The Anti-Diva Army Moves To NXT

It was only a matter of time, really…

Paige and Sofia Cortez made their debut on WWE’s NXT show as part of its first evening of tapings at Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL last night. They appear in the third taping, but for those of you who don’t want to know what happens, we won’t tell you.

We welcome this advancement for the self-titled Anti Diva Army, as both the former Britani Knight and Juliet the Huntress are the best female wrestlers on Florida Championship Wrestling‘s roster. 24-year old Cortez was the first of the pair to arrive in FCW, having been on last year’s revival of Tough Enough under her real name of Ivelisse Velez, but was cut from the competition on the May 10 episode after injuring her leg. Despite being the most talented of the female contestants, she was the last of the TE women to be offered a WWE developmental deal following Ariane Andrew (now Cameron Lynn, one of Brodus Clay‘s dancers) and Christina Crawford (now Caylee Turner, who had a developmental contract before auditioning for TE anyway). Debuting as Sofia Cortez on November 11 last year and first appearing on TV on the Christmas Day episode, things ambled along, with Sofia forming a partnership with Raquel Diaz – but then Paige rocked up.

Joining FCW in early January, the 19-year old left the UK and reported to FCW in Tampa, FL, debuting under her real name of Saraya mere days after her arrival in the country, though that moniker was altered to Paige for her TV debut on February 26 in a backstage segment with Seth Rollins. Proclaiming herself an “Anti-Diva” due to her unwillingness to be glamourous or even getting a tan like the other women, Paige was strikingly different to your perception of a Diva, and it made her stand out from the pack. An on-screen (and off-screen) friendship with Cortez followed, and the two started to gather some momentum as a team, leading to where we are today – the Sofia Cortez and Paige on the rebooted NXT, just five months and three months respectively following their first TV appearances. Impressive, to say the least.

How their match will be received by the audience at Full Sail is still up in the air, as it came in the third taping of the evening. As a consequence, the crowd may have been weary from seeing a large number of matches involving a number of wrestlers who have not had much TV exposure, as a number of FCW wrestlers appeared on the show. Also, the show can still only be seen online in the US at the moment, as has been the case since NXT left the SyFy network in September 2010 – though the programme is still show on TV in other countries. So domestically, it’s not the perfect situation – but no doubt, it’s an opportunity that has been extended to Paige and Sofia, and we will see in a few weeks when the show is broadcast if they capitalised on it.

WSU Updates

WSU has released the full line-up for its upcoming Uncensored Rumble show. Plus, there’s more news, including a statement on promoter Sean McCaffrey’s departure from the company.

Read below:

- Happy Memorial Day

 

- WSU Returns June 16th Live on IPPV with The Uncensored Rumble V; Pre-Order the iPPV today at: http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Wrestling/WSU_Presents_Uncensored_Rumble_V/1540

 

- WIN $250 From WSUVideo.com

 

- BUY ONE GET ONE FREE SALE

- Message from WSU Promoter & Update on Why He Is Selling & Leaving

- Best of Jessicka Havok DVD Pre-Order Info

- WSU To Ship J-Cup & YOLO This Week

——–

We apologize in advance for this long update. We hope you can read all of it. There has been a lot going in WSU lately and this update will give you all the information on all the recent happenings in the company.

 

—

 

Before getting into the WSU news, WSU would like to wish everyone a Happy Memorial Day and would like to thank everyone who has served to protect our freedoms in this country. Sometimes we get wrapped up into thinking this holiday is just a three day weekend, but we would like to take time out to thank and appreciate all our service men and women.

 

—-

 

WSU Returns Live on June 16th, at the NYWC Sportatorium for the Uncensored Rumble V iPPV Event, courtesy of GoFightLive. You can already pre-order this iPPV and test your stream at:

http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Wrestling/WSU_Presents_Uncensored_Rumble_V/1540

Tickets are already on sale at WSUVideo.com.

WSU presents Uncensored Rumble V Live on IPPV

Saturday June 16, 2012

Meet & Greet: 4:00 PM Belltime: 7:00 PM

Live iPPV: 7:00 PM @ GFL.TV

Order today at: http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Wrestling/WSU_Presents_Uncensored_Rumble_V/1540

Live from the NYWC Sportatorium

435-13 Brook Avenue

Deer Park, New York 11729

MATCHES ANNOUNCED

MAIN EVENT

 

WSU World Title Match

Casket Match – A Career Goes To Die

 

(c) Jessicka Havok vs Mercedes Martinez

Uncensored Rules

 

WSU Tag Champion Sassy Stephanie vs J-Cup 2012 Winner Brittney Savage

Grudge Match

 

Alicia vs Lexus

Uncensored Rumble Match

 

A 25 Woman Battle Royal Where the Winner Becomes the Number 1 Contender to WSU World Championship

Terra Callaway vs WSU Tag Champion Allisyn Kay

NCW Title Match

 

(c) Kalamity vs Sweet Cherrie

Tina San Antonio vs Annie Social

Leva Bates vs Lufisto

8-Woman Elimination Tag

 

The first person eliminated in this match will enter the Uncensored Rumble at the #1 Position

The person who scores the winning fall for their team will enter the Uncensored Rumble last

Jenny Rose & Jessie Brooks & Jana & Latasha vs Jennifer Cruz & Ezavel Suena & Nikki Syx & Cherry Bomb

ALSO APPEARING: Kimber Lee, Marti Belle, Cindy Rogers, Commissioner Pryme Tyme Amy Lee, Destiny, Rain & Many More!!!

As always, we will hold a two hour meet & greet with all the stars of WSU before the event.

——

WSU put up a ton of free videos on our YouTube Page. You can check out all the videos at: http://www.youtube.com/user/wsuwomenswrestling

____

As part of the Uncensored Rumble event, WSUVideo.com is going to give away $250 to one lucky fan. All you have to is simply attend the show or buy the show on iPPV.

For complete details of this offer and how to win, please visit:

http://www.declarationofindependents.net/wsu/news/wsuvideo250.html

——

To help bring attention to the Uncensored Rumble Event, WSUVideo.com is now holding a special BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE Memorial Day Week Sale, starting today May 28th, and expiring on June 2nd, 2012. This sale includes every DVD in the WSU library except for J-CUP 2012, YOLO & Best of Jessicka Havok. To make an order, simply email us at BULLSMC@aol.com with a list of DVDs you want for a price quote. Or, simply order the DVDs you’d like to pay for through WSUVIDEO.com and in the NOTES section fill out what DVDs you would like for free. Any ?’s please contact us.
—-

 

WSU has recently cleaned up our offices and found event posters from every WSU show autographed by everyone on the show. WSU are selling the posters for $10 each or 3 for $25. For product availability, please email us.

—–

For the last several weeks, WSU Promoter Sean McCaffrey has said he will be leaving WSU after June 16th to deal with personal matters. Sean has recently posted a letter on WSUWrestling.com to all the fans and supporters of WSU. In this letter, it is explained why he is leaving, the sale of the company, the future & much more. Please take time to read the letter, as many inside things are addressed. You can read the letter here:

http://www.declarationofindependents.net/wsu/news/newbegin.html

 

—–

WSU is proud to announce that we now have “The Best of Jessicka Havok in WSU” DVD now available to pre-order at WSUVideo.com for only $9.99!!!
To pre-order this DVD, visit:

http://www.declarationofindependents.net/doistore/2012/jhavbestof.html

Here is the item information:

 

MATCH ONE

 

A Sample Of What Was To Come

WSU WORLD TITLE MATCH

(c) Mercedes Martinez vs Hailey Hatred vs Jessicka Havok

8/21/09

MATCH TWO

 

First Taste of Gold

WSU Tag Team Title Match

(c) Alicia & Brittney Savage vs Jessicka Havok & Hailey Hatred 8/22/09

MATCH THREE

 

The Return

8 Woman Elimination Match

Jessicka Havok & Lexus & Amber & Rick Cataldo vs Sassy Stephanie & Tina San Antonio & Marti Belle & Latasha

6/26/10

MATCH FOUR

 

Star On The Rise

Uncensored Rules

Jessicka Havok vs Amy Lee

11/6/10

MATCH FIVE

 

Unstoppable

Jessicka Havok vs ODB

11/6/10

MATCH SIX

 

Taking Out Rain’s Army

Jessicka Havok vs Nikki Roxx

1/22/11

MATCH SEVEN

 

Rain Falls

Jessicka Havok vs Rain

3/5/11

MATCH EIGHT

 

Match of the Year

Jessicka Havok vs Alicia II

6/25/11

MATCH NINE

 

Spirit Champ

WSU Spirit Championship Match

Jessicka Havok vs (c) Rain

9/24/11

MATCH TEN

 

Realizing a Dream

WSU World Title Match

Jessicka Havok vs (c) Mercedes Martinez

3/5/12

 

——

WSUvideo.com has released the two dvds filmed on 4/28, “J-Cup 2012 Tournament” & “Y.O.L.O”. Both DVDs are available for $15.00 each, but you can get both as part of the April WSU DVD package with the King & Queen 2012 tournament for $40.00 at WSUWrestling.com’s Deal of the Week

For complete match listings, DVD Cover Art and DVD information visit WSUVideo.com or visit these links directly:

 

1. J-Cup 2012 DVD: http://www.declarationofindependents.net/doistore/2012/womensjcup12.html
2. Y.O.L.O. DVD: http://www.declarationofindependents.net/doistore/2012/yolo.html
3. King & Queen 2012 DVD: http://www.declarationofindependents.net/doistore/2012/kingandqueen12.html

It is through DVD sales that WSU is able to operate and we thank all our fans for their support.

——

WSUVIDEO.com has released many new DVDS recently. We are proud to announce that the Mercedes Martinez shoot interview is now shipping!!!

These new titles include:

• WSU J-Cup 2012 Tournament
• WSU Presents Y.O.L.O
• WSU King & Queen 2012 Tournament
• WSU 5 Year Anniversary Show iPPV DELUXE VERSION (Includes never before seen backstage footage and all the videos from Havok/Martinez leading to this event)
• WSU Hall of Fame Class of 2012: Dixie Carter, Georgianne Makropolous, Jana & Cindy Rogers are all honored
• SHOOT INTERVIEW with Mercedes Martinez
• SHOOT INTERVIEW with Becky Bayless
• Best of Mercedes Martinez Volume 2
• Alicia & Brittney Savage FACE 2 FACE Shoot Interview
• Blitzkreig
• Best of Traci Brooks in WSU

Check out these titles and all the other titles at WSUVIDEO.com

 

—

 

For more on WSU, visit the following sites:

1. WSU's Online Home: http://www.WSUWrestling.com
2. To buy WSU DVDs: http://www.WSUVideo.com
3. Official Facebook page: http://www.Facebook.com/wsuwrestling
4. Official Twitter page: http://www.Twitter.com/wsuwrestling
5. YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/wsuwomenswrestling

Thank you for taking time out to read and spread the word.

Brooke Hogan's Plans For The Knockouts

New executive of the Knockouts division, Brooke Hogan, who makes her debut tonight on Impact Wrestling, has spoken about her debut to Busted Open.

The daughter of Hulk Hogan revealed that the Knockouts division will be “more real”, with personal issues being brought to the forefront.

She says:

"I think everyone is forgetting that they have a story and they have drama in their lives. What I admire so much about TNA is right now fans think that they know wrestling. They are like “oh everything is set up, all the storylines, all the plans, it’s a soap opera for men.” And its true, that’s been happening for years in the wrestling business. What TNA is doing now is, and they couldn’t do it without whats really going on right now, these girls, they all actually have drama happening. There are people that are divorced, both working for TNA, dating other people. There is craziness going on. What’s great about TNA is that they are going back to real life and these matches are going to be between people who really have something to fight out. If they want to hurt each other, that’s their thing. But as far as I’m concerned we are making this more real. That’s why I’m coming in. There are personal issues behind closed doors that we need to resolve."

Brooke also adds that she feels Velvet Sky could be the “next big thing” in the Knockouts division:

"I think Velvet Sky is incredible. I think she is really, really good. ODB I think has already made a name for herself. I think she is self-sufficient. She has her little gimmick. She is a little raunchy. That’s what I love about her. But if you met Velvet in person, she is the sweetest, sweetest person. So polite. Such a sweetheart. That girl works so hard. She is dieting and training. She is wrestling in the ring even when they are not taping or filming. She is just working her butt off. I really think she deserves a push. I think she could be the next big thing in the Knockouts division."

You can listen to Busted Open on Sirius 94/XM 208.

Thoughts: Interesting comments. Does this mean more, ‘You stole my boyfriend’ type storylines?

First Names Revealed For SHINE Wrestling

The first names and poster have been revealed for new promotion SHINE Wrestling which debuts on Internet pay per view July 20th in Florida.

The promotion will be a sister promotion to SHIMMER and run regular shows on iPPV via WWNLive.com.

The first names announced include Reby Sky, best known for Lucha Libre USA and as Matt Hardy’s girlfriend; Sara Del Rey, the first ever SHIMMER Champion, current SHIMMER Tag Team Champion and CHIKARA regular; and finally, Santana Garrett, a Florida local who briefly appeared on TNA television with Orlando Jordan.

A couple of weeks ago, it was revealed that a psuedo-SHIMMER off-shoot promotion would be setting up in Florida, run by former FIP promoter (and longtime SHIMMER DVD editor) Sal Hamaoui, as well as former SHIMMER stars Lexie Fyfe and Daffney, and would be shown on iPPV. Since then, we have been told that the promotion will be called SHINE Wrestling (which lends itself to the SHIMMER and SPARKLE format), with the shows taking place at the Orpheum in Ybor City, FL, with the first one taking place on Friday, July 20. However, SHINE released its poster for the first show (entitled SHINE 1) which you can see to your right – and it features a combination of the familiar and not-so-familiar to SHIMMER fans.

The image features former SHIMMER Champion and current Tag Team Titleholder Sara Del Rey in the centre – understandable really, as it adds a sense of consistency with the SHIMMER roster, and she is a critical element of the promotion’s success, so it makes total sense to have her on board from the beginning. In addition, she is a safe pair of hands, is reliable, driven and is a source of inspiration to many other grapplers.

To her left is two-year pro Reby Sky, originally known as the girlfriend of Matt Hardy, but is also making a name for herself in promotions across the US. The former Playboy model and professional dancer is gaining traction as a wrestler, having made the biggest impact as part of Lucha Libre USA, as well as branching out to NWA Mid Atlantic, Pro Wrestling Syndicate and recently made her debut at Crossfire Entertainment where she fell to Jessicka Havok. The 25-year old New Yorker seems keen to travel anywhere and work with anyone to forward her wrestling career, which is very admirable. Some would expect a model with a famous wrestler boyfriend to rest on her laurels and try to get by on her name and contacts, but Sky looks like she wants to contribute, work hard and better herself. You really can’t ask any more than that from someone.

Rounding out the trio is Santana Garrett, who has been wrestling for three years and has recently been embroiled in a series of singles and mixed tag team matches against Christina Von Eerie around Florida and Illinois. The 24-year old was briefly a part of TNA as one of Orlando Jordan‘s entourage, and has won the Coastal Championship Wrestling Women’s Title on two occasions. Like with other names such as Von Eerie, Kimberly and Leva Bates, Santana is a regular on the indie scene in Florida, and is perfectly placed for the debut of SHINE.

No doubt, more names will be added as the show dates draws nearer (which you can keep up with on the promotion’s Facebook and Twitter.

More details on the promotion here.

More news will be posted as it becomes available.

TNA Files Lawsuit Against WWE

TNA filed a lawsuit against WWE in Nashville yesterday, it’s reported.

Nashville City Paper reports that an injunction was filed yesterday alleging that a former TNA employee, Brian Wittenstein, who went on to work for WWE earlier this year, supplied the company with “confidential information and trade secrets”.

WWE informed TNA that Wittenstein had been divulging said trade secrets on May 7th. He was fired by WWE.

The information allegedly offered up included details on wrestlers’ contracts. TNA claims that the company is now trying to poach TNA talent with this information, citing Ric Flair as an example. The Hall of Famer reportedly tried to end his deal with TNA two days later, they claim, in order to return to WWE.

In the lawsuit, TNA states: “This wrongful disclosure and misappropriation allows WWE to effectively price TNA out of the market and cause irreparable harm to TNA’s business and profitability. WWE now knows the confidential details of TNA’s business affairs including its marketing and business strategy and analysis, which leaves TNA vulnerable to WWE’s unfair position in the market.”

“In order to injure TNA and gain a competitive advantage, WWE intentionally interfered with TNA’s contractual relationship with Ric Flair and maliciously used the trade secrets and confidential information provided by Wittenstein to approach Ric Flair.”

WWE’s lawyer, Jerry McDevitt, responded: “Our reaction is that no good deed ever goes unpunished. What the WWE did here is what you would hope any company would do in these circumstances it found itself in.”

More on this story here.

Thoughts: Though not specifically female-related, a very interesting story to keep track of given the parties involved. Who doesn’t love a good courtroom drama?

Melina- Mickie Fued Abruptly Cut

The much anticipated rivalry renewal between Melina and Mickie James is off.

The former Diva rivals were scheduled to face off for the first time since their respective WWE departures at WWC’S Anniversario show in Puerto Rico. However, for reasons undisclosed, James seems to have been pulled from the line-up.

Melina is being advertised to face James’ fellow TNA Knockout Velvet Sky at the event which takes place on June 30th at the Ruben Rodriguez Coliseum in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

Velvet and Melina did battle for the first time back in March.

New Women's Promotion Debuting In July

In what seems to be confirmation of a rumor currently going around, PWInsider is reporting that SHIMMER Women Athletes founder Dave Prazak will be teaming up with Full Impact Pro Wrestling’s founder and owner, Sal Hamaoui, to debut a brand new women’s promotion on July 20 in Ybor City, Florida. The promotion will apparently act as a sister promotion to Prazak’s SHIMMER promotion.

With SHIMMER only taping DVDs two or three weekends in a year, their plan is to run monthly shows in between the SHIMMER tapings, which will bridge the gap between shows, and allow their talent to get more work in the process. It will also serve as a place to newer talent to attempt to get their name out there. The company is currently assembling their talent roster and they have signed an exclusive deal with the venue they will be running.

It’s being reported that Lexie Fyfe and Daffney – both former SHIMMER stars – have played their own roles in the creation of the company, with Fyfe acting as an agent and a liaison between SHIMMER and this new promotion, whereas Daffney will assist in securing talent and likely appear as part of a storyline.

That’s not all, though – Gabe Sapolsky (current vice president of Dragon Gate USA, owner of EVOLVE and former booker to ROH and FIP) will be involved in a supervisory/promotional role. PWInsider also reports that Florida Underground Wrestling promoter Dontay Brown will act as part of the senior management and will be in charge of promotions.

In addition to all that, all of the events will be streamed via iPPV on WWNLive.com.

Sal Hamaoui commented on the creation of the company by saying:

"I’ve been involved with SHIMMER from the very start and I’m very proud what Dave and everyone at SHIMMER have done to legitimize women’s pro wrestling. I’m extremely happy to be part of this expansion and very excited to be working with such a talented and driven group of exceptional people."

An official announcement, including the name of the group, is forthcoming.

Kelly Kelly And Layla Join Maxim Hot 100

WWE Divas Layla and Kelly Kelly are amongst the 100 hottest women of 2012, as ranked by Maxim magazine.

The Divas Champion, Layla, who received a high number of write-in votes, makes her Hot 100 debut at #95.

Meanwhile Kelly Kelly, who ranked at #82 last year, moves into the top half of the list at #38 this year.

Kelly covered Maxim magazine last year, also.


Elsewhere, former Diva Stacy Keibler — whose fame has shot up since last year’s list as the girlfriend of George Clooney — ranks at #51.

Layla Pushes Beth Over Her Limit

The Divas Championship remains firmly around the waist of Layla, proving her mettle in her first super competitive match since returning from a serious ACL and MCL injury.

Layla and Beth Phoenix battled in a solid match with the Glamazon paying particular focus to Layla’s injured knee. The Divas Champ took her licks, but ultimately managed to take the victory with her patented Lay-Out neckbreaker.

The match is the first time since her return that Layla has had to perform in a highly competitive match and looked as though she hadn’t skipped a beat in the ring.

Kharma did not make an appearance as many hoped she would, but Layla and Beth Phoenix put on a pretty good match.

Beth targeted Layla's knee, which Layla sold well (either that or it really hurt). Layla showed off some athletic moves herself and ended up hitting a Neck Breaker for the win.

It was longer than your typical diva's match, showcasing two of the best women the WWE has. Hopefully the division can build off this and start rebuilding.

Brooke Hogan: New Knockouts Exec

TNA has announced that Hulk Hogan’s daughter Brooke Hogan will join Impact Wrestling beginning the May 31st episode taking over the executive role previously held by Karen Jarrett.

Brooke will serve as the executive in charge of the Knockouts division.

TNA President Dixie Carter said: “I have really gotten to know Brooke by working with her on her music career this past year and a half. When we did talk wrestling, I not only loved her passion and knowledge of it, but the fresh, creative ideas she would come up with. She is very savvy. I asked if she would consider teaming up with me in this capacity while she also worked on her music, and I was thrilled when she said ‘yes.’ A big personality runs in her genes, obviously, and I know she is going to take an already exciting division of Impact Wrestling to another level.”

Brooke’s debut coincides with Impact going live in a new time slot of 8pm ET from May 31st.

RAW Expanding, Impact Going Live

WWE announced at today’s USA Network upfront presentations that Monday Night Raw will be expanding to three hours on a permanent basis from July 23rd.

The move means that Raw will now start at 8pm ET every week.

Will this mean more time and storyline development for the Divas? Fingers crossed.

Elsewhere, TNA and Spike TV announced that Impact Wrestling will be going live on a weekly basis through the summer beginning May 31st, the same night the show moves to a new time slot of 8pm ET.

Gail Kim Breaks The Record!

Knockouts Champion Gail Kim has officially broken the record for single longest Knockouts Championship reign.

Marking 190 days as champion today, Gail surpasses Madison Rayne‘s 188 day reign to take the crown for single longest title reign.

Kim returned to TNA after three years in WWE last October, quickly winning the Knockouts Title in her very first pay per view match at November’s Turning Point pay per view, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Awesome Kong — Kharma in WWE — still holds the record for longest reigning champion in history; her two title reigns rank at a combined 347 days. Madison Rayne comes second, logging 299 days as champion over three title reigns. Kim now ranks third with 275 days as champion between her first title reign in 2007 and her current reign.

Kim was, of course, the very first Knockouts Champion.

In hindsight, it seems quitting WWE and returning to TNA was the right choice indeed.

Layla And Beth Go Over The Limit!

WWE has announced via its website that Divas Champion Layla will defend the belt against Beth Phoenix, who just a couple of weeks ago held the title.

Beth never did cash in her rematch against Nikki Bella, the Diva she lost the belt to, so it certainly makes sense for her to cash in her shot against the new champion.

The storyline between the pair started via WWE.com with Beth commenting on Layla’s return. She said: “I’m going to bust her other knee, and make sure that she goes away and never comes back. She has no idea what she has gotten herself into."

Layla made her return after nearly year of absence at Extreme Rules, winning the Divas Title in her first match back.

Layla's triumphant Extreme Rules return

Layla was out of action with a torn ACL and MCL. Coincidentally, a year before Layla’s injury, Beth suffered an ACL tear, also.

Tessmacher Gets Her Title Shot!

It’s official: Brooke Tessmacher, who has been on a hot streak lately with consecutive victories in various types of matches over Gail Kim, will get a title shot against the champion tomorrow at Sacrifice.

Brooke has been very impressive since becoming a full-fledged wrestler on Impact Wrestling last year. Best known as one half of former Knockouts Tag Team Champions TNT with Tara, the question is how will Brooke fare in her first big singles push? So far, the former WWE Diva has picked up three victories over Gail in tag team and singles action over the past three weeks on Impact Wrestling, but when it comes to the big pay per view match for the title, will she be able to hold her own?

Sacrifice airs on pay per view on Sunday, May 13th.