I guess we knew it was eventual but it really does sadden me to report that SmackDown Diva, Victoria, is planning her retirement. According to PWInsider’s Mike Johnson, the news has been making rounds backstage at WWE and has been a major talking point among the stars. Apparently, Victoria may have handed in her notice around the time of Survivor Series which took place last month.
Victoria has been on the main WWE roster since 2002, but under contract since 2000. In that time she has won the Women’s Championship twice, competed at WrestleMania, competed in the first ever Divas steel cage match among other highlights. In 2007, she was drafted to SmackDown and is one of the founders of SmackDown’s Divas division. In recent years, Victoria has become more of an enhancement talent as opposed to pushed on her own merit though she has enjoyed a more active television role since joining the blue brand. Currently, she’s a run-in buddy to Natalya.
Looks like 2009 just got off to a bleaker start. SmackDown’s women’s division is undergoing some upheaval at the moment, I guess this could be another reason why Michelle McCool is turning heel, I’ve wondered why they would turn her heel when there were already three strong heel Divas. With Natalya possibly moving onto become part of the new generation Hart Foundation – now called ‘The Foundation’ – I guess there isn’t a lot tying Victoria down on SmackDown. I had hoped she’d have a feud with Gail Kim upon her comeback to WWE, she too, will be part of SmackDown but it seems like that may not happen.
As the oldest Diva on the roster, retirement had to be on Victoria’s mind and I’d rather she leave on her own accord than be released somewhere down the line. Victoria marks the last of the golden age of Divas (Lilian doesn’t count), after Torrie Wilson retired earlier this year. With her gone, the last trace of that era will be gone too.
