Tuesday, November 26, 2024

ECW Watch: March 3rd, 2009

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Boy, is it good to see Natalya in a match again or what? Apparently still part of SmackDown, Natalya took on ECW’s Alicia Fox last night. Check it out below along with my thoughts.


ECW: ALICIA FOX VS NATALYA

I enjoyed this match, while Alicia hasn’t exactly been in the spotlight too long, she is extremely likeable. I’m not sure what it is, I guess some people have that ‘it factor’ and Alicia most definitely has it. She looked really comfortable in the ring and matched the more experienced Natalya very well. As for Natalya, I savour every moment she’s in the ring because she’s truly a delight to watch.

That said, I don’t think this match was great. It started off strong then got a little slow, but it did pick up for the finish. Good ring-work from both Divas.

SmackDown Spoilers: March 6th and March 13th, 2009

SmackDown again taped two editions last night, check out spoilers for the next two weeks below:

March 6th
Maryse def. Eve. Michelle McCool was on commentary. After the match, Melina came out but was attacked by McCool.

March 13th
Maria & Melina def. Maryse & Michelle McCool. Melina rolled up Maryse. After the match, Michelle attacked Maryse.

“No Divas Here..” Oh Wait, Nevermind..

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Now, we all know that TNA is notorious for riding on the WWE’s coattails, but this one’s a bit of a head-scratcher. TNA Knockout SoCal Val thinks TNA should take over the WWE’s Playboy reigns, allowing the Knockouts to pose for the magazine just as the Divas did. She said to the UK Sun:

“It would be a really good thing for TNA.

“I know the fans love our photoshoots and what could be better than to do one for Playboy?

“And, hey, if we’re going to get naked then this is the classiest way.

“It would also be great to show the WWE up – and have better pictures than their girls did.

“I say go for it!”

Now, Playboy may be classier than Hustler or Penthouse (which is like saying spoiled milk tastes better than sewer water), but there are “classier” ways to pose nude. Besides, after all the Diva-bashing they’ve done (bra & panties matches are the devil!), it’s incredibly hypocritical to want to take over their spot in the nudie mag. It just goes to show you that even though they claim to be the antithesis of Divas, it’s pretty much bullshit – nothing more than a marketing slogan. Oh, and if ANY Knockout can outdo the likes of Sable and Torrie’s Playboy shoots, I’ll eat my hat.

Then again, this is just one Knockout saying this, but it does make me wonder in TNA’s thinking the same thing. I mean, what’s the harm in compromising the “higher ground” you’ve used to promote your women’s division? Money is money.. What do you think? Would this be a smart move by TNA?

Jenny Cash: FCW’s Most “Expensive” Diva

For those who are fortunate enough to see FCW every week, you’re probably familiar with the weekly gossip segment hosted by Jenny Cash. It’s not my style usually to be extremely critical of the Divas /Knockouts, but after seeing these segments I felt something needed to be said. Check out these clips to see what I mean.


Jenny Cash talks Queen Of FCW

Help With What If?

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Hey Guys! I’m trying to put out a new edition of What If ?,  but I need the help of the Diva Dirt audience. Submit ANY ideas you guys have for What If?, no matter how small. All Submissions will be credited to the person who sent them. Thanks! Find the form after the break.

WrestleMania Lowdown: All You Need To Know About This Year’s Event

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wm25

Welcome to Diva Dirt‘s WrestleMania Lowdown! The ultimate fact (and opinion) file on this year’s WrestleMania. The 25th anniversary of WrestleMania falls on April 5th this year and has already signed on some blockbuster matches including Triple H vs Randy Orton and Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels.

In this here WrestleMania Lowdown, we’ll be looking specifically – as we always do – at the Divas and analysing their involvement. Among the topics we’ll be looking at are the Divas who made it onto the card, the Divas who didn’t and the match potential for this year’s event. So without further ado let’s get stuck in…

The History
Though nothing has been officially announced, as of last night’s Raw, we can safely assume that we’ll be seeing a Champion vs Champion bout between Raw’s Women’s Champ, Melina and SmackDown’s Divas Champ, Maryse.

Again, though this hasn’t been announced yet, it’s a fair assumption.

Awards Season
Every year, there’s some anticipation as to which Divas will get on the WrestleMania card. Unfortunately for our girls, they only get one match on the four hour pay per view compared to the 8-9 men’s matches. There are top names that are always bound to be left off.

The process reminds me of the recently-ended awards season, when we see several surprise nominees and some shocking snubs. Film favourites such as Cate Blanchett and Leonardo DiCaprio found themselves nowhere to be seen on the awards shortlists, while most thought it would be highly unexpected for Angelina Jolie to get an Oscar nomination this year and she managed it.

The rush to ‘Mania is similar to that, but now the dust has settled, we know who we will be seeing at the big event next month and who we won’t be seeing. No doubt the next week or so will see lots of ranting and raving on Diva message boards and such…

The Winners
The two winners of this year’s ‘awards season’ are the two respective champions, Maryse and Melina. One would think it would be a hard decision every year in deciding who gets on the show because of the limited spaces for the Divas, however in years past we have seen Maria, Ashley and Christy Hemme all feature prominently.

This year seems to have been a much easier selection process as SmackDown introduced it’s Divas Championship last year, leading to a Raw vs SmackDown contest. Let’s look at the two champions and almost-certain rivals for ‘Mania 25:

Starting with Maryse, a Diva I put in the ‘Angelina Jolie surprise nomination’ category. While Jolie picked up a few nominations for Changeling, she wasn’t by any means a definite nominee for the Oscar. Similarly, no doubt as Divas Champion, Maryse’s name has been thrown about for a ‘Mania appearance but there was no telling if WWE would pull the trigger.

Though she is SmackDown’s reigning queen, all signs have pointed to her predecessor, Michelle McCool making the card. Some have cited her backstage political alignment which certainly must help, but there’s no denying McCool has had one hell of a year also making her almost a shoe-in for a spot on the big stage.

Maryse’s career really has come full circle heading into this WrestleMania. It was post-Mania last year, that her career began to take off and ultimately afforded her the chance to become the Divas Champ and now she heads into this year’s event with the belt and with a newfound fame. For a Diva that wasn’t even on the radar heading into WrestleMania 24, this has to be a Britney-esque success story for the French poodle. The Diva proved to be surprisingly well rounded in the ring and her feisty persona has put her over with the fans as well.

Maryse will compete at her first ever WrestleMania, interestingly before her fellow SmackDown star and a woman who seems to have more political clout, Michelle McCool. Maryse also takes to the big stage before another Diva who has been given an almighty rub in the last year, Kelly Kelly.

It very much seems that Maryse’s WrestleMania payday was almost by proxy, as she is the Divas Champion. Had she not been, I think I’d be writing a very different blog without a mention of the Sexiest of the Sexy. As it stands though, Maryse is heading to the grandest stage of them all and she is taking her unique arrogance with her.

Meanwhile for her opponent, Raw Diva and Women’s Champion Melina, here is a Diva that always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Sensationally, Melina will be competing in her third WrestleMania this year and not only that, but her third consecutive WrestleMania – a feat that is unparalleled among the Divas. While the legendary seven time Women’s Champion, Trish Stratus has ultimately competed at the most WrestleManias of all the Divas – at four matches, those were in non-consecutive years.

With WrestleMania 25, Melina will rank behind Stratus with the second highest amount of ‘Mania matches among the Divas. Melina has beaten out the likes of Alumni, Victoria and Lita who have only competed at one ‘Mania, the same number as the A-List Diva’s contemporaries, Mickie James and Beth Phoenix.

Whether you draw it down to luck or a vote of confidence in Melina, the Diva has made WrestleMania history for the Divas of WWE and unlike fellow record-breaker, Trish Stratus, joins an elite club of Divas who are undefeated at WrestleMania. The current pack-leader is Sable, the former Women’s Champion has won all of her three ‘Mania matches. Melina is a joint second with Torrie Wilson, both have won their two matches at the event. However if Melina can beat Maryse this year, she will be joint number one with Sable.

Unlike her opponent, Melina is obviously no stranger to WrestleMania and seems to be a firm favourite in WWE’s eyes when it comes to picking a Diva to compete at ‘Mania and this year it helps that she is the Women’s Champion.

After the cut, the ladies who lost out on ‘Mania plus we look at the match potential of Maryse vs Melina:

We Have a Winner Folks!

All the possible matches for WrestleMania, so many options… well we have a winner! From the looks of tonight’s Raw we will be seeing a champion vs champion match at the 25th anniversary of ‘Mania between Maryse and Melina.

Moments ago following a Divas tag team match, Maryse levelled Melina with her patented DDT on the outside of the ring as both champions were at ringside helping call the match featuring Kelly Kelly and Mickie James taking on Beth Phoenix and Jillian.

We’ll see you in 33 days ladies…

ECW Spoilers: March 3, 2009

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We only post ECW spoilers if something good goes down, so you should know to highlight the text below to find out what’s going down on tomorrow night’s show:

Natalya (with Tyson Kidd) def. Alicia Fox (with DJ Gabriel) with a Sharpshooter. After the match, Kidd tried to attack Gabriel.

Queen of the Ring Qualifying Round: Gail vs Lita, Candice vs Michelle

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queenofthering

The Queen of the Ring tournament is underway! Which Diva will be crowned the ultimate Queen of the Ring for 2009? You decide! Vote for your favourite Divas as we narrow down 16 beautiful and talented women down to just one! It’s a hard job, but the power lies in you, the Diva Dirt audience!

The following are qualifying round matches, the winners of which will advance to the quarter finals!

jilliantorrie

[poll id=”293″]

Candice vs Michelle after the cut:

Katie Lea Could Kick Jessica Alba’s Ass

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Don’t tell me I’m the only one that remembers Jessica Alba’s career-starter of a show called “Dark Angel“. I was never too familiar with it, but form what I remember, it entailed a genetically-enhanced Alba running around in black leather in a Post-Apocalyptic future. Thus, it seems fitting that Katie Lea‘s latest photoshoot is titled “Dark Angel”. She’s wearing the requisite leather, dark makeup, and has such intimidating looks on her face that you’re pretty sure she’s got a concealed weapon in that outfit somewhere. It’s a little against character for her to be so “tough chick”, but I like it. She certainly pulls it off..


[poll id=”292″]

Latest on WrestleMania: Melina vs Michelle McCool?

While WWE has it’s eyes set on a Michelle McCoolTrish Stratus encounter for the 25th anniversary of WrestleMania, the other plan according to some reports this weekend states that if that doesn’t come to fruition, McCool may be paired off with Raw Diva, Melina.

Interestingly, of all the Divas, most wrestling journalists are stating that McCool has the most chance of appearing at ‘Mania due to her relationship with the Undertaker. It had been hoped that WWE could strike a deal with legendary former Women’s Champ, Stratus to appear at the event and face McCool. However, Trish has openly expressed  interest in facing either Beth Phoenix or Natalya thus leading WWE officials to believe that she may decline if offered a storyline with Michelle.

WWE has now set in motion, Plan B: Raw’s Melina against SmackDown’s Michelle McCool. This would eliminate the likelihood of two Divas matches – which was wishful thinking anyway – by combining Raw and SmackDown in one match.

If this match were to happen, it would have to come to fruition fairly quickly as Melina is currently entangled in a rivalry with the Glamazon, Beth Phoenix. That storyline would need to be tied up as soon as possible for Melina to go forth and feud with Michelle, right?

With a month to go till WrestleMania, I think WWE has done themselves a disservice by not firming up their plans sooner. It’s all going to be a mad rush from here on out with trying to settle things with Beth-Melina and setting up Michelle-Melina. It’s all getting very complicated!

That said, Melina vs Michelle is a fresh match-up and could be very entertaining. Michelle has never competed at ‘Mania before and if we factor out her relationship with ‘Taker, she deserves a spot on her own merit.

Second Gail Kim Promo Airs

Last night saw a second promo for the soon to be SmackDown Diva, Gail Kim. This time suggesting Gail is ‘strong but sexy’. Check it out below:


GAIL KIM: STRONG BUT SEXY

Exclusive Content on Twitter

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If you’re not already following Diva Dirt on Twitter, here is a reason to: We will now be posting exclusive content to Twitter including ‘Diva Dirt Shorts’ and ‘Video of the Day’.

Diva Dirt Shorts will be short news stories that we haven’t covered here at Diva Dirt, including links to articles, interviews etc.

Check us out on Twitter at the following link: http://twitter.com/divadirt

WrestleMania Can Be Salvaged Yet!

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The only thing I care about when it comes to wrestling at the moment, is what will happen with the Divas at WrestleMania. Logic dictates that we’ll get an ultimate letdown as with previous years, but with a renewed focus on actual wrestling and the abolishment of that dirty word starting with ‘P’, WWE has the chance this year to really put on a showcase worthy of WrestleMania.

However as the weeks past, less and less build takes place for the Divas as the rest of the roster seems to be in full gear to the biggest pay per view on the calendar. The Beth PhoenixMelina feud seems to have run it’s course and is now clutching onto lifelines such as six person mixed tag matches to sustain the storyline and SmackDown has only just regained it’s Divas Champion.

Last night’s Raw really spoke to me; I realised WWE has no idea what to do next with Beth and Melina hence why they were tacked onto a six person match. So much for building to WrestleMania, meanwhile the intriguing Rosa Mendes angle seems to have stalwarted with no real development in the newcomer’s storyline.

But there was one tiny glimmer of hope on last night’s Raw and with a month to go till WrestleMania, the event can still be salvaged for our Divas. Last night, Vickie Guerrero became the interrim General Manager of Raw, making her the head honcho for both of WWE’s top shows. A great storyline device to allow interpromotional feuds to be set up for WrestleMania (Randy Orton-Triple H, John Cena-Edge, Undertaker-Shawn Michaels). I’m hoping that this can be used to rub off on the Divas too.

With Gail Kim not expected to debut until after WrestleMania, my predicted bout of Maryse vs Gail goes out the window. But with Guerrero bridging the gap between Raw and SmackDown, I would love to see one of the underutilised faces from Raw – and let’s face it, they’re in abundance – feud with the Divas Championship heading into the April event. And who better than Mickie James?

The most popular Diva in the WWE has found herself stiffed at the past couple of ‘Manias, her one and only match appearance took place in 2006. With Raw’s title picture revolving around Beth and Melina, it looks like she could find herself off the card again – but with Vickie now in power and SmackDown lacking a top babyface that can contend for the title, it seems perfect. Mickie’s WrestleMania cold shoulder seems almost unintentional, WWE do love Mickie and push her at least once a year although it hasn’t aligned unfortunately, in time for WrestleMania in the past couple of years. This could be a great opportunity to right that wrong, by giving Mickie a storyline with Maryse leading to WrestleMania.

There’s still time as the big event is still one month away. Maryse needs a fresh challenger (Maria is hardly competition) and Mickie needs something to do, seems like a match made in Diva heaven!

Spoiler: Three’s A Crowd

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madisonrayne3

More TNA News! YAY! Also coming out of this week’s Impact Tapings, Madison Rayne seems to have made a heel turn. In a tag match against The Beautiful People, Madison slapped her partner Taylor Wilde and left her at the mercy of Angelina and Velvet. Does this mean the rumors are true and Madison will be joining The Beautiful People? We’ll see the the spoilers for next week’s taping come out later. Comment!

Spoiler: Kongtourage Splits Up

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kong1

Well that was short-lived. Looks like the Knockouts Champ Awesome Kong has two more ladies gunning for her. At this week Impact tapings Awesome Kong and Raisha Saeed came up short in a tag match against Sojo Bolt and Rhaka Khan. After the match Kong proceeded to decimate the new found babyfaces. Well I guess that’s over, huh? What do you guys think of this recent development? Would you have seen Kong turn face? You know where the comments go.

What If: Krissy Vaine, Divas Championship And More

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You guys ever wonder what could have been in WWE? Ever think that a few less ‘future endeavors’ would have made a difference in today’s division? Ever think of how things would be without the Diva Search? No? Well, don’t worry cause I’ve done the thinking for you. Here’s a couple of circumstances that woulda, coulda or shoulda created an alternate reality in Diva world.

 

krissyvaine 
 

What If: Krissy Vaine hadn’t left the WWE? 
 
We were all taken aback when Torrie Wilsonwas attacked by a mystery blonde after a match with Victoria. We were even more shocked to find out it was Krissy Vaine. (What happened to her?!) We got to see her one more time backstage with Vickie Guererro before she disappeared from the WWE altogether. As the story goes, Krissy asked for her release when she found out that her boyfriend wouldn’t be on the same brand. 
 
Had she stuck around, I predict that Krissy would have had a long program with Torrie and maybe the Divas Title would have been introduced earlier. It was rumored that Torrie was originally supposed to be the first Divas Champ and this would have been the perfect time for her to snag some gold. 

 

 divaschampmichelle

What If: There was no Divas Championship? 

Last year WWE exhibited some confidence in Smackdown’s Diva division by creating a title especially for them. Gone were the days of matches for no reason and stupid Bikini contests. WWE followed up by calling up new divas like The Bellas and drafting Maria to round out the division. From there Smackdown went on to surpass Raw when it  comes to Divas action. (In My Opinion)

I almost 100% sure that if the Divas Championship was never created, solid wrestlers like Michelle McCool and Natalyawould have found themselves lost in the shuffle on the already diva-heavy Raw. Smackdown would have become a safe haven for valets and divas who weren’t quite ready for full time competition, much like ECW.  And Gail Kim definitely would be going to Raw. 

victoria_what_if
 

What If: WWE didn’t misuse their talent?

Oh, where to start?! It’s no secret that WWE prefers to push eye candy as opposed to Divas who are great in-ring competitors. It’s been this way from from the days of Sable and will probably never change. So many things could be different in WWE if there was more of a focus on actual wrestlers.

First off, Victoria would have had a more accomplished career. We can all agree that Victoria should have had several more title reigns. Just like her predecessors Trish, Lita and Molly Holly, Victoria bought something new to the table and deserved to be recognized for her talents.

In addition, Divas like Natalya and Jillian would have at least one title run under their belts instead of taking up Valet and Jobber duties respectively. 

That’s it for What If? this week. Submit your ideas for What If? after the break.

Candice Wants To Get Pushed

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Candice Michelle

Cast your minds back to when Candice was champion. I can’t. I have successfully erased that memory clear from my mind. It is nada, zip, gone, kaput. All I know is that somehow… it happened. She won the title. I’m not saying she can’t can’t wrestle, she’s improved and good on her, but Candice as champion means inevitable dramatic increase backstage and ring segments where she has to open her mouth and… speak. Mhmm, that’s right, we would have to sit through her slur of words and stifled giggles.

So, here’s a little (I hope) wishful thinking from Candice, she’ll be back on top. During the No Way Out live blog she said;

7:06
[Comment From Deanna]
Candice. We miss your wrestling!
7:06
[Comment From Ona]
candice kisses from spain!!
7:06
[Comment From Beth]
candice you rock. your my idol
7:07
Candice:  i miss wrestling too!   matter of fact, i hate not working!   but i promise you i have stuff in the works and i will be back an back on top!

Stuff in the works? Hmm, I hope she’s just pleasing the fans by telling them what they want to hear. Don’t get me wrong, Candice is a lovely girl who has improved imensely, but she’s not Championship material.

SmackDown Watch: February 20, 2009

Tonight’s SmackDown sees the in-ring return of Divas Champ, Maryse and from the looks of it, she hasn’t skipped a beat after recovering from her dislocated kneecap. Maryse teamed up with her ‘rival’ Michelle McCool to take on Eve Torres and Maria.


MARYSE & MICHELLE VS EVE & MARIA

Good to see Maryse back in the ring, she looked good after returning from her injury. Decent ring work from all the Divas involved; the team of Maryse and Michelle looked great and shared some great chemistry. I know a lot were worried that these two were teaming up, but they played up the tension between them. I like the aspect that they dislike each other but have an undeniable chemistry as a tag team, so that works in explaining why they’re working together. This match did a good job of pushing both Maryse and Michelle and not one at the expense of the other.

WWE Hypes Gail Kim’s Return!

The six month wait is finally over… This is way better than having her randomly turn up on TV! WWE.com has posted a vignette of Gail Kim hyping her return to the WWE! Excited!

Yesterday, several news outlets reported that Gail is being held off until post-WrestleMania for her return, which if you think about it is a good idea. It saves her character to be well planned out and given plenty of screentime rather than putting her in the mad rush leading up toWrestleMania.

I love that this vignette concentrates on how Gail is an athlete and a wrestler, it goes to show that WWE does respect female wrestling talent and this is definitely a good look for them. Furthermore, given Christian’s unceremonious comeback to ECW, I think ‘coming soon’ vignettes work much better so this puts some confidence in Gail on WWE’s end.

I’m assuming this is the first of a series of vignettes that will be played on SmackDown in the coming month or so.

It’s good to have you back, Gail!


GAIL KIM RETURN PROMO

Kelly Wants to Sell You Some Underwear

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Seriously, doesn’t Kelly Kelly‘s new photoshoot look like is was taken straight from the Victoria‘s Secret catalog? I’m not saying that in a good way, because it looks more like something from their PINK line, which is pretty much sorority girl chic. The shoot’s titled “Be Kelly’s”, which pretty much clues you in to the cheesiness of it all. Kelly’s over-makeuped, and looks to have put on some lip plumper gloss. Like I said, it’s all pretty cheesy, what with the pool, rose petals, and overdosing on the color pink. I realize this was taken for Valentine’s Day, but out of that context this looks pretty silly. Of course, Kelly looks quite pretty, but there’s little else going on here – with her never-changing expression, those long-stem roses seem to have more personality.


[poll id=”290″]

SmackDown Spoilers: February 20 & 27, 2009

SmackDown has taped shows for the next two weeks, so stock up on spoilers below:

February 20th:

Michelle McCool & the returning Maryse defeated Eve Torres & Maria when Michelle pinned Eve.

February 27th:

Carlito & Primo Colon defeated Miz & John Morrison, then left with the Bella Twins.

Queen of the Ring Qualifying Round: Jillian vs Torrie, Maria vs Victoria

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queenofthering

The Queen of the Ring tournament is underway! Which Diva will be crowned the ultimate Queen of the Ring for 2009? You decide! Vote for your favourite Divas as we narrow down 16 beautiful and talented women down to just one! It’s a hard job, but the power lies in you, the Diva Dirt audience!

The following are qualifying round matches, the winners of which will advance to the quarter finals!

jilliantorrie

[poll id=”288″]

Maria vs Victoria after the cut:

Girl With a Pearl Necklace

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In photoshoot land, Natalya‘s still a redhead, and so her latest shoot “Girl in Pearls” keeps her in Mary Jane Waston territory, though we’re talking about a Spider-Man 2 look, as opposed to the Spider-Man 3 color she started out with. Currently, Natalya’s look is distractingly blonde with a touch of hot pink, which is a shame, because I can’t make any Spider-Man references with that. :/ As for the shoot itself, it’s pretty different from what we’ve come to expect out of Natalya. She can usually be counted on to pull out a few off-the-wall expressions, but this time out she’s much more subdued. It’s not bad by any means, but it’s too common for a Diva that’s kind of known for being anything but. Maybe her recent move to ECW will bring back Natalya’s extreme side. I certainly hope so, because I’m getting tired of waxing poetic about her ever-changing tresses.


[poll id=287]

FCW Spoils The Surprise

 

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Looks like FCW has let the cat out of the bag. At the end of the Alicia Fox vs Tiffany match this weekend, FCW showed a graphic of the brackets for the Queen of FCW tournament. The problem is Angela was listed as the winner. Awww, man. I was rooting for Alicia. I guess someone at FCW is on the umployment line. Do you think this is accurate? Are you pissed that the Finals are ruined? I know I am. Discuss in the comments.

FCW Divas To Get Golden (Part Two)

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In case you guys haven’t been following, the FCW Divas that will be competing in the finals of the Queen Of FCW tournament have been announced. Last week Angela picked up a win against The Girl(Boy) From Mexico and this past weekend Alicia Fox took out Tiffany in a surprising solid match. So who do you guys think should take home the crown? Sound off in the comments. Updated brackets below.

 

Quarter Finals:
Angela def. Rosa Mendes 
Girl from Mexico def. Saylor James 
Alicia Fox def. Jenny Cash 
Tiffany def. Wesley Holiday

Semi Finals
Angela def. Girl from Mexico 
Alicia Fox def. Tiffany