Saturday, December 28, 2024

TNA iMPACT!: Melissa & Daisy Debut

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We know that only a handful of people watch TNA, so we thought we’d be kind and bring this to the attention of the Internet masses! Daisy Haze and Cheerleader Melissa made their debuts on iMPACT! this past Thursday night, well sort of in Melissa’s case. Melissa has been with TNA since January, playing Raisha Saeed; the Knockout is doubling up with two characters – something TNA does a lot, I’m told. This is the official national television introduction for both independent workers (again, sort of in Melissa’s case) so check it out:

For a three minute match, this was very good! The choices of attire on the other hand, oh dear lord. The only letdown was the horrible commentary from Mike Tenay and Don West, I almost felt as though I was watching a Divas match on ECW, where they talk about everything and plug everything other than the match itself. Shame on you, TNA! Melissa’s finisher was sickkkkkk! If you haven’t watched the video yet, just watch it if only for the finisher, it was hot! It’s somewhat reminiscent of the Widow’s Peak. If you’ve seen both moves, which do you prefer? Anyway, both girls worked and I wouldn’t mind seeing more of them in future, but Daisy girl you need to sort out the ring-wear. This is the major leagues now, not SHIMMER. What do you make of the match?

Ashleygate ’08: Doppleganging Not Gang Banging

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I think we can clear RAW Diva, Ashley of the allegations made against her yesterday. It turns out that there is another Ashley Massaro, who looks similar to the Diva who lives out in Las Vegas. What are the chances. As if one wasn’t bad enough, there’s two of ’em!

Anyway, it seems Ashley’s doppleganger is the one doing the gang banging and not the self-proclaimed Dirty Diva. However, given that Rolling Stone used WWE Ashley’s likeness and credited her as the escort, Ashley could be in for a huge pay day should she take legal action. Maybe she can use some of that money towards buying a new wardrobe? Just sayin’…

Either way, it seems Ashley is innocent and about to become rich and she didn’t even have to turn a trick like her doppleganger! You get that money girl!

Welcome Ryan!

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Erin and I would like to welcome the newest addition to the Diva Dirt team, Ryan! You’ve probably seen a couple of his posts already and I think he’s doing a great job too! So this is more of a formal introduction, be sure to say hey to Ryan!

Speaking of new additions to the team, we are still taking applications for our “Perfect Fit” job. The chosen applicant will receive a wage of $50 on a quarterly basis. We’ve had some great applications in already but we want to give those who haven’t read about it yet, a chance! Click here for more details.

SHIMMER & TNA Reach Agreement?

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Some of you may have noticed Total Nonstop Action getting flooded with SHIMMER Divas, but what about those select few Knockouts like Awesome Kong and Rain (Payton Banks) who haven’t been able to perform on SHIMMER? Well, the following agreement was made:

During early April, SHIMMER Women Athletes, LLC signed an agreement with TNA Entertainment, LLC, which permits TNA contracted talent to appear on SHIMMER live events and the DVD series. Though TNA talent may appear on the initial run of each Volume of the DVD series, the matches involving TNA talent cannot appear on SHIMMER DVD titles in retail. As a result, when the time comes for the retail release of SHIMMER footage filmed after the agreement was signed, those matches featuring TNA talent will not be included. At that point, the retail DVD titles will cease to be full Volumes, and will simply become compilation DVDs of matches from several Volumes, minus the matches involving TNA talent. This will obviously make the first run of each DVD title more valuable, as they will become the only method of seeing the complete show.

If you’re a fan of SHIMMER, you’ll be able to see all your Knockouts able to perform at their live events.

“Soon To Be Bald” Knockout?

Soon To Be Bald Knockout?

For those of you that are suscribed to Total Nonstop Action’s text messaging service, you might have already heard that a certain TNA Knockout will have her head shaved bald by the end of TNA’s Pay-Per-View, Sacrifice. The Knockouts participating in this hair-threatening match include Gail Kim, ODB, Traci Brooks, Velvet Sky, Angelina Love, Jacqueline, Christy Hemme, Roxxi Laveaux, Rhaka Khan, and Salinas. Pretty much the whole female roster, without the likes of Raisha Saeed and Payton Banks.

Personally, this match-type takes me back all the way to 2004, when Molly Holly had her head shaved by Victoria at Wrestlemania XX. Is it ironic that another storyline from the WWE Creative Writing team is being redone by TNA? To be honest – not really. But hey, it’s ratings. Everyone likes a bald chick, right?

The stipulation is pretty much a number one contender’s match. The winning Knockout will indeed face Awesome Kong some point in the future for the TNA Knockout Championship, and the runner-up gets her head shaved bald! I think the only Knockout that would be able to pull off a shaven head would be ODB. I mean, come on! What could ruin ODB‘s fan appreciation thus far with the TNA crowd? Absolutely nothing! And hey, she could definitely pull off a G.I Jane gimmick.. Don’t you think?

Ashleygate Poll: Innocent or Guilty?

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I’m signing off on Ashleygate reporting for today, so I wanted to end this carazay day with a poll! We want to know whether or not you think Ashley is innocent of the allegations made against her or if she’s guilty as sin. Let your voice be heard!

Furthermore, please comment and let us know why you chose the option that you voted for! What do you think is going on here? What do you think WWE should do? Are you an Ashley fan, have you been affected by these rumours or are you standing by your gal?

[poll=16]

TMZ Picks Up on Ashleygate

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TMZ has picked up on Ashleygate, although not directly mentioning the Diva. The gossip site’s rather suggestive title reads, “WWE Diva Fingerd in Escort Ring”… classy:

A prominent female WWE star has been named as an employee of an L.A. escort service that the FBI is probing.

The FBI confirms to TMZ that there’s an investigation into the Bella Models escort service in California and Florida, but wouldn’t confirm the WWE star’s role. Rolling Stone says that, according to the Bureau, the WWE babe, Playboy and Maxim models, and porn stars were employed by Bella.

We’ve put in a call to the WWE, but haven’t heard back.

Now that the story is getting gossip blog attention, it’s only a matter of time the national press picks it up on it… and then it’s only a matter of time before WWE is bound to respond! Screw going to see Iron Man, grab a chair and pull up some popcorn and tune into Ashleygate!

Further Info on Ashleygate ’08

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In the latest on Ashleygate, Lords of Pain has new information about Ashley being linked to a high-class hooker service in LA. It seems that Ashley’s troubles aren’t just with Rolling Stone magazine – but the FBI! Hmm, we’d love to see the Diva try and sue the government! Check out details below:

To expound on the story of WWE Diva Ashley Massaro being linked to a Los Angeles based escort service that was recently busted by the FBI, it’s not just the ring leader making that claim (Michelle Braun a.k.a. “Nici”), but rather, the FBI as well. According to the article, the FBI tracked down e-mails in which the escort service made travel arrangements for clients, including Ashley Massaro. The article cited FBI search warrant information that turned up e-mails listing travel arrangements made by the escort company for Massaro and others. In the escort service’s defense, Braun the ring leader said, “All I do is make the introductions between famous girls and rich guys who want to meet them. I think the rates I charge are justified just to meet these women, even if nothing happens.” According to the article, “prominent athletes, TV stars, and Fortune 500 CEOs” were among Braun’s clientele. FBI papers omit the names of the men who allegedly paid for the services, yet list the names of Massaro, other Playboy models, a Maxim model, and a few adult film stars. Also, some of the e-mails discuss whether the women allow “fetish” or “GFE” (girlfriend experience). You can see a photo of Massaro on page 52 in the May 15 issue of Rolling Stone featuring the girls from The Hills reality show.

This gets grittier and grittier, Ashley’s gonna have a tough time trying to talk her way out of this one, now that we know the FBI are making the allegations and not just Rolling Stone. Furthermore, something tells me another MySpace blog isn’t going to do the trick in clearing Ashley’s name… World Wrestling Entertainment has yet to weigh in, gosh can you imagine what that statement would read like lol?! Stay tuned for more gory details!

Ashley Quick on the Defensive

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Thanks to Jane who commented in our earlier post on what we shall now dub, Ashleygate ’08, the Diva has responded in record time on her MySpace:

False False False

Just got buzzed on some BS that is going around. Dont believe it for a second.
Getting in touch with my lawyer as we speak.
No post song because I’m beyond upset.

Ashley versus Rolling Stone? Hmm, this is one match I’d love to see! Girly, you is goin’ down! No pun intended, haha… I’m having too much fun with this!

Oh Snaps! Ashley Connected to Escort Service

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HOLY F**K! If you’re looking for something to give you your weekend “lolz”, here’s something! Rolling Stone magazine has connected WWE Diva, Ashley to a high-class hooker service in Los Angeles! Mwuahaha, gives new meaning to the term “Dirty Diva”, huh?! PWInsider.com’s report below:

Thanks to Jay Gunn for the following. … I’m reading the newest issue of Rolling Stone (with “The Hills” girls on the cover – what has this rag come to?), and there’s an article about a high-end escort service in L.A. operated by a woman named “Nici” that setup women like Maxim and FHM models, porn stars, and Playboy Playmates with rich clients who would pay up to $25,000 a night. Of course, she was busted by the FBI, and the Rolling Stone article lists the names of several of Nici’s escorts, one of whom is WWE Diva Ashley Massaro. It’s an interesting article and worth seeking out.

Mike Johnson had a chance to check out the issue, and Ashley is indeed mentioned, with a photo, as a WWE star and Playboy cover girl who was amongst a number of Los Angeles based women attached to the escort service. We should point out that there was no implication that she ever had sex for money, just that she was among the celebrity-type women the service took a fee for in return for setting up meetings with their clientele.

LMFAO! It actually sheds some new light, Ashley’s idea of “wrestling training” includes a bed rather than a four-sided ring. Oh gosh, there’s just so many routes I can explore with this one… Needless to say, unless a Diva dies (God forbid) this has to be the top Diva news story of 2008! For fans not of the Ashley persuasion (99% of the Internet wrestling community) this is bound to leave a pretty big grin of our faces regardless of whether it’s true or not. And what’s that? Oh right… the sound of stampeding marks running to Ashley’s defence. We can’t wait to hear the excuses!

There are so many questions; how will Ashley respond? (Incoherently, perhaps). Will WWE stand by it’s gal? Or release her? Does WWE even have a policy/stance on hiring and firing escorts? My gut feeling tells me this is gonna be a big story over the next few days! One thing is for certain, this is gonna be all over TMZ like a hot flash!

A Sign of Things To Come?

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Katie Lea may have only made her in-ring debut on television this past week on RAW, but the Diva has been wrestling house shows with the likes of Mickie James and Beth Phoenix for a little while now. Previously, I didn’t read too much into it, but after checking out the house show results from last night – I’m beginning to wonder if WWE is grooming Katie to become a big part of the women’s division. Up until now, Katie has been involved in her own storyline with Paul Burchill and she wasn’t included in the West Side Story-esque feud going into Backlash. It begs the question, why WWE is booking her on house shows anyway?

At last night’s house show, Katie competed with Mickie James in a Women’s Championship match. Could it be just a “fresh” match-up rather than serving up Beth-Mickie part 244635 to the audience? Or could it be a test run for a future feud? I’m hoping it’s the latter! In fact, thinking about it, these two Divas could really put on a show-stealing match.

Since Katie joined RAW, I’ve been really anxious to see her integrated into the women’s division because I think she could make a major impact and be a future Women’s Champion. Maybe I’m just reading too much into it, but hopefully after WWE has played out the Beth-Mickie feud, Katie can insert herself into the women’s division in an explosive fashion. This could be a really entertaining, “must-watch” rivalry going into SummerSlam. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a fresh, gritty one-on-one Divas feud on RAW, this could be it.

SmackDown!: Cherry & Michelle vs Natalya & Victoria

For those interested, tonight’s SmackDown! Divas match is below. The eventual tag team match we all saw coming, as I like to call it… Cherry and Michelle taking on Natalya and Victoria.

As for my thoughts, I don’t want to repeat myself every week so I don’t know what more I can say other than SmackDown! continues to impress. This is a very good tag team match, with all the girls able to work unlike the (mis)matches we see on RAW with Mickie having to team up with Ashley and Maria. I am, however, less than impressed with Mick Foley’s commentary; here is someone that supports women’s wrestling and is good friends with Divas like Trish, Torrie etc. I was hoping for a more wrestling-type commentary from him, as finally here is a commentator that can appreciate women’s wrestling unlike The King, Coach and JBL. But alas, he was weak if you ask me.

Mickie James: Porn Star

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What is up with these photoshoots? Yesterday, it was Melina and today it’s Mickie James. The current Women’s Championship is drawing inspiration from her pornographic days for her latest WWE.com photoshoot. Case in point, click here for a shot of Mickie crawling on the floor with her mouth wide open, if that doesn’t scream porn star I don’t know what does. Elsewhere in her film, Mickie looks like a happy hooker standing by looking innocent trying to catch some clientele.

As for her outfit, it is somewhat reminiscent of a street walker. Long boots, tights and a really short skirt. Mickie was never the epitome of fashionable, but even she can do much better. On a positive note, I really love the lax hair and makeup in this shoot, Mickie looks natural whereas in most WWE.com shoots, the Divas are overly made-up. Check the full set here.

These photoshoots of late have been just dire, don’t you think?

A Date With Danity

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NO FREAKIN’ WAY! In a twist of fate obviously to reward me being such a good girl, the Gods have teamed up my favourite girl band of the moment with my favourite hobby! WWE Divas, Kelly Kelly, Layla, Maria, Melina and Mickie James are set to appear in Danity Kane’s music video for their next single, “Bad Girl” featuring Missy Elliot!

These girls are the real deal and the fiercest girl group since Destiny’s Child. Both of their albums have hit the top spot, going platinum and gold (just recently) respectively. The latest album, Welcome to the Dollhouse is easily one of the finest musical offerings of 2008 thus far. “Bad Girl” is definitely a favourite among DK fans and a wise choice for a second single, actually I’ve always thought it would make a great Diva anthem! Anyway, details below:

DIVAS TAKE ON DANITY KANE
Following the success of DAMAGED from the NO.1 smash-hit album WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE, Diddy’s dark angels DANITY KANE will film the video for the second single BAD GIRL next month in Los Angeles. In the video Aubrey, Aundrey, D. Woods, Dawn and Shannon will take on the divas of WWE Wrestling; Kelly, Layla, Maria, Melina and Mickey. Which ‘bad girls’ will win the fight? The video will be directed by Melina (Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Ne-Yo) and debut this summer!

How cool is this?! I, for one, am pretty happy with the Divas they’ve chosen. I’m loving the concept for the video, having DK face off with the Divas! Layla and Melina are going to look fierce! What do you guys think? Happy with the Divas chosen?

Search For a “Perfect Fit”

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Ladies, I know you have a pair of jeans tucked away, that unlike all your other pairs of jeans are your comfort jeans. These jeans are the “perfect fit.” Well, Erin and I are looking for our perfect fit in a new blogger. While the saying may be that three’s a crowd, we hear the ménage à trois is all the rage! This position is very important to us as we’re looking for someone just right for Diva Dirt. So whether you be a “diva” yourself or a man with the magic touch… we want to hear from you.

Our perfect fit will take on a full-time position at Diva Dirt with us, as well as take home a quarterly wage of $50. If you think you’re the person we’ve been waiting for all our lives check out our specially designed page with all the details! Click here »

Prom Night at Hoochie High

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Here’s an outfit the usually fashion-forward Melina will never live down. It’s raining purple but the A-List Diva’s choice of dress is far from sweet music, this outfit looks like something out of a ghetto Latina from the Bronx centered episode of “My Super Sweet Sixteen.”

Needless to say, it isn’t Melina’s best look. However, with WWE testing new landscapes for their photoshoots, the Diva tells a story with her eyes – my favourite thing about the whole shoot. Just look at ’em! Tyra would be proud. Check out the full set by clicking here.

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!

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!

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.