Kevin Fertig
Ring name(s)	7even[1] Kevin Fertig Kevin Thorn[1][2] Max Cherry[1] Mordecai[1][2] Serpent[3] Seven Thorn[1][2] Vengeance[1][2]
Billed height	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)[1]
Billed weight	270 lb (120 kg)[1]
Born	(1977-01-17) January 17, 1977 (age 35)[1][2] Memphis, Tennessee[1][2]
Trained by	Ohio Valley Wrestling[2]
Debut	2000[1][2]

Kevin Matthew Fertig^[1] (born January 17, 1977)^[1][2] is an American professional wrestler. He is best known for working with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) under the ring names Mordecai and Kevin Thorn.

Fertig made his professional wrestling debut in 2000, and quickly began working for the Memphis Championship Wrestling promotion in his hometown, under the ring name Seven. There he won the Hardcore, Southern Tag Team and Southern Heavyweight Championships. He signed a contract with WWE in April 2002, and was assigned to their developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). He competed in OVW for two years, winning the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship with Travis Bane, before being called up to the SmackDown brand as Mordecai, a religious zealot. The character only lasted a few months, and he returned to OVW before being released in mid-2005.

He competed on the independent circuit for the next year, before returning to WWE to wrestle on its ECW brand as Kevin Thorn, a vampire. He gained Ariel as a valet, and later joined the New Breed faction in early 2007. After Ariel was released in mid-2007, Thorn continued to wrestle on ECW, but was sent to OVW in late 2007, after undergoing an image change. He wrestled in both OVW and WWE's other developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling, until January 2009, when he was released from his contract. He then returned to the independent circuit, and also wrestled in Europe as Seven Thorn.

Professional wrestling career[link]

Fertig first got involved in professional wrestling by working out with wrestler Sid Vicious in Gold's Gym in Memphis.^[4] Beginning his career in 2000, Fertig quickly began wrestling as Seven in Memphis Championship Wrestling and some other independent promotions. Seven was a gimmick based on the seven deadly sins.^[4] He won the MCW Southern Heavyweight Championship on July 7, 2001.^[5] He also won the MCW Southern Tag Team Championship with Trash, and held the MCW Hardcore Championship.^[1]

World Wrestling Entertainment (2002–2005)[link]

In April 2002, Fertig signed a developmental deal with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and was assigned to their development territory Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), where he continued to use the Seven gimmick. After wrestling sporadically in OVW throughout 2002 and 2003, against wrestlers including Chris Cage and Johnny Jeter, he joined the Disciples of Synn stable. Along with stable-mate Travis Bane, he won the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship on March 5, 2003, by defeating Lance Cade and Rene Dupree.^[6] After holding the championship for just over a month, they were forced to vacate it on April 10, when Bane suffered an injury.^[6][7] In late 2003 and early 2004, Seven and Bane began competing in dark matches prior to the Raw television show, using their real names of Kevin Fertig and Travis Tomko respectively.^[2]

In late April 2004, Fertig was called up to the SmackDown! brand with vignettes playing on the show announcing his new character, Mordecai, a religious Zealot-type character, which was partially based on his previous Seven gimmick.^[4][8] During numerous promos, Mordecai claimed to be on a crusade to rid the world of sin.^[9] He consistently wore white and had blonde hair and a beard as a sign of his purity.^[4] Mordecai debuted in ring for the SmackDown! brand on May 16, 2004 during the Judgment Day pay-per-view, defeating Scotty 2 Hotty.^[10][11] In later appearances, Mordecai condemned the audience for their sins, and led them in prayer.^[12]

In early July, however, the gimmick was dropped and Fertig was sent back to OVW for more training.^[13] Fertig's return to OVW was also due to his involvement in a bar fight, and subsequent impending lawsuits meant that WWE decided to take Fertig off television.^[4] Fertig returned to OVW, wrestling under a mask as Vengeance, and competed only sporadically against wrestlers including Elijah Burke, Mark Henry, Johnny Jeter, and Matt Cappotelli.^[2] He was then soon released in July 2005.^[14]

Independent circuit (2005–2006)[link]

Following his WWE release, Fertig began using the Mordecai name again while working on the independent circuit.^[2] He wrestled for Memphis Wrestling, where he won the Southern Title in March 2005.^[5] He went on to retain the championship in a match against Garrison Cade on April 16. He also worked for UCW, and wrestled against competitors including Marty Jannetty and Shayne Maddox.^[2]

World Wrestling Entertainment return[link]

ECW (2006–2007)[link]

Fertig made his return in June 2006 on WWE's ECW brand as a vampire. His first appearances on ECW on Sci Fi saw him appear in several vignettes, looking into the camera and spitting blood, while remaining unnamed and unofficially known as the "ECW Vampire".^[15][16][17] The idea behind the vignettes was that Fertig was to be part of a 'vampire' faction with Gangrel and Ariel; however, the faction did not materialise on television.^[4] The vignettes later expanded to include Ariel as a tarot card reader.^[18][19]

Thorn and Ariel in the ring together in 2006.

Fertig's televised in-ring debut for the brand on the July 25 episode of ECW on Sci Fi, defeating Little Guido Maritato, with Ariel acting as his valet.^[20] The next week, in another vignette, Ariel revealed his name to be Kevin Thorn.^[21] Ariel then increased her ringside presence during Thorn's matches, often interfering in his matches, and Thorn began a scripted feud with Balls Mahoney.^[22][23][24] In order to counteract Ariel's interference, Mahoney began bringing in Francine as an equalizer.^[25] The two teams feuded until early October, until Francine was released by WWE.^[26][27] As Ariel began to feud with Kelly Kelly, Thorn became caught up in the feud and at the December to Dismember pay-per-view, Thorn and Ariel defeated Kelly and Kelly's on-screen boyfriend Mike Knox in a mixed tag team match, after Knox walked out on Kelly.^[28][29]

On February 6, 2007, Thorn and Ariel joined Elijah Burke, Matt Striker, and Marcus Cor Von in forming the New Breed stable, with Thorn taking on the enforcer role and describing himself as the "muscle" of the group.^[30] The New Breed immediately engaged themselves in a feud with the ECW Originals (Rob Van Dam, Tommy Dreamer, Sabu and The Sandman).^[31][32] Different members of the New Breeds wrestled members of the ECW originals over several weeks, leading up to WrestleMania 23.^[33][34] At WrestleMania, the New Breed was defeated by the ECW Originals in an 8-man tag team match, but won a rematch on the following episode of ECW.^[35][36] In April, CM Punk aligned himself with the New Breed after weeks of recruiting.^[37] Just two weeks later, however, Punk betrayed the New Breed and attacked Burke after a match.^[38] The following week, Burke announced a match between Thorn and Punk, but Thorn lost. After the match, Thorn quit the New Breed, as none of the other members interfered during the match to help him.^[39]

On May 18, Ariel was released by WWE.^[40] The following week, Thorn appeared by himself, with the commentators claiming that Thorn was "flying solo". After leaving Ariel, Thorn was pushed, defeating superstars such as Tommy Dreamer and Stevie Richards.^[41][42][43] His winning streak came to an end on July 3, however, when he lost to CM Punk on ECW.^[44] Thorn then began a feud with Stevie Richards, after Richards defeated Thorn in an upset on two consecutive occasions.^[45][46] Following this, Thorn attacked Richards backstage.^[47] He later pinned Richards in a match, but the referee reversed the decision, and awarded the match to Richards, when Thorn attacked Richards after the match.^[48] Despite this, Thorn defeated Richards the following week, and then teamed up with Elijah Burke to defeat Richards and Tommy Dreamer in a tag team match.^[49][50] On the September 18 episode of ECW, Thorn along with Burke, Dreamer, and Richards involved themselves in an Elimination Chase to No Mercy to face Punk. In their first match, a fatal four-way, Thorn was victorious, eliminating Richards, but was eliminated himself the following week, due to being pinned in a triple threat match.^[51][52]

Thorn's new look in December 2007.

On November 20, 2007, Thorn debuted a new look, with shorter hair and different ring attire, while defeating Nunzio.^[53] Soon after this image change, Thorn was taken off of television and sent to the WWE developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling.^[2]

Developmental territories (2008–2009)[link]

In early 2008, Fertig made his return to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), and began wrestling under his real name.^[2] He competed against wrestlers including Pat Buck, J.D. Michaels, and Kofi Kingston.^[2] In mid-2008, Fertig moved to the new developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), and reverted to the Kevin Thorn name.^[2] His first match in FCW was on May 3, when he defeated Afa, Jr. in a Street Fight.^[2][54] On May 6, he teamed up with Atlas DaBone to defeat Afa, Jr. and "The Upgrade" Tyrone Jones.^[55] His first loss in FCW was on June 3, when he was defeated by Shawn Spears, following a distraction from Sinn Bowdee.^[56]

Fertig was part of plans for a faction to feud with The Undertaker in mid-2008, however, he underwent hip surgery in September, and the plans did not proceed.^[4] He competed in his final match in FCW on December 4, when he, Sheamus, and Gavin Spears were defeated by Joe Hennig, Johnny Prime, and Eric Escobar in a six-man elimination match.^[57] In January 2009, he was offered a new contract with WWE, but turned it down. As a result, WWE announced that he had been released from contract by request on January 9, although his contract did not technically end until April 5, preventing him from wrestling for other promotions.^[4][58]

Independent circuit (2009–present)[link]

Following his release from WWE, Fertig toured Europe, and stated he was considering working in Mexico and Puerto Rico.^[4] He has been using the Kevin Thorn vampire gimmick, in various independent promotions, such as One Pro Wrestling and Dynamic Pro Wrestling, and has also wrestled as Seven Thorn.^[1][2][59] At the September 1, 2009, tapings of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's Impact! television show Fertig wrestled in a dark match under the ring name Serpent, losing to Kip James.^[3]

Fertig appeared at German Stampede Wrestling shows in September 2010 as Seven Thorn.^[60] He wrestles for Frontier Elite Wrestling as 'Kevin Thorn', and is the reigning FEW Heavyweight Champion.^[61][62]

Personal life[link]

Fertig has a son.^[58] He also is friends with Matt and Jeff Hardy.^[4]

In wrestling[link]

Kevin Thorn and his former manager Ariel.

• Finishing moves
  • The Crucifix (Crucifix powerbomb)^[1][2]
  • Dark Kiss / Original Sin (Rope hung stunner)^[1]

• Signature moves
  • Shoulder jawbreaker^[2]

• Managers
  • Ariel^[20]

Championships and accomplishments[link]

• Frontier Elite Wrestling
  • FEW Heavyweight Championship (5 times)^[62]
  • FEW Deadman's Heavyweight Championship (3 times)

• Memphis Championship Wrestling
  • MCW Hardcore Championship (1 time)^[1]
  • MCW Southern Heavyweight Championship (1 time)^[1]
  • MCW Southern Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Trash^[1]

• Memphis Wrestling
  • Memphis Wrestling Southern Heavyweight Championship (2 times)^[1][2]

• Ohio Valley Wrestling
  • OVW Southern Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Travis Bane^[6]

References[link]

External links[link]

Professional wrestling portal

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Kevin Fertig

• Official website
• Kevin Fertig at the Internet Movie Database
• Online World of Wrestling profile
• Audio Interview

Ring name(s)	The Buck Muncie Magee[1] Pat Buck Platinum Ru Starr
Billed height	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Billed weight	221 lb (100 kg)
Born	(1984-12-26) December 26, 1984 (age 27) Queens, New York, United States
Resides	Louisville, Kentucky Providence, Rhode Island
Billed from	Detroit Rock City Queens, New York
Trained by	Brimstone
Debut	2002

Patrick Buckridge (born December 26, 1984) is an American professional wrestler, better know by the name Pat Buck. He competes in Midwestern, New England, and Metropolitan independent promotions including Derby City Wrestling, Ohio Championship Wrestling and Ohio Valley Wrestling, formerly a World Wrestling Entertainment developmental territory, where was one half of Gothic Mayhem with Johnny Punch and The Men of Iron with Rob Conway. He also competed in Florida Championship Wrestling. Currently competing in Northeast for NYWC, NWS, WWA, and various promotions.

Career[link]

Early life and career[link]

Born in Bellerose, a town in the borough of Queens, New York Buck attended St Gregory the Great elementary school in Bellerose, and St. Mary's High School in Manhasset, New York where he graduated from in 2001. A stand out lacrosse player and champion martial artist enabled Buck to receive a partial scholarship to college. He later attended Johnson & Wales University and Sullivan University studying business and hotel restaurant management.

In 2001, he began training at the Critical Mass Pro Wrestling School under John Curse, Brimstone, and Mike Mayhem where he was known as Ru Star. He later ventured out and spent time wrestling in Florida independents and training with Dory Funk Jr. He then moved to New England to wrestle for numerous independent promotions before relocating to Louisville in 2005. Once in Louisville, Buck worked for and continues to work for OVW full time and continue training under Rip Rogers. Buck was then offered exclusivity to train with WWE Developmental Talents who learned from Al Snow.^[2][3]

Ohio Valley Wrestling (2006)[link]

Entering Ohio Valley Wrestling in November 2005, he faced Mark Henry in his first OVW appearance and lost to him in less than a minute.^[4] Early the next year, Buck lost matches to Elijah Burke, Ryan Reeves and Mikey Batts. On March 11, he also lost to Jack Bull in a six way match involving Discord, Chuck Evans, Luis Almodovar and Mikey Batts. That same month, Buck began wrestling as The Erotic Erraticator whose ring style and in-ring persona was modeled after Adrian Adonis.^[5]

Teaming with Robbie Dawber and Jack Bull, Buck faced teams including The Highlanders, The Riggs Brothers and Cody Runnels and Elijah Burke in dark matches on OVW television. On June 5, he and Shawn Spears unsuccessfully took on Roadkill and Chet the Jet.^[6] Two weeks later at a June 16 Six Flags Show, he teamed with Jack Bull, Rahim and Deuce N' Domino in a 10-man tag team match against Cody Runnels, Kasey James, Roadkill and Mo and Chet the Jet. Buck's team lost when he was pinned by Roadkill.^[7]

Buck and Skyfire were the only two non contracted talents to be allowed to be on OVW television while Paul Heyman was booker. Due to not being under contract with WWE, Buck was never allowed to defeat any WWE talents, however, his ability was respected so much that he would be used to make other less skilled workers look good.^{[citation needed]}

During the next two months, he teamed with Jack Bull and Shad Gaspard and also lost to Chet the Jet, Mike Mizanin and Chuck Evans in single matches. On July 12, he and Shawn Spears lost to The Untouchables^[6] and to Charles Evans a week later at separate OVW television tapings.^[8] On August 5, he defeated Scott Cardinal and, at a Six Flags Show several days later, he participated in an 18-man battle royal including Jack Bull, Shad Gaspard, Elijah Burke, Lennox Lightfoot, Ranger Milton, Rod Steele, Eddie Craven III, Mike Kruel, Shawn Osborne, Jon Bolen, Neighborhoodie, Seth Skyfire, Johnny Punch, Los Locos and The Untouchables.^[9]

Gothic Mayhem (2006-2007)[link]

During the summer of 2006, Buck formed Gothic Mayhem with Johnny Punch.^[10] Much like Stevie Richards parody of KISS in Extreme Championship Wrestling during the mid-1990s, the team was styled after Twisted Sister. Both sporting mohawks and carrying electric guitars to the ring, they were followed by valets Melody and Roni Jonah as part of their entourage.^[8] Buck donned himself the "Platinum Frontman" who's persona mimicked Axl Rose. The two made their debut defeating Los Locos at the Davis Arena on August 16.^[11] They lost, however, to Bad Company (Eddie Craven and Mike Kruel), High Dosage (Ryan Reeves and Jon Bolen) and OVW Southern Tag Team Champions Cody Runnels and Shawn Spears.^[6] Buck also lost to Devin Driscoll, Steve Lewington, Paul Birchill, Christopher Rombola and Boris Alexiev in single matches.

On January 10, 2007, he and Johnny Punch lost to Chett the Jet and Steve Lewington in a four-way match including Los Locos and The Untouchables at an OVW television taping. Feuding with Chris Rombola later that month, they defeated Rombola and his partner Jake Hager on January 27. Weeks later at a February 14 OVW television taping, they met Rombola in a "Battle of the Bands" which ended when Pat Buck smashed a guitar over Rombola's head. The team would continue fight in matches against Kofi Nahaje Kingston and Harry Smith and Terminal Velocity (Chet the Jett and Steve Lewington).

In a match to decide the number one contender to the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship, they lost to Charles "The Hammer" Evans and Justin "The Ox" LaRoche in a four-way match with Chet the Jett and Steve Lewington and Belgian Brawler and Nicholas Sinn on March 7. Although losing matches to Chet the Jett and Steve Lewington over the next few weeks, he and Johnny Punch teamed with Tony Braddock to beat TJ Dalton, Jamin Olivencia and Mike Hutter in a 6-man tag team match. They also feuded with The Major Brothers during most of May and early June.

On July 4, Buck was scheduled to face Cody Runnels but the match was canceled when Runnels was attacked backstage by Shawn Spears earlier during the show.^[12] Buck also lost to Atlas DaBone, Jay Bradley and Vladimir Kozlov during the year as well as making a brief appearance in Derby City Wrestling.^[13] On October 10, Gothic Mayhem lost to Los Locos in a qualifying match to enter a championship tournament for the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship. The two wrestled their last match together against The Major Brothers on November 7. Buck teamed with Ryan Reeves in a match against OVW Southern Tag Team Champions Colt Cabana and Shawn Spears the following week.

2008-present[link]

In early 2008, Buck worked single matches with Charles Evans, Drew McIntyre, Kevin Thorn and Rob Conway. After his recent loss to Conway, his opponent suggested he toughen himself up by becoming a "man of iron" like himself. Buck took his advice literally making his debut as "The Man of Iron", Conway's own name, and defeated Lennox Lightfoot ending his four month losing streak.^[14]

Forming The Men of Iron with Conway during the summer, they captured the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship from 'The Insurgency (Ali and Omar Akbar) in Louisville on May 27. Oddly, Conway and Buck look alike. They are both same height, weight, hair, and facial features. Successfully defending the titles against The Insurgency a series of matches held at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom,^[15][16][17] they held the titles for two months before losing to Darriel Kelly and Josh Lowry in a four corners match with The Insurgency and Dirty Money on August 6.^[18]

On September 23, around the time OVW ended its business relationship with World Wrestling Entertainment, Buck and Conway were part of a group of OVW wrestlers scouted by WWE executive John Laurinaitis. Others included in the audition included Low Ryder, Angel of Sin, Ryback, Joey Matthews, Kris Cage, J.D. Michaels and female wrestler Serena.^[19]

On the edition of WWE Smackdown! which aired on December 25, 2009, Buck was featured in a jobber tag team along with Bryce Andrews, losing to Cryme Tyme.^[20] Buck continues to work the independents and has done several tours overseas.

Pat became the head trainer of NYWC in 2010. NYWC is a successful school known for training a few well knowns in the industry.

Pat left NYWC in early 2011 and soon made his debut for Pro Wrestling Syndicate. Teaming with John Silver as "The Lone Rangers" and being managed by Opie and Anthony's Sam Roberts, the duo defeated The Urban Legends for the tag team titles on August 20, 2011 in Ronkonkoma, New York.

In early 2012, Pat became Co-Owner of Pro Wrestling Syndicate alongside Eric Tapout.

Personal life[link]

Buckridge is engaged to Brittney Savage.^[21]

In wrestling[link]

• Managers

• Melody
• Roni Jonah

Championships and accomplishments[link]

• New York Wrestling Connection

• NYWC Heavyweight Championship
• NYWC Tag Team Championship (2 times) - with Tyler Payne (1) and Wayne (1)

• Ohio Valley Wrestling

• OVW Southern Tag Team Championship (2 times) - with Rob Conway (1) and J.D. Maverick (1)^[22][23]

• New England Championship Wrestling

• NECW Television Championship (1 time)

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated

• PWI ranked him #333 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2009^[24]
• PWI ranked him #359 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2010
  
• PWI ranked him #399 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2011

References[link]

External links[link]

Professional wrestling portal

• Official Website
• Official Podcast
• Online World of Wrestling profile
• CageMatch profile (German)

Kelly Kelly
Kelly during the Tribute to the Troops show in December 2008
Ring name(s)	Kelly Kelly
Billed height	5 ft 5 in (1.65 m)[1]
Billed weight	108 lb (49 kg)[1]
Born	(1987-01-15) January 15, 1987 (age 25)[2] Jacksonville, Florida[2][3]
Resides	Tampa, Florida[3]
Billed from	Jacksonville, Florida[4]
Trained by	OVW staff[1]
Debut	June 13, 2006[1]
Website	wwedivakellykelly.com

Barbara Jean "Barbie" Blank^[5] (born January 15, 1987)^[2] 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.^[4]

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 April 2011, Kelly returned to the Raw brand, where she won the WWE Divas Championship for the first time in June. Kelly lost the title to Beth Phoenix in October, ending her four-month reign.

World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE[link]

Ohio Valley Wrestling (2006)[link]

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.^[2] 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.^[1][2][6] 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.^[7] 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.^[2][7]

ECW (2006–2008)[link]

Matt Striker (left) talking down to Kelly Kelly at an ECW live event.

Blank debuted for the ECW brand as Kelly Kelly. Originally, she was to be named just 'Kelly', but her ring name was expanded to 'Kelly Kelly' by Vince McMahon.^[8] 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.^[3][5][9] Her character, an exhibitionist, was introduced performing a striptease for the crowd.^[6][9] 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.^[6][10] 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.^[11][12] Knox began forcing Kelly to accompany him to ringside so he could keep an eye on her, making her his de facto valet.^[11] 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.^[13] 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.^[14]

Kelly Kelly during a house show in June 2008.

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.^[15] During the next month, Kelly continuously flirted with Punk and was shown watching his matches from the crowd, until Knox stopped her.^[16][17] 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.^[18][19] 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.^[20] 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.^[2][21]

She returned to television on January 16, 2007 and cut a promo announcing she was newly single and bringing back Kelly's Exposé.^[22] The following week, she joined forces with Layla and Brooke to form Extreme Exposé.^[23] The trio performed a weekly dance segment on ECW for the next several months, as a successor to Kelly's Exposé segment.^[1] 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.^[1][24][25] 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.^[26][27][28] 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.^[6][29] 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.^[30][31] 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.^[2][32] 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.^[1][33][34] At WrestleMania XXIV, Kelly was a 'lumberjill' for the Divas' tag team lumberjill match.^[1] The following month, Kelly was part of the losing team in a five-on-five Divas match at the Backlash pay-per-view.^[35]

Raw (2008–2010)[link]

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.^[36] 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.^[1][37][38] During this time, Phoenix was aligned with Hall, and in late September Kelly transitioned into a feud with Hall.^[39][40][41] 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.^[42] The following month at Armageddon, Kelly teamed with Maria, Michelle McCool and James in a winning effort against Hall, Maryse, Victoria and Natalya.^[43]

Kelly posing on the turnbuckles in 2008.

On April 5, 2009, Kelly competed in a Divas Battle Royal at WrestleMania XXV, but the match was won by Santina Marella.^[44] 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.^[45] The following week, she challenged Maryse for the championship and won by disqualification, allowing Maryse to retain.^[46] Kelly lost a subsequent rematch by pinfall two weeks later on June 8.^[47] Three weeks later, she competed in a fatal four-way match to determine the number one contender, but the match was won by James.^[48] Throughout the remainder of mid-2009, Kelly unsuccessfully competed in several number one contender matches.^[49][50] 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.^[51] 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.^[52]

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.^[53] Throughout early 2010, Kelly was involved in several backstage segments with the guest hosts of Raw.^[1] At WrestleMania XXVI, Kelly teamed with Phoenix, Kim, James and Eve Torres in a losing effort to McCool, Layla, Maryse, Fox and Vickie Guerrero.^[54] The following night on Raw, the teams faced off in a rematch with the opposite result.^[55] 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.^[56]

Brand switches and Divas Champion (2010–present)[link]

Kelly at the 2010 Tribute to the Troops show.

During the 2010 WWE Draft on April 26, Kelly was drafted to the SmackDown brand.^[57] She made her debut on the April 30 episode of SmackDown by teaming with Beth Phoenix to defeat Lay-Cool (Michelle McCool and Layla).^[58] 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.^[59][60] 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.^[61] 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.^[62][63][64] On August 31, Kelly announced that she would be a mentor on season three of NXT, with Naomi as her rookie.^[65] Throughout the second half of 2010, Kelly continued to feud with Lay-Cool, and gained an ally in Natalya in October.^[66][67][68] In November, Kelly's NXT rookie, Naomi was named runner-up to the winner, Kaitlyn during the season finale.^[69]

In December, Kelly started a storyline with Drew McIntyre who had developed a romantic interest in her.^[1] She rebuffed his advances on several occasions, stating he was too aggressive and vindictive.^[70][71][72] 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.^[73] 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.^[74] 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.^[75] 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.^[76]

On April 26, Kelly was drafted back to the Raw brand as part of the 2011 supplemental draft.^[77] On May 22 at the Over the Limit pay-per-view, Kelly unsuccessfully challenged Brie Bella for the WWE Divas Championship.^[78] The following month, on the Power to the People special edition of Raw on June 20, Kelly won a vote by the fans to determine the challenger for the Divas Championship that night. Kelly went on to win her first WWE Divas Championship by defeating Bella.^[79][80] Her win later garnered her a Slammy Award for Divalicious Moment of the Year.^[81][82] At the Money in the Bank pay-per-view in July, Kelly made her first title defense, successfully defeating Bella in a rematch.^[83] On the August 1 episode of Raw, Phoenix won a battle royal to become the number one contender to Kelly's championship, and afterward attacked Kelly to provoke a feud.^[84] Kelly went on to successfully defend her championship against Phoenix at SummerSlam.^[85] Following SummerSlam, Kelly continued to feud with Phoenix, defeating her at Night of Champions, before dropping the championship to her at Hell in a Cell in October.^[86][87] In a rematch on the October 14 episode of SmackDown, Kelly lost once again.^[88] Kelly challenged Phoenix for the Divas Championship at Tables, Ladders & Chairs, but was unsuccessful.^[89] At WrestleMania XXVIII, Kelly and Extras correspondent Maria Menounos defeated Phoenix and Eve in a tag team match.^[90]

Other media[link]

In April 2007, Kelly, along with Ashley Massaro, Layla El, Brooke Adams, Torrie Wilson, and Maryse Ouellet, appeared in a music video for the Timbaland song "Throw It on Me" (featuring The Hives).^[91] 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.^[92] Six days later, she appeared as the "Soccerette" on the British football show Soccer AM.^[93] She appeared a second time on Soccer AM in 2009.^[94] On June 14, 2011 Kelly and The Bella Twins appeared on an episode of The Price is Right.^[95]

In August 2007, all three members of Extreme Exposé also took part in a photo-shoot for FHM Online.^[96] In 2011, Blank was ranked number 82 in Maxim's Hot 100.^[97] Blank was later featured on the both the front and back covers of Maxim in December 2011.^[8]

Personal life[link]

Blank was born in Jacksonville, Florida to a Jewish father and Christian mother.^[2][98] Blank was a fan of professional wrestling as a child, and cites Stone Cold Steve Austin as her favorite wrestler.^[99] While growing up, Blank participated in gymnastics for ten years, before she was forced to quit due to an injury.^[2] She later took up cheerleading.^[2] Blank studied broadcast journalism, hoping to become a television anchor.^[2][6] She was also a Hawaiian Tropic and Venus Swimwear bikini model before she entered professional wrestling.^[2][6] While training at OVW, Blank lived in Kentucky.^[99] Following this, Blank lived in Tampa, Florida prior to moving to Miami. She then returned to living in Tampa in 2010.^[3] She describes Trish Stratus as her inspiration in wrestling.^[99]

Blank was in a two-and-a-half year relationship with wrestler Andrew Martin, that had ended prior to his death in March 2009.^[100][101] Blank previously dated former WWE superstar Dave Batista.^[102][103] Blank is in a relationship with Sheldon Souray ^[104]

In wrestling[link]

• Finishing moves
  • K2 ^[93] / Kelly Kick ^[105] (Leg drop bulldog, sometimes preceded by stepping off the back of an opponent on all fours)^[106]
  • Roll-up^[107][108] — 2011–present
  • Kelly-DT (DDT) 2006-2008

• Signature moves
  • Kelly Killer^[93](Handspring back elbow smash)
  • Stink face^[109]
  • Tilt-a-whirl headscissors takedown
  • Neckbreaker^[110]
  • Hanging figure four necklock
  • Thesz press followed by multiple punches (sometimes from an elevated position) ^[111]
  • Hurricanrana

• Wrestlers managed
  • Mike Knox^[11]
  • The Miz^[1]

• Entrance themes
  • "Holla" by Desiree Jackson (2006–2007)^[112]
  • "Holla (2nd Remix)" by Desiree Jackson (October 6, 2008–present)^[113]

Championships and accomplishments[link]

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI ranked her #15 of the best 50 female singles wrestlers in the PWI Female 50 in 2011^[114]

• World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE
  • WWE Divas Championship (1 time)^[79]
  • Slammy Award for Divalicious Moment of the Year (2011) – Kelly winning her first Divas Championship^[81]

References[link]

External links[link]

Professional wrestling portal

Find more about Barbie Blank on Wikipedia's sister projects:
	Images and media from Commons

• Official website
• Kelly Kelly on Twitter
• Kelly Kelly on Facebook
• Kelly Kelly on Google+
• Kelly Kelly at the Internet Movie Database
• WWE profile
• Online World of Wrestling profile