Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Why So Unserious, Beth?

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WWE.com’s theme of jumping on The Dark Knight continues this week, with the usually stern and sinister Beth Phoenix showing a more playful side with an homage to The Joker, the role most recently played by the dearly departed Heath Ledger. There’s a lot of buzz about Heath’s portrayal, all of which features the word “Oscar”, but Beth’s shoot is more “Razzie.”

Now when viewing these pictures in context, it’s a pretty cool concept but if you have no knowledge of Batman or The Joker, you wouldn’t be amiss for thinking “Ew!” While the pictures and concept are fun and playful, it kinda disturbs me that Beth owns this outfit… BURN IT!

Time for you to weigh in, vote below:

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SmackDown Spoilers For July 25th

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PWInsider.com has this Friday’s SmackDown spoilers from tonight’s tapings. Highlight the space below to read:

• Backstage, Edge is talking to Alicia Fox. He tells her he’ll speak to her back at the hotel because Vickie might show up at any moment. Bam Neely is seen eavesdropping.

• WWE Divas Champ Michelle McCool defeated Maryse.

• Edge asks Vickie to come out for a public apology. He tells her that she didn’t see the full footage and he tried to resist Alicia. She told him she understands and he apologized. He tried to kiss her and she turned her face. She said she understands and hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. She said she was upset and did something earlier today – reinstated the Undertaker. The place went insane. Edge was upset but said it was OK because he and Triple H could kill each other while he and Vickie were on their honeymoon. She said that he couldn’t do that because Undertaker had an opponent at Summerslam.. Edge in a Hell in a Cell.

She’s My Cherry Pieeee…

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Okay, clearly I can’t get enough music puns when it comes to this Diva. Cherry keeps churning out the photoshoots, and while her look hasn’t changed much (aside from the hair), I think I like this shoot. Called “Sweet”, it’s as simple as WWE.com photoshoots get.. I mean, it looks like they stopped her in the hallway and told her to strike a few poses from close-range. That being said, she looks quite nice regardless. It looks like Cherry is slowly (and I mean slooooowwwwllly) but surely branching out a bit. She looks a lot softer and.. dare I say sexier? What do you think?

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Raw Redux – July 21, 2008

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This week on Raw: Beth Phoenix decimated Kelly Kelly before locking lips with Santino. Meanwhile, Katie Lea and Mickie James continued their feud with a mixed tag team match everyone saw coming.

Thoughts & Reactions
It is with great pain that I write this week’s Raw Redux, because for the first time ever – I feel as though I don’t have much to write. Last night’s Raw wasn’t neither bad nor good, it was just average. There was a sufficient use of the Divas, which I applaud – they kept that going from last week’s all time high of Diva usage; but I felt this week’s show wasn’t much to write home about and that’s not to say it was at all bad.

The mixed tag team match, I saw coming a mile off and it was just fine. To tell you the truth, the Mickie-Katie feud has waned in recent weeks and I’m just not that excited to see another match between these two unless Katie pulls off the big one and becomes the Women’s Champion. I don’t really see this rematch as SummerSlam worthy unless the title were to change hands. The mixed tag was on par with the mixed tag team match we saw a month or so back with Mr Kennedy in Kofi Kingston’s place, both of these matches were good. But it did leave me wondering “What will they do next?” Because like I say, I feel this feud has lost it’s steam. And I hate to say that because I have been championing this feud and hoping it would really take off, but as of yet we’ve not seen anything too exciting happen between Katie and Mickie. Katie is a very capable wrestler, but as the weeks pass I’m beginning to wonder what flare she has in the ring – because so far, she has been pretty average. I would love to see Katie more confident in the ring and really show us a move set that sets her apart from the other Divas, Beth Phoenix and Mickie James have their unique signature moves that they can turn to in every match but Katie so far, has only displayed the basic moves. Katie, I dare you to excite me in the ring! Come on, I know you have it in you…

The second (well actually it aired earlier) match on Raw was Beth Phoenix taking on Kelly Kelly, I was left a little disappointed because I had hoped Santino would come down to the ring but as the night progressed, we did get to see that storyline be addressed. This match was again, just fine… actually, it was a little more than just fine. Kelly and Beth shared some chemistry in the ring and that’s something I wasn’t expecting, Kelly worked well with Beth – again, something I wasn’t expecting. If anything can be said for this match, it’s that it was very vocal. I almost felt embarassed watching because it really did sound like a barrage of orgasms from Kelly more so than Beth. Fun match, I loved the high impact face plant that Beth used to finish Kelly off (hence why I used it in the image above), hopefully she’ll retire the boring suplex thing and use this more often.

Continuing on the Beth front, she turned up later for Santino’s match and a part of me figured out where this was going but that was surpressed by the thoughts of, “WWE wouldn’t actually do this, would they?” Lo and behold, they did! I have to say, Beth and Santino straddling each other with Beth screaming “Get off me!” just seemed awkward, I guess that was the desired effect but it felt awkward as in the acting was bad. I wonder where they’ll go with this? It seems the sour Glamazon is sweetening up a little, and I don’t like it! I would have prefered to have seen Santino challenge Beth to a rematch and see these two feud rather than go for a love story. This seemed a little like Stockholm Syndrome, I wonder if that’s how they’ll play it out? I can totally see the Glamazon being the bunny boiler girlfriend, that could be fun to watch!

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The Diva Dirt Sheet Discussion Point – July 22, 2008

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For those of you who tuned into the Diva Dirt Sheet last week, you’d know we have a “discussion point” feature, where you guys get to have your say on a topic. Erin and I will read out your comments and ideas, as well as throw in our own. So what is this week’s discussion point?

This week, we’re stealing a little idea from Wendy Williams, the controversial shock jock turned talk show host. Now, Wendy does a little thing on her radio show called “friends in my head”, basically celebrities whom if she knew in person, she thinks she would be BFFs with them. So we want to ask you, which Divas – past or present – are a friend in your head? Which Divas do you think, if you knew, you would hang out with and have something in common with?

Comment with your Divas and be sure to tell us why! Hopefully you’ll get name checked on the Dirt Sheet, this Thursday!

What on Earth…

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Huh?!

A Double Shot of Stacy

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This post is double-barrelled so let’s delve in: First up, Stacy Keibler attended ABC’s TCA All Star Party last week, where she got to rub shoulders with the casts of *deep breath* Grey’s Anatomy, Brothers & Sisters, Desperate Housewives, Lost, Ugly Betty, Private Practice, Dirty Sexy Money, Pushing Daisies and Samantha Who? *and exhale* Not jealous. Not jealous at all. Bitch.

Now, pink is not my colour at all but Stacy looked immaculate! From her dress to her hair, she looked amazing. Check out pictures below:

Secondly, after two years (count ’em if you don’t believe me), Stacy has finally decided to call back upon her “wrestling fans” that she has seemingly been trying to escape from and erase from her memory for the past two years. Like that friend who only ever calls you when she wants something, Stacy definitely wants something and me thinks that something’s to make her new ABC Family series, Samurai Girl a hit. Stacy had her people send this statement out to the wrestling media today:

I am so excited to reconnect with all of my wrestling fans!!! I hope everyone will stop by and see me. I will be signing autographs from 1:30pm in the ABC Family booth I will also be shooting “a day in the life of” and I would love to record as many of you as I can. See you next Friday :)

Is it just me or does this scream of insincerity? I love how she calls them her “wrestling fans”, last time I checked her new Hollywood career hadn’t taken off that much for her to have “acting fans.”

Katie Lea in a Dress? Stop the Presses!

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Katie Lea may have lost to Mickie James twice in a row, but she’s still doing pretty well for herself. Need proof? Look at these photos! Okay, so WWE.com photoshoots aren’t exactly equal to match victories, but you gotta take what you can get, right? I mean, look at her! This photoshoot is called “Ravishing Red”, and she’s actually dressed differently for once. We’re so used to seeing her in those red tights that it’s a shock to see her in a dress. I’m not loving the dress itself (kind of hoochie), but I’m more interested in the fact that the look is different. She’s getting better with the poses too – no jazz hands! The lighting technician probably could have prevented it from looking like she’s standing 5 feet away from the surface of the sun, but I digress..

Here’s hoping that tonight on RAW (starting in about 5 minutes) she’ll pose a bigger threat to Mickie and her Title. But if not, it’s still great to see her being incorporated into more Diva-like things.

[poll=110]

YouTube Classics: Ivory vs. The Kat

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Welcome to the YouTube Classics! The WWE has just crowned their first ever Divas Champion, marking the first time SmackDown’s Divas division has had a championship. Due to this newfound focus on the “blue brand”, our theme this week is “Laying the SmackDown”; We’ll be selecting hidden gems in SmackDown’s history, showing you a few entertaining matches you may not remember. Today, we have Ivory vs. The Kat in a Women’s Championship match from the February 22nd, 2001 SmackDown. Ivory was in the midst of her RTC reign as Women’s Champion, and The Kat, brandishing her “Right to Nudity”, stood up against Ivory on several occasions and even challenged her for her Title:

Maria Makes Red Carpet Comeback

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Making a comeback from her major fashion faux pas last week, Maria looked au naturale on Saturday night, when she attended a Generation Rescue event hosted by Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy. Maria was joined by new dad and hunk-o-man, Randy Orton.

I really like this natural look for Maria, her hair is free and flowing, her make up doesn’t look overdone. Her dress was far better than last week’s, but talk about blending into the wallpaper!

The Other Divas Brawl at the Bash

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Diva Dirt reader, Artie rightfully reminded us that we’ve been focussing so much on Michelle McCool‘s Divas Championship victory over Natalya, that we’ve forgotten to even acknowledge the other Divas brawl at the Bash. Well more of a catfight than a brawl but highly entertaining nonetheless, Vickie Guerrero laid her former wedding planner, Alicia Fox the frig out with a clothesline at the Bash last night! I was really surprised to see Alicia get involved in the match, because I thought they’d forget all about her but talk about a way to enter the WWE, right? Alicia tried to help Edge win the WWE Championship before being attacked by Vickie, the two continued their brawl in the ring and just as it seemed Edge was going to spear Alicia she moved out of the way and he got his “wife” instead!

This was really well done, I thought they would have Alicia be Lita 2.0, but obviously that didn’t happen because why on earth would Edge want to spear her? Vickie could get a big pop when she came out and clotheslined Alicia, which truly is a turnaround from the deafening boos! This week’s SmackDown just got a lot more interesting, I can’t wait to see more of Alicia and to a lesser extent, Vickie!

Systematic Breakdown of Great American Bash

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I guess, given all the hype it was bound to happen – last night’s match for the Divas Championship was something of a letdown. You know when you’re really, really looking forward to something and then afterwards you feel like, “That was it?” That’s how I felt last night. God I hope this doesn’t spell the same for The Dark Knight… but that’s a story for another day! Meet Michelle McCool, your first ever Divas Champion. Reading your comments last night, some of you are pleased and some of you aren’t but for me, I was happy whatever the outcome because I thought and hoped we’d be treated to a great wrestling match. Unfortunately, what started out strong and was a solid match for the first three-quarters, was let down by WWE’s time constraints. God forbid, we give the Divas a little more time and cut away from Triple H’s entrance.

This was my only qualm with this match, so if you’re hoping for ranting and raving that “Zomg, Michelle’s a whore and shouldn’t be champion”, you will be bitterly disappointed. Michelle and Natalya both made a fantastic effort and it didn’t take me long at all to get into this match but what it needed was time and that’s something that WWE just wouldn’t give the Divas last night, just a few more minutes would have made all the difference – instead the finish came off somewhat anti-climactic. Michelle manages to get out of Natalya’s Sharpshooter but Natalya can’t get out of the heel hook? I was hoping that it would take a couple more tries for Michelle to finally be able to make Natalya tap out, instead she tapped on the first instance. I felt this hurts the third generation Diva because she has been built up so strongly, WWE really should have set this up so that both Divas took each other to the limit until one of them couldn’t hang on any longer; for most of the match Natalya did just that, controlling the match and really taking it to Michelle. I would have then liked to see Michelle take control of the match and do the same to Natalya, but just as Michelle was catching steam – you blink and before you know it, both girls are lying on the canvas and Michelle’s got the heel hook in. You blink again, and the match is over!

There was so much more potential for this match, had they gotten some more time but that seems to be the main plight for the SmackDown women’s division. After all, it was time that kept them off the Night of Champions card. Would I say the match was decent? It was. Would I say it was all that I expected and more? No. It was passable, but hopefully these two will get more chances down the line because I don’t think this program is over just yet! Match Rating: 6/10

Saturday Night Divas?

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I may be getting a little ahead of myself, but after last night’s Great American Bash, there’s going to be a little show on network television between that pay per view and our next extravaganza – SummerSlam. That event is this year’s Saturday Night’s Main Event special on NBC on August 2nd. I am officially putting it out there that I hope we see Michelle McCool vs Natalya part deux at this event.

I think it’s safe to say that this rivalry isn’t over yet and a rematch is inevitable. I’m not sure what the chances are of the SmackDown Divas getting a slot at SummerSlam since that event is pretty touch and go Diva-wise, if there is a Divas match, I see it going to Raw. I would love to see WWE build up a rematch over the next couple of weeks on SmackDown and let Michelle and Natalya go at it on NBC! Are you guys in? Or do you think they should stave off until the August pay per view?

Michelle McCool: Locker Room Leader?

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Last night, she became the first ever Divas Champion but today, me thinks she is about to become a hate figure among women’s wrestling fans everywhere as many sites report that Michelle McCool has taken it upon herself to become something of a “locker room leader” among the Divas. Did you just scoff reading that? Because I think I heard about a few thousand scoffs…

That’s right, not Victoria, not Mickie James… but Michelle McCool has put herself in charge of the women’s division in the WWE. It seems that our new Divas Champion is a modern day Anne Boleyn, using her position of prominence as the Henry VIII’s Undertaker’s girlfriend to exert her own authority. Now, I know many of you reading this will no doubt want to question the relationship between these two but let’s face it, it’s common knowledge therefore I reject all “Where’s the proof?” comments.

Reports suggest that Michelle is acting to the Divas, what ‘Taker is to the Superstars – a locker room leader. Michelle is apparently trying to mould the women’s division and has rubbed others the wrong way, i.e. that news story regarding Michelle trying to teach Natalya the correct way to wrestle. However, some of our other Divas aren’t too pleased though they dare not say it to Michelle’s face (after all she has the ear of Mr ‘Taker and our girls wouldn’t want to find themselves on the unemployment line), they have aired their displease as Michelle is hardly a tenured Diva. It seems the All-American Girl knows how to play the game, because aside from Stephanie McMahon she is fast becoming the most influential woman in the WWE.

What’s your take on this news? Do you call bullshit? Sound off in the comments!

Mickie Spills Beans on Cena Relationship

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Mickie James has opened up her very own Fan Nation profile and in her first blog, had this to say about her relationship with one John Cena. Hmm, I guess it could be read as kayfabe as well as her own personal feelings:

Now lastly many of you all want to now what exactly is going on between John and myself. Like I said before a true lady doesn’t kiss and tell. But what I will tell you is this. The truth is we have really become great friends. He is truly an amazing man. Like no one I have ever known and I am grateful to have him in my life. When you step into this crazy world you soon find that the genuine people are few and far between. He is Real… I adore him for that…

Michelle Wins!

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It’s official, ladies and gents… Michelle McCool is your first ever Divas Champion! Results are below! Happy? Sad? Pissed? Sound off in the comments!

Match Number Five: Michelle McCool versus Natalya Neidhart for the Divas Title

They lock up and Michelle with a waist lock take down. Natalya with a standing switch. Michelle with a drop kick for a near fall and then she works on the arm. Michelle with a series of European uppercuts. Michelle with a kick to Natalya. Michelle tries for a wheelbarrow move but Natalya turns it into a hot shot. Natalya with a near fall and then she slams Michelle’s head into the mat. Natalya works on the knee and then she tries for a surfboard move. Michelle powers out of the move and turns it into a heel hook but Natalya gets to the ropes and apron. Natalya wraps Michelle around the ring post. Natalya with a kick to the head and then she starts to work on the hamstring before getting another near fall.

Natalya with forearms and then she sets for the Sharpshooter and she locks it in. Michelle makes it to the ropes to get Natalya to release the hold. Natalya slams Michelle’s head into the mat. Natalya tries for the Sharpshooter again, but Michelle with the heel hook again. Natalya rolls to the ropes but she cannot reach them and she taps out.

Winner: Michelle McCool

Diva Dirt’s Great American Bash Tip Sheet

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The Great American Bash is just a couple of hours away! The first ever Divas Champion will be crowned when Michelle McCool and Natalya face off. As Diva Dirt winds down it’s Bash-themed weekend, it’s time for our bloggers to decide just what will happen and who will win in our tip sheet!

Doug: I think Michelle will snag the title tonight. It just seems like WWE wants to build the title on SmackDown’s top face at the moment. She’s definitely earned it, with her winning streak lately, so I don’t see why she wouldn’t win. Natalya is new, but I don’t see her getting the title so soon. I think Natalya will battle Michelle for the title once Michelle is champion.

Erin: I stated my case pretty thouroughly in the Diva Debates, but I’ll try and mix it up a little bit here. Obviously, I think Natalya will win. She’s been pushed as this forced to be reckoned with, and while Michelle is obviously SmackDown’s golden girl, it makes much more sense to gradually build up to Michelle’s win at a later date and have Natalya walk out as the first Divas Champion at the Bash. If Natalya holds the title for a bit, she can dominate for a while, showing her strength and building up the prestige of the title. Then, it can be Michelle’s turn for glory.

But for now, I see Natalya slightly dominating the match at the Bash, toying with Michelle and eventually winning after Michelle puts up a noble fight. Then, Michelle can gain fan sympathy and build up to an eventual title win. So it’s definitely Natalya for the win, IMO. She deserves a good title reign, since she’s one of the most polished wrestlers of all the WWE’s Divas, and it would make sense to showcase her as one of the faces of SmackDown. Bottom line, Natalya is going the be the first Divas Champ – bank on it. ;)

Melanie: First of all, I would like to begin this blog my sharing my sentiments from my PWInsider column, both of these Divas have worked so hard and whoever wins tonight they will have truly deserved it. It could honestly go either way and I wouldn’t complain (too much) if Michelle won or if Natalya won, WWE is truly in a position that this could go either way. That said, my money is on Natalya picking up the win tonight and becoming the first ever Divas Champion. The reason i go for Natalya is because of the many reasons Erin stated above (we’re like peas in a pod, even sharing the same opinions!) but also because I think WWE’s mentality really could be executed here and that mentality is: there’s money in the chase.

Like Jacqueline winning the Women’s Championship in 1998 despite Sable being hot with the crowd, WWE felt there was money in the chase and that Sable’s eventual win at Survivor Series would be a huge moment and it was. That same strategy should be employed tonight at the Bash, with the hot favourite – Michelle McCool chasing Natalya for the title, possibly wrestling another couple of times before really fighting a hard fought match and winning the title. I think that would be even more rewarding for Michelle and it would really heat up this feud and make major bank. I would have Natalya go over here, then win a rematch at SummerSlam (or in the main event of a SmackDown) and then Michelle really put her all into going for the gold and winning the title in September or October. Natalya for the win, even if she does cheat. Nonetheless, I expect a very good match, I would love to see both of the Divas try to go for their submission holds and try to play off that.

The Round-Up: July 14 – July 20, 2008

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theroundup.jpg

Get this week’s Diva news rounded up… with commentary! This week we discuss Psych, Samurai Girl and the week in TV!

Victory accomplished
At TNA’s Victory Road, new Knockout Women’s Champion Taylor Wilde held onto her title, defeating Awesome Kong. Meanwhile, Gail Kim beat Angelina Love in a match that saw interference from ODB and Velvet Sky.

Doug: I was almost sure Taylor would hang onto her title, and luckily, she did! It’s nice to have a little mix up from time to time. Kong was champion for a while, so I saw it fit for Taylor to retain. As for Gail vs. Angelina, I was surprised that Gail had won. If any of you have been paying attention to houseshow reports, Angelina Love and Velvet Sky have been on a serious loosing streak. I figures this would be TNA’s chance to push Angelina as not only an athlete, but a strong leader of “The Beautiful People”.
Erin: I’m glad Taylor held onto the title – let’s just hope she gets a decent run and gets a chance to get the fans’ support behind her. I kind of wish Gail had lost, just to show some weakness or add interest to her character, since she’s always winning all the time. Angelina Love deserves a big push, too, so jobbing her to Gail probably wasn’t the smartest thing to do.
Melanie: I actually enjoyed the Kong-Taylor match, but not the Gail-Angelina match. Gail wins another one, she’s getting a feel of unbeatable John Cena or Triple H. Her character is in danger of becoming boring and stale, I would have had Love go over here. There’s so much more room for storyline exploration if Gail isn’t built up as this invincible babyface, so far Gail has won most of these matches that any future match and rivalry loses steam.

More after the cut:

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From the Makers of Oprah… The Karen Angle Show!

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TNA Knockout and wife to Kurt, Karen Angle is going to be hosting her own talk show as part of Impact! On this week’s episode, TNA previewed Karen’s new talk show – Karen’s Angle – which the Knockout describes as hard hitting and will ask the questions people want asked! Hmm, perhaps she should give away a car to every member of the studio audience too?

Rag as I might, I think Karen is a pretty good fit for a talk show host and I will definitely be checking for this segment next week! What do you think, could Karen give Oprah, Ellen and Tyra a run for their money? Check out the preview below:

Divas and the City: Bash Bound

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Divas and the City, my PWInsider column returns this week with a column based around the Great American Bash! Read an excerpt below:

Tonight, the Great American Bash will hold the biggest Divas match it has ever had on it’s card when Michelle McCool and Natalya face off to become the first ever Divas Champion. And in my honest opinion, we are in a unique position because for the first time in history with the Divas – this really could go either way. Both of these Divas have become so valuable to SmackDown that WWE would be wise to put the title on either of these girls and it will truly be a must-watch moment to see just who gets the rub at the Bash and is given that opportunity to go down in the history books.

Read the full column by clicking here.

Style Showdown: A Pre-“Bash” Bash

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It’s Natalya/Michelle weekend on Diva Dirt, if you haven’t noticed. And, of course, it’s that time of the week where we shed some light on the styles of our women of wrestling with a Style Showdown. Last time on the Showdown, we had the “Beautiful People” – Angelina Love and Velvet Sky – face off the the battle of the better style. Angelina Love dominated her partner, coming away with 152 votes while Velvet Sky floundered with 39.

This week, with the aformentioned weekend theme we’ve got going on, we’re pitting these two Great American Bash opponents against each other. This could be considered Round Two, as they have faced off in the Style Showdown before, with Natalya narrowly beating Michelle, garnering 62 votes to Michelle’s 55. Who do you think has the better style this time around? Is it Michelle with her bold blue tights or Natalya with her dazzling gray frock? Check out the full photoshoots below:

Natalya (“Gray Goddess”):

Michelle (“Stairway to Heaven”):

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Natalya Reflects on Biggest Night of Her Career

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In 24 hours, Natalya faces off against Michelle McCool and has the chance to make history by becoming the first ever Divas Champion. With the lineage she shares – Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, Bret Hart, Owen Hart, Davey Boy Smith – she sure has a lot to live up to right? Read the reflections of our third generation Diva below:

Ready or not, here I come!
Friday, July 18, 2008, 06:19 PM EST [General]

Well, the Bash is just days away and I am thrilled to death. It is all hitting me now.

I have been visualizing this match over and over in my head. My uncle Bret told me that in his match against Davey Boy Smith at Wembley Stadium, for the IC Championship, he visualized every bit of it and It helped prepared him for “battle.” In this case, I can see it all unfolding and I am trying to find my focus for what I intend to be an all out war. There is no doubt, that McCool is one hell of a fighter. I am going to have to pull out all the stops if I want to walk away victorious.

This is not the first time I have endured a struggle as a Diva. It brings me back to the many other challenges I have faced in the past few years in this industry.

I look back on my time training in the dungeon. You would think that since my family was there, it would have been easier, but it wasn’t. They pushed me even harder. I had to break down all the barriers of being a women, and learn how to survive in a man’s world.

Wrestling in Japan, and competing against the toughest, most brutal women wrestlers on the planet. Not only were they fierce, but they made me fight for my “life” every, single night. I was forced to grow and be strong, even when I was scared…

…and I am always reminded of an injury I got in the land of the Orient. I had to take off a year of wrestling to repair my left knee and rebuild my confidence from the ground up. I learned I wasn’t invincible and that we are actually more fragile (physically and mentally) than we know.

That leads me to now…and I am still fighting. It never gets easier, I am just learning how to dodge the bullets a little better. In fact, I feel it is those moments of despair and hardship, that bring out the very best in us. They make you look within yourself, and ultimately, rise to the occasion. Sometimes, you find something you never knew you had.

Divas Weigh In On Divas Championship

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It is officially Great American Bash weekend! We’re going to be celebrating and keeping you posted all weekend on this historic weekend, because tomorrow night we will be crowning the first ever Divas Champion! Anyway, WWE.com has a really interesting article on the new title, including comments from many Divas including the challengers – Michelle and Natalya – and even Raw’s Beth Phoenix.

After nine years of battling without a title, the Divas of SmackDown finally have their golden opportunity — the newly-created Divas Championship.

When SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero, referring to herself as “the woman in power in a male-dominated world” introduced the new title, she made history. Now, only one question remains: Will it be Natalya or Michelle McCool who will join the GM in carving her name into the history books as the first to wear the Divas Championship crown?

Third-generation Diva Natalya became the first contender in line for the honor after reigning victorious in a Golden Dreams Match against six of the Sexiest Women on Television. In that match, she managed to plow through her best friend Victoria, as well as Michelle McCool, who she will face one-on-one at The Great American Bash for the title.

“It felt amazing to win. I accomplished something very big for myself, especially being on SmackDown for only a few months,” said the dominant beauty. “All my years in The Dungeon, training ruthlessly, and all my hard work has paid off. We finally have a title to compete for and I am more than a contender. I see myself wearing that gold.”

SmackDown’s All-American Girl, who fittingly won her chance at the Divas Championship on Independence Day, knows that going against Natalya for the coveted title on Sunday will be no easy feat, but McCool says she is prepared to prove herself, and will stand tall over her competition.

More after the cut:

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SmackDown Redux – July 18, 2008

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This week on SmackDown: The Divas celebrated Vickie Guerrero‘s wedding by attempting to catch her bouquet. Michelle McCool attacked Natalya, Cherry caught the bouquet and was then beaten by both Natalya and Vickie herself.

Thoughts & Reactions
On paper, I was kinda looking forward to the Divas action on this week’s SmackDown. On screen, I was bitterly disappointed by how things played out. When I read the spoilers that Michelle attacked Natalya during Vickie’s bouquet throwing, I thought this could be a fun way of selling their match this Sunday at the Great American Bash – instead the spot felt uneasy to watch and rather lame. As all the Divas stood together on the outside of the ring, did Michelle not notice that Natalya was standing next to her the entire time until the camera was on her? It looked really stupid when Michelle was happy-go-lucky, waving to the crowd one minute and then the next, she turns and sees Natalya who has evidently been standing next to her through the length of the segment. This just came across as unrealistic and silly, not the way I would have these Divas leave things before their big night at the Bash.

Elsewhere, poor Cherry got to job twice in two minutes – three whole minutes less than the 5 minutes I first predicted in this week’s Diva Dirt Sheet. When I initially read the spoilers, it said something of the lines of “Natalya absolutely killed Cherry”, getting my hopes up for a competetive match in which Natalya really showed some of her great ring presence. Instead, Natalya’s beat down of Cherry consisted of a hair pull and hitting her with a bouquet of flowers before locking in the Sharpshooter. In all, the whole segment lasted less than 3 minutes and that was it – our fill of the Divas for the week. I was lenient on SmackDown last week for it’s shortened use of the Divas, but at least that match and it’s aftermath helped sell the Bash this Sunday. Honestly, I didn’t feel as though this was a segment to write home about and it certainly didn’t help push the first ever Divas Championship match!

Possibly the saving grace of this segment was the other Vicki – Victoria, a welcome return to SmackDown for the Vicious Vixen who displayed her large personality as always. I’m not ashamed to admit that I laughed at Victoria waving her arms around, gotta love this girl! And on another plus note, the Divas did look rather elegant in their gowns though I am not a fan of wrestling in dresses.

Despite being a hellish heel, Vickie Guerrero (as WWE has pointed out on SmackDown) has shown some streaks of brilliance with introducing the Divas Championship and towards the Divas, she’s always been very friendly as “mothersome.” This was a cool aspect to Vickie’s character because the rest of the time she’s a bitch we love to hate, Vickie really makes it seem like she loves and more importantly, respects the Divas on SmackDown and is “friends” with them, even though they may not be friends with each other. I don’t know about you, but I like this quality because it gives SmackDown’s women’s division some importance, some meaning because they can tie it into the GM. Of course, that was somewhat tainted on SmackDown when Vickie virtually pinned Cherry in a matter of seconds, but the interaction beforehand was pretty cool.

Fast forward to the final segment of SmackDown and gosh darnit, what many have speculated would happen, has happened. Edge made his move on wedding planner, Alicia Fox, though I have to say the video footage was really stiff and badly acted. Nonetheless, this gives Alicia some prominence and I cannot wait to see her folded into the mix as it were, in future weeks – hopefully she’ll be joining the women’s division very soon! Let’s not forget, Alicia’s not the only new Diva – I fully expect Maria to make her SmackDown debut next week, I’m glad they have held her off until after the Bash because it puts the spotlight on Michelle vs Natalya.

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Glamazon Puts Things in Perspective

Melanie
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7

It was the match that shook the world on Monday night, when Beth Phoenix beat Santino. Well Beth put her very face-like antics into perspective in this week’s Diva Dish, sounding very heel-like. So for those who thought this was the beginning of a face turn for the Glamazon, think again:

Brave Glamazon
Beth Phoenix has never been a Diva to back down from a challenge. That’s why this past Monday on Raw, The Glamazon got in the ring with Santino Marella and picked up a win. (WATCH)

“I did what I said I’m always going to do – raise the bar. Santino issued an open challenge to anyone in the locker room. The Divas have a locker room, as well, you know,” the Raw Diva said.

“I’m sure he didn’t expect me when I came out. A lot of my opponents have underestimated me in the past and I’m here to make a statement – that each and every time I come to the ring, The Glamazon is doing nothing but heading straight to the top,” she continued. “Former Intercontinental Champion Santino Marella is a tough guy, but tonight The Glamazon was tougher!”

Phoenix assured us she’s not afraid of any opponent, and if Marella wants to return for more punishment, she’s game.

“As many times as Santino wants to challenge me and put me down, I’ll be glad to take him on and show him that The Glamazon is tops!” she said.

Gasp! Lilian Has a Photoshoot?

Erin
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7

Damn, how long has it been since Lilian Garcia had a WWE.com photoshoot? Quite a while, I’d estimate. In this shoot, “Flying High”, Lilian seems to be roaming an arena, which makes for some pretty unique scenery. And hell, I’d rather have her lounging on a bar than leaning against a random popcorn cart. She looks great, IMO.

I’ve always wondered if Lilian was really considered a “Diva”, since she never seems to do a lot of the Diva-ish things. She seems to have a limited presence, only showing up in photoshoots and on TV (aside from ring announcing) every once and a while. But obviously, since she’s not a wrestler, her options are pretty limited. Tell me, do you consider Lilian to be a true WWE Diva?

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