A diva (, ) is a celebrated female singer. The term is used to describe a woman of outstanding talent in the world of opera, and, by extension, in theatre, cinema and popular music. The meaning of ''diva'' is closely related to that of "prima donna".

The word entered the English language in the late 19th century. It is derived from the Italian noun ''diva'', a female deity. The plural of the word in English is "divas"; in Italian, ''dive'' . The basic sense of the term is "goddess", the feminine of the Latin word ''divus'' (Italian ''divo''), someone deified after death, or Latin ''deus'', a god. The word is derived from and is related to the Hindu term "Devi" meaning goddess (masculine "Deva" meaning god) which in turn is derived from the ancient Sanskrit language, one of the earliest Indo-European languages; it is also related to the Zoroastrian concept of the ''Daevas''.

The male form ''divo'' exists in Italian and is usually reserved for the most prominent leading tenors, like Enrico Caruso and Beniamino Gigli. The Italian term ''divismo'' describes the star-making system in the film industry.

An extravagant admiration for divas is a common element of camp culture. In contemporary US slang usage, the term "diva" may be used to signify the female version of a "hustla", exemplified by Beyoncé's 2009 song "Diva".

See also

School diva

References

External links

DivasTheSite.com Opera Divas Page

"Who'd be an Opera diva?" by John Crace, ''The Guardian'', 4 February 2006, accessed 17 August 2008

Category:Musical terminology Category:Opera terminology Category:Italian loanwords Category:Narcissism

ca:Diva da:Diva de:Diva es:Diva fr:Diva (musique classique) he:דיווה ms:Diva nl:Diva (ster) no:Diva ro:Divă ru:Дива fi:Diiva sv:Diva th:ดีวา vi:Diva

Coordinates	41°52′55″N87°37′40″N
Name	Michelle McCool
Names	Michelle McCool
Other names	Michelle McCool
Height
Weight
Birth date	January 25, 1980
Birth place	Palatka, Florida
Resides	Austin, Texas
Billed	Palatka, Florida
Retired	May 1, 2011
Trainer	Deep South WrestlingOhio Valley Wrestling
Debut	November 18, 2004

Michelle Leigh McCool (born January 25, 1980), is a retired American professional wrestler who is best known for her time in WWE. McCool originally worked as a middle school teacher in Palatka, Florida. She joined WWE in 2004 after participating in the 2004 WWE Diva Search. In her initial on-screen role, she acted primarily as a personal trainer and occasional wrestler. She also acted as the manager to the team of K. C. James and Idol Stevens, collectively known as The Teacher's Pets, in 2006 after changing her on-screen character to that of a teacher. At The Great American Bash in 2008, she became the inaugural WWE Divas Champion, holding the title for approximately five months. She then won the WWE Women's Championship at The Bash in 2009, becoming the first female wrestler to have held both titles. At Night of Champions in 2010, she unified both titles becoming the first WWE Unified Divas Champion. She has held both titles on two occasions which makes her a four-time champion overall.

World Wrestling Entertainment (2004-2011)

Diva Search and training (2004–2006)

McCool first came to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) as a competitor in the 2004 WWE Diva Search, losing to Christy Hemme. Although she was eliminated, WWE signed her to a three year deal in November. Despite not winning the contest, she later debuted on ''SmackDown!'' as a fan favorite with a "Personal Trainer" gimmick. She wrestled in her first ''SmackDown!'' match, teaming with The Big Show to defeat Dawn Marie and René Duprée on March 3, 2005. A few months later, McCool became a part of the feud between MNM and Heidenreich when she defended Heidenreich against MNM's manager Melina's verbal attacks. In a match on June 30, Melina defeated McCool by pinning her with the illegal aid of the ring ropes as leverage. After the match, MNM performed their finisher, the Snapshot, on McCool.

McCool was then sent to WWE's developmental facility, Deep South Wrestling (DSW), where she wrestled, performed interviews, hosted segments, and provided color commentary. While in DSW, she was hospitalized after having an allergic reaction to a prescribed medication and was temporarily sidelined to recover. Eventually, she started to train in WWE's other developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). While in OVW, she began managing the duo of Amish Roadkill and K.C. James.

Debut and The Teacher's Pets (2006–2007)

She returned to ''SmackDown!'' on June 2, 2006, this time working as a villainous character with a "sexy teacher" gimmick, pulling on her real life experiences. Upon her arrival, she aligned with Kristal Marshall to feud with Jillian Hall and Ashley Massaro. This feud led to a Fatal Four-Way Bra and Panties match at The Great American Bash, which Massaro won. She won her first singles match on the July 28 edition of ''SmackDown!'', defeating Hall by illegally using the ropes as leverage. Soon after, she began acting as valet for the team of K. C. James and Idol Stevens, who, because of her association with them, were nicknamed The Teacher's Pets. The trio began feuding with Paul London and Brian Kendrick, and their valet Massaro, for the WWE Tag Team Championship, but never won the title. The feud ended when London and Kendrick won a match against them at No Mercy in October. On November 28, McCool was hospitalized with an enlarged kidney, a broken sternum, and an electrolyte imbalance.¹ She was released from the hospital on December 2.

All–American Diva; Divas Champion (2007–2008)

McCool returned on the March 30, 2007 edition of ''SmackDown!'', where she participated in a 10-Diva tag team match with Victoria, the former WWE Women's Champion, Melina Perez, Kristal Marshall, and Jillian Hall in a losing effort. On the April 13 edition of ''SmackDown!'', McCool became a face turn once again when she came to the aid of Ashley Massaro after she was attacked by Jillian Hall backstage. On the May 28 edition of ''Raw'', McCool won the Memorial Day Bikini Beach Splash Battle Royal by eliminating Melina. Subsequently, a series of matches took place between Victoria and McCool, including a Mixed Tag Team match where Victoria and Kenny Dykstra defeated McCool and Chuck Palumbo. McCool even made the save of Torrie Wilson who was attacked after a match against Victoria, on the August 10 edition of SmackDown. That would lead to the last match between the two, with Michelle getting the victory.

McCool then became caught in the middle of a feud between the villainous Jamie Noble and her on-screen friend Chuck Palumbo. After a series of matches between the men, Noble won a date with McCool by defeating Palumbo in a match. In the storyline, Palumbo accidentally elbowed McCool during a match, causing her to suffer a concussion. The partnership was dissolved when McCool refused to accept his apology. She then went on to compete in a series of contests with Victoria, Eve Torres, Maryse and Cherry to determine ''SmackDown!'''s top Diva, subsequently winning the title. At The Great American Bash on July 20, 2008, McCool defeated Natalya Neidhart to become the inaugural WWE Divas Champion.

Women's Champion; LayCool and departure (2009–2011)

On the December 25, 2008 episode of ''SmackDown!'', McCool lost the WWE Divas Championship to Maryse. After the match McCool blamed Maria, the special guest referee of the match, for her loss and attacked her, establishing herself as a heel. In the following weeks, McCool also attacked Eve Torres, resulting in Eve's debut match, which McCool won. McCool then defeated Gail Kim on the May 22 taping of ''SmackDown'' to become the number one contender for the WWE Women's Championship, which she would win a month later at The Bash by defeating Melina. She retained the championship against Melina during a rematch on July 26 at Night of Champions and also during a "Lumberjill" match on the October 2 edition of ''SmackDown''.

McCool then formed an alliance with Layla, and entered into a feud with Mickie James, which resulted in a five-on-five Elimination match at Survivor Series, which James' team won. James then became the number one contender for McCool's championship at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs, where McCool successfully retained the championship. However, McCool lost the WWE Women's Championship to James at the 2010 Royal Rumble, though she regained it on the February 26 edition of ''SmackDown'' when special guest referee Vickie Guerrero interfered, costing James the Championship. On the April 23 edition of ''SmackDown'', she and Layla attacked Beth Phoenix with a spray and table. The attack was a reference to the upcoming Extreme Makeover WWE Women's Championship match between McCool and Phoenix at the 2010 Extreme Rules, which McCool lost. On May 14, 2010, McCool and Layla faced the then-WWE Women's Champion Phoenix in a two–on–one handicap match, in which Layla pinned Phoenix and won the WWE Women's Championship.

On the July 20 edition of ''SmackDown'', McCool took the place of Layla in her WWE Women's Championship match against Tiffany, defeating her and retaining the title. At Night of Champions McCool defeated Melina to unify the WWE Women's Championship and the WWE Divas Championship, thus becoming the first ever WWE Unified Divas Champion. At Survivor Series on November 21, she lost the Divas Championship when Natalya defeated McCool and Layla in a two-on-one handicap match. At TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs, she and Layla were defeated in the first ever Divas tag team tables match by Natalya and Beth Phoenix. At WrestleMania XXVII on April 3, 2011, McCool, Layla and Dolph Ziggler (accompanied by Vickie Guerrero) lost to Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, Trish Stratus, and John Morrison in a 6-person mixed tag team match after Snooki pinned McCool.

On the April 8 edition of ''SmackDown'', LayCool began to fall out again after being defeated by Beth Phoenix and Kelly Kelly after McCool avoided being tagged in Layla, blaming a back injury. The next week, Layla lost to Kelly despite McCool's help. After the match, McCool scolded and shoved Layla. On the April 22 edition of ''SmackDown'', LayCool attended a couples therapy session. As Layla started to get emotional, McCool hugged her and apologized. When Layla went to thank the therapist, McCool attacked her, and as a result, LayCool had been disbanded. On April 25, during the 2011 WWE Draft on ''Raw'', Layla lost a match to Eve Torres and attacked McCool for costing her the match. On the April 29 edition of ''SmackDown'', McCool faced Layla in a singles match, ending in a double countout. Layla then challenged McCool to no disqualifications and no count outs match at Extreme Rules. McCool accepted under one condition, the Loser Leaves WWE. McCool lost the match at Extreme Rules, which forced her to leave WWE. After the match, she was attacked by the debuting Kharma.

Other media

During the week of November 5, 2007, she appeared on six episodes of ''Family Feud'' with several other WWE wrestlers and Divas. She also appeared on the February 6, 2008 episode of ''Project Runway'' with Maria Kanellis, Candice Michelle, Torrie Wilson, Kristal Marshall, and Layla El. On June 3, 2008, she appeared on ''the Best Damn Sports Show Period'' with John Cena. In addition, McCool appeared in the January 2009 edition of ''Muscle & Fitness'', along with Eve Torres and Maryse.

Personal life

Before and during high school, McCool played softball. She also played first base at Pasco-Hernando Community College. McCool later received her Master's degree in Educational leadership from Florida State University. Before becoming involved in professional wrestling, she taught seventh grade science for four years in Palatka, Florida. She also competed in National Physique Committee fitness contests. Both of her parents also work in education; her mother is a teacher and her father is a superintendent. She has an older brother who played football at the University of Cincinnati.

McCool was married to Jeremy Louis Alexander, whom she began dating in high school. The couple divorced in 2006. She married fellow wrestler Mark Calaway, also known as The Undertaker, on June 26, 2010 in Houston, Texas.

McCool is a Christian. Her wrestling outfits incorporate Christian crosses. She has had several wrestling-related injuries; in November 2007, she fractured her nose during an overseas WWE tour after Victoria's clothesline hit her in the face. She has been hospitalized twice, had two broken ribs, a broken sternum, and a broken xiphoid process. When she chose to leave the WWE, she mentioned that her foot had been injured for two months with a broken toe, torn joint capsules and a torn MCL.

In wrestling

Finishing moves

*''Simply Flawless'' (Big boot)

''Faith Breaker'' (Belly to back inverted mat slam)

''MADT – Make a Diva Tap'' (Heel hook)

''Wings of Love'' (Lifting double underhook sitout facebuster)

Signature moves

Baseball slide

Belly to belly suplex

European uppercut

Running corkscrew neckbreaker

Roundhouse kick

Russian legsweep floated over into a pin

*Spear

Managers

*Chuck Palumbo

*Vickie Guerrero

*Layla

Wrestlers managed

*Amish Roadkill

*Jon Heidenreich

*K.C. James and Idol Stevens

*Chuck Palumbo

*Jamie Noble

*Layla

*Kaval

Nicknames

*Mrs. McCool

*Ms. McCool

*"The All-American Diva"

*Mc-Cool

*The Flawless One

Entrance themes

"Move It Up" by Billy Lincoln " Bottle Pop" by Pussycat Dolls

"Not Enough for Me" by Jim Johnston

Championships and accomplishments

Pro Wrestling Illustrated

PWI ranked her #1 of the best 50 female singles wrestlers in the PWI Female 50 in 2010

PWI Woman of the Year (2010)

World Wrestling Entertainment

*WWE Divas Championship (2 times)

*WWE Women's Championship (2 times)

Slammy Award for Diva of the Year (2010)

Slammy Award for Knucklehead Moment of the Year (2010)

References

External links

WWE Alumni Profile

Category:1980 births Category:American Christians Category:American female professional wrestlers Category:American schoolteachers Category:Florida State University alumni Category:Living people Category:People from Putnam County, Florida Category:Professional wrestling managers and valets Category:WWE Diva Search contestants

ar:ميشيل مكول ca:Michelle McCool de:Michelle McCool es:Michelle McCool fr:Michelle McCool it:Michelle McCool nl:Michelle McCool ja:ミシェル・マクール pl:Michelle McCool pt:Michelle McCool ro:Michelle McCool ru:Маккул, Мишель simple:Michelle McCool fi:Michelle McCool th:มิเชล แมคคูล tr:Michelle McCool vi:Michelle McCool

Coordinates	41°52′55″N87°37′40″N
Name	Torrie Wilson
Names	SamanthaTorrie Wilson
Height
Weight
Birth date	July 24, 1975
Birth place	Boise, Idaho
Resides	Houston, Texas
Billed	Boise, Idaho
Trainer	Dave FinlayJohnny AceBilly KidmanMadusa
Debut	February 8, 1999
Retired	May 8, 2008}}

Torrie Anne Wilson (born July 24, 1975) is a retired American professional wrestler, fitness competitor and model. She is best known for her tenures in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), where she worked on both their SmackDown and Raw brands throughout her eight-year run.

As a fitness competitor, Wilson won the Miss Galaxy competition in 1998. Shortly after, she was signed by World Championship Wrestling, where she stayed from 1999 until 2001. In 2001, she began appearing on World Wrestling Federation (WWF) television as part of The Invasion storyline. Her most high profile storyline took place in 2003 when she feuded with Dawn Marie. Wilson has also been a part of the all-female stable, or group of affiliated wrestlers, known as Vince's Devils, which ended its run in 2006.

Aside from wrestling, Wilson has been on the cover of several magazines, including ''FHM'' and ''Playboy'', which she posed for twice.

Early life

Wilson was born in Boise, Idaho. She claims that while growing up she was painfully shy as a child. Wilson found her niche in many school activities, including cheerleading, dance, and was very competitive in track and field.

During her sophomore year of high school, after Wilson's interest in modeling grew more serious, her mother urged her to pursue it. They visited an agency and were informed that Wilson would have to lose weight to be considered for jobs. In the process of losing weight, she began a bout with anorexia nervosa and then bulimia that lasted from ages 14-to-20.

After recovering from the disorder, Wilson became involved in fitness. She began eating six meals a day and working out. She placed third in her first competition, and she later won the Miss Galaxy competition in 1998. She then spent some time on the Extreme Fitness Team. As part of the Women's Tri-Fitness Championships in 1998, Wilson won first place in the Grace and Physique round.

Later in 1998, Wilson moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. She began acting classes and was introduced to an agent who helped her gain a few jobs.

Professional wrestling career

World Championship Wrestling (1999–2000)

Wilson's start in wrestling came when she attended a World Championship Wrestling (WCW) show with her boyfriend in 1999. After going backstage, she was asked to walk out to the ring with Scott Steiner. Later, Kevin Nash expressed an interest in doing a storyline with her. She debuted as "Samantha", who was brought in by the New World Order (nWo) to seduce David Flair into turning against his father, Ric Flair. They appeared together on February 21 when Wilson slapped Ric, and David zapped him with a taser. At the 1999 Bash at the Beach, Wilson acted as a valet for Flair as he captured the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship from Dean Malenko.

Although she left WCW television afterwards, she returned in the fall of 1999 under her real name. Wilson began managing Billy Kidman and his Filthy Animals teammates. As a result, she found herself involved in the Animals continuing feud with The Revolution. In November, Wilson and Eddie Guerrero were shown flirting on the "Kidcam", a hidden camera segment, which led to a storyline feud between Kidman and Guerrero. Following this, Wilson once again disappeared from television. Wilson, however, returned on January 19, 2000, and in April 2000, Kidman and Wilson joined a stable known as the New Blood, making them both villainous characters. As part of their newest storyline, Kidman became jealous of the attention Wilson began to give to fellow New Blood member Horace Hogan. In June, Wilson gave Kidman a hit at the Great American Bash, causing him to lose to Horace's uncle, Hulk Hogan.

Wilson was taken off of television following the encounter, reappearing at July's Bash at the Beach during a match between Shane Douglas and Buff Bagwell. After the match, Wilson and Douglas left together, which led to a feud between Kidman and Douglas. At September's Fall Brawl, Wilson and Douglas defeated Kidman and Madusa in a mixed tag team match with scaffolding erected above the ring. Wilson was released from WCW in December 2000.

World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment (2001–2008)

The Invasion (2001)

Wilson made her WWF television debut on the June 28, 2001 episode of ''SmackDown!'' as part of The Alliance during the Invasion angle in 2001. In her first storyline with the company, she portrayed Vince McMahon's latest affair. She also regularly teamed with fellow WCW performer Stacy Keibler. The duo made their wrestling debuts in the WWF in a Bra and Panties match against Lita and Trish Stratus at the InVasion pay-per-view, which Stratus and Lita won by stripping their opponents to their underwear. The following night on ''Raw'', Wilson defeated Stratus in a Paddle on a Pole match. Despite her relative lack of in-ring experience, Wilson, alongside Keibler and Ivory, regularly feuded with the WWF Divas, as well as interfering in matches on behalf of other wrestlers in The Alliance.

She became a fan favorite during the Invasion storyline when her character began an on-screen romance with Tajiri. This new romance caused Keibler to turn against Wilson, and as a result of this, Wilson defected to the WWF. Wilson defeated Keibler in a lingerie match at No Mercy defeating her opponent while dressed in lingerie.

Relationship and feud with Tajiri; feud with Dawn Marie (2002–2003)

When the first ever brand separation of the WWF roster took place in April 2002, Wilson was drafted to SmackDown!. Shortly after this, as part of the storyline, Tajiri soon became jealous over the increased attention that Wilson received from other men, so he forced her to wear a geisha outfit, and he also appeared to mistreat her in matches. Wilson finally grew tired of this, and during Tajiri's match against The Hurricane, she got on top of the announcer's table and stripped off her clothing. The distraction allowed The Hurricane to pick up the win. At Rebellion 2002, Torrie and her real life boyfriend at the time Billy Kidman defeated John Cena and Dawn Marie in an intergender tag team match. After the match Torrie and Kidman kissed.

Wilson's most high profile storyline during her first few years with the company was in 2002/3 when she feuded with Dawn Marie. In the angle, Dawn Marie attempted to marry Wilson's real-life father Al Wilson. Dawn also revealed that she had developed feelings for Torrie, and the two shared an on-screen kiss. Dawn even offered to cancel the wedding if Torrie would go to a hotel with her for the night. Despite this, as part of the storyline, Dawn developed feelings for Al and the two got married on an episode of ''SmackDown!'' in their underwear. Al then, in storyline, died from a heart attack after having rigorous sex numerous times in succession on their honeymoon. In response, Wilson defeated Dawn at No Mercy in October. She defeated Dawn Marie again at the Royal Rumble in what was billed as a ''Stepmother vs. Stepdaughter match''. The feud lasted approximately nine months.

Playboy (2003–2004)

In May 2003, Wilson appeared in a pictorial and on the cover of ''Playboy'' magazine. A few months earlier, when her pictorial was announced, a short storyline feud with Nidia developed, with the latter being jealous of the fact that Wilson was chosen for the cover and spread in the magazine. In weekly vignettes aired on ''SmackDown!'', both Nidia and her on-screen boyfriend Jamie Noble made trips to The Playboy Mansion to complain to Hugh Hefner over his choice.

Soon after, on an April 2003 episode of ''SmackDown!'' during a segment labeled as Torrie's ''Playboy Coming Out Party'' former Diva and ''Playboy'' covergirl Sable made her return to WWE after a four year absence. This began a storyline between the two women where for weeks, Sable played mind games with Wilson, being friendly one moment and unfriendly the next. This all led up to a bikini contest between the two at Judgment Day, which Wilson won. After the contest, Wilson kissed the former Women's Champion Sable on the lips, showing her that there was "no hard feelings" due to Wilson's win over the WWE veteran. Torrie then got her first WWE Women's Championship match on Smackdown! after Women's Champion Molly Holly invaded the show interrupting Torrie's photoshoot and challenging her to a match in which Torrie was unsuccessful in winninng.

Continuing her feud with Noble and Nidia from earlier in the year, Wilson managed Billy Gunn upon his WWE return in the summer of 2003. The feud came to an end after Nidia and Noble both became fan favorites and sided with Gunn and Wilson. After the formation of this alliance, Wilson, Nidia, and Dawn Marie feuded with Shaniqua for a short period of time, which led to Shaniqua physically dominating Wilson and Nidia in a handicap match.

Wilson teamed with Sable in March 2004 to feud with Raw Divas Stacy Keibler and Miss Jackie. The feud's storyline centered on the latter duo's jealously of Wilson and Sable as ''Playboy'' cover girls, as well as their recently being named cover girls yet again, as the two Divas were announced to be featured together in an upcoming ''Playboy'' March 2004 issue. After weeks of rivalry, Wilson and Sable defeated Keibler and Miss Jackie in a ''Playboy Evening Gown match'' at WrestleMania XX by stripping their opponents of their evening gowns. Later in the year, Wilson engaged in a short feud with Sable, who defeated her at the Great American Bash.

In November 2004, Wilson began feuding with Hiroko. On February 10, 2005 on a special edition of ''SmackDown!'' (recorded on February 4 in Saitama, Japan), Torrie defeated Hiroko in a kimono match by removing her kimono first.

Raw and Vince's Devils (2005–2006)

It was revealed on August 21, 2005 that Wilson and Candice Michelle had been moved to the Raw brand. Wilson then became a villain by attacking Ashley Massaro. Her and Candice's storyline feud with Massaro continued over the next couple weeks, as the duo, along with their enforcer Victoria, made things difficult for Massaro. Massaro evened the score on the September 12, 2005 edition of ''Raw'' when she brought out the returning Trish Stratus, and the duo proceeded to attack the villains. This led to a tag match at Unforgiven, where the team of Stratus and Massaro defeated Wilson and Victoria. The feud continued into WWE Homecoming, where Stratus and Massaro defeated Wilson, Candice, and Victoria in the first ever three on two Bra and Panties match by stripping all three of their opponents.

Wilson was absent from WWE television for quite some time after this, leading to rumors and false reports that she had been released from WWE. In actuality, she had taken a leave of absence to tend to some "personal issues". Wilson was surprised by the rumors after some media personnel offered to help her find work. WWE issued a statement on their website, in which Wilson also commented, denouncing the rumors. In the statement she joked she had to "call the WWE office and ask them if they forgot to fire me".

On November 28, Wilson made her return to ''Raw'', where she, Candice and Victoria faced off against the team of Stratus, Massaro, and their new ally Mickie James. Vince's Devils was a short-lived alliance. Wilson soon became a fan favorite after Candice and Victoria both turned against her. The storyline feud between Candice and Wilson led to a match where Wilson faced ''Playboy'''s newest cover girl, Candice, at WrestleMania 22 in a ''Playboy Pillow Fight''. Wilson won the match, but the feud still continued on-and-off for some time. On the June 12, 2006 edition of ''Raw'', Wilson defeated Candice in the first ever "''Wet and Wild match''", a wrestling match involving water balloons and squirt guns, in which the winner of the match would be on the cover of the ''WWE 2006 Summer Special'' magazine.

Various storylines; departure (2006–2008)

Wilson also made a special appearance on WWE's ECW brand on August 22, 2006 representing Raw in a bikini contest against ECW Diva Kelly Kelly. A winner was not decided, however, and a six-person mixed tag match began pitting Wilson, Tommy Dreamer, and The Sandman against the team of Kelly Kelly, Mike Knox, and Test. Wilson's team was victorious.

In the final months of 2006, Wilson entered into an on-screen relationship with Carlito. During this time, Ric Flair took an interest in Carlito, and Wilson accompanied the duo in a series of tag matches. In May 2007, however, Carlito turned against Flair and dumped Wilson when he became a heel. The storyline came to a halt when on the June 11 edition of ''Raw'', Wilson was drafted from Raw to SmackDown! as part of the 2007 WWE Draft.

On the September 28 edition of ''SmackDown!'', she was attacked in the ring by the debuting Krissy Vaine, but the feud was prematurely dropped when Vaine left the company. Her last match was against Victoria, whom she defeated. In November, Wilson took time off from wrestling to undergo physical therapy in relation to a previous back injury. She was released from her WWE contract on May 8, 2008.

In April 2009 Wilson returned to the WWE for one night at WrestleMania XXV as a part of the 25 Diva Battle Royal representing the past WWE Divas, in which she was eliminated by Beth Phoenix.

Other media

Aside from ''Playboy'', Wilson has also graced the cover of several other magazines, including the September 2006 cover of ''FHM'' magazine.

Wilson was also number forty-three on ''FHM'''s 100 Sexiest Women in the World list in 2007. She has also been on AskMen.com's list of the Most Desirable Women in the World twice: she was number twenty-two in 2006 and number sixty-five in 2007.

Wilson, along with several other Divas, filmed Timbaland's music video "Throw It On Me" in April 2007. Also in 2007, Wilson made a special appearance, along with Mick Foley, at the Special Olympics World Games in Shanghai. She appeared on the February 6, 2008 episode of ''Project Runway'' where the contestants designed wrestling attire for several of the Divas.

In April 2009, Wilson signed on to appear in the NBC reality show, ''I'm a Celebrity…Get Me out of Here!'', which premiered in June. On the show's season finale, Wilson was named the runner-up to winner Lou Diamond Phillips.

Personal life

Wilson admits not having watched wrestling when she was younger, but says that since becoming involved in the industry, she has become a fan of Hulk Hogan.

While working for WWE, Wilson was on the road for up to 300 days per year. She has a Maltese named Chloe, who traveled with her. While on the road, Wilson worked out at least four days a week. Usually, her workout consisted of an hour of cardiovascular workouts and a half-hour of lifting weights.

Wilson also has a close friendship with Stacy Keibler. At one point, they were roommates in Los Angeles, California.

After being together for four years, Wilson married Peter Gruner (known on-screen as Billy Kidman) on July 11, 2003. They lived together in Tampa, Florida, when not traveling. The couple were officially divorced in 2007.

In September 2007, Wilson opened her official clothing line "Officially Jaded", alongside Nick Mitchell, a former WWE wrestler who was known as "Mitch" of the Spirit Squad. The couple began dating in mid-2006. She opened a store in The Woodlands, Texas, at the upscale Market Street district. On September 14, 2008, Torrie made an appearance at the inaugural Wrestler's Rescue event held in Piscataway, New Jersey, an event to create awareness and to help raise money to support the health care needs of retired professional wrestlers.

In wrestling

Finishing moves

''Nose Job'' (Sitout facebuster) – 2005–2008

''Torrie-nado DDT'' (Running or diving tornado DDT) – 2002–2004

Snap DDT – 2004–2005

Swinging neckbreaker – 2002–2004 , signature 2005-2007

Signature moves

*Leaping Clothesline

Baseball slide

Big splash – WCW

Corner lariat

''Facial'' (Stinkface)

Handspring back elbow – 2001–2002, 2006

Schoolgirl, sometimes from out of the corner to an oncoming opponent

Snap suplex

Tilt-a-whirl headscissors takedown

Wrestlers managed

*Filthy Animals

Carlito

Shane Douglas

David Flair

Billy Gunn

Billy Kidman

Tajiri

*Rey Mysterio

Entrance themes

*"Need a Little Time" by Lilian Garcia (2003–2005)

"Not Enough for Me" by Jim Johnston

"A Girl Like That" by Eleventh Hour (May 2006–May 2008)

Championships and accomplishments

World Wrestling Entertainment

Golden Thong Award (2002)

Other titles

Miss Galaxy (1998)

Notes

References

External links

WWE Alumni Profile

Category:1975 births Category:American female models Category:American female professional wrestlers Category:People from Houston, Texas Category:Fitness & figure competitors Category:I'm a Celebrity…Get Me out of Here! contestants Category:Living people Category:People from Boise, Idaho Category:Professional wrestling managers and valets

ar:توري ويلسون ca:Torrie Wilson de:Torrie Wilson es:Torrie Wilson fr:Torrie Wilson it:Torrie Wilson nl:Torrie Wilson ja:トリー・ウィルソン pt:Torrie Wilson ro:Torrie Wilson ru:Уилсон, Торри simple:Torrie Wilson fi:Torrie Wilson tr:Torrie Wilson

Coordinates	41°52′55″N87°37′40″N
Name	Trish Stratus
Names	Trish Stratus
Height
Weight
Birth date	December 18, 1975
Birth place	Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
Resides	Toronto, Ontario
Billed	Toronto, Ontario
Trainer	Ron HutchinsonDave Finlay
Debut	March 19, 2000}}

Patricia Anne Stratigias (; born December 18, 1975), better known by her ring name Trish Stratus, is a Canadian professional wrestler, actress and television personality currently signed with WWE. She is also a former fitness model.

After beginning her career as a fitness model, Stratus began working for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), which was later renamed World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Early in her career, she was involved in sexually themed storylines, such as managing the team T & A and an affair with Vince McMahon. As Stratus spent more time in the ring, her wrestling skills and popularity strengthened. Because of this, she was a one-time WWE Hardcore Champion, three-time "WWE Babe of the Year" and was proclaimed "Diva of the Decade". After nearly seven years in the business, Stratus retired from professional wrestling at WWE Unforgiven on September 17, 2006 after winning her seventh WWE Women's Championship, the most in WWE history. Stratus is an eight time champion overall.

Aside from professional wrestling, Stratus appeared on a number of magazine covers and has been involved in charity work. She has also hosted several award and television shows, Stratigias grew up in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada where she attended Bayview Secondary School. She enrolled at York University, where she studied biology and kinesiology and played soccer and field hockey. Due to a faculty strike in 1997, she was forced to change her plans. She was working as a receptionist at a local gym when she was approached by the publisher of ''MuscleMag International'' to do a test shoot for the magazine. She later appeared on the cover of the May 1998 issue and was signed to a two year contract. For the next six months, she worked on her body and appeared on numerous magazine covers. During this time, she joined Big Daddy Donnie & Jeff Marek as the third host of ''Live Audio Wrestling'' on Toronto Sports Radio, The FAN 590.

Stratigias had been a fan of wrestling since childhood and her modeling work caught the attention of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). In November 1999 she was signed to a multi-year contract with the company, who sent her to Sully's Gym where she was trained by Ron Hutchinson.

World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment

Managing; relationship with McMahon (2000–2001)

Stratigias made her debut as a heel on the March 19, 2000 episode of ''Sunday Night Heat'', under the ring name Trish Stratus. She appeared on stage to scout WWF Superstars, in particular Test and Prince Albert. The next night on ''Raw'' Stratus began her first role in the company, managing Test and Albert in the tag team T & A. It was during her stint managing T & A that Stratus took her first major bump in the ring, being driven through a table by the Dudley Boyz at Backlash after she had been taunting Bubba Ray Dudley for several weeks. She also began managing then-heel, Val Venis to win the Intercontinental Championship but their partnership ended at SummerSlam after Venis lost the title.

Stratus made her in-ring debut on the June 22 taping of ''SmackDown!'', winning a tag team match with T & A against the Hardy Boyz and Lita. A storyline feud between Stratus and Lita developed after the match with Stratus attacking Lita on episodes of ''Raw'' and ''SmackDown!'', leading to an Indian Strap match on the July 24 edition of ''Raw'' which Stratus won with help from Stephanie McMahon. She finished the year competing unsuccessfully for the WWF Women's Championship numerous times, and leaving Test and Albert when the team disbanded.

In early 2001, Stratus became involved in an angle with WWF Chairman Vince McMahon, during a time when Vince's wife Linda was kayfabe institutionalized following a demand Vince had made for a divorce during an episode of ''SmackDown!'' on December 7, 2000. Vince and Stratus' relationship increasingly angered the boss' daughter, then-heel, Stephanie McMahon. At No Way Out on February 25, Stratus and Stephanie squared off, with Stephanie scoring the victory after a run-in by William Regal. In the midst of a tag team match that pitted Vince and Stratus against Regal and Stephanie the next night on ''Raw'', Stratus was the victim of a set-up by Vince, Stephanie and Regal. Regal executed his finisher, the Regal Cutter, on Stratus and Stephanie then dumped sewage over Stratus' body. Vince stood over Stratus, and he told her she was a toy with which he had grown tired of playing and that it was over. The angle continued the next week on ''Raw'' with Vince forcing Stratus to strip down to her black underwear in the ring and bark like a dog. The storyline came to an end at WrestleMania X-Seven when Stratus slapped Vince during his match against his son Shane, becoming a fan favorite in the process.

Women's Champion (2001–2003)

Following her first face turn, Stratus began wrestling part-time. She won a Bra and Panties tag team match with Lita against then-heels, Stacy Keibler and Torrie Wilson at InVasion. After suffering an ankle injury in the summer, however, she was sidelined for the following three months. This interrupted not only her recent venture into wrestling, but also an on-screen romance with Jeff Hardy and budding storyline with Team Xtreme. As she rehabilitated, she kept herself visible by co-hosting ''Excess'' on TNN. After returning in autumn, Stratus appeared at Survivor Series where she won the WWF Women's Championship for the first time in a six-pack challenge. Stratus was next involved in a feud with Jazz over the Women's Championship, where she was booked to retain the title at the Royal Rumble but being booked to lose the belt to Jazz two weeks later on the February 4, 2002 edition of ''Raw''. Stratus then went after the title for several months, even competing in a Triple Threat match at WrestleMania X8 against Lita and Jazz in her hometown of Toronto, Canada but failed to win the match. While chasing after the Women's title, Stratus won the WWE Hardcore Championship on May 6, pinning Crash Holly after Bubba Ray Dudley hit him over the head with a trash can. She, however, lost the title to then-heel, Steven Richards soon afterward due to the stipulation that the belt was defended 24/7 as long as there was a referee present. One week later, she regained the Women's Title in a tag team match with Bubba Ray Dudley. During this time, Stratus began wrestling solely on the Raw brand after being drafted in the WWF Brand Extension.

Stratus' second reign as champion came to an end on June 23 when she was defeated at King of the Ring by the heel gimmick of Molly Holly. The two Divas continued their storyline feud for the next three months. After a failed attempt to win the title in July, Stratus won back the championship at Unforgiven. While feuding with Holly, Stratus was also involved in an angle with new Diva the heel gimmick of Victoria who held a storyline grudge against Stratus, claiming she was betrayed by Stratus when they worked as fitness models. The two competed in several title matches, with Stratus retaining until Survivor Series where Victoria won the belt in a Hardcore match. On March 17, 2003, Victoria and Steven Richards defeated Jazz and Stratus in tag team competition when Jazz walked out on Stratus. After the match, Jeff Hardy saved Stratus from an attack by Victoria and Richards and then kissed her. Stratus would become Hardy's on-screen girlfriend once more. The two would talk and kiss backstage, compete as an intergender tag team, and come to each other's aid when in danger during single's competition. At no point was their previous relationship acknowledged. The storyline was suddenly dropped when WWE released Hardy in April. This marked the second time in two years that a romance between Stratus and Hardy was abruptly scrapped due to a setback in one of their personal lives. In neither instance did the angle fully play out or reach a conclusion.

At WrestleMania XIX Stratus defeated Victoria and then-heel, Jazz to capture her fourth Women's Championship, equaling the record previously set by The Fabulous Moolah, only to lose the title to Jazz at the following pay-per-view, Backlash. In the following months, Stratus was placed into an alliance with Gail Kim. It was short-lived, though, as Kim turned on Stratus and teamed with Molly Holly, putting the women in a storyline feud. The duo defeated Stratus and several tag team partners until Stratus began to partner with a returning Lita. The team defeated Kim and Holly in several matches, including a match at Unforgiven.

Teaming and feuding with Lita (2003–2005)

Stratus began a romance with Chris Jericho during the November 10 edition of ''Raw'' when she agreed to go on a date with him. Subsequently, they participated in an intergender tag team match as partners on December 1. After the match, Stratus overheard Jericho talking to then-heel, Christian, who was involved in an on-screen romance with the face gimmick of Lita at the time, about who could sleep with their respective woman first. One week later, Stratus and Lita confronted the men about their actions, leading to a feud between the two men and women which resulted in a "Battle of the Sexes" match at Armageddon, which the women lost. A rematch the next night ended in a no contest. Her relationship with Jericho continued into the next year with a new angle of Jericho developing feelings for Stratus. Christian would also briefly turn face once again, but would quickly turn heel once more by doing a one night betrayal on Stratus and starting a feud with Jericho. During a match at WrestleMania XX, however, Stratus became a heel for the first time since her debut by betraying Jericho and siding with Christian, Stratus claimed her reasons for siding with Christian were that he was a real man and Jericho was a love sick puppy. The duo feuded with Jericho for several months and competed in a Handicap match at Backlash. The team of Stratus and Christian were joined by "problem solver" Tyson Tomko the next night on ''Raw''.

Stratus was booked to win the Women's Championship for a fifth time at Bad Blood on June 13. She defended the title until she suffered a legitimate broken hand in July that caused her to be out of action for approximately a month. Upon her return, she continued to defend the title against numerous challengers before losing the championship to Lita on December 6 when both women wrestled in the main event of Raw for the championship. Stratus recaptured the gold a month later at New Year's Revolution after Lita suffered a legitimate injury during the match. A new angle was then developed between Stratus and 2004 Raw Diva Search winner Christy Hemme over jealousy of Hemme's ''Playboy'' magazine exposure, with Stratus attacking Hemme and spray painting the word "slut" across her back. Stratus was challenged by Hemme, who later revealed she was being trained by Lita, for a title match at WrestleMania 21 and was successful in retaining the title.

Feuding with Mickie James; retirement (2005–2006)

In May 2005 Stratus was sidelined with the Women's Championship after suffering a herniated disc, with the storyline explanation that Viscera had injured her with a big splash move at Backlash after she berated him for losing to Lita's then-husband Kane. She returned to ''Raw'' in September, once again portraying her face persona by siding with Ashley Massaro against Vince's Devils. The feud also involved the debuting Diva Mickie James who introduced herself as Stratus' biggest fan. On the Eddie Guerrero Tribute Show, Stratus took part in an interpromotional Diva battle royal that was won by SmackDown! Diva Melina. The next week, MNM kidnapped Stratus for Melina, who challenged a tied up and gagged Stratus to a match for the Women's Championship. The two fought at Survivor Series, with Stratus defeating Melina. Stratus and James continued teaming together in late 2005 while James' character became increasingly obsessed with Stratus. On the December 26 episode of ''Raw'', the storyline between Stratus and James developed into a lesbian one when James initiated an intimate kiss with Stratus under a sprig of mistletoe, causing a surprised Stratus to flee the locker room.

The odd relationship between Stratus and James continued into 2006, with the two Divas competing against each other in a title match at New Year's Revolution, where Stratus emerged victorious. Despite the defeat, James continued to be enamored of Stratus which made her feel uncomfortable. On March 6, 2006 Stratus confronted James, telling her that she needed space. The duo briefly reconciled on the March 18 edition of ''Saturday Night's Main Event'', teaming together to defeat Candice Michelle and Victoria. James, however, turned on Stratus after the match and began to attack her. A match at WrestleMania 22 saw Stratus lose the Women's Championship to James. During a rematch at Backlash Stratus suffered a legitimate dislocated shoulder after taking a bump to the outside of the ring. While she was rehabilitating for six weeks she continued to appear on-screen.

Stratus returned to the ring on June 26 and started a romantic angle with Carlito after he saved her from a double team attack by Melina and Johnny Nitro. They competed as a team and won a mixed tag team match against Melina and Nitro at ''Saturday Night's Main Event'' on July 15. As a couple, Stratus and Carlito briefly feuded with WWE Champion Edge and Lita after the pair interrupted Stratus' title match with Mickie James. The two couples competed in several tag team matches, including a six-person tag team match where Edge, Lita and Randy Orton defeated Stratus, Carlito and John Cena after Orton RKO'd Stratus and Lita followed up with the pin. Stratus' last match on ''Raw'' occurred on September 11, 2006 where she defeated Mickie James. In late August, Lita stated that Stratus would retire following Unforgiven, which was later confirmed by Stratus. At the pay-per-view Unforgiven on September 17, in her hometown of Toronto, Stratus won against Lita with fellow Canadian Bret Hart's signature submission maneuver, the Sharpshooter.

Part time appearances (2007–2009)

Stratus made a special appearance on December 10, 2007 during Raw's 15th Anniversary special along with Lita, interrupting Jillian Hall as she sang by attacking her and then celebrating with Lita. Stratus made another special appearance on the May 5, 2008 episode of ''Raw'', as the event took place from her hometown, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She took part in a backstage segment involving Ron Simmons and Trevor Murdoch. Stratus wrestled her first match in over two years on the December 22, 2008 episode of ''Raw''. She and John Cena defeated Santino Marella and her former on-screen protégé Beth Phoenix in a mixed tag team match. Stratus also served as the guest hostess of the September 14, 2009 edition ''Raw'' in her home town of Toronto. After a confrontation backstage with Phoenix and former character beau Chris Jericho, she participated in what would be a six-person tag team match with MVP and Mark Henry to defeat Phoenix, Jericho, and The Big Show.

Return to World Wrestling Entertainment (2011-present)

Stratus made a surprise appearance at the 2011 Elimination Chamber pay per view to announce that she would be a trainer on the revival ''WWE Tough Enough''. At the same event, she stopped LayCool's attack on Kelly Kelly. Kelly and Stratus both celebrated the victory shortly after. Stratus wrestled her first singles match since 2006 on the March 14, 2011 edition of ''Raw'' against Vickie Guerrero in a losing effort, due to interference from LayCool and Dolph Ziggler. After the match, John Morrison and ''Raw'' guest star of the night Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi (from the MTV series ''Jersey Shore'') came to her aid. Guerrero then challenged Stratus, Morrison and Snooki to a match at WrestleMania XXVII against the team of LayCool and Ziggler. On the March 21 edition of ''Raw'', Stratus teamed with Morrison in a losing effort to LayCool, Guerrero, and Ziggler. At WrestleMania 27, Stratus and her team of Snooki and Morrison beat the team of Ziggler and LayCool. The night after WrestleMania, on ''Raw'', Stratus and Morrison once again defeated Guerrero and Ziggler in a rematch. She appeared on the June 6 episode of Raw, in a backstage segment with fellow "Tough Enough" trainer, Booker T before being interrupted by Jack Swagger.

Other media

From 2001, Stratus was a spokesperson for the World Natural Sports Association. On June 3, 2006, she hosted the Canada's Walk of Fame induction ceremony and performed a song and dance number inspired by the soundtrack from the film ''Chicago'' at the event. During the show, Stratus ad libbed a kiss with fellow Canadian actress Pamela Anderson.

From late November 2006 to mid-January 2007, Stratus temporarily moved to Muncie, Indiana for the CBS reality show ''Armed & Famous''. She was given a spot in the series after Paul Heyman had mentioned her name to CBS. The concept was that she was one of five celebrities who trained as volunteer officers with the Muncie Police Department. After finishing her training, Stratus and her real life officer partner were followed around by a camera crew while going on legitimate police calls. Although the show was scheduled to broadcast seven episodes starting on January 10, 2007, CBS canceled the series after just four of the episodes were aired.

After the cancellation of ''Armed & Famous'', Stratus hosted ''The Second City's Next Comedy Legend''. The contest was similar to the style of ''America's Next Top Model'', with Stratus portraying the "Tyra Banks" role as contact between the contestants and judges. Stratus also guest-starred in the Canadian show ''Da Kink in My Hair'''s new season, which started on February 12, 2009.

In September 2007, Stratus announced that she would be opening a yoga studio in Vaughan, Ontario called Stratusphere Yoga in 2008. Also in 2008, she hosted her own travel show also called ''Stratusphere''. She has an appearance in ''Smackdown vs. Raw 2010'' as an unlockable character. Trish has also been announced as a character in the upcoming ''WWE '12'' video game. Trish will be starring in the upcoming Canadian independent movie ''Bail Enforcers'', playing bounty hunter Jules Taylor, scheduled for release in 2011, premiering at ActionFest 2011.

Personal life

Stratigias is of Greek descent and is the eldest daughter of John and Alice Stratigias. Her sisters are named Christie and Melissa.

Stratigias married her high school sweetheart and boyfriend of fourteen years, Ron Fisico, on September 30, 2006. Guests in attendance at her wedding included former WWE Divas Lilian Garcia, Lita, Ivory, Molly Holly, Torrie Wilson, Victoria, Maria Kanellis, Ashley Massaro, and Mickie James. Her bridal gown was featured on a cover of ''Today's Bride'' magazine. Shortly after the wedding, Stratus got the call to be a part of ''Armed & Famous'', so she filmed the show instead of going on her honeymoon. Stratigias has also been involved with numerous charities such as Ronald McDonald House, Dreams Take Flight and the Special Olympics. On March 29, 2008, she participated in the Island Triathlon Series as part of a celebrity relay team to help raise money for Dignitas International.

In wrestling

Finishing moves

:*''Chick Kick'' (Roundhouse kick) :*''Stratusfaction'' (Springboard bulldog)

Signature moves

:*''Air Canada'' (Thesz press followed by punches) :*Backhand chop, sometimes preceded by licking the palm of her hand :*Bicycle kick :*Diving clothesline :*Diving crossbody :*Hurricanrana pin :*''MaTrish'' (Matrix evasion) :*''MaTrish Reloaded'' / ''MaTrish Revolutions'' / ''Whirlybird Headscissors'' (Handstand headscissors takedown) :*Multiple bulldog variations :**Diving :**One-handed :**''Trish-Dog'' (Running bulldog) :**Wheelbarrow :*One-armed neckbreaker slam :*Simultaneous side headlock and headscissors takedown combination on two opponents :*Spinebuster :*Springboard sunset flip :*''Stratusphere'' (Turnbuckle handstand headscissors takedown) :*''Stratus Splash'' (Stinger splash) :*Super frankensteiner :*Turnbuckle mounted rear naked choke :*Victory roll

Wrestlers managed

:*Albert :*Ashley Massaro :*Kurt Angle :*Beth Phoenix :*Lita :*Carlito :*Christian :*Bubba Ray Dudley :*Chris Jericho :*Test :*Tyson Tomko :*Viscera :*Val Venis :*Jeff Hardy :*Triple H :*John Morrison

Nicknames

:*"The Quintessential WWE Diva" :*"Canada's Greatest Export" :*"Diva of the Decade"

Entrance themes

:*"Emergency" by Rick DiFonzo from the Backspin production music library (WWF) June 22 2000-February 2001 :*"Whiplash" by Code Red from Extreme Music (WWF/WWE) April 2 2001-September 30 2002 :*"Time to Rock & Roll" by Lil' Kim (WWE) October 28 2002-Present

Championships and accomplishments

Diva Dirt

:*Diva Dirt Legacy Award (2010, First)

Fighting Spirit magazine

:*Double X Award (2006) :*Three Degrees Award (2006)

Pro Wrestling Illustrated

:*PWI Woman of the Year (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006) :*PWI Woman of the Decade (2000-2009)

World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment

:*WWE Hardcore Championship (1 time) :*WWF/WWE Women's Championship (7 times) :*Babe of the Year (2001–2004) :*Diva of the Decade

Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards

:*Worst Worked Match of the Year (2002) with Bradshaw vs. Christopher Nowinski and Jackie Gayda on ''Raw'' on July 7

Death Valley Driver Video Review

DVDVR's Most Smashing Crumpet (2011)

Footnotes

References

External links

Official site

WWE Alumni profile

Online World of Wrestling profile

Category:1975 births Category:Canadian female professional wrestlers Category:Canadian female models Category:Canadian people of Greek descent Category:Canadian people of Polish descent Category:Fitness & figure competitors Category:Living people Category:People from Richmond Hill, Ontario Category:Professional wrestling managers and valets Category:Canadian martial artists

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Coordinates	41°52′55″N87°37′40″N
Name	Kelly Kelly
Alt	A close-up photo of a young, Caucasian blonde, who is smiling at the camera. Men in camouflage uniforms are visible in the background.
Names	Kelly KellyKelly
Height
Weight
Birth date	January 15, 1987
Birth place	Jacksonville, Florida
Resides	Tampa, Florida
Billed	Jacksonville, Florida
Trainer	OVW staff
Debut	June 13, 2006 }}

Barbara Jean "Barbie" Blank (born January 15, 1987) is an American model, professional wrestler, and professional wrestling valet better known by her ring name Kelly Kelly. She is working for WWE on its Raw brand, where she is the Divas Champion in her first reign.

Blank has a background in gymnastics and cheerleading. She studied broadcast journalism, hoping to become a television anchor, and worked as a model for Venus Swimwear and Hawaiian Tropic. In 2006, Blank was signed to a contract by WWE and sent to Ohio Valley Wrestling, a WWE developmental territory. She debuted on the ECW brand in June 2006 as 'Kelly Kelly', with the character of an exhibitionist and performing a striptease. She continued her stripteases, in a segment known as ''Kelly's Exposé'', weekly on ''ECW'', and also became the valet of her on-screen boyfriend Mike Knox. The following year, she formed Extreme Exposé with Layla and Brooke Adams, and the trio performed a regular dance segment on ''ECW''. They later became involved in a storyline with The Miz, which led to the dissolution of the group.

Kelly then began participating in more wrestling matches, and was moved to the ''Raw'' brand in July 2008. Throughout the next year, she unsuccessfully challenged for the WWE Divas Championship on several occasions, before moving to ''SmackDown!'' in early 2010. There she challenged Lay-Cool for the WWE Women's Championship, but was unsuccessful. In 2011, Kelly moved back to ''Raw'', where she captured her first Divas Championship.

Professional wrestling career

World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE (2006–present)

Ohio Valley Wrestling (2006)

In 2006, while working as a model, Blank was seen by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) official John Laurinaitis, who was interested in signing her to a contract. As a result, WWE contacted her modeling agency and invited her to their developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), for a try-out. Despite having no previous wrestling experience she was offered a contract, which she signed in May 2006. Even after being called up to the main roster she continued to fly back and forth to OVW's base city Louisville, Kentucky once a week to work shows; first as a ring announcer and referee, then as a wrestler. One of her first matches took place at the September 6 OVW TV tapings where she participated in a Women's battle royal won by ODB.

ECW (2006–2008)

Blank debuted for the ECW brand as Kelly Kelly. She made her debut on the first episode of the weekly television program on June 13, 2006, becoming the youngest Diva on the WWE roster. Her character, an exhibitionist, was introduced performing a striptease for the crowd. The next week, while performing another striptease, Kelly was interrupted by her on-screen boyfriend, Mike Knox, who came to the stage and covered her with a towel before dragging her backstage. Her stripping became a weekly segment known as ''Kelly's Exposé'' and usually followed the same routine; Kelly would dance and strip until she was interrupted by Knox who was upset by her exhibitionism and showing off her body to others. Knox began forcing Kelly to accompany him to ringside so he could keep an eye on her, making her his ''de facto'' valet. As a result, she found herself involved in the feud developing between Mike Knox and partner Test with Tommy Dreamer and his partner The Sandman, including being inadvertently hit with a cane by Sandman when Knox used her as a shield. She made her ECW in-ring debut on the August 22, 2006 episode of ''ECW on Sci-Fi'' in a losing effort as part of a six-person mixed tag team match which saw herself, Knox, and Test lose to Dreamer, Sandman and Torrie Wilson, in what was the last match of the feud.

Following this feud, Kelly and Knox were moved into a storyline with CM Punk in September, in which Kelly was shown to have developed a liking for Punk and Knox was shown to be increasingly protective and jealous. During the next month, Kelly continuously flirted with Punk and was shown watching his matches from the crowd, until Knox stopped her. Subsequently, Kelly's character dressed as Punk for ECW's Halloween Costume Contest, enraging Knox and leading to a match between the two, during which Kelly cheered for Punk. At December to Dismember, Kelly and Knox took on the team of Ariel and Kevin Thorn in a mixed tag team match, during which Knox refused to tag in before abandoning Kelly, leaving her to be beaten badly by Ariel. On the following episode of ''ECW'', Kelly defeated Ariel with a roll-up on her first ECW singles match, after which Knox made his way to the ring with flowers only to throw them in Kelly's face and perform his signature swinging reverse STO on her, ending their relationship and giving her a scripted injury—removing her from the program for six weeks.

She returned to television on January 16, 2007 and cut a promo announcing she was newly single and bringing back ''Kelly's Exposé''. The following week, she joined forces with Layla and Brooke to form Extreme Exposé. The trio performed a weekly dance segment on ''ECW'' for the next several months, as a successor to Kelly's Exposé segment. In June 2007, The Miz was moved to the brand, prompting a storyline in which all three members of Extreme Exposé were attracted to him. When Kelly shifted her attentions towards Balls Mahoney, Layla, Brooke, and The Miz openly mocked her, and The Miz later prevented her from going on a date with Mahoney, stating that he owned her contract and would fire her if she did so. On November 1, Brooke was released from her WWE contract, and Extreme Exposé dissolved as a group, leaving Kelly and Layla to enter an ongoing rivalry with more active wrestling roles. On the October 29 episode of ''Raw'', Kelly won a battle royal to earn a match against the WWE Women's Champion, Beth Phoenix. After the match however, Kelly was attacked by Phoenix and lost the subsequent match between the two the following week on ''Raw''. Kelly continued to feud with Layla, and they were on opposite sides of a 10-Diva tag team match at Survivor Series, which Kelly's team won. In December, Layla formed an alliance with Victoria, which expanded to include Lena Yada in January 2008, and Kelly continued to feud with the trio. At WrestleMania XXIV, Kelly was a 'lumberjill' for the Divas' tag team lumberjill match. The following month, Kelly was part of the losing team in a five-on-five Divas match at the Backlash pay-per-view.

Raw (2008–2010)

Following the completion of the 2008 WWE Draft, Kelly was moved to the Raw brand on July 7. Kelly had her debut match as part of the brand that night by teaming with Mickie James to defeat Layla and Jillian Hall. She quickly became involved in a feud with Beth Phoenix, facing her on multiple occasions in both singles and tag team matches with a variety of opponents, including Mickie James and Candice Michelle. During this time, Phoenix was aligned with Hall, and in late September Kelly transitioned into a feud with Hall. At the Survivor Series pay-per-view in November, Kelly was part of the victorious Raw Diva team which defeated the SmackDown Divas in a five-on-five elimination match. During the match, she eliminated Victoria, before being eliminated by Maryse. The following month at Armageddon, Kelly teamed with Maria, Michelle McCool and James in a winning effort against Hall, Maryse, Victoria and Natalya.

On April 5, 2009, Kelly competed in a Divas Battle Royal at WrestleMania XXV, but the match was won by Santina Marella. On the May 18 episode of ''Raw'', Kelly won a battle royal by eliminating Beth Phoenix and Mickie James, to become the number one contender to the WWE Divas Championship. The following week, she challenged Maryse for the championship and won by disqualification, allowing Maryse to retain. Kelly lost a subsequent rematch by pinfall two weeks later on June 8. Three weeks later, she competed in a fatal four-way match to determine the number one contender, but the match was won by James. Throughout the remainder of mid-2009, Kelly unsuccessfully competed in several number one contender matches. At the Bragging Rights pay-per-view in October, Kelly, Gail Kim and Melina comprised Team Raw, but lost to Team SmackDown, consisting of Phoenix, Natalya and McCool. The following month at the Survivor Series pay-per-view, Kelly participated in a five-on-five elimination match, which her team won. She eliminated Layla before being eliminated by Phoenix.

In January 2010, Kelly participated in the tournament to determine a new Divas Champion, after Melina was forced to vacate the championship due to injury, but was eliminated by Alicia Fox in the first round. Throughout early 2010, Kelly was involved in several backstage segments with the guest hosts of ''Raw''. At WrestleMania XXVI, Kelly teamed with Phoenix, Kim, James and Eve Torres in a losing effort to McCool, Layla, Maryse, Fox and Vickie Guerrero. The following night on ''Raw'', the teams faced off in a rematch with the opposite result. The following week, Kelly took part in a 10-Diva Dress To Impress battle royal, to determine the number one contender for Maryse's Divas Championship, but the match was won by Torres.

Smackdown and feud with LayCool (2010–2011)

During the 2010 WWE Draft on April 26, Kelly was drafted to the SmackDown brand. She made her debut on the April 30 episode of ''SmackDown'' by teaming with Beth Phoenix to defeat Lay-Cool (Michelle McCool and Layla). She went on to feud with Lay-Cool, gaining an ally in Tiffany. Over the next several weeks, Kelly and Tiffany faced Lay-Cool in tag team matches, with Lay-Cool winning on both occasions. On the June 4 episode of ''SmackDown'', Kelly made her singles debut for the brand, defeating Rosa Mendes, despite being distracted by Layla and McCool. After defeating both Layla and McCool in singles matches, she received a Women's Championship match at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view in July, but was unsuccessful. On August 31, Kelly announced that she would be a mentor on season three of ''NXT'', with Naomi as her rookie. Throughout the second half of 2010, Kelly continued to feud with Lay-Cool, and gained an ally in Natalya in October. In November, Kelly's ''NXT'' rookie, Naomi was named runner-up to the winner, Kaitlyn during the season finale.

In December, Kelly started a storyline with Drew McIntyre who had developed a romantic interest in her. She rebuffed his advances on several occasions, stating he was too aggressive and vindictive. On January 30, 2011, at the Royal Rumble, Kelly prevented the Acting General Manager Vickie Guerrero from interfering in the World Heavyweight Championship match between Edge and Dolph Ziggler. On the following episode of ''SmackDown'', Kelly and Edge defeated Lay-Cool and Ziggler in a two-on-three handicap match to retain Edge's World Heavyweight Championship. Following the match, Guerrero fired Kelly in storyline. At the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view later that month, Kelly was re-hired by SmackDown General Manager Teddy Long, and made her return by attacking Guerrero. She was stopped by Lay-Cool, who were in turn stopped by Trish Stratus. On the following episode of ''SmackDown'', Kelly gained revenge on Guerrero when Kelly and Edge defeated Guerrero and McIntyre in a mixed tag team match, causing Guerrero to be fired in storyline per the pre-match stipulation.

Divas Champion and alliance with Eve (2011)

On April 26, Kelly was drafted back to the ''Raw'' brand as part of the 2011 supplemental draft. On May 22 at the Over the Limit pay-per-view, Kelly unsuccessfully challenged Brie Bella for the WWE Divas Championship. The following night on ''Raw'', she teamed with Gail Kim, Eve Torres and Beth Phoenix, against The Bella Twins, Maryse and Melina. The match, however ended in a no-contest following an interruption by Kharma. On the 30 May edition of ''Raw'', Kelly teamed with Eve to defeat The Bella Twins. The following week on ''Raw'', Kelly again scored a victory over The Bella Twins in tag team action, this time teaming with Beth Phoenix. On the June 13 edition of ''Raw'', an All-Star special, Kelly was again victorious, in a 7 on 7 diva tag team match, teaming with Beth Phoenix, Gail Kim, Eve Torres, Natalya, A.J. and Kaitlyn to defeat The Bella Twins, Melina, Alicia Fox, Rosa Mendes, Maryse and Tamina.

On the June 20 edition of ''Raw'', a special Power to the People edition, Kelly won her first WWE Divas Championship after she was selected by the WWE Universe to face Brie Bella. On the June 27 edition of ''Raw'', a special "Raw Roulette" edition, Kelly defeated Nikki Bella in a non-title, submission match. After the match, both Bellas attacked Kelly, however Eve made the save for Kelly. WWE.com has been announced that Kelly will have her first title defense on July 17, at Money in the Bank pay per-view. On the 4th of July special Independence Day edition of Raw, Kelly teamed up with Eve to defeat The Bella Twins in a tag team match. On the July 11 edition of ''Raw'', Kelly Kelly defeated Melina in a single match. On the Money in the Bank, Kelly Kelly successfully retained her title over Brie Bella (with Nikki Bella) accompanied by Eve. On the July 25 edition of ''Raw'', Kelly Kelly and Eve defeated Maryse and Melina in a divas tag-team match. On the August 1 edition of ''Raw'', Beth Phoenix won a battle-royal to earn shot at Kelly's Divas Championship on SummerSlam pay per-view. After the match Kelly congratulated Phoenix, who attacked her turning heel in the process. On the August 8 edition of ''Raw'', Phoenix defeated Eve in a singles match, stating a promo after the match. After that, Kelly attacked her and made save for Eve. On SummerSlam, Kelly Kelly accompanied by Eve successfully retained her title against Beth Phoenix with Natalya on the ringside. On the August 15 edition of ''Raw'', Kelly Kelly once again team-up with Eve to defeat The Bella Twins. On the August 29 edition of ''Raw'', Kelly got her first loss as Divas Champion, in a one-on-one match against Brie Bella, after she switched with her sister Nikki.

Other media

In April 2007, Kelly, along with Ashley Massaro, Layla, Brooke Adams, Torrie Wilson, and Maryse, appeared in a music video for the Timbaland song "Throw It on Me" (featuring The Hives). On April 11, 2008, Blank along with Mickie James, Melina Perez, and Layla El appeared in an episode of ''Celebrity Fit Club: Boot Camp'' as trainers. Six days later, she appeared as the "Soccerette" on the British football show ''Soccer AM''. She appeared a second time on ''Soccer AM'' in 2009.

In August 2007, all three members of ''Extreme Exposé'' also took part in a photo-shoot for ''FHM Online''. In 2011, Blank was ranked number 82 in ''Maxim'''s Hot 100.

Personal life

Blank was born in Jacksonville, Florida to a Jewish father and Christian mother. Blank was a fan of professional wrestling as a child, and cites Stone Cold Steve Austin as her favorite wrestler. While growing up, Blank participated in gymnastics for ten years, before she was forced to quit due to an injury. She later took up cheerleading. Blank studied broadcast journalism, hoping to become a television anchor. She was also a Hawaiian Tropic and Venus Swimwear bikini model before she entered professional wrestling. While training at OVW, Blank lived in Kentucky. Following this, Blank lived in Tampa, Florida prior to moving to Miami. She then returned to living in Tampa in 2010. She describes Trish Stratus as her inspiration in wrestling.

Blank was in a two-and-a-half year relationship with wrestler Andrew Martin, that had ended prior to his death in March 2009. She also previously dated Dave Batista briefly.

In wrestling

Finishing moves

''K2'' / ''Kelly Kick'' (Leg drop bulldog, sometimes preceded by stepping off the back of an opponent on all fours)

Signature moves

''Kelly Killer'' (Handspring back elbow smash)

Tilt–a–whirl headscissors takedown

Diving crossbody

Hurricanrana pin

One-handed bulldog

Stink Face

Thesz press followed by punches

Managers

Tiffany

Eve Torres

Wrestlers managed

Mike Knox

The Miz

Tiffany

Eve Torres

Entrance themes

"Holla" by Desiree Jackson (2006–2007)

"Holla (2nd Remix)" by Desiree Jackson (October 6, 2008–present)

Championships and accomplishments

Pro Wrestling Illustrated

PWI ranked her #26 of the best 50 female singles wrestlers in the PWI Female 50 in 2010.

'''World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE

WWE Divas Championship (1 time, current)

References

External links

WWE profile

Online World of Wrestling profile

Facebook Official

Category:1987 births Category:American female models Category:American female professional wrestlers Category:American cheerleaders Category:Jewish professional wrestlers Category:Living people Category:Miss Hawaiian Tropic delegates Category:People from Jacksonville, Florida Category:People from Tampa, Florida Category:Professional wrestling dancers Category:Professional wrestling managers and valets

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