Paige’s much-anticipated heel-turn came in full-force during this week’s edition of Monday Night RAW when she interrupted Charlotte’s big Divas Championship celebration. I’ve read mixed reviews of comments from WWE fans worldwide on WrestleNewz and various social media outlets. Many within the WWE Universe think that she hit the ball out of the park (with WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley even giving the Diva a nod on Facebook); while some feel it was a weak interpretation of an AJ Lee promo of the past. What do I think?
Pipebomb Success
I think the girl did well, and this is one of the better promos Paige has cut. Keeping her cool, yet remaining aggressive; she pretty much called everyone out within the Divas division. In one RAW segment, she said what many in the WWE Universe were thinking or talking about. She highlighted where the NXT divas fit in the main roster, why Nattie Hart is not a part of the revolution, and pointed out that Charlotte was on top because of her WWE Hall of Fame dad, Ric Flair. I know I don’t necessarily think this way – but it was pretty awesome to hear.
What I liked was her confidence as she addressed the live RAW crowd, which was dormant at best compared to other audiences in the past. Highlights for me? Calling Becky Lynch the most irrelevant of the bunch (again, don’t think it myself, but pretty cool to hear), asking if Nattie still even works for the WWE, and placing a spotlight on Lana and Summer. I’ve said this before, while silent members of the Divas Revolution, Lana and Summer are doing their part for women’s wrestling. While their angle is happening on the other side of the roster, and they haven’t been associated with the Divas Revolution; with Lana clearly on the cusp of in-ring action, it was nice for Paige (albeit in a negative tone) to give them their nod.
What Didn’t Work
Let me address the comparisons to AJ Lee. Some may say that Paige’s promo was an AJ Lee knock-off; but all performers have their own source of inspiration. Truly successful gimmicks are successful because they are inspired by another talent that a superstar looks up to. Did the promo remind me of AJ Lee? A bit, and that’s okay; AJ was a talented female performer, that many will imitate in the years to come – it’s just part of the business.
Now, in terms of the promo, it could’ve been the crowd, but a little more passion on the mic from Paige would’ve helped. She was solid, but almost a little too calm. Having said that, we all know that WWE superstars thrive on audience reaction; and let’s face it – at no fault of Paige’s – the live crowd just wasn’t there. I liked her reference to why the Bella Twins are where they are at; going a little further would’ve solidified the promo for me. I get the fact that Paige would’ve gotten a major slap on the wrists for coming out and saying ‘it’s because Nikki Bella is dating John Cena’: but re-wording it to say, that ‘they are on top because of who they are dating’ perhaps would’ve sealed the deal.
Regardless, kudos to Paige for placing herself at the forefront of the Divas division; despite not holding the gold. All in all, Paige’s break away from Team PCB has now amplified the Divas division, allowing for more of a spotlight on talent and characters, than the new (do we still call them new) NXT women that have entered the main roster. It allows for fresh, and compelling storylines moving forward – one where the anti-Diva truly separates herself from the bunch. It is much more of a revolution now. Paige, once a mentor, is now a hunter: looking to re-capture some glory, and of course the WWE Divas Championship. I can’t wait to see the chaos that ensues.
Did Paige nail-it on Monday Night RAW? Leave your comments below!
