s Diva Dish at WWE.com. I have to say, both look gorgeous. Read the Diva Dish extract below and click the thumbnails for full pictures:

Victoria + Natalya = BBF 4-Ever
Two of SmackDown’s most devious Divas seem to be joined at the hip lately. Whether it’s in the ring, in the Divas’ locker room or out on the town, Victoria and Natalya are inseparable. They’ve even been spotted sporting custom-made, matching “Best Friends” T-shirts and necklaces. Diva Dish recently sat down for a chat (or should we say ego-fest?) with the BFFs.

“I went shopping today. I got us matching necklaces. We had special custom T-shirts made that say ‘Best Friends’ and they’re a split heart, just like the necklace,” Victoria told Diva Dish.

“You went all out and it was such a surprise because May 27 was my birthday,” Natalya chimed in. “I came into the building and this little one over here had a package waiting for me. She went out and got the shirts, and had them custom made for me. I thought I was going to cry, but you know, being third-generation, we don’t cry.”

“We don’t cry! There’s no crying in wrestling!” Victoria replied.

“You can give me a high-five on that one, girlfriend!” Natalya said, as the duo erupted in laughter.

Victoria said she’s grown so close to Natalya since she became a Diva, they act like sisters. And the Divas aren’t joking when they say they finish each other’s sentences.

“One thing I have to say, and I believe this in my heart of hearts, is that what you have that I was most attracted to, is that you’re violent and original,” Natalya said to Victoria. “And for me it’s like, there is not another woman who I can find who can get on my level to be violent and original. She brings it. Every single night there’s just this energy and I feed off it.”

“We’re very lucky because I feed off her, because she’s very talented. You’re very original, too. I’ve learned wrestling skills from you. Your confidence level is amazing out there,” Victoria told her best bud.

“You are amazing,” Natalya said.

“You are amazing,” Victoria responded.

“We are — ” Natalya started.

“Amazing!” Victoria finished.

When Diva Dish informed the pals they were two of the most downloaded Divas on WWE.com in recent weeks, Victoria admitted she was a little bit surprised.

“I’m so used to people downloading those little skinny girls, like Kelly Kelly and Michelle – the cookie-cutter blonds. Now it shows we’re being appreciated as athletes with wrestling abilities – that we can back up what we do,” Victoria said.

But Natalya wasn’t shocked she and her best friend are making waves online.

“Naturally, being the first third-generation Diva in WWE, it just felt right when I heard I was one of the most downloaded Divas,” Natalya said.

“People want to know what I’m up to, what I’m wearing, what I’m talking about, what we’re doing, what we’ve been doing – they just want to see Natalya and Victoria. She doesn’t give herself enough credit, but this woman is amazing. I know it’s not Valentine’s Day, but I wouldn’t be able to do it without you,” Natalya said, looking at her friend.

“Awwww. You give me a hug. Come here, BFF!” Victoria said, embracing her friend and then continuing: “We have good chemistry in the ring and outside the ring. I think it shows in our performance. We put our hearts and souls into every single match. We try to be the best, because you know what?”

“When you mess with the best, you go down with the rest. Yeah, baby!” the two said in unison.

The Diva Dirt Sheet: Episode 2

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The second episode The Diva Dirt Sheet is here! Tune in to hear my thoughts on the new SmackDown Divas Title, the Beth/Melina feud, and even a little non-wrestling talk! Click the player below to check it out.

[audio:002.mp3]
runtime: 16:08

Shinedown to “Devour” Night of Champions

Wondering what the soundtrack to the crowning of the first SmackDown Diva’s Champion will be? How about the tune accompanying a possible Beth/Melina rematch? Well, wonder no more! It’s been announced that the theme song for Night of Champions (coming to a TV screen near you on June 29th) will be “Devour” by Shinedown. It’s your standard PPV-music fare: fast guitar, pounding drums, and threatening lyrics. I’m a fan of Shinedown, but this sounds more like Rob Zombie than them. Still not a bad song, though.. Click the player below to take a listen!

Devour – Shinedown

Missy Hyatt’s Million Dollar Manifesto

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Over at WrestlingObserver.com, Missy Hyatt spoke on Vince McMahon’s “Million Dollar Giveaway”, revealing that she’s entered the contest herself and even writing a “Million Dollar Manifesto” specifying just what she’d do with all that money:

1. I’m paying Jakks to produce 500 limited edition Missy Hyatt Legends Figures. I will than sell them on ebay.
2. I’m buying my own indy promotion to brutalize ticket sellers, stooges, and hanger ons. I will also make myself the champion.
3. I will have Chikara create a masked Missy Hyatt character
4. I’m going to pay WWE for the right to induct Terry Funk in the WWE Hall Of Fame and manage him at Wrestle Mania.
5. I’m going to pay TNA to allow me to steal Black Machismo from So Cal Val at their wedding.
6. I’m going to get a internet radio program on F4Wonline.com or sirius radio
7. I’m going to get Luna Vachon‘s neck fixed. That way I can team up with her. [Luna will be doing all the work in the ring. Just don’t tell her].
8. Pay Amy Lee to be my body guard/enforcer. Lets see if any promotion got the balls to try to throw Amy Lee out!
9. Buy Terry Funk new knees and hips. That way Funk can give us another twenty years of great matches.
10. A million dollars worth of dog kibble to feed all the hungry Jack Russell’s of the world.

Hm.. Missy’s pretty generous towards Terry Funk – Luna too. And making her own indy promotion to lord over? Sounds like a ripe idea to me! So, what would you do with the money? I personally can’t even fathom having that kind of money to burn..

I See London, I See France..

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I see Eve Torres‘s unerwea- well, it’s actually her bra, but you get my drift. Her new photoshoot on WWE.com, called “Sexy Spots” (who knew spots could be sexy?), features the SmackDown Diva in a very sheer top and leopard print skirt. At first, I thought the visible bra looked trashy, but it’s actually done in a way that’s not so “in your face”. Plus the top is cute, so I have no qualms. Overall, she looks stunning – the only thing I’d change is the skirt. It’s a little too tight-and-shiny for me. But still, she looks gorgeous and makes me wonder why she doesn’t get as much exposure as the other SD gals. Maybe that’ll change soon with the Draft. (Click the thumbnails below to view the full photos.)

[poll=47]

Terri’s Million Dollar Ruse

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We posted details of former WWE Diva, Terri Runnels‘ very own “Big Give”, but it seems that Terri isn’t as generous as Oprah after all. You see, one of our readers, Jane commented and worked out that Terri stands to make $1m from the contest.

By entering, you pay a $200 fee and there must be 5000 entries for the competition to go forward… giving the former Diva a cool $1m to take home. Now, factor in the prize of $100,000 (and maybe even the cost of the home) and Terri is still earning $500,000-$900,000. While Vince may be giving away a million, Terri is about to get a few extra zeros in her account. I gotta hand it to her though, this might possibly be the most genius way of making money without working since that dude who faked his death in a rowing accident here in the UK.

Edit: It seems reader DJ has spotted out that the cash prize is being donated by a “third party donor.” Hmm… I have contacted her media representative and if I hear anything, you shall be the first to know.

Hell No: Ashley’s Starring Role

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The Rev Theory music video for their new single, Hell Yeah has finally been released by their record label. The video stars RAW’s own, Ashley playing some sort of love interest for one of them or whatever. To be honest, I couldn’t be bothered to watch it. Unfortunately, I can’t embed the video but check it out by clicking here.

SmackDown!’s Divas Championship: Total Analysis

Well dudes, I guess we’ve had the day to let the news sink in… SmackDown! is getting it’s own women’s championship, tentatively titled the “Divas Championship.” It’s time for Melanie’s full on analysis of the this news story and let’s not forget the chance to do a little gloating!

Be warned: This post is totally spoilerific, so if you want to wait till Friday to watch the show, don’t read any further!

YouTube Classics: April Hunter vs. Alan Funk

Welcome to the YouTube Classics! This week, our theme is “Battle of the Sexes”, intergender matches featuring both men and women competing against one another. Today, we have April Hunter vs. Alan Funk from TNA’s early days. Funk, incidentally, is clad in a dress, as he is the crowned “Miss TNA”. That’s about as gender-bending as you can get in wrestling!

50 Sexiest: The First Update

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Okay so here’s the deal, every once in a while I’m gonna blog and update you guys on the status of 50 Sexiest Divas, just to give you a flavour of what’s going on. In future, I may even give you tips into who’s getting a lot of votes etc. But only if you’re very lucky! But with this first post I just want to say a big THANK YOU.

We just launched this competition two days ago and already it’s exceeded our every expectation, honestly we didn’t expect such a huge response. The last time I checked the vote count (this morning) it was well over 200 votes. I’m going to be honest, I wasn’t expecting even a 100 in the first week! Not only that, but in two days our YouTube video has gotten over 1000 views too! And I just want to send a special thank you to Angie, over at our sponsor site, Divas-Heaven.com for really going above and beyond the call of duty in supporting the competition over there. With that, keep voting and showing your support for your favourite Diva(s)!

50 SEXIEST DIVAS – VOTE NOW!

Don’t Worry About Ashley (As If You Were)

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Escort Ashley added a nice little post-script in her latest “Muspac” blog ensuring us that she will be back on television soon. Oh Ashley, you assume we actually want you back. In fact, we will pay you to stay away ($25,000 sound good?) Check out Ashley’s blog, in her best English, below:

My sSTUPID muspac isnt accepting comments on my main page or on my blogs anymore. WHAT HAPPENED! I used to be so computer savey…ahh well must be the old age creeping p on me. HELP ME PUNKSSSSSS I hope you can post here and it doesn;t not show.
Sad Ashley face…
PS lil bit o family stuff goin on but I will be back on WWE tv quicker than you can say “when is ashley coming back on WWE tv”
hehe
ove ya
peace out homeslices
dirty

Terri’s Good Deed of the Day

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Former WWE Diva, Terri Runnels is trying to be relevant again. One of the original Divas along with Sunny and Sable, Terri is using her fame (or what’s left of it, it’s been what… 4 years?) to launch a new competition to make the world write. Is this to cure illiteracy or something? Coz making people, whom already have bad English, an essay is like asking a deaf person what the time is. And the prize? For writing an essay (and paying the small fee of $200) you could win a house and $100,000:

GAINESVILLE, FL –– Terri Runnels, former World Wrestling Entertainment Diva/Wrestler/Host, announced today she is holding an International contest to Make The World “Write”, giving a hard working, good person, family, non-profit corporation or company a chance to win her home plus $100,000 to use to make the world a better place!

Contest must have at least 5,000 entries and the contest will end on August 3, 2008. There will be a $200 fee per entry/essay. The Make The World “Write” contest focuses on the skill and passion of the writer! The winner will receive Terri’s beautiful four bedroom, three bathroom home with a stunning pool complete with waterfalls, a hot tub and, a playhouse, workshop or whatever you choose to make it, plus $100,000 for the winner to use at their discretion.

Terri Runnels states, “The Make The World “Write” reminds us that every act of kindness, every dream dared to be expressed —counts. This contest is about making someone’s dream come true along with allowing them to then do the same for others or whatever they think will “make the world a better place”! Make The World “Write” will be the opportunity of a lifetime!”

To participate in Make The World “Write” and for more information, visit http://www.MakeTheWorldWrite.com.

About Terri Runnels: Terri is best known as one of professional wrestling’s original divas, formerly of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). With Terri’s 18 year career in the sports entertainment industry, Terri was seen entertaining millions of dedicated viewers and on high-rated programs and networks such as NBC, TNN, UPN and Spike TV. Terri has a deep dedication and commitment to working with philanthropic causes throughout the world, including non-profit corporations such as the Make A Wish Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club of America, Children’s Miracle Network, Hermie & Elliott Sadler Foundation, and Autism Speaks. Terri has served as a corporate spokesperson for numerous clients across the country, has participated in countless celebrity “meet-and-greets” and other highly successful appearances. She is currently working on two books centering around “motherhood” and other entertainment projects!

Hey! Before you start opening up Microsoft Word… I haven’t finished! I’m not sure if she’s giving away her own home, though that would be funny! Anyway for Terri’s next act, she will attempt to cure world peace.

Breaking News: SmackDown! Launches Divas Title!

Stop the freakin’ presses!!! It has emerged that SmackDown! is launching it’s very own Women’s Championship at Night of Champions on June 29th. The news was revealed at last night’s SmackDown! tapings where General Manager, Vickie Guerrero announced that SmackDown! would be crowning it’s very own Diva Champion!

Tune in this Friday night on SmackDown! to see which Diva will advance to the Night of Champions match-up for the new title!

Complete SmackDown! Spoilers – June 06, 2008

This week on Friday Night SmackDown! history will be made, tune in as not one but two bombshells are dropped! Check out the full details below:

– Edge and La Familia opened the show. Vickie Guerrero got insane amounts of heat for introducing Edge, saying Undertaker was gone from WWE for good. Edge cut a promo and said Undertaker can now ‘rest in peace.’

The lights then went out, and people thought Undertaker was back already. The lights came on, and Edge had pranked us all. Huge heat for that. Vickie announces she and Edge will get married on the July 11 edition of Smackdown. Geez.

– Batista hit the ring and said he wanted Edge in a title match. Vickie said no to the idea, and said if he wants a title shot, he has to win an 8-man tag match tonight with the added stipulation that she chooses who teams with Batista.

– Backstage, Vickie was shown with the SmackDown divas. She says she will crown a new Smackdown brand Divas champion!

Natalya beat Cherry, Maryse, Victoria, Layla El and Michelle McCool in a divas match to advance to Night Of Champions where the new Divas champion will be crowned.

One Night at McCool’s on the Best Damn Sports Show

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Oh, cut me some slack – I’m a Liv Tyler fan. I had to make that reference. Anywaayyss, Michelle McCool appeared on The Best Damn Sports Show Period tonight, seemingly to promote the WWE’s “1 Million Dollar Giveaway”, the upcoming Draft, and Jimmy Kimmel’s appearance on SmackDown this Friday. Aside from that mishmash of promotion, they spoke with her about her reason behind entering the WWE Diva Search and her college softball days, amongst other things.

To see our stills and video of her appearance, follow the cut!

Dead Ringer: Beth Phoenix & Beau Garrett

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So, I was watching Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (I know, I know..), and I couldn’t help but think that this actress looked a lot like Beth Phoenix. Her name is Beau Garrett, and she’s only been in a few notable movies (Fantastic Four, Turistas, Made of Honor), so it’s likely that you don’t even know who she is (Click here to see her IMDB profile). I think it’s in the eyes. Maybe she has a bit of Jillian Hall in her too? I don’t know.. I keep seeing Beth when I look at her. What do you think?

[poll=44]

Everyone’s Got A Price, Maria Included

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The question is: is Maria‘s price more than $25,000? The RAW Diva’s stock may have plummeted on television, but twice in as many weeks she’s on the promotional spree for WWE. Last week, she hosted a screening for WWE’s Tribute to the Troops for a panel of Emmy voters and today, she attended the press conference for “McMahon’s Million Dollar Mania.” Maria even dressed for the occasion in a green dress, I guess she thought she was being cute and smart?

And as the picture above would suggest, she was the picture of class and grace – setting a fantastic example for the WWE Divas before a crowd of America’s top media outlets. I’m sure the other Divas are so proud. Check out our picture selection below and for bonus pictures click here.

Showtime Reminder: Michelle on “Best Damn..” Tonight

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Just a small reminder: Michelle McCool is set to appear on tonight’s episode of the Best Damn Sports Show Period along with John Cena. Here’s the listings, for those of you with Fox Sports Net or Comcast Sports Net:

CSN at 9 pm. EST & 11 pm. EST
FSN at 9 pm. EST & 11 pm. EST

Click here for more showtime specifics, and check back here later tonight for full coverage!

Watch Out, Daffney’s About!

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Here’s one from the history books: It seems former WCW worker, Daffney aka Shannon Spruill could be headed back to national television! Once, the deranged and psychopathic lover of David Flair (Good times, WCW!), Daffney was one of the only females in WCW to get truly get over with the fans and became something of a cult icon.

Spruill was later hired by WWE in 2003 to a development deal but was fired in the same year. She briefly did work in TNA during their Wednesday night pay per view days and this Thursday night on iMPACT!, Daff will make her national television return for the first time since WCW. Daffney will play the “fan” who challenges Kong this week. And wait, it doesn’t stop there! According to reports, TNA was so impressed by Shannon (iMPACT! was taped last week) that they want to hire her full-time!

I’m not too familiar with Daffney, other than she was a pretty big part of the WCW “women’s division” (if you could call it that) and was one of their only girls to actually get over with the fans, so I’m all for a talented, hard-working girl getting another shot in this crazy industry.

Gail Drives “Spike” Through Controversy

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They say controversy creates cash (oh wait, only Eric Bischoff says that), well TNA certainly created a lot of controversy with their commercial on Spike TV for iMPACT! The one where the Knockouts talk about how they don’t compete in pillowfights etc. No? You’re lost? Thank God for YouTube…

It seems head Knockout, Gail Kim has been paying attention the Internet mauling the Knockouts have received as a result of the commercial and has decided to tell her side of the story:

so i have received a lot of comments, emails etc regarding the new spiketv commercial for the tna knockouts. I guess some people are offended or think we are bashing the other company so i thought i would address the issue. First of all, i think the point of the commercial was to feature us which was nice and made us feel appreciated for all the hard work we have put in for TNA and spike. A lot of people are saying most of you were former divas and now youre bashing them? well first of all, I would hope that a lot of people would have common sense to know that we dont have control over the script of the commercial and secondly i think everyone is overreacting to it. we are in a competitive entertainment market and things like this happen all the time. I think the WWE has a lot of talented girls…Ive worked and trained with some of them and dont knock how hard they have worked to get to this level. Personally I loved the commercial and am proud of everything the Knockouts division has accomplished so far and feel like its finally the time that we are featured in this kind of way! so i hope people can see the positive side of this and if not, well sorry you feel like you have to dwell on it !!!

love gail

Just like Gail writes, she and her fellow Knockouts aren’t in the creative know-how, they are given a script and expected to perform. While I don’t agree with the commercial and the pot shots from TNA, Gail makes a fair point. I am glad it’s Gail and not any other Knockout being the first one to speak out, because to be blunt none of the other girls should dare have a say. Gail is a well respected performer, who has reached heights in both WWE and TNA. All I’m sayin’ is it wouldn’t sound the same if Christy Hemme were the one making this post…

Jazz Approached By TNA

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Fuck, we have lost out big time. Turns out that the plum role of “problem solver” to the Beautiful People, which we went to Mickie Knuckles (see her make her debut this Thursday) was originally intended for two time WWE Women’s Champion and one of my favourite Divas, Jazz. Unfortunately, TNA couldn’t reach the multi-talented ECW alumna in time:

A female bodyguard for “The Beautiful People” is set to debut on Impact this Thursday. There was talk of bringing former WWE Women’s Champion Carlene “Jazz” Begnaud in for the role, but they weren’t able to get in touch with her in time for the last Impact taping or she simply wasn’t interested. Instead, the company’s going with an indy women’s wrestler that doesn’t look like your typical ‘Knockout’ or ‘Diva’. Additionally, Vince Russo wanted another pretty girl to join “The Beautiful People,” but Jeff Jarrett nixed the idea feeling that a third one may not get as over as well as Angelina Love and Velvet Sky, thus watering down the act.

I would love to see Jazz in TNA, this girl is just too talented to go to waste. Last year however, Jazz and her husband Rodney Mack caused some controversy when they opinionated that none of the major promotions want to employ them because of their skin colour. I certainly don’t agree. I really wanted a Jazz-Gail Kim feud in WWE, let’s hope TNA and Jazz can come to some agreement in the future. In fact, earlier this year, Jazz topped Diva Dirt‘s list of names TNA should hire.