Give Eva A Chance

Wrestling and reality tv fans...it's time to talk Eva Marie.  I'm not too big of a Total Divas fan anymore, first season was ok, but I fell off that bandwagon.  So let's talk All Red Everything on the wrestling side.

Two words that seem to spark instant rage in any wrestling fan seems to be: Eva Marie.  As to be WWE's complete antithesis to the Diva's Revolution, Eva Marie arrived on WWE NXT with her sights set on becoming the next NXT Women's Champion.  The red-haired bombshell was met with a chorus of boos after taking one step onto the NXT stage.

Let's be honest, this girl was never really given a chance.  She arrived as a pretty girl for a reality show and was thrown at the mercy of wrestling fans who were absolutely over seeing the "Diva Search" era of girls wrestling.  So, naturally she was facing a mountain of criticism from day one.

Now that she's actually attempting to be somewhat competent in the ring, the fans are giving her nothing but backlash.  As a fan of women's wrestling, I've watched since I began in 2000.  I've seen the glory of Lita and Trish, as well as, the low point of Kelly Kelly beating Beth Phoenix for months.  I've suffered through Diva Search contestants, through Halloween costume dance competitions, and through Maria Menounos.  I will now though, say this: Eva Marie is not the worst thing I've seen.

Eva Marie is doing something at the moment that you can't discredit her for: she's trying!  This woman is putting in effort to actually become something more than what she is, she's trying to become better, why are we so content with throwing her under a bus every chance we get?

I'm not saying you can't boo her as a character on TV.  Her character is basically who the WWE Universe thinks this woman is: an undeserving hot chick who is having everything handed to her.  Maybe that used to be the case, who knows really?  But I don't think that is how it's happening anymore, that's the reason she's on NXT.  She's making publicity, she's huge on Total Divas, but that's not all she needs to get over in the wrestling world.  Now, she's trying to learn the craft and prove she's not just a hot chick.

We're having to witness her growth in the ring: you're seeing this girl learn the business.  She's trying, cut the girl some slack.  That's all I'm asking.  If next year, we don't see an Eva Marie that can actually put on a quasi-decent match at least (a-la Rosa Mendes) then by all means, boo her out of the building.  But right now: #GiveThisDivaAChance

Who's Gonna Win Tough Enough?

Tough Enough is always an interested prospect when it comes around, sometimes it produces future WWE Champions like The Miz and sometimes the winners go on to do nothing, but the loser remains on the roster. (Yes, that was a Cameron reference.)

This season has been an interesting format for me in the fact that I personally haven't actually watched any full episodes, other than the casting special on WWE Network.  My entire Tough Enough experience has come from the Youtube extras that WWE puts out after each show.

But with the competition now narrowed down to the Final 5, speculations are swirling around who is going to be the male and female winner of this season.  But let's be honest, we're all winners cause we get to see Lita on our screens every week again.

(See look at that face.  She agrees.)

But who is going to be the next Superstar and Diva?  Let's get to analyzing!

Amanda is hot.  She's a model and if you Google her, you're gonna get your fair share of eye candy.  She fits the mold that WWE wanted for a Diva 6 years ago, but with the current crop of NXT girls, that landscape is changing.  She looks like she wants it and with only two girls left, it's really a matter of if the WWE fanboys want the hot blonde or the cute girl next door.

Josh is huge.  He calls himself The Yeti, even though it makes no sense at all.  He looks more like white Roman Reigns.  The guy is huge and brings some charisma to back it up.  He and Tanner are really the toss ups to be the guy going home next in my opinion.  Josh has the body of a WWE Superstar, but the problem for me is there are too many guys who look like him already, notably Reigns who is already a headliner, so where would Josh's place be.

Sara Lee is the girl next door.  She's cute, she's a tom-boy, she's got that nose ring that is pretty much perfect.  Sara Lee is the next best thing to AJ Lee.  She's not the best in the ring, but the WWE Universe has really taken to her, probably because she's the most real person in the competition aside from ZZ.  Like I said before it's a toss up female wise, but with the voting percentage Sara Lee gets when's she's in the bottom 3, you can tell she has the fan's support.

Tanner is athletic.  The problem is that he's also boring.  I really want to support Tanner cause he's a college alumni, we both went to Limestone College in Gaffney, SC.  So while I really want to cheer him on, he just doesn't give me much to cheer on.  He's really brash and incredibly arrogant, the problem is, he's got the personality of a dead cat.  Athletically, he's top notch, he's like a living representation of Crossfit, but you gotta show the world something dude.  

ZZ is The Waterboy.  I can't really describe why I like ZZ so much, but I do.  It might be that he talks like Dusty Rhodes and it might be that I just have this urge to root for the underdog, but the WWE Universe seems to like him just as much as I do.  This alligator wrestler from the bayou has really earned a spot in the fan's hearts, as well as one on the trainer's hate lists.  While he might not be the most athletic, ZZ has that natural charisma that you just can't teach.

Question is though:  Who are my picks to win?

I'm gonna place my bet on ZZ and Sara Lee.  If it ends up truly being the WWE Universe's decision, then I see these two earning what I presume is a NXT contract.  But we'll all know for sure in 5 weeks!

Layla Retires From WWE

Sad to say, but the WWE is no longer "Flawless".  WWE announced today in an exclusive interview that long-time Diva Layla is retiring from the ring.

The British-Bombshell originally came into WWE as the winner of the 2006 WWE Diva Search.  She then went on to the ECW brand to dance alongside Brooke and Kelly Kelly as part of Extreme Expose.  Layla became lost in translation for a while until partnered with Michelle McCool, where they then became of the two most despised Divas in WWE history as LayCool.

LayCool ran the Divas division as the resident mean girls until McCool lost to Layla in a Loser Leaves WWE Match in 2011.  Since then Layla became Divas Champion and then kind of faded to the background for the remainder of her career.

Layla is definitely a Diva that won't soon be forgotten.  As the final WWE Women's Champion of all time and a former Divas Champion, she definitely made her mark on the wrestling world!

I'm wish the best to Layla and hopefully we'll get to see her make a few more appearances down the road!  Good-bye Layla, stay Flawless!

Top 8: Who Should Come Back To Face Charlotte

Without a doubt, Charlotte is a new contender to be the face of the Divas division in WWE.  With the unrivaled athleticism and the natural charisma of her father, Charlotte shut critics up on NXT and has begun to take the main roster by storm since arriving on the scene with fellow NXT Horsewomen Sasha Banks & Becky Lynch.  

And if you don't think Charlotte is all that great then:

But seeing as she is the future, I wanted to take a look into the past and bring you the Top 8 Divas that I would love to see return and give Charlotte a run for her money!

8. Melina

More than just the Diva with one of (if not the most) memorable ring entrances of all time, Melina was a force to be reckoned with in the ring as well.  Capturing both the Women's and Divas' Championships, Melina was constantly adding to her arsenal in the squared circle.  (You know that cool knee to the gut thing in the corner that Sasha does?  Guess who did it first?)  Bring this paparazzi loving Diva back in the mix with Charlotte and you're sure to make headlines.

7. Gail Kim

She may have been back in WWE for only a hot minute, but it sure would be great to see one more minute in the ring with Charlotte.  Gail made an impact when she first came to WWE, winning the Women's Championship in her first match, then mixing it up with Golden-Era Divas like Trish, Molly, Victoria, and Lita.  Gail was released and then earned her name in TNA.  When returning to WWE Gail found herself in the slump of the Divas division, maybe returning now and getting in the squared circle with Charlotte is just what she needs to get a back on top!

6. AJ Lee

The one that basically originated and instigated the #GiveDivasAChance movement decided to opt out of the business right before WWE actually did.  (Maybe there's something to that...)  AJ Lee brought some much needed focus to the Divas Division before she parted ways with the company last year.  She had some great matches with Paige, but really lacked competition during her time at the top.  (I actually really would have like to see her face off against Eve Torres)  If AJ made her return now, I think her facing Charlotte has real potential to possibly main event RAW even!  It would definitely have eyes tuning in that Monday!

5. Mickie James

Jumpin Mickie James!  Mickie has been missed in the ring since she left the company a few years ago.  Sure, you could have caught her on TNA, but that's not what we're focusing on here.  Mickie, while crazy at times, was always entertaining in the ring and was basically an in-ring general.  A character that we really got to see evolve, it was very interesting to watch Mickie transition from the Trish-Lita Era into the Butterfly Belt Era.  With Charlotte stepping in with the Divas, a match between these two would certainly be worth checking out!

4. Lita

High-Flying, Risk-Tasking, and Breath-Taking are all descriptions that Lita earned during her time with WWE.  While she's still currently on TV each week, helping coach the hopefuls on the latest season of WWE's Tough Enough, fans are basically begging her to take one step back in the ring.  With Lita's legacy, mixed with Charlotte's current popularity, we're looking a match that is destined to be an instant classic!  A Moonsault countered into a Figure-8...I don't know how they'd do it, but I'd love to see it happen!

3. Beth Phoenix

When you think of a powerhouse Diva, the first one that comes to mind is The Glamazon.  Beth Phoenix came in and basically over-powered every Diva that crossed her path.  I can't really think of a match where Beth lost and the announcers didn't play it off as anything other than a fluke...but against the likes of Charlotte (who's equally a powerhouse herself) she might just have her hands full.  These two would definitely offer a match for the history books and we'll actually see who is genetically superior.

2. Trish Stratus

She's basically the pinnacle of Women's professional wrestling, the one, the only: Trish Stratus.  Trish is basically everything WWE has ever wanted in a Diva, she's a supermodel that could kick ass in the ring.  Trish and Lita's storied rivalry is basically what any wrestling fan compares Women's wrestling to.  Basically: this woman is the measuring stick.  The Genetically Superior daughter of Ric Flair Vs The Icon...that's some Wrestlemania quality match material right there!

1. Victoria

Whether you call her Victoria, or Tara, she's one of the most gifted women to ever step into the Squared Circle.  (If you know her restaurant's name, you'll see what I did there.)  Victoria was one of the baddest chicks to ever set foot in the WWE.  Victoria put on quality matches no matter who the opponent.  Her street fight with Trish and her cage match with Lita are two of the most iconic women's matches of all time.  If Victoria returned to the ring to do battle with Charlotte, the match is destined for greatness.  These two ladies would give nothing back and that is why Victoria is my number 1 pick to face of against The Nature Girl.  

So what do you think of the list?  Agree?  Disagree?  Did someone not make the cut?  Sound off in the comments and be sure to share!

Arrow Vs Stardust?

In a match that could be broadcast live from Comic Con (live on the WWE Network?  That actually sounds like a good idea.  WWE: feel free to contact me about intellectual booking rights.  Is that a thing?  Who knows!)  it seems as though Stardust has his sights set on Stephen Amell, prompting many fans to think that we might see Stardust square off against the Hollywood Star.  (Which is Goldust's sorta gimmick)

But then there's the theory/rumor that we might not see this match exactly, but we might see Stardust square off against The Green Arrow himself! 

This is a dream match!  Set straight out of a comic book!  Most fans might think that WWE might not go down this route, but cryptic tweets from Startdust, like this one :

Might say different!

10 Main Roster Stars Who Could Use An NXT Reboot

Lately we've seen a few starts head back to WWE NXT to try and get a reboot on their careers.  Starts like Curtis Axel, Tyson Kidd, Sin Cara, Zack Ryder, Alex Riley, Eva Marie, and Emma have made the jump back to NXT to show the world that they can really shine.  

But which starts on the main roster could really benefit from making the trip back to NXT?  Here's a list of superstarts and divas that could really use a trip down to Florida:

10. Adam Rose

It's party time, all the time!  Sucking on a lollipop and skipping around really hasn't done much for Adam Rose since he joined the main roster.  Since his debut, his real claim to fame is that he got to do a segment with Kathy Lee and Hoda...God that was horror to watch.  Adam has made a few appearances in NXT since his main roster bump.  Here's hoping that a change is coming.  And hey, maybe he'll bring Rosa Mendes along with him!

9. Cameron

The former Funkadactyl has been put on the back-burner ever since she split from Naomi.  Without really building a feud around their separation, Naomi went on to become a jumpier version of Jazz, while Cameron was left doing...well, a lot of nothing.  She's recently been cut from E's Total Divas, so maybe she can find her way to NXT to really establish who Cameron is and practice her craft.

8. Erick Rowan

He's the man that has a beard and wears a goat mask.  Erick Rowan really hasn't found an identity since being released from The Wyatt Family.  He was a part of The Authority/John Cena storyline, but never really stood out as someone to remember.  NXT might be the perfect place to give Rowan a fresh start and maybe get him out of the sheep's pen.

7. Heath Slater

The one man band and WWE's resident jobber.  Heath Slater has lost to everybody from John Cena to Lita.  Slater has smooth mic skills and I have to say that I really like the one man band gimmick personally.  I feel if Slater went back to NXT, that he'd get a nice push and get to see some wins on his record.  And let's face it, anything is better than Slater-Gator.

6. Los Matadores

Ole!  The flying bull fighters and their tiny bull El Torito have been in the Tag Division for some time now and have really just been filler.  The crowd gives them a warm reception, but it's unclear if it's for them or more because they have El Torito being flippy and awesome.  The Matadores have a fun gimmick and I see it as something that would flourish next to NXT teams such as Enzo & Big Cass or The Vaudvillians.

5. Bo Dallas

Do you Bolieve?  Well during his time in NXT, where he was a former NXT Champion, you really couldn't help but love or hate Bo Dallas cause he was in your face and awesome at annoying the piss out of you.  In NXT that really garnered a reaction and got the fans to pay attention to Bo, since being on the main roster, he's still annoying, but it's not really correlating.  Maybe a trip back home could bring Bo back into the lime-light.

4. Tamina

Tamina is being built up as the powerhouse of the Divas Division now since, in all reality, her and Nattie are the biggest girls there.  Tamina looks like a powerhouse, but in the ring, she's been less than stellar.  Her recent match with Paige since returning from injury was brutal.  Maybe NXT could breathe some new life into Tamina?

3. The Ascension

One of the most perplexing main roster debuts in the world...The Ascension went from a dominant and sinister tag team in NXT to an awkward Road Warriors rip off and the world didn't gravitate towards them at all.  The shoulder pads are weird and why on Gods green Earth do you have giant red triangles on your forhead?  The Ascension needs to travel back in time and get rid of the shoulder pads.  Please get rid of the shoulder pads...

2. Fandango

The ruler of the Cha-La-La, the savior of salsa, the dancer from...I'm out of words.  But Fandango made his debut at Wrestlemania, defeating Chris Jericho, one of the most decorated champions of all time and then...Poor Fandango.  His gimmick has always been something that he can do well and his wrestling skills are definitely up to par.  A return to NXT and a feud with Tyler Breeze (or an alliance?) would be something to see!

1. Jack Swagger

The All-American American went with Zeb Colter and really found a gimmick that made him a guaranteed merchandise seller, We The People, was great at its peak, but now Swagger has been left with nothing and looks as though he's just waiting for Zeb to make a return.  Swagger is a natural athlete and in the ring could bring something different to the NXT ring.  NXT has the power to breath new life into Swagger and really give him the push he needs to jumpstart his career again.

So those are my pics!  What do you think?  Do you agree or disagree?  Who do you think should be on this list?  Leave a reply in the comments! 

Which NXT Start Is Next?!

If you haven't heard yet, NXT is the hottest thing going in professional wrestling right now.  If you mention professional wrestling then odds are that the letters N-X-T are going to be coming out of your mouth sooner rather than later.  With all talks geared towards WWE's developmental system, the question remains: Which stars are headed up to the main roster next?  Here are my pics!

5. Tyler Breeze

Prince Pretty's here.  Tyler Breeze is one character you can't help but like in NXT.  A model that is billed from a different seasonal residence in every match, Breeze makes his way to the ring holding a phone out in front and taking a selfie.  The thing that sets Breeze apart from other wrestlers with cheesy gimmicks that Breeze has the in-ring skills to back it up.  It won't be long before Breeze sets his sights on the main roster, but maybe he'll pick up the NXT Championship first, I mean cause hey, it's a great accessory!

4. Sasha Banks

The Boss of NXT has proved time and time again that she's The Boss for a reason.  After forging her own path after former leader Summer Rae's departure to the main roster, Banks has shown the world that she is a force to be reckoned with.  Currently holding the NXT Women's Championship (which is way more relevant than the WWE Divas Championship in my opinion) Sasha Banks has shown she's one of the best women's wrestlers in the world.  Her battles with former champion Charlotte and her most recent bout with Becky Lynch at NXT: Unstoppable have show that Banks is here to stay and a main roster debut can't be too far away.

3. Sami Zayn

One of the biggest fan favorites in NXT, Sami Zayn skanks his way out to the ring as the resident wrestling ska kid.  Recently Zayn has been battling with long time friend and current arch nemesis: Kevin Owens.  Sami made a main roster appearance, accepting John Cena's United States Championship open challenge a few weeks back.  Currently he's out with injury after Owens' nailed him with a pop up powerbomb to the ring apron.  But with Owens now causing a scene on the main roster, you can bet that Zayn is not too far behind.

2. Finn Balor

There aren't too many superstars that can silence an arena during their entrance.  Balor has the ability to do that and then keep that audience because his in-ring skills are just as impressive.  From his top-rope double stomp to the dropkick in the corner, Balor is a wrestling machine that can't be stopped.  I need to go back to talking about the corner drop kick because it is one of the most intense moves in my opinion.  It's one of the most exciting and painful looking things I've ever seen.  I see Balor making the move to the main roster sooner rather than later.  But when he makes that jump, the demon is gonna make an entrance you won't soon forget!

1. Charlotte

Wooooo!!  The daughter of the one and only "Nature Boy" Ric Flair has proved she has the tools to make just as big of an impact in wrestling as her father.  Charlotte is a natural athlete and full proof that sometimes it's just in your genes.  Charlotte has shown she is dominant force in the women's division, defeating the likes of Natalya, Emma, and Alicia Fox from the main roster, as well as putting a beating on the NXT Divas like Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch and Bayley.  Charlotte wins matches with her dad's Figure 4 Leg Lock, but she kicks it up a notch, adding a bridge and calling it the Figure 8.  Charlotte's skills and pedigree, lead to her making a debut on the main roster sooner rather than later.  I'm betting we see her next time RAW rolls into The Queen City Charlotte, NC.  (We need Charlotte Vs Paige soon!)

Joey Mayberry Vs Maxwell Chicago

This past weekend at I Believe In Wrestling 93, I took on Maxwell Chicago.  Check it out:

Before the match you catch Trevin Adams interviewing me about my sister Ashley's absence and a bunch of other stuff cause he likes to ask question.  The real winner of this match?  Lay's BBQ Chips, because they got a ton of free advertising.

Here are some neeto pictures:

Teamwork makes the chips work

Yelling: Best way to sell shirts since 1861

I don't need to hold the mic to tell fans off

I do need to hold the mic to tell Trevin Adams off

Maxwell's words made Trevin's small heart grow 3 sizes that day

That's a body made from Mtn Dew and Patriotism! 

Ain't knockin me down when I'm all jacked up on the Dew son!

Falcon Forearm!!

(Photos Courtesy of Rick Graham)

So what did everyone think of the match?  Love it?  Hate it?  Want more of me?  Wish I would retire?  Sound off in the comments below!

Also be sure to check me out on Youtube!  

All right everybody!  Thanks for checking out this blog and I'll see ya the next time I decide to get on here and right!

-Joey Mayberry

#HowYallDoin