The WWE Diva Search is a talent competition held by World Wrestling Entertainment. The first winner was Jaime Koeppe, but she did not receive a contract like subsequent winners of the contest. Other winners included Christy Hemme, Ashley Massaro, Layla El, and Eve Torres. In addition to the winners of the yearly contest, WWE has hired several contestants as Divas.

2003

In 2003 WWE had its first Diva Search. However, unlike the later Diva Searches, the first Diva Search winner did not receive a contract. She did receive a photoshoot for an issue of ''WWE Magazine''. Jaime Koeppe was named the first WWE Diva Search winner.

2004

Series	WWE Diva Search
Season	2004
Bgcolor	#E882B5
First aired	July 19, 2004
Last aired	September 20, 2004
Broadcaster	Spike TV
Winner-name	Christy Hemme
Winner-hometown	Poway, California
Runner-name	Carmella DeCesare }}

Themes

"Open Your Eyes" by Alter Bridge

"Real Good Girl" by Jim Johnston

"Time and Time Again" by Chronic Future

"Walk Idiot Walk" by The Hives

Contestants

{|class="wikitable sortable" |- !Name !Age !Hometown !Eliminated |- |Christy Hemme |23 |Poway, CA |Winner |- |Carmella DeCesare |23 |Avon Lake, OH |Runner-Up |- |Joy Giovanni |26 |Boston, MA |3rd Place |- |Amy Weber |27 |Mapleton, IL |4th Place |- |Maria Kanellis |22 |Ottawa, IL |5th Place |- |Tracie Wright |24 |Atlanta, GA |6th Place |- |Michelle McCool |24 |Palatka, FL |7th Place |- |Chandra Costello |28 |Liberty, KY |8th Place |- |Camille Anderson |26 |Dallas, TX |9th Place |- |Julia Costello |28 |Liberty, KY |10th Place |- |} : Ages are at time of filming.

Notes

In 2004, WWE decided to make an extension of the Diva Search, which included a one-year contract worth $250,000 and was held on ''Raw''. Over 7,000 females applied to be a part of the contest. The final ten contestants were chosen on a casting special aired on Spike TV on July 15, with guest judges Triple H, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, and Edge.

They began airing the weekly Diva Search segments on July 19. Despite reported claims by the company that the contest would be handled in a classy manner, the contest involved prospective divas performing suggestive acts on live television, such as "seducing" a male wrestler. Fans were allowed to vote for the winners, but the outcome of the voting process was questioned by media outlets. The eventual winner of the competition was Christy Hemme, who went on to pose in ''Playboy'' and competed at WrestleMania 21 for the WWE Women's Championship where she was accompanied to the ring by Lita, but ended up with Trish Stratus retaining the title.

Finalists (winner Hemme, runner-up Carmella DeCesare, Amy Weber, and Joy Giovanni) took part in a segment titled "Diss the Diva" on August 30, 2004, which was censored at several points due to foul language and obscenities from the contestants when they were asked to taunt one another verbally. Backstage, the four contestants bickered with and disliked each other, as well. Also, during an earlier segment in the competition, Maria Kanellis gave DeCesare the middle finger.

Despite only one winner being crowned in the competition each year, WWE hired a large number of the contestants from past contests and immediately placed them in on-camera in non-wrestling roles. From the 2004 Diva Search, Michelle McCool, Amy Weber, Candice Michelle, Maria Kanellis, and Joy Giovanni all received contracts after losing the contest. Several of the girls were sent to Ohio Valley Wrestling to train. Weber eventually quit the company, alleging that Randy Orton had played cruel pranks on her. In December 2005, Christy Hemme was released by WWE due to budget cuts. Hemme posed for the cover of ''Playboy'' in 2005, Candice Michelle appeared on the cover for the 2006 issue, and Kanellis appeared on the cover in 2008. Candice Michelle went on to be the first Diva Search contestant to win the WWE Women's Championship in June 2007, and McCool became the first holder of the WWE Divas Championship in July 2008. On June 19, 2009, Candice Michelle was released by WWE. Also in 2009, McCool became the first Diva Search contestant and the first WWE Diva to hold the Women's Championship and Divas Championship. In December 2009, Kanellis became the first Diva Search contestant to win a Slammy at the 2009 WWE Slammy Awards for Diva of the Year as voted by the fans at WWE.com. On February 26, 2010 Kanellis was released by WWE. Michelle McCool became the last contestant employed by WWE until her departure on May 1, 2011 at Extreme Rules (2011) as she was defeated by 2006 Diva Search winner Layla in a no disqualification, no count-out, loser leaves WWE match. In September of 2010, Michelle McCool became the first Diva Search Contestant and the first Diva to become the Unified WWE Divas Champion. That same year, Michelle became the second Diva Search Contestant to win Diva of the Year after winning the Battle Royal at the 2010 WWE Slammy Awards and also Knucklehead of the Year along with Layla El.

2005

Series	WWE Diva Search
Season	2005
Bgcolor	#E882B5
First aired	June 27, 2005
Last aired	August 15, 2005
Broadcaster	Spike TV
Winner-name	Ashley Massaro
Winner-hometown	Babylon, New York
Runner-name	Leyla Milani }}

Theme

"Be Yourself" by Audioslave

Contestants

{|class="wikitable sortable" |- !Name !Age !Hometown !Eliminated |- |Ashley Massaro |26 |Babylon, NY |Winner |- |Leyla Milani |23 |Toronto, ON |Runner-Up |- |Elisabeth Rouffaer |22 |Santa Cruz, CA |3rd Place |- |Kristal Marshall |21 |Los Angeles, CA |4th Place |- |Summer DeLin |24 |Shreveport, LA |5th Place |- |Cameron Haven |24 |Lake Worth, FL |6th Place |- |Simona Fusco |25 |Italy |7th Place |- |Leilene "Alexis" Ondrade |23 |Costa Mesa, CA |8th Place |- |} : Ages are at time of filming.

Notes

For the 2005 Diva Search, WWE reportedly emphasized the fact that potential contestants did not need to have any wrestling experience or even a desire to wrestle. The eight finalists began appearing on ''Raw'' on June 27. One contestant was eliminated each week until there was a final three. Contestant Leyla Milani accidentally exposed herself by falling out of her top while attempting to navigate an obstacle course on the July 4 edition of ''Raw'', leading to a "disqualification" in the contest.

Ashley Massaro was declared the winner on August 15 and received $250,000. Massaro wanted to train to wrestle, however, due to her family's involvement in amateur wrestling. As in 2004, not only the winner of the contest was hired by WWE. Massaro appeared on the cover of the 2007 issue of ''Playboy'' and also took part of ''Survivor: China''. Other contestants hired include Kristal Marshall, Trenesha Biggers (eliminated in the Top 25) and Elisabeth Rouffaer. Leyla Milani the runner up and a model for the NBC television show ''Deal or No Deal'' appeared in a commercial for USA Network called "Raw Fan Nation". Leilene "Alexis" Ondrade appeared as Smiley on the VH1 reality show ''Flavor of Love'', ''Flavor of Love Girls: Charm School'', and ''I Love Money 2''. On July 9, 2008, Massaro requested and was granted her release from her WWE contract.

2006

Series	WWE Diva Search
Season	2006
Bgcolor	#E882B5
First aired	July 10, 2006
Last aired	August 16, 2006
Broadcaster	USA NetworkUPN
Winner-name	Layla El
Winner-hometown	Miami, Florida
Runner-name	Jen England }}

Themes

"Face Down" by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

"Move Along" by The All-American Rejects

"Out Here All Night" by Damone

Contestants

{|class="wikitable sortable" |- !Name !Age !Hometown !Eliminated |- |Layla El |27 |Miami, FL |Winner |- |Jen England |27 |Lansing, MI |Runner-Up |- |J.T. Tinney |25 |Phoenix, AZ |3rd Place |- |Milena Roucka |26 |Vancouver, BC |4th Place |- |Erica Chevillar |23 |Boca Raton, FL |5th Place |- |Rebecca DiPietro |26 |Rehoboth, MA |6th Place |- |Maryse Ouellet |23 |Montreal, QC |7th Place |- |Amy Zidian |23 |Orlando, FL |8th Place |- |} : Ages are at time of filming.

Notes

The eight finalists made their first appearance on WWE programming on ''Raw'' on July 10. The Diva Search had an awkward beginning on July 10 with an introductory segment on ''Raw'' featuring new host Mike Mizanin. During the segment, Mizanin appeared to have forgotten his lines and stammered on for several minutes when trying to explain the voting procedures for the contest. When introducing the contestants, Mizanin mispronounced names and looked uncomfortable in his new role as Diva Search emcee. Each week, the contestants appeared on both ''Raw'' and ''SmackDown!''. The final three appeared on a special that aired on August 16, 2006 on the USA Network in the USA and August 19, 2006 on Fox8 in Australia, where the winner was announced.

Layla El won the 4th annual Diva Search and was placed on ''SmackDown!'' in late 2006 before she was moved to ECW as part of the short lived trio Extreme Expose throughout 2007. WWE also hired several of the eliminated Diva contestants including: Maryse Ouellet, The Garcia Twins, Rebecca DiPietro, Brooke Adams and Milena Roucka. DiPietro had a short stint with the company when she became a backstage interviewer on ECW. Amy Zidian also had a short stint with the business when she debuted on ''Smackdown'' as the valet for Jimmy Wang Yang before she was released. Adams was first sent to Deep South Wrestling before debuting on the ECW brand as a member of Extreme Expose; Brooke was released by WWE in 2007. The Garcia Twins debuted on the SmackDown brand as The Bella Twins in August 2008. In December 2008, Ouellet won the Divas Championship after defeating Michelle McCool. Milena went on to become Rosa Mendes, a fan of the Glamazon Beth Phoenix who debuted in 2008 and has since then managed Carlito and Zack Ryder. In May 2010, Layla became the first and only Diva Search winner and the first British person to become the WWE Women's Champion after teaming up with Michelle McCool to defeat Beth Phoenix in a 2 on 1 Handicap Match. Due to the fact that Layla got the pinfall, she became the Women's Champion. Layla also became the second winner to win a title and also won Knucklehead of the Year at the 2010 Slammy Awards making her the first Diva Search winner to win a Slammy sharing the award with McCool.

2007

Series	WWE Diva Search
Season	2007
Bgcolor	#E882B5
First aired	September 10, 2007
Last aired	October 29, 2007
Broadcaster	Webcast
Winner-name	Eve Torres
Winner-hometown	Denver, Colorado
Runner-name	Brooke Gilbertsen }}

Theme

"Let it Roll" by Velvet Revolver

Contestants

{|class="wikitable sortable" |- !Name !Age !Hometown !Eliminated |- |Eve Torres |22 |Denver, CO |Winner |- |Brooke Gilbertsen |22 |Chicago, IL |Runner-Up |- |Lena Yada |28 |Los Angeles, CA |3rd Place |- |Taryn Terrell |23 |New Orleans, LA |4th Place |- |Jessica Hatch |26 |Canada |5th Place |- |J. Kim |24 |Catawba, NC |6th Place |- |Lyndy Frieson |22 |Vancouver, BC |7th Place |- |Naomi Kirk |24 |West Yorkshire |8th Place |- |} : Ages are at time of filming.

Notes

The first competition was on WWE.com on September 10, which was also when the voting started. The winner was announced on the October 29 edition of ''Raw''. Unlike past Diva Searches, this Search was the first to take place exclusively on WWE.com. The winner, Eve Torres became the third Diva Search contestant and the first Diva Search winner to win the WWE Diva's Championship winning it on the April 12th episode of Raw. At the 2011 Royal Rumble, Torres became the first Diva Search winner to win the Unified Divas Championship after winning the Fatal Four Way match.

2011

Series	WWE Diva Search
Season	2011
Bgcolor	#E882B5
Broadcaster	TBD
Runner-name	}}

Theme

TBD

Contestants

TBD

Notes

WWE is currently planning to bring back the Diva Search after a four-year hiatus.

Footnotes

External links

2006 Diva Search at WWE.com

FHM Online interviews with the 2006 contestants

Diva Search 2007 at WWE.com

Search Category:Recurring events established in 2003

ar:دبليو دبليو إي ديفا سيرش ca:WWE Diva Search es:WWE Diva Search fr:WWE Diva Search ko:디바 서치 it:WWE Diva Search ja:ディーヴァサーチ pt:WWE Diva Search ru:WWE Поиск Див simple:WWE Diva Search tr:WWE Diva Search

Name	Velvet Sky
Names	Velvet SkyTalia MadisonMiss TaliaTalia DollTalia
Height
Weight
Birth date	June 02, 1981
Birth place	New Britain, Connecticut
Resides	Waterbury, Connecticut
Billed	The Big Apple
Trainer	Jason KnightKevin Landry
Debut	2003
Retired	}}

Jamie Szantyr (born June 2, 1981) is an American professional wrestler currently working for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling under the ring name Velvet Sky. She is a former TNA Knockout Tag Team Champion with her former Beautiful People partners Madison Rayne and Lacey Von Erich. She also works outside of TNA as Talia Madison.

Professional wrestling career

Early career

Prior to debuting, Szantyr was trained by Jason Knight and Kevin Landry at the ''House of Pain Pro Wrestling Dojo''. After completing her training, she began working as a valet and wrestler on the independent circuit using the ring names Miss Talia, Talia Doll, and Talia Madison. On the independent circuit, she formed a tag team known as T&A; with April Hunter. She was booked to her first wrestling championship during her time in World Xtreme Wrestling, getting the WXW Women's Championship after winning a battle royal on May 29, 2004.

Szantyr made a few appearances in World Wrestling Entertainment in 2005 and 2006. On the February 24, 2005 edition of ''WWE SmackDown!'', she appeared as an extra during the JBL "Celebration of Excellence" party. She was then defeated by Victoria on July 11 in a match taped for ''WWE Heat''. On January 2, 2006, she and Trinity were planted in the front row of the audience to be selected to dance with The Heart Throbs after their match in another ''Heat'' segment. She also auditioned for the 2007 Diva Search, but did not make the final eight.

As Talia Madison, she held Defiant Pro Wrestling Women's title, which she got on April 8, 2006 after defeating Alere Little Feather and Nikki Roxx in a three-way match. Later that year, she debuted in MXW Pro Wrestling and defeated Alere Little Feather at Brass City Battle. She also wrestled in Women's Extreme Wrestling both as Talia Doll and Talia Madison, where she mainly worked in tag team matches. She found championship success here as half of The Simple Girls/The Madison Sisters with her (kayfabe) sister Nikki Madison, and as the "T" half of the T&A; tag team with April Hunter, defeating Team Blondage's Amber O'Neal and Lollipop to get the title on WEW's April 6, 2006 pay-per-view. She also held the WEW World Women's title (as Talia Madison), defeating Angel Orsini on May 5, 2007.

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2007–present)

When Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) announced the creation of their women's division in 2007, Szantyr, using her Talia Madison ring name, was announced as one of the ten wrestlers in a 10-woman Gauntlet match to crown the first TNA Women's World Champion at Bound for Glory pay-per-view. Before the show she made non-wrestling appearances on the October 5 episode of ''TNA Today'' and the October 11 ''Impact!'', standing at ringside for the debut match of Amazing Kong along with the other gauntlet match participants. In the weeks following the gauntlet match, her ring name was changed to Velvet Sky.

The Beautiful People (2007–2011)

At the December Turning Point pay-per-view, Sky and Angelina Love were paired together and dubbed "Velvet Love Entertainment", later renamed to "The Beautiful People". After defeating ODB and Roxxi Laveaux early in the show, Love and Sky assisted Gail Kim in her match against Awesome Kong. They assisted Kim again after another match against Kong on the December 6 edition of ''Impact!'' and at Final Resolution pay-per-view, helping to stop a brawl post match.

On the March 13 edition of ''Impact!'', Sky and Love attacked Roxxi Laveaux and later that night Gail Kim, thus becoming heels for the first time in TNA. At Lockdown, Sky and Love participated in the first ever "Queen of the Cage" match, which was won by Laveaux when Laveaux pinned Love inside the cage. Sky and Love participated in the Make Over Battle Royal-Ladder Match at Sacrifice, which was won by Gail Kim. A pre-match stipulation determined that the loser of the ladder match portion of the match would have their head shaved, unless this was Gail Kim, otherwise Love would have her head shave. Sky and Love later added another factor to their gimmicks, placing brown paper bags over opponents heads. Soon after, Moose joined The Beautiful People, but she was quickly removed from the stable and the TNA roster after suffering an injury on the independent circuit. On July 17 episode of ''Impact!'', Sky won a Knockouts Battle Royal for number one contendership to the Women's Knockout Championship, but lost the title match the next week as well as two more title matches immediately following to then champion Taylor Wilde.

The Beautiful People began associating with Cute Kip, who become known as their "fashionist". At Bound for Glory IV, The Beautiful People and Cute Kip were defeated by ODB, Rhaka Khan, and Rhino. In March 2009 the team gained a new member in Madison Rayne, while Kip was "fired" from the stable twice in the following month before finally becoming a road agent for the company. Sky was in Love's corner when she defeated Kong and Wilde to claim the TNA Women's Knockout Championship at Lockdown. Sky was also in Love's corner at Slammiversary where she helped her defeat Tara by spraying hairspray in her eyes. At Hard Justice Sky, along with Angelina Love, competed in a tag match against ODB and Cody Deaner in a losing effort when Deaner pinned Sky causing Love to lose the Championship to ODB.

After this loss, Madison Rayne was kicked out of The Beautiful People, with the pair vowing revenge in the upcoming tournament for the TNA Knockout Tag Team Championship. The last of the four quarter final matches pitted The Beautiful People against Madison Rayne and a mystery partner. This mystery partner was later revealed to be the returning Roxxi. Regardless, The Beautiful People won the match and advanced to the semi-finals.

Since that match was taped, Angelina Love had been released from her TNA Wrestling contract due to work visa issues. On the last episode of ''Impact!'' taped before her release Love and Sky advanced to the finals of the tag team tournament by defeating Tara and Christy Hemme after interference from Madison Rayne. Afterwards Rayne apologized to both Sky and Love, and was then welcomed back into the Beautiful People. At No Surrender Sky and Love's replacement Rayne were defeated in the finals of the tournament by Sarita and Taylor Wilde. On October 1 Love's replacement Lacey Von Erich made her debut and joined the Beautiful People. Love would return to the company on the January 14, 2010, edition of ''Impact!'', but instead of re-joining the Beautiful People, she attacked them, thus turning face. On the March 8 Monday night edition of ''Impact!'' Sky and Rayne defeated the teams of Love and Tara and Sarita and Taylor Wilde in a three-way match to win the vacant TNA Knockout Tag Team Championship, after interference from Daffney. The three members of the Beautiful People will defend the titles under the Freebird rule. On the April 5 edition of ''Impact!'', Sky was one of the four winners of the very first LockBox Showdown Elimination Tag Match. The box she opened contained a contract for Sky to challenge anyone of her choosing at any time, regardless of the stipulation. Sky then announced that she would be using her contract to face the new Knockout Champion Angelina Love in a Leather and Lace match the following week. With Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne scheduled to receive a shot at the Knockout Championship at Lockdown, the Beautiful People turned the Leather and Lace match into a three-on-one beatdown in order to soften Love up for the pay-per-view the following Sunday. At the pay-per-view Rayne and Sky defeated Love and Tara, with Rayne becoming the new Women's Knockout Champion. Sky faced Love once again on the June 24 edition of ''Impact'' and won via disqualification after being dropped with a DDT on a steel chair, just like Von Erich the previous week.

On June 27, 2010, Szantyr announced that she had signed a long–term contract extension with TNA. In the summer of 2010, Sky began showing signs of a face turn, when Rayne began talking down to her and Von Erich, declaring that she did not need either of them and then recruited a mystery woman hiding behind a motorcycle helmet to help her in her feud with Angelina Love. On the July 22 edition of ''Impact!'' Sky refused to go along with Rayne, the mystery woman and Sarita, when they all got done assaulting Love and Taylor Wilde, Von Erich on the other hand chose to leave with the trio. On July 27, at the tapings of the August 5 edition of ''Impact!'', Sky and Von Erich lost the TNA Knockout Tag Team Championship to Hamada and Taylor Wilde, when Rayne's and the mystery woman's interference backfired. The following week Sky turned face by attacking the mystery woman during Rayne's title match with Angelina Love and in doing so caused a distraction, which cost Rayne the Women's Knockout Championship. On the August 19 episode of ''Impact!'', Sky reunited with Angelina Love, accompanying her to the ring and helping her successfully defend the Women's Knockout Championship against Rayne, who was with the mysterious biker woman. After the match Sky and Love were beaten down by Rayne and the mystery woman. Rayne's mysterious ally was finally unmasked as Tara on the September 2 edition of ''Impact!'', when the two of them defeated Sky and Love in their first match together in a year. At No Surrender Sky defeated Rayne in a singles match. Lacey Von Erich would join Sky and Love in the Beautiful People, after being saved by them from Rayne and Tara on the September 16 edition of ''Impact!''. She, however, would leave the promotion two months later on November 11. In October Sky entered a feud with Sarita, who would score back–to–back pinfall victories over her on the October 28 and the November 4 editions of ''Impact!'', first in a six knockout tag team match and then in a singles match. On the December 9 edition of ''Impact!'' Sky and Love defeated Sarita and Daffney in the first round match of a tournament for the vacant Knockout Tag Team Championship, but Sky was still unable to pin Sarita. Two weeks later, Sarita attacked Sky prior to her and Love's tournament final match. As a result, Winter, who had been stalking Love for the past months, stepped up, took Sky's place in the match and teamed with Love to defeat Madison Rayne and Tara for the Knockout Tag Team Championship. The following week Sarita defeated Sky in a Strap match. On the January 27 edition of ''Impact!'', Sky brawled with Winter, claiming she was trying to break up the Beautiful People. Sarita pinned Sky once again on the February 17 edition of ''Impact!'', in a tag team match, where she teamed with Rosita and Sky with Love. After the match Sky challenged Sarita to a one–on–one match, where she agreed to put her career on the line. On the March 3 edition of ''Impact!'' Sky was finally able to defeat Sarita in a singles match, salvaging her career in the process. On March 13 at Victory Road, Sky inadvertently cost Love and Winter the Knockout Tag Team Championship in a match against Sarita and Rosita. On the March 24 edition of ''Impact!'', Winter, seemingly having control over Love's actions, prevented her from saving Sky from a beatdown at the hands of Sarita and Rosita. On the April 7 edition of ''Impact!'', Love, still under Winter's spell, turned on Sky during a Knockout Tag Team Championship match against Sarita and Rosita and left her to be pinned by the champions, effectively ending the Beautiful People.

Singles career (2011–present)

On the April 28 edition of ''Impact!'', Love defeated Sky via submission in a singles match, no-selling all of her opponent's offense during the match. On the May 5 edition of ''Impact!'', Sky pinned Winter in a two–on–three handicap match, where she teamed with Kurt Angle to face Winter, Love and Jeff Jarrett, announcing her intention of becoming the TNA Women's Knockout Champion in the process. On the May 19 edition of ''Impact Wrestling'', Sky defeated Love and Winter in a two–on–one handicap match, but was afterwards attacked by the returning ODB, who claimed that she had gotten fired from TNA the previous June because of her. Sky and ODB faced each other in a singles match on the June 9 edition of ''Impact Wrestling'', with Sky emerging victorious. The following week, Sky and Ms. Tessmacher failed in their attempt to win the Knockout Tag Team Championship from Rosita and Sarita due to outside interference from ODB. Afterwards, Sky was beaten down by ODB and her new tag team partner, Jacqueline. On the June 12 edition of ''Impact Wrestling'', Sky and Tessmacher were defeated by Jacqueline and ODB in a tag team match. The feud was seemingly ended on the July 7 edition of ''Impact Wrestling'', when Sky defeated ODB and Jacqueline in a two–on–one handicap match, forcing both of them out of TNA as per stipulation of the match. On the July 21 edition of ''Impact Wrestling'', TNA Women's Knockout Champion Mickie James awarded Sky a shot at her title, but before the match could take place, James was attacked by Angelina Love and Winter. When Sky tried to make the save, she was attacked by the returning ODB and Jacqueline, who were then in turn attacked by the also returning Traci Brooks.

Asistencia Asesoría y Administración (2011)

On June 18, 2011, Sky made her debut for Mexican promotion Asistencia Asesoría y Administración at TripleManía XIX, where she teamed with Angelina Love, Mickie James and Sexy Star to defeat Cynthia Moreno, Faby Apache, Lolita and Mari Apache in an eight woman tag team match.

Personal life

In high school, Szantyr competed in cheerleading, softball, cross-country, and track. Szantyr was previously in a relationship with former WWE superstar Gregory Helms, but the two have since broken up. Szantyr is currently dating fellow TNA performer Joshua Harter, better known as Chris Sabin.

Other media

She was featured on MTV's ''Made'' alongside A.J. Styles, Taylor Wilde, and Angelina Love. On January 24, 2009, she appeared as a soccerette on British television program ''Soccer AM'', along with Angelina Love. In November 2010 she was a contestant on an all TNA week of ''Family Feud'', teaming with Angelina Love, Christy Hemme, Lacey Von Erich and Tara against Jay Lethal, Matt Morgan, Mick Foley, Mr. Anderson and Rob Van Dam.

In wrestling

Finishing moves

*As Talia/Talia Madison

*''Blonde Ambition'' / ''Diva Drop'' (Diving neckbreaker)

*''Re-Talia-tion'' (Straight jacket sitout rear mat slam)

*As Velvet Sky

*''Beauty Mark'' (Double knee backbreaker) – 2009

*''Skyliner'' (Straight jacket sitout rear mat slam)

*Snap DDT

Signature moves

Grabs a hold of the wrists of an opponent on their back and then performs multiple stomps on the opponent's chest, driving their back of the head into the mat

Northern Lights suplex

Octopus stretch, while biting the trapped arm, sometimes into a sunset flip

Reverse bulldog

Snapmare followed by a shoot kick to the back of the opponent's head

Tilt-a-whirl headscissors takedown

Triangle choke

With Angelina Love

*Finishing moves

*''Makeover'' (Russian legsweep (Sky) / Running bicycle kick (Love) combination)

*Simultaneous roundhouse kicks to the abdomen (Sky) and the back of the leg (Love)

*Signature moves

*''Hollering Elbow'' (Double elbow drop, with theatrics)

With Madison Rayne

Double Russian legsweep

Double straight jacket sleeper slam

With Lacey Von Erich

Double DDT

Wrestlers managed

The Brain Surgeons

Simon Diamond

Romeo Roselli

Matt Striker

John Walters

Alere Little Feather

*Jason Knight

Angelina Love

Cute Kip

Madison Rayne

Entrance themes

*"Goodies" by Ciara (WXW)

*"Just a Lil Bit" by 50 Cent (Independent circuit)

"I'm About to Freak" by Dale Oliver (TNA)

"Angel On My Shoulder" by Dale Oliver (TNA)

Championships and accomplishments

Defiant Pro Wrestling

DPW Women's Championship (1 time)

Georgia Wrestling Alliance

GWA Ladies Championship (1 time)

Pro Wrestling Illustrated

PWI ranked her #21 of the best 50 female singles wrestlers in the PWI Female 50 in 2010

TNT Pro Wrestling

TNT Women's Championship (1 time)

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling

TNA Knockout Tag Team Championship (1 time)¹ – with Lacey Von Erich and Madison Rayne

Universal Wrestling Association

UWA Women's Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Ariel

Women's Extreme Wrestling

WEW World Championship (1 time)

WEW World Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with April Hunter (1) and Tiffany Madison (1)

World Xtreme Wrestling

WXW Women's Championship (1 time)

¹Sky defended the title with either Von Erich or Rayne under the Freebird Rule.

References

External links

TNA Official Website - Velvet Sky Profile

Glory Wrestling profile

Lethal Women of Wrestling profile

Online World of Wrestling profile

Slammin Ladies profile

Slam! Sports profile

Official Website

Spanish Fansite

Category:1981 births Category:American female professional wrestlers Category:American professional wrestlers of Italian descent Category:American people of Polish descent Category:People from New Britain, Connecticut Category:People from Waterbury, Connecticut Category:American people of Italian descent Category:Living people Category:American cheerleaders Category:Professional wrestling managers and valets Category:WWE Diva Search contestants

ca:Jamie Szantyr de:Velvet Sky es:Jamie Szantyr fr:Velvet Sky it:Velvet Sky nl:Velvet Sky pl:Velvet Sky pt:Velvet Sky simple:Velvet Sky tr:Velvet Sky

Name	Lena Yada
Names	LenaLena YadaNinja Yada
Height
Weight
Birth date	November 12, 1978
Birth place	Honolulu, Hawaii
Resides	Los Angeles, California
Billed	Los Angeles, California
Trainer	UPW StaffFCW StaffJesse Hernandez
Debut	January 4, 2008
Retired	}}

Lena Yada (born November 12, 1978) is a Japanese-American model, actress, professional tandem surfer, and professional wrestler, who is known for working for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) as a backstage interviewer, valet and WWE Diva on its ECW Brand.

Modeling and surfing

Yada was first runner-up in the 2002 Ms. Venus Swimwear International pageant, and is also a former Miss Hawaiian Tropic Japan.

Yada modeled for Bench Warmer International Trading Cards beginning in 2004. She was featured in trading card sets again in 2006, 2008 and 2009. As a Bench Warmer model, Yada has attended red carpet events to promote the cards.

Yada competed in the quarter finals of the 2007 World Title of Tandem Surfing, making it to an eighth place ranking. In March 2008, her pair was ranked 14 for the 2008 WTT.

Yada was one of Sprite's campaign models when they changed their logo and could be seen in commercials, online advertising, and in movie theaters. Yada was also a campaign model two years in a row for Sheiki Jeans (who's past campaign model included Jenna Jameson) and for Western Star. Yada's latest project was lead for Disturbed's music video "The Animal".

World Wrestling Entertainment (2008)

Yada first came to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) auditioning for the 2005 Diva Search and made it to the Top 30. She auditioned again in 2007 and made it to the final eight and placed third overall in the competition. On the October 22, 2007 edition of ''Raw'' she became the sixth contestant eliminated. On November 10, 2007, however, Yada was signed to WWE and made her ''SmackDown!'' television debut on January 4, 2008 as a backstage interviewer, interviewing Matt Striker and Big Daddy V.

After appearing only once on ''SmackDown!'', on January 8, Yada was transferred to ''ECW''. She hosted a "Diva Dance Off" between Kelly Kelly and Layla El, only to suddenly include herself at the end and crown herself the winner. She later became a heel and joined forces with Layla against Kelly Kelly, who had defeated them in a "Best Body" contest. Yada continued as a valet to both Victoria and Layla for the next couple of weeks, but then Yada returned to her role as a backstage interviewer. In the Summer of 2008, Yada began in-ring training at the Ultimate Pro Wrestling facility in California.

Yada participated in the Cyber Sunday annual Halloween Costume Contest. Yada was dressed as a Ninja. On November 3, 2008, on the 800th episode of ''Raw'', Yada won her in-ring televised debut in a 16-Diva tag team match after then WWE Women's Champion Beth Phoenix pinned Mae Young, although, she was never tagged in. On November 10, 2008 she was released from her WWE contract just a week after her in-ring debut.

Independent circuit

After the WWE, Yada won her first singles match against Christina Von Eerie at Pro Wrestling Revolution's show on June 6, 2009 in San Francisco as part of ChickFight, pinning Christina with a schoolgirl roll-up.

Wrestling

Signature moves

*Camel clutch, often preceded by a drop toe-hold

*Hair pull snapmare

*Headscissors takedown

*Japanese arm drag

*Overhead belly to belly suplex

*Rope hung Boston crab

*Russian legsweep

*Scoop slam

*Straight jacket

*Suplex

Wrestlers managed

Layla

Victoria

Nicknames

*"The Asian Sensation"

Entrance themes

*"Body Talk" by EliZe (WWE)

*"Earthquake" by Family Force 5 (Independent circuit)

Filmography

! Year	! Film/Television Role	! Role	! Notes
2002	''Son of the Beach''	Nokia	1 episode
2004	''Naked in the 21st Century''	Herself
2005	''Casting Ripe Live''	Herself
2007	''VH1's The Shot''	Red Carpet Model	Episode 7
2007	''I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry''	Hooters Girl
2008	''Squeegees''	Red Bikini Girl

References

External links

Category:1978 births Category:American female models Category:American models of Japanese descent Category:American sportspeople of Japanese descent Category:American female professional wrestlers Category:Living people Category:People from Honolulu, Hawaii Category:Professional wrestling dancers Category:Professional wrestling managers and valets Category:WWE Diva Search contestants Category:Asian American women in sports

ca:Lena Yada es:Lena Yada fr:Lena Yada it:Lena Yada pt:Lena Yada

Name	Christy Hemme
Names	Christy Hemme Christy Kristy Hemme
Height
Weight
Birth date	October 28, 1980
Birth place	Poway, California
Resides	Los Angeles, California
Billed	Los Angeles, California
Trainer	Dave FinlayDean MalenkoRicky SteamboatScott D'AmoreA.J. Styles
Debut	November 15, 2004
Retired	December 16, 2009 }}

Christina Lee "Christy" Hemme (born October 28, 1980) is an American actress, singer, model, professional wrestling valet and former professional wrestler. Hemme is currently signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, as a backstage interviewer and ring announcer.

Early life

Hemme was born in Poway, California, but she grew up in Temecula, California. She enjoyed racing street bikes and dirt bikes. She was a "self-described" tomboy. She grew up watching wrestling and favored The Undertaker.

She was a cheerleader for two years at Temecula Valley High. She graduated in 1998 at age seventeen. Hemme attended Mt. San Jacinto College, where she majored in dance.

Modeling career

After graduating, she relocated to Los Angeles, California to pursue a career in modeling. Hemme initially joined a burlesque dance team known as "The Purrfect Angelz". She performed at Easyrider tours and Harley motorcycle rallies. She went on to appear in magazines such as ''Maxim'', ''Playboy'', ''Rolling Stone'', and ''Stuff''. In addition, she appeared in the music video of the Trace Adkins songs "Chrome", and "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" and in videos for bands Blink-182 and Sonic. She also had parts in commercials for AT&T; and TrimSpa, and she was a spokesmodel for Hawaiian Tropic. Other early jobs included a waitressing job at Hooters.

In past years, her image has also been found on Bench Warmer trading cards as Christy "Sunni" Hemme. As Sunni, she was Bullz-eye.com's featured model in September 2002. Her modeling career led to her joining the cast of Comedy Central's ''The Man Show'' as a member of the "Juggy Dance Squad" in 2003. Hemme remained with the series for a year, during which she appeared on ''The Commies'', a Comedy Central produced award show, on December 7, 2003.

Hemme took part in the 2004 Lingerie Bowl. She appeared on the cover of the April 2005 issue of ''Playboy'' magazine. Before appearing nude in the magazine, Hemme got the permission of her father, who had previously requested that she never pose nude. She also competed as a quarterback for the Chicago Bliss Lingerie Football League team in the 2006 Lingerie Bowl.

Professional wrestling career

World Wrestling Entertainment (2004–2005)

In the mid-2004, Hemme participated in the Diva Search, a competition held by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in order to recruit new Divas. In the course of the competition, Hemme and the five other finalists faced seven existing Divas in a game of dodgeball at SummerSlam on August 15, eliminating all eight Divas with the loss of just one finalist, Joy Giovanni. Hemme was announced as the winner of the competition on September 20, with a prize of a one year contract with WWE with remuneration of $250,000. Hemme began her WWE career as a member of the ''Raw'' roster. She quickly began a feud with Carmella DeCesare, the runner-up of the Diva Search. The feud culminated in a "lingerie pillow fight" at Taboo Tuesday on October 19, with Hemme defeating her opponent by pinfall.

Following her feud with DeCesare, Hemme began a rivalry with WWE Women's Champion Trish Stratus. Stratus along with Molly Holly and Gail Kim threw Hemme an initiation party but, it soon turned into a 3-on-1 Bra and Panties Handicap match, Hemme was easily beaten. Stratus was ostensibly scornful of Hemme's appearance in the April 2005 issue of ''Playboy''. Stratus interrupted Hemme's Playboy unveiling and spray painted all over the cover, Hemme responded by slapping her, this resulted in Stratus delivering a Chick Kick to her and spraying the word ''Slut'' on her back. Hemme eventually challenged Stratus to a match at WrestleMania 21, with Stratus's nemesis Lita training her in the weeks preceding the event. At WrestleMania 21 on April 3, Stratus defeated Hemme to retain her title. In the months after WrestleMania, Hemme began another feud with Victoria, who claimed to be jealous of the opportunities afforded to Hemme. The feud culminated in a bout at Vengeance on June 26, which Victoria won after countering Hemme's sunset flip move by using the ropes to pin Hemme. With her feud with Victoria over, Hemme briefly aligned herself with Eugene before she and Stacy Keibler were traded to ''SmackDown!'' in exchange for Candice Michelle and Torrie Wilson on August 25. Hemme then feuded with Melina, the valet of MNM, in the process joining forces with the Legion of Doom. At No Mercy on October 9, Hemme and the Legion of Doom defeated MNM in a six-person intergender tag team match. Her feud with Melina continued into November, with Melina defeating Hemme in two televised singles bouts.

On November 30, Hemme debuted in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), a WWE developmental territory, aligning herself with Matt Cappotelli in opposition to Aaron Stevens, Beth Phoenix, and Shelly Martinez. On December 5, 2005 she was released from her WWE contract. The release happened shortly after WWE asked her to relocate to Louisville, Kentucky to train at OVW. The company cited budget cuts and the creative team having nothing for her as the reason for her dismissal.

Years later in November 2008 in her column for TNAwrestling.com Hemme stated her departure from WWE was on her own terms because: "I stuck to my guns on my morals and values as a human being. I knew in my gut that it would be the end, but I also knew that carrying guilt for knowingly doing something against what I believed wasn't worth getting ahead. Leaving broke my heart... but doing the right thing is something I will always be proud of."

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling

Managing (2006–2008)

Hemme signed with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) in April 2006, and she debuted on April 23 at Lockdown. In addition to her hosting role on ''Impact!'', she was also the co-host of the Internet show ''TNA Global Impact!'' with Jeremy Borash. At Hardcore War, Hemme refereed a match between Traci and Gail Kim. In July 2006, she was featured on the ''Women of Action'' special. She also began traveling to Windsor, Ontario to train under TNA agent Scott D'Amore in between TNA TV tapings. She was also Knockout of the Year for 2006.

On January 14, 2007 at Final Resolution, Christy came out and interrupted the Voodoo Kin Mafia (VKM) and cut a promo about the involvement of women in wrestling. She said that she wanted to wrestle too—and the mostly male crowd in the TNA arena jeered her. Kip James called her a slut, which garnered him a slap from Hemme, while B.G. James attempted to play peacemaker. In the following weeks, Kip and Hemme got into a few arguments over his lack of respect for her and women as a whole. Hemme made her TNA in-ring debut at Against All Odds where she wrestled and defeated "The Big Fat Oily Guy" in a Tuxedo match, but after his match Kip James stripped her. On the March 8 version of ''Impact'', Hemme asked Jim Cornette for a match pitting VKM against her new, previously undisclosed, team, at Destination X. Cornette consented and booked the match. On the pay-per-view, Hemme introduced The Heartbreakers. Despite Hemme's attempts to give Kip a low blow, VKM defeated her team, who she later browbeat at ringside. Hemme later announced that she had found another team to face the VKM. At the preshow prior to the Lockdown pay-per-view, the mystery team was revealed to be Serotonin (Havok and Kaz), but VKM defeated them as well. She then brought in Basham and Damaja as her new permanent tag team in her battle with VKM. They beat Kip in a handicap match at Sacrifice as B.G. had been attacked by them earlier in the night. At Slammiversary, VKM beat Basham and Damaja, but VKM's associate Lance Hoyt turned on them and kissed Hemme.

Basham and Damaja were then released from the company, and Hoyt formed a partnership with Jimmy Rave, named The Rock 'n Rave Infection, with Hemme as their manager. In the winter of 2007, Hemme, Rave, and Hoyt entered into a feud with The Latin American Xchange (LAX) faction after being attacked several times by a mysterious assailant. The assailant was revealed to be Salinas (Shelly Martinez) at Final Resolution following LAX's victory over the Infection. Shortly after Final Resolution, The Rock 'n Rave Infection began a new gimmick, acting as though they were a rock band with Hemme portraying the lead singer. On the March 13 episode of ''Impact'', Hemme, Rave and Hoyt won a six-person tag team match against LAX after Hemme hit Salinas with a guitar. At No Surrender, Hemme, Hoyt, and Rave lost in an intergender six person tag team match against the Prince Justice Brotherhood (Shark Boy, Curry Man, and Super Eric).

Singles competition (2008–2009)

Hemme turned into a fan favorite on the October 16, 2008 episode of ''Impact'' when she was attacked by The Beautiful People (Angelina Love and Velvet Sky) backstage. She feuded with them, which resulted in two consecutive tag team matches with ODB and Sojourner Bolt respectively. After showcasing improved wrestling skills, Hemme was then placed into a more active in-ring role, being pushed to challenge Awesome Kong at Final Resolution after defeating Raisha Saeed on the November 27 edition of ''TNA Impact!''. Hemme then teamed with A.J. Styles in a mixed tag team match against Awesome Kong and Scott Steiner, where Hemme pinned Kong. At Final Resolution, it appeared Hemme was about to win the title, but was attacked by Saeed and Rhaka Khan, thus winning on a disqualification. Hemme was then granted a re-match at Genesis. A week later Hemme teamed with ODB against Khan and Saeed in a winning effort. On January 2009, Hemme sustained a neck injury while training in the ring with Styles for her match and would be unable to compete at Genesis against Awesome Kong. Her injury required surgery and she was out of action for about seven months.

Hemme returned to TNA programming on the August 13, 2009 episode of ''Impact!'' defeating Sojournor Bolt via pinfall. The next week on ''Impact'' she formed an alliance with Tara, when they helped save Madison Rayne from the Beautiful People. Later that night Hemme competed in a four-way match against Sarita, Awesome Kong and Traci Brooks. Brooks won the match after she pinned Hemme. On the September 3 edition of ''Impact'', Hemme competed in the first round of the tournament for the TNA Knockout Tag Team Championship alongside her tag partner Tara against Sojourner Bolt and Hamada, which Hemme and Tara won. On September 17 they however lost in the semi finals to the Beautiful People due to interference from Madison Rayne. On October 1 on ''Impact!'' she faced Traci Brooks in a battle of the playboy playmates which she won, but was attacked by Traci after the match. On the October 29 edition of ''Impact!'', Hemme teamed with Hamada and ODB in a six knockout tag team match, where they were defeated by Madison Rayne, Velvet Sky and Lacey Von Erich, after Von Erich pinned Hemme. This would turn out to be her final TNA match.

Backstage interviewer and ring announcer (2009–present)

On the December 10 edition of ''Impact!'' Hemme debuted in her new role as a backstage interviewer. On December 16, 2009, Hemme announced her retirement from in-ring competition after her last match in a gauntlet. On April 7, 2010, Dixie Carter announced on her Twitter account that Hemme had signed a new multi-year deal with the company. On the December 2 edition on ''Impact!'' Hemme was involved in a small backstage catfight with Cookie during a brawl with Cookie's cohort X Division Champion Robbie E and Jay Lethal. On the December 16 edition of ''Impact!'' Hemme came out during an X Division Championship match between Robbie E and Lethal and handcuffed herself to Cookie, thus preventing her from interfering in the match and subsequently costing Robbie the X Division Championship. After the match Hemme and Lethal celebrated, which led to a kiss between the two. On the April 28 edition of ''Impact!'', Hemme served in her new role as a ring announcer.

Independent circuit

In November 2006, Hemme participated in the Queens of Chaos shows in Paris, France. She wrestled two matches with April Hunter; Hemme won the first match, but lost the second. She then defeated British wrestler Minx to earn the right to referee the championship match, which was eventually won by Hunter. On July 21, 2007, Hemme defeated Ann Brookstone at a Heavy on Wrestling event in Superior, Wisconsin with Nora Greenwald acting as Special Guest Referee. She has also competed in Women Superstars Uncensored under the ring name Kristy Hemme.

Music and acting

In September 2006, Hemme recorded a song entitled "Society Box", which was featured on TNA's November 21, 2006 music release, ''3rd Degree Burns''. Hemme is also the founder and lead singer in HEMME. The band released five songs on their MySpace: "In This Moment", "Visit Me Mom", "Shine", "Dear You", and "Dirty"; the songs have since been removed following the departure of original members Randy "Slick" Ramirez, Steve "Slide" Goodwin, Roland "Rollin" Maniago, and Rocky "Rock" Ramirez, all from the band POLARIS. Christy has now released another song, Don't Give Up on her official Myspace , and a HEMME EP Named "Where are You" which is available on iTunes. Hemme is Christy Hemme on vocals, Eric "Erock" Friedman on guitar, Tim Miller on bass, and Garrett Whitlock on drums.

In December 2006, Hemme recorded a scene for ''Bloodstained Memoirs'', a wrestling documentary. Her scene however was removed from the finished product. Hemme made her acting debut in the film ''Fallen Angels'', portraying the deadly sin "Lust". She also filmed a role in another horror film tentatively titled ''Bubba's Chili Parlor'', playing a zombie.

In November 2010 she was a contestant on an all TNA week of ''Family Feud'', teaming with Angelina Love, Lacey Von Erich, Tara and Velvet Sky against Jay Lethal, Matt Morgan, Mick Foley, Mr. Anderson and Rob Van Dam.

Personal life

Hemme has a brother, David, and a sister, Deena Hemme, who is also a model. Her father, Robert, owns an insurance agency in her hometown of Temecula. Her mother Susan died in 2002. Christy stated in the DVD ''Viva Las Divas'' that the week she won the WWE Raw Diva Search was on the anniversary of her mom's death.

Hemme is an avid motorcyclist. She owns a Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider.

In wrestling

Finishing moves

''FFG – Flying Firecrotch Guillotine'' (Diving split-legged guillotine leg drop pin) – TNA

Reverse Twist of Fate – WWE; adopted from Lita

Signature moves

*Diving crossbody

Leaping clothesline

Inverted DDT

*Modified axe kick

Snap DDT

*Spear

*Spinning facebuster

Split-legged sunset flip from out of the corner, as a counter to an oncoming opponent

Victory roll

Managers

Lita

Tara

Wrestlers managed

Basham and Damaja

Eugene

Hardcore Holly

The Heart Throbs (Romeo and Antonio)

Lance Hoyt

Legion of Doom (Animal and Heidenreich)

The Rock 'n Rave Infection (Lance Rock and Jimmy Rave)

Serotonin (Havok and Kaz)

Tiana Ringer

Traci Brooks

*Tara

Entrance themes

*"Walk Idiot Walk" by The Hives (WWE)

*"Pour Some Sugar on Me" by Def Leppard (OVW)

*"Wasting Away" by Manic Drive (TNA)

"Society Box" performed by Christy Hemme

"Infection" by Dale Oliver (Used while managing The Rock 'n Rave Infection)

*"Sassy" by Dale Oliver

Championships and accomplishments

Pro Wrestling Illustrated

PWI ranked her #42 of the best 50 female singles wrestlers in the PWI Female 50 in 2008

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling

Knockout of the Year (2006)

World Wrestling Entertainment

WWE Diva Search (2004)

References

External links

Interview with HitTheRopes.com

TNA profile

Online World of Wrestling profile

Category:1980 births Category:American female professional wrestlers Category:Living people Category:People from Los Angeles, California Category:People from Riverside, California Category:Professional wrestling announcers Category:Professional wrestling managers and valets Category:WWE Diva Search contestants Category:Lingerie Football League players Category:American rock singers Category:American female singers Category:Female rock singers Category:American erotic dancers

ar:كريستي هيمي ca:Christy Hemme de:Christy Hemme es:Christy Hemme fr:Christy Hemme it:Christy Hemme nl:Christy Hemme pl:Christy Hemme pt:Christy Hemme ro:Christy Hemme tr:Christy Hemme

name	Leyla Milani
birth date	April 02, 1982
birth place	Toronto, Ontario, Canada
othername	Lucky Leyla, #13
occupation	ActressModelTV hostFashion designer
yearsactive	2002–present
website	http://www.leylamilani.com }}

Leyla Milani (born April 2, 1982) is a Canadian-born model, actress, TV host and fashion designer of Iranian heritage.

Milani, has appeared in the ''World Wrestling Entertainment Diva Search 2005'', ''Deal or No Deal'', ''Sleeper Cell'', ''Las Vegas'', ''Rules of Engagement'', ''Attack of the Show!'', ''Curb Your Enthusiasm'', ''Entourage'', ''Stacked'', ''Desire'', ''Wanted'', ''Tonight Show with Jay Leno'', ''Extra'' and in the films ''Wrestlemaniac'', ''Boys & Girls Guide To Getting Down'', ''Dr. Chopper''. ''Maxim'' magazine features Milani and her fellow ''Deal or No Deal'' briefcase models in their online Girls of Maxim gallery.

Wrestling

Milani was a contestant in World Wrestling Entertainment's 2005 Diva Search, finishing second out of 8,000 contestants worldwide. Following that, she made an appearance at Pro Wrestling Guerrilla After School Special. After appearing on the WWE Raw Diva search, she began using the stage name Leyla Milani.

She later appeared on one of the USA Network's WWE Raw Fan Nation commercials, which are a series commercials advertising WWE Raw, featuring people ranging from a stockbroker to Snoop Dogg.

Milani is the former co-host of Jimmy Hart's all-women wrestling show, ''Wrestlicious TakeDown'' which debuted March 1, 2010. She was replaced by Brooke Lynn on the March 31, 2010 episode, because of scheduling conflicts.

Other appearances

Milani can be seen as a model on NBC's game show ''Deal or No Deal''. She is best known for her "lioness-like" mane, which she has confirmed is all hers. She holds case #13 since the beginning of the show. Although 13 is usually considered the unluckiest of numbers, she is often referred to on the show as "Lucky Leyla" or "Lucky 13" as many times her case has contained 6 digit amounts and in eight instances contained the $1,000,000 top prize. Nonetheless, NBC once opened the show noting that by holding all the large amounts and not being picked at the beginning, case #13 was very unlucky during most of the first season. On at least one occasion during the second season, case #13 contained a seven-figure prize. Leyla and her fellow ''Deal or No Deal'' models won a Game Show Network Award for "Favorite TV Models" and on June 6, 2009, Leyla and 4 other models (Claudia, Lisa, Megan and Patricia) accepted this award on GSN. ''Deal or No Deal'' also won The People's Choice Award two years in a row for Favorite Game Show.

Milani has made multiple appearances on the Fox News' conservative satire show ''The Half Hour News Hour'', and ''Redeye'' as a celebrity looking for a charity to support. She hosted FOX Sport Net's Celebrity Golf tournament as well as Fuel TV'S motorsport show, ''M80''. Milani recently made a cameo appearance on LOGO channel series ''Noah's Arc'' as a woman applying for a job. She has also appeared on MTV's ''True Life: I'm A TV Star'', and ''My Fair Brady''.

Milani appeared in an online comedy web series for Experian Credit alongside comedian Pauly Shore; she played a bride-to-be with bad credit. Other stars who appeared on this web series included Vivica A. Fox, Michael Madsen and Danny Glover.

She is in the independent horror film ''Wrestlemaniac'', where she plays "Dallas", and the docu-comedy ''Boys & Girls Guide to Getting Down'' where she plays "Brittany", the "Westside Persian".

She also made an appearance on an episode of NBC's ''Last Comic Standing'' and ''Phenomenon''. She was one of a handful of models chosen to make a special appearance on ''The Oprah Winfrey Show''. Oprah picked Leyla's case (number 8 for this show). Oprah later chanted Leyla's name as her dog's name is also Leyla.

Milani also recently made an appearance on the Style Network's show, ''Split Ends'', and on a recent celebrity episode of GSN's game show ''Catch 21'', alongside fellow ''DOND'' models Patricia Kara and Marisa Petroro. Milani announced on this show the launch of her own hair extension line, Milani Hair, due out early 2010.

References

External links

Leyla Milani Exclusive Interview (2008)

NBC.com's Deal or No Deal Model Profile on Leyla

Leyla at MySpace

Category:1982 births Category:Canadian expatriates in the United States Category:Canadian female models Category:Canadian film actors Category:Canadian people of Iranian descent Category:Deal or No Deal Category:Game show models Category:Living people Category:Middle Eastern people Category:People from Toronto Category:Persian people Category:WWE Diva Search contestants

fa:لیلا میلانی fr:Leyla Milani sv:Leyla Milani