In WWE news we’ve noticed for the last several weeks, Paige versus A.J. Lee was about the only Divas show in town. If you wanted championship excitement with the ladies, this was the variation you got. Now, heading into Survivor Series, we have a new contender for A.J. Lee. Nikki Bella will face off against C.M. Punk’s bride for the biggest Diva prize of all…the question is does anyone care?
Amazingly and for the first time in recent memory, yes. Nikki Bella has come a very long ways and this is despite the horrible story she just went through (and still is to some degree) with sister Brie Bella. In a world where WWE Divas rarely get respect, Nikki has pushed her way to respected. Her ring work has improved by a long shot and her heel persona has been pretty solid since they got away from the stupid sister promos.
The one thing that still rubs the wrong way is her overacting, but that has improved somewhat as well. Perhaps some in ring time with Lee will help to take her even further. The question is, will Nikki Bella get the strap off of Lee’s tiny little waist at Survivor Series?
There was a time I would say “not a chance” but those days are no more. Bella winning the belt might make a ton of sense for the WWE. The big weakness they have is depth and a ton of that is perception. The Divas of old and the current list of Divas are totally different.
With Emma, Summer Rae, Natalya, Naomi, Paige and countless other up and coming Divas, the division is poised to make a nice run. Putting the strap on Bella for a series of defenses against some newbies could bring a freshness to the product. The key here is to get her sister either on board with her heel run or somewhere else. The two girls fighting each other is simply not working and it actually is taking away from a pretty good run by Nikki.
Brie is a capable wrestler as well, but she is the worst story teller and actress in history. I am actually a Bella fan and even I cringe every time she yells Brie Mode. The truth is, she is good enough in the ring to let her work tell the story. The constant screams and grunts are only effective if they are well timed and reasonable. You can’t just randomly do it. That kills Brie’s work in the ring. She needs a solid in ring worker to have a series of matches against. Perhaps her and Natalya could work a program and it would occupy her time.
Survivor Series will be a turning point. Regardless of whether Nikki wins or loses, she has pushed herself into a new position with the company. Nikki is no longer a glorified model in wrestling tights. She is a rassler!
