Monday, November 25, 2024

Story Behind Lena Yada’s Release

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It’s been a few days since Lena Yada‘s not-so-shocking release and now the Wrestling Observer has released all the juicy details! And as many of you suspected, Lena was partly released because of the impending arrival of Gail Kim. Thanks to Lee for sending along the following:

Regarding the release of ECW backstage announcer Lena Yada, there are two reasons behind her departure from World Wrestling Entertainments (besides the cost cutting measure).

The company wanted to eventually use her as a wrestler. Though obviously athletic due to her time as a former top ranked professional tandem surfer, she had not progressed much as a wrestler. There were actually ideas tossed around to capitalize on her surfing background, but Vince McMahon nixed them immediately and the creative team got the message. This time last year, McMahon had to be convinced to sign her to a contract coming off her tenure in the Diva Search. The creative team lobbied for her, saying she had a unique look that stood out among your usual blond silicone Diva types. The lobbying paid off as she was signed to a deal and started on television at the start of 2008 — even before the official WWE debut of 2007 Diva Search winner Eve Torres.

Following the news of Yada’s departure from World Wrestling Entertainment, a number of fans speculated online that Yada was being let go as a result of the recent hiring of former TNA Knockout Gail Kim, who is of course Asian too. As it turns out, the speculation appears to be correct. According to one source, as soon as WWE signed Gail Kim (who is indeed under contract to the company), both Vince and Stephanie McMahon felt there was no reason to have Yada on the roster anymore since “they looked too much alike.”

I’m pretty shocked, to be honest. I guess I was looking through rose-coloured glasses, because I never thought that Lena’s release would have anything to do with Gail. That’s really sad and pathetic. It’s ironic that WWE jumps at the opportunity to hire cookie-cutter blondes that can’t barely be resembled from one another. Is Tiffany not just Kelly Kelly 2.0? I was never a fan of Lena, but that’s really unfortunate and as Lauren Conrad would say, extremely shady.

Diva Dirt Introduces User Registration

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In case you haven’t noticed, we have now introduced user registration to Diva Dirt! This is for a multitude of reasons, some good and some bad. In one sense, this will help us moderate comments a lot easier. Since the site has launched, I’m sure many of you know that it has been an uphill battle for us trying to defend ourselves against people who use our comments section to post mean, rude comments to both us and our readers. More so lately, which is one of the reasons why we’ve introduced this feature. It will require all readers to register if they wish to comment on blogs. That means that you, the reader/commenter, are 100% liable for your own actions and if we don’t like what we see, your account will be terminated.

On the other hand (and more positively), we’ve always wanted to introduce some sort of ‘user profile’ feature which would allow you to register and have your own profile page and stuff, sort of like a social networking site. We haven’t quite figured out all of the details yet (we’re still learning!) but this is definitely a step forward. Hopefully soon, you’ll be able to have your own profiles that people can check out!

If you haven’t already done so, please do register!

Natalya’s Sex Is On Fire

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Okay, so I have no idea what that title means, but Melanie requested it, so there you go. Although, if I did know what it meant, I’d probably agree, because Natalya‘s new photoshoot “On Fire” is fantastic. Her hair, outfit, makeup, and even the color of the background is great. She definitely puts a different spin on photoshoots, but it’s a welcome change, I’d say. Some of you have said that you don’t like the little “scream” poses she seems to do in every shoot, but I like it. It’s her “thing”, and sets her apart without seeming too contrived. WWE.com seems to agree, since she seems to have a new photoshoot out every other week. Hell, is photoshoots were pushes, Natalya would be both Women’s Champ and Diva’s Champ. Hm.. Doesn’t sound like a terrible idea, now that I think about it.. ;)

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SmackDown Spoilers: November 14 and 21, 2008

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This week’s SmackDown was taped at the MEN Arena in Manchester, England. Check out the results of the previously announced Divas Championship match.

EDIT: Now added spoilers for next week’s show.

November 14th
Michelle McCool def. Maria via the heel hook to retain the Divas Championship. Jesse & Festus were at ringside for the match, Festus heard the bell at the end of the match and got in the ring to check if Maria was okay.

November 21st
The Bella Twins def. Victoria & Natalya

Layla Makes Fashion Faux Pas

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Could it be a sign of the end of days?! I never ever thought I’d tune into Raw one week and dislike what Layla was wearing… until last night. Layla is easily the most fashionable Diva to ever grace the WWE and we often rave over her personal style. So what possessed her to wear those hideous metalic gold leggings last night?

I guess everyone makes mistakes, but colour me shocked. That said, I love the rest of the outfit especially the belt and bangles.

On a side note, there won’t be a Raw Redux this week because I feel there isn’t much more I can say about Beth vs Mickie that I haven’t already said in the course of the year. So if you’d like my analysis on the match, just dig up some old Reduxes that featured a Beth-Mickie match. Raw was pretty darn boring last night, be sure to watch SmackDown.

Maryse Gets Down to the Bare Necessities

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It’s not very often that you see a Diva without makeup caked on her face, so Maryse‘s new photoshoot “Pierced” is unique in that aspect. Of course, she’s still wearing makeup, but her eyes are more bare than usual. It makes for a more natural look that flatters her, because lets face it – the girl doesn’t need much makeup to look beautiful. It’s kind of ill-fitting next to a “rock-n-roll” style ensemble, but I’ll take what I can get. Speaking of which, if she’s going for an edgier look, I’d say a dagger emblazoned on your top is a step in the right direction. She’s one of the few Divas that can pull off both ultra-feminine and punky looks without breaking her stride, and she should take full advantage of it.

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Christy Dear, You Can’t Rewrite History

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Seems as though TNA Knockout, Christy Hemme has a slight case of the Karens. Like the legendary Karen Walker from Will & Grace, looks like Christy is suffering from selective memory. Though thankfully, Christy’s case is far less severe – she’s not exactly retelling chapters of other people’s lives as if it were her own. But nonetheless, this one gave me a good LOL. With the amount of Divas leaving WWE due to injuries, retirement and ‘sick daughters’ over the past couple of years, Christy thought she could fool us:

My departure from WWE was on my own terms because I stuck to my guns on my morals and values as a human being. I knew in my gut that it would be the end, but I also knew that carrying guilt for knowingly doing something against what I believed wasn’t worth getting ahead. Leaving broke my heart… but doing the right thing is something I will always be proud of.

Her own terms? Yeah, that’s not the way I remember it. I remember Christy’s ass getting fired. But whatever, if it makes the story easier to retell to your grandkids…

Sarah the Vice-Loser Invited to Join Beautiful People

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One week ago, her dreams of becoming the Vice-President of America were dashed but here’s something that’ll make up for it (*eye roll*), TNA has invited Governer of Alaska, Sarah Palin (aka Sarah the Vice-Loser) to appear at the company’s next pay per view, Final Resolution and become an honourary member of the Beautiful People. You just  can’t make this shit up!

TOTAL NONSTOP ACTION (TNA) WRESTLING INVITES ALASKA GOVERNOR SARAH PALIN TO JOIN “THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE”

TNA ANNOUNCES SPECIAL “SARAH PALIN CEREMONY” FOR DECEMBER 7 AT ITS “FINAL RESOLUTION” PAY-PER-VIEW IN ORLANDO. TNA AGREES TO DONATE $50,000 TO GOV. PALIN’S FAVORITE CHARITY OR ALASKAN YOUTH HOCKEY LEAGUE.

palin2.jpgTotal Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling has announced that it is formally inviting Alaska governor and former Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin to become an honorary member of “The Beautiful People,” the elite group of TNA Knockouts led by Angelina Love and Velvet Sky.

TNA officials said a “Sarah Palin Ceremony” is scheduled for December 7 at its “Final Resolution” pay-per-view as part of her “Honorary TNA Knockout” membership in The Beautiful People, and TNA President Dixie Carter will personally fly Gov. Palin and her husband, Todd, from their home in Anchorage to Orlando, Florida, for the December event.

TNA Wrestling will make the formal invitation to Gov. Palin Thursday, November 13, on “TNA iMPACT!” at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Spike.

TNA will present Gov. Palin with a $50,000 check at “Final Resolution” made out to the charity of her choice, or will make the donation to the youth hockey association in her native Wasilla, Alaska.

“Governor Palin has combined her experiences as a wife and mother with her political savvy to prove to America and the world that politics aren’t just a man’s game. I know firsthand what challenges you have to face when breaking a glass ceiling in a male-dominate profession,” Carter said.

The stars of TNA Wrestling can be seen for two hours each and every Thursday night on “TNA iMPACT!” (9 p.m. ET/PT, Spike). The TNA roster features Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, TNA World Heavyweight Champion Sting, Mick Foley, Kevin Nash, Booker T, Scott Steiner, Jeff Jarrett, Christian Cage, AJ Styles and Samoa Joe, among others.

The last thing that this hizzo needs is more publicity. Well now we know who Dixie Carter voted for last Tuesday – the losing team. I know you shouldn’t judge people by their political alliances, but Dixie homegirl, your stock has dropped. Something about a global brand (and that’s being generous) pushing it’s political agenda down my throat doesn’t sit well with me… Even if it is after the election. This just proves how small fry TNA really is. WWE knows better than to alienate it’s fans this way.

Raw Spoilers For Tonight!

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Tonight’s Raw was taped earlier in the evening in Manchester, England. Check out the spoilers below:

After Santino loses his Intercontinental Championship to William Regal in less than a minute, he demands Shane McMahon make Beth Phoenix defend her title against Mickie James tonight.

Beth def. Mickie after Santino distracts her.

Review: Torrie Wilson’s Shoot Interview

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I’m not usually one to purchase shoot interviews or DVDs of the wrestling variety at all for that matter. I guess I’m satisfied (or less satisfied) with what I see on TV and online, so have never felt the need to go out of my way to buy a WrestleMania DVD or anything. As a consumer, I’m very particular about the products I buy – case in point – I haven’t bought a CD in nearly 10 years until last November, when Leona Lewis released her debut album ‘Spirit’. But when I found out that my favourite Diva of all time, Torrie Wilson had her own shoot interview in the works, I placed an order immediately. To me, you’ve got to really admire the person to want to buy their product. Having watched the DVD in full earlier today, it brought back many memories. Torrie is the first and only Diva who I’ve ever felt a real profound connection to, enough so to want to purchase this shoot. Hearing her talk about her career for the first time like this, it took me back to where I was when such-and-such happened or remembering updating my now neglected fansite with such news. The one and a half hour long shoot and the “face-off” between Torrie and Dawn that follows it, was a great watch for me as an avid Torrie fan but even I felt a little unsatisfied.

I put it down to having a male interviewer, who like most wrestling journalists, isn’t as absorbed in all things Diva in the same way that we true die-hard Diva fans are. The questions that I, as a Diva fan and as a Torrie fan, would know to ask, aren’t asked. The interviewer perhaps doesn’t have the extensive knowledge of Torrie’s background, her friendships in the business and such as we do and the things that I think would interest me and things that I would like to find out about, I couldn’t look to this DVD for an answer. Instead, the interviewer skirts around briefly on subjects rather than really getting into detail about key moments in Torrie’s career. Where I would focus on her thoughts on her WrestleMania matches, appearing on covers, appearing on FHM’s 100 Sexiest list and such – a more in-depth focus on the person herself. It seems that some of these questions are pretty generic and I wouldn’t be surprised to ask the same question asked to other shoot DVD participants. What was Vince Russo like? What was Kimberly Page like? Blah blah… Sure interesting enough, but to me it wastes time that could be used on really getting to know Torrie more personally.

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Will Eve Be Feeling “Blue” Soon?

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With today’s news of numerous roster cutbacks, one must wonder if Eve is next. I know, I know.. She won the Diva Search, so she’s safe, right? Well, tell that to Christy and Ashley. With her TV use just barely ahead of the late Lena‘s, maybe Eve’s crossing her fingers and hoping that her latest photoshoot, “In Navy” is good enough to prove her worth. (Yeah, let’s just imagine that photoshoots hold that kind of weight.) I love the navy combined with the gold accessories, but the makeup is a huge distraction. Frosty lips? Have we fallen into a timewarp and landed back in the 90s? Eeek. Ponder the photoshoot for a moment and tell me – with the string of releases expected, would you want Eve to land on the cutting block? For me, I probably wouldn’t care either way. She hasn’t had the opportunity to show her worth, but I’m not sure she amounts to much, talent-wise, anyways.

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Lena Yada Released (Hurrah!)

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We are down a useless Diva! Lena Yada has officially been pink-slipped by WWE. The Diva was part of the 2007 Diva Search before being introduced as an ECW backstage interviewer. The release comes just one week after Lena was involved in her first match on WWE television (don’t quote me on that) on Raw, when she was on the winning heel team of the 16-Diva tag team match.

Other than that, Lena hadn’t done much of note. She did appear in the Halloween Costume Contest at Cyber Sunday and surprisingly, her ninja outfit was my favourite of the night. Lena was briefly involved in the year-long Kelly Kelly–Layla feud earlier in the year also.

Due to the economic downturn, WWE is hoping to cut $20m worth of costs and thus, releases have been handed out left, right and centre. With Lena gone, I’m hoping for Tiffany to go next, as all the other Divas seem to be in prime television roles.

SmackDown Redux – November 7, 2008

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Last week on SmackDown: The Bella Twins were revealed as Brie beat Victoria in one on one action. And Michelle McCool continues to be “frenemies” with Maria.

Thoughts & Reactions
First of all, welcome back to the Redux feature at Diva Dirt! Our weekly Raw and SmackDown Reduxes have been in limbo for the past few weeks, I’ve been so busy and haven’t had a chance to write the column. But things seem to have settled down now and I’m back in a routine so the Reduxes are back too! I felt particularly compelled to write a review of last week’s SmackDown because I felt it was an awesome show Diva-wise. So let’s take a closer look…

Welcome to Friday night folks, the home of the best Divas action you’ll see each week. There are a lot of fans out there who watch Raw every single week and don’t watch SmackDown at all. Whether they go out on Friday night or they agree with the mantra that SmackDown is the B-show, who knows. But if you’re one of those people and you’re reading this, I strongly urge you, as a Diva fan, to start tuning into Friday Night SmackDown. Last week’s SmackDown was one of the best of the year and trust me, there’s been some great episodes to choose from in ’08. For storyline purposes, I would rank last Friday’s show very highly. It’s been a long, long time since the Divas on either brand have had a fully fledged storyline and that’s exactly what’s unfolding on SmackDown at the moment. In the main plot we have Divas Champion, Michelle McCool and Maria. And in a sub-plot we have the Bella Twins. It seems that WWE is hinting at a third plot too, Eve’s journey to become a wrestler. There’s a little something for everybody! SmackDown has really upped it’s game and all of our gorgeous SmackDown Divas are getting decent ring time and promo time each week.

Let’s start off with Michelle and Maria, who will go head to head this coming Friday for the Divas Championship. This plot is very intriguing to me and I haven’t really written much about it thus far, but for the first time in a long, long time we have an actual Divas storyline and one that is rather unpredictable at that. Since the Mickie-Trish feud going into WrestleMania 22, there hasn’t really been a big Divas storyline that’s festered over weeks and that’s exactly what this has become. However unlike that feud, which was predictable – I mean we all knew Mickie would turn on Trish – there’s no real indication in this one. For the past few weeks fans have been speculating that Michelle’ll turn heel after reading spoilers, however when the actual show airs, her comments – while sort of mean – don’t come across as too heel-ish. Despite implying that Maria is dumb, Michelle still manages to come across as a friendly face. So it’s anyone’s guess if Michelle will actually turn heel. Because to be really honest, I have no idea where this is going and you know what… I love it!

As for the actual segment, I thought Michelle looked smokin’ hot from head-to-toe, I loved her look. Her hair looked fabulous. I remember a few weeks back I said that Michelle’s line delivery was almost robotic and she had no charisma – well I’m pleased to say that I think she came across very well in this segment. I liked the little quip at the end to Maria, “Don’t get carried away now”, sounded good. Her acting was a vast improvement. I also thought there was some irony to Michelle’s line, “She’s a Playboy covergirl and that’s what she does best…”, because that sort of describes WWE’s whole hiring process when it comes to Divas. And it actually rings true for Maria, that is what she does best. Bless her cotton socks but she’s not the best wrestler, but extremely popular nonetheless for other things she’s done.

I think this is the second time also that WWE has hinted at getting Eve in the ring and I’m looking forward to it, more the merrier, I say! A few weeks ago there was the backstage segment with Vickie and now with Michelle. It’s great to see the writers building Eve up to her eventual in-ring debut rather than just thrusting her into the ring and going, ‘Hey, the backstage interviewer wrestles now’. By having her do these segments saying she wants to get in the ring, she wants to train, they’re building her up for that eventual in-ring debut. SmackDown has proven that you can have a large Divas roster but find a way to use them all on a weekly basis and make them relevant to the product, so Eve’ll fit right in.

The match between Victoria and Brie was once again, good. They’ve had quite a few match-ups now and this one was just as good as the others. I think the big pay-off here was the twin reveal, which was nicely done. I liked the symmetry of the two sisters performing the same moves at the same time! I guess we’ve got a built-in feud now: The Bellas vs the BFFs. Plus we also have that underlying storyline teaming the twins with Carlito & Primo. I like the idea of these four being one big Latin group, SmackDown does have a huge Latin demographic so they could get crazy over.

Really fun week, last week. This week the attention turns to the Divas Championship, Michelle vs Maria. I wouldn’t be surprised if we get two Divas matches with the tag team match also. In which case, the show would be loaded! Looking forward to it!

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Backstage Tension at SmackDown?

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Jim Ross is never one to mince words and now we have some juicy gossip from under that big ole hat thing (Sorry, I forgot the actual saying). JR is known for ‘outing’ backstage happenings through his blog, most recently noting that newer Superstars are usually seen talking in catering or trying to score a date with a Diva rather than approaching the legends and trying to get ahead in the biz. So it was just a matter of time till his direction turned to the Divas! In his latest blog, Jim writes:

Do you know the most cunning and dangerous area of the SmackDown arena before show time? That’s easy; it’s the Diva locker rooms. I’m hearing some interesting stories coming out of those locker rooms and they are not overly flattering. Something big may be brewing in Divaland.

Seems all is not well in the SmackDown lockerroom, who do you think is starting the fight? We have some very strong headed Divas on SmackDown: Michelle, Maryse, Victoria and Natalya. Or maybe even Eve or Maria or the Bella Twins? And what exactly is it that our girls are quarelling about? One could argue that the blue-brand Divas are in a very plum position at the moment. Their product is miles ahead of that of their Raw counterparts. Actual storylines, consistent matches on a weekly basis… What’s to complain about?

Introducing Nikki Bella

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The newly revealed Bella Twins are contributing to a not-so-slow news weekend; as Nicole has been given her very own SmackDown profile at WWE.com and evidently, is now going under the name of Nikki Bella. And if that’s not enough for you, WWE.com has even posted a whole photoshoot featuring the twins for those of you with a fetish out there. Just kidding. (I think).

Check out the pictures here.

Former Porn Star & Playboy Covergirl on Disney Channel

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Parents Television Council, on guard! Disney Channel has seemingly recruited former Women’s Champion, softcore porn star and Playboy covergirl Candice to appear on one of their shows. WTF, Disney? W…T…F! Unfortunately though, Candice won’t be “laying the SmackDown” on that pesky little brat, Miley Cyrus but will be appearing on Wizards of Waverly Place a series starring rising Disney star, Selena Gomez. The episode airs on January 4th, 2009.

Regardless of my personal opinion on Candice, this is just inappropriate. If someone were to simply show the PTC a clip of Candice’s entrance, I think that’s all they need to see to revolt against Disney!

Mane Event: Top Ten Worst Hairstyles

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Let’s face it, it’s happened to the best of us: the good, the bad, the beautiful, and well, quite frankly, it’s just makes the ugly; bad hair days! For the most part, when there just isn’t a thing to do with your hair, you could always throw it up in a bun, wrap it in a scarf, or even hide it under a baseball cap. But when you’re a WWE Diva or a TNA Knockout, there’s just no exception to those inexcusable mane events!

Join me as I countdown the Top Ten Worst Hairstyles in the world of WWE and TNA. From Divas To Knockouts, this is a Top Ten list you wouldn’t want to be apart of. In an extended version of Diva-Dirt.Com’s Project Diva, I’ll be ranking fahion: the best and the worst! So who will be in our mane event? Can you take a guess… think you know who it is? Well, join me, shall you, and let’s talk hair…

#10 – Mickie “Don’t Call Me Melina” James – Now face this; when Mickie James made her debut, a whole load of us had to do a double take. Was that Melina that just attacked Victoria, coming to the aid of Trish Stratus? The comparisons seem to have been endless on the Internet, which only added further flames to the fire in a much publicized backstage feud between the two. Ah, the good ole days when Melina’s Internet ignorance got the best of her with a shoot blog… and Mickie’s graphic Arby’s photoshoot first surfaced. Good times, I’m telling ya. So which side did you belong to? Team Mickie or Team Melina. Regardless of your preference, caught in-between was the thought: “That’s the best she could do with hair… DEBUT night?!” She has since come so far and has done so much… but I’m still thinkin’ Arby’s.

#09 – Awesome King Kong Braids – How do I even begin with this one? I get that Kong is supposed to be some ‘monster’ wrestler and the biggest threat to Women’s Wrestling, but really? With hair like that? To me, she’s just a seemingly robust woman with a speech impediment, and a really bad case of the braids – yeah, TNA means nothing to me, I don’t watch it. A shout out to all of our Clueless fans; remember when Dionne found that strand of “cheap polyester hair” in the back of Murray’s car… yep, looks like Kong gets her ‘hair did’ with the same slut. There’s nothing intimidating about braids, in fact, nothing good about braids either – NOTHING. Kong should grow out a fro ala Macy Gray, then she’d have the rest of us running like hell like we’re in pursuit of hair relaxer. Yikes!

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Diva Dirt Launches Year-End Awards

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Diva Dirt is proud to announce the launch of our first annual Year-End Awards, celebrating the very best in all things Diva! You, the readers, will make all the choices by voting for your favourite Divas and Knockouts to determine who wins what! Who will win Diva of the Year and Knockout of the Year? Which match will be crowned Match of the Year?

Voting begins on December 1st, but before then we need to finalise our nominees and we’re giving you an opportunity to get involved too with your suggestions! Each category (except Diva and Knockout of the Year awards) will feature 4-5 nominees. We want your help to suggest what you think should make the shortlist. Keep reading below for all our categories and how you can have your say!

THE BIG FOUR
Diva of the Year
There are over a dozen Divas on the current WWE roster, who will you crown as the Diva of the Year?

Knockout of the Year
2008 has seen many Knockouts come and go, but who has that special something?

Match of the Year
As WWE will tell you, there’s no off-season in wrestling – just think of all the match possibilities that could win Match of the Year!

Brand of the Year
Raw, SmackDown, ECW, FCW and TNA – which brand puts on the best women’s action?

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SmackDown Watch: November 7, 2008

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SmackDown really delivered a great night of Diva action for this week’s show. Brie Bella facing off against Victoria plus a backstage segment with Eve, Michelle and Maria. Check it out below!

And allow me to take a second to gush over how gorgeous Michelle looked this week! I loved her hair!


EVE, MICHELLE & MARIA BACKSTAGE


BRIE BELLA VS VICTORIA

Gail Kim Signs With WWE?

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Earlier in the week we reported that Gail Kim was backstage at Monday Night Raw this week, but latest reports are suggesting that Gail was introduced to the roster in a meeting as the newest addition to the Divas. This would obviously mean that Gail has signed, sealed and delivered her contract with WWE!

I’m really hoping this is true, but for now I’m treating it as a rumour. Speculate as you will…

EDIT: PWInsider is now reporting that Gail has signed with WWE and was backstage at Raw. If you ask me, PWInsider is the most trustworthy news site out there and I for one trust them as a reputable source. Thus I am as good as sold.

Divas Championship Next Week on SmackDown

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The Divas Championship match between Michelle McCool and Maria has been announced for next week on Friday Night SmackDown. Maria won an opportunity to face the Divas Champ a few weeks ago on the show by winning a Las Vegas Pole Match. I assumed the match would take place at Survivor Series, but apparently not.

Layla Gets Some Ring Time!

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Regular readers of Diva Dirt will know that we are huge advocates of gorgeous Raw Diva, Layla. Sure she may be a by-product of the Diva Search, sure she may not be a conventionally trained wrestler – but we just can’t help but love her! So allow me to gush over the fact that London’s finest is finally getting some ring time, something she hasn’t really had an opportunity to do since joining Raw during the Draft in June.

At a house show earlier today in Milan, Italy, Layla teamed up with Beth Phoenix to take on Mickie James and Kelly Kelly, albeit in a losing effort.

While on ECW, Layla was making strides earlier in the year, putting on some great matches on SmackDown with some exceptionally good matches with Michelle McCool. But since joining Raw, Layla has been involved in about three matches and those ‘good ole days’ seem a lifetime ago. I’m really hoping this is the start of Layla appearing in matches more often, she is a great raw talent that WWE could really capitalise on. I truly feel that she has the makings of an amazing Diva in future.

I Don’t Mean to Scare You, But There’s Spider on Your Hand

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It seems like WWE.com can’t get enough of the “widow” variants, because Victoria sure loves her spiders – so much so that in her new photoshoot, “Silver Widow” she’s wearing a nice big sparkly one on her finger! It compliments her “black widow” persona pretty well, but I think the web necklace was a bit overkill. But hey, it sort of works, as does the *gasp* leggings! I normally hate the pants-less look, but the fact that they’re in red kind of changes my mind. It’s weird, because I look at her ensemble and I’m sure I wouldn’t like any of it by itself, but put together, Victoria makes it work. Hey, you have to give credit to a girl that can match her pants to her hair.. Okay so maybe you don’t, but in this situation, it doesn’t hurt.

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TNA Shuts Down Kong Pay Rise Request

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She may have been awarded the TNA Knockouts Championship recently, but Awesome Kong also received something a little less pleasant from TNA management – a telling off. Kong was put in her place by management when she requested a pay rise in the terms of her new contract, after her previous year-long contract expired in October.

Many of the Knockouts signed their deals in October 2007 when TNA launched it’s women’s division, the girls were signed to one year contracts. It’s no secret that the Knockouts are likely the least well-paid stars in TNA, with the company’s top Knockout at the time, Gail Kim, earning less than $100,000 a year.

You’d think that an actual ratings draw like our Knockouts would be able to command more money, but nope – not in TNA! TNA is in a very precarious position that I don’t think that they or any other wrestling company wants to be in: women as your top ratings draw. Good for us, because we love Divas and Knockouts but not good in the world of this male-dominated sport. WWE can justify paying it’s Divas less as the stars they book as top-tier talent are top-tier talent and draw higher ratings than the Divas. However that role is reversed in TNA with stars like Kurt Angle and Sting drawing less than the likes of Kong and the Beautiful People. Obviously the Knockouts are what the TNA viewers want to see and it’s time that they realised that rather than use this old school mentality that men are the draws when they are obviously not in TNA’s case. If I were a Knockout, I’d round up the others and stage a coup… just saying.

The Beauty and the Beast

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11

Okay, so maybe that title’s a bit harsh, but Maria‘s new photoshoot “Electric Purple” is quite perplexing. In some of the photos, she looks great, while in others it’s quite another story. However, on the whole, her look is very tacky. I mean, a lacy purple dress and sparkly butterfly pendant? For someone who rests on the “fashionista” label so much, it leaves much to be desired. Heck, maybe with the wild hair and crazy faces, she’s going for a lioness look. But until lions start wearing black lace, I’ll assume that one’s a “no”.

[poll id=”216″]

SmackDown Spoilers: November 7, 2008

Melanie
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40

Check out spoilers for Friday night’s edition of SmackDown below:

Brie Bella def. Victoria. After the match, Victoria and Natalya try and grab her before she can go under the ring and end up pulling out both twins. The Bella Twins then clear the ring of Victoria and Natalya.

Michelle McCool is backstage with Eve. Eve asks Michelle to train her, Michelle says you gotta have heart and also she says Maria is stupid behind her back. Eve says “I thought you two were friends?” Then Maria walks up and they fake hug.

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