Fashion Diva
Posted by: Jeff	08/26/2008
Fashioning a Diva By: Andrew Rote Written: August 26, 2008 “Passion is my motivation and that’s what drives me.” Maria’s passion has led her to becoming one of the most recognized Divas in WWE, being on the cover of Playboy, and countless other successes. Performing has been a huge part of Maria’s life since the tender age of 3. That is when she took up dance lessons. The SmackDown Diva played every sport offered during grade school, continued with volleyball and tennis in high school and joined the school’s choir and dance team. “I always wanted to entertain and that was first and foremost. Should I do my homework or should I work on my competition dance? Competition dance.” Despite performing whenever she could, Maria went through a period of stage fright. She often worried about how her audience would react to her, a fear she blames on having few friends growing up and the feeling of never being able to fit in. When Maria did make friends, the majority of them were males. Between those friendships and her close relationships with her father and brother, Maria was molded early on for a career in sports-entertainment. “I was always a wrestler,” she explained. “I broke my brother’s nose when he was 3.” Maria, her brother and her father would all wrestle on the living room floor while watching Superstars like WWE Hall of Famers Hulk Hogan and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. After years of watching, Maria fell in love with former WWE Divas Lita and Trish Stratus. “I remember thinking to myself, what powerful women.” She had no idea of how to get involved with WWE herself, but then she heard about Diva Search. She entered the competition on the last day possible and within a week, she saw her photo on TV when she was watching Raw. While WWE defines much of who Maria is, it is not her only passion. “I love music,” she said. “I’m definitely a rocker. I just started playing the drums last year. I also take vocal lessons.” Maria credits her father for sparking her musical interest. He was a drummer while she was growing up. She would have been in a band herself if she knew more about music at the time. “When I was little, my mom would say, ‘Oh my, that’s horrible!’ when I was singing in the shower.” That didn’t stop her, though. She began writing music when she was in the seventh grade. And, writing would quickly become another passion. “I will probably eventually write a book,” she said. “It’s amazing how many interesting people there are out there. I could write a book just on my mom. I love to write.” Most of what inspires Maria comes from people. “I do have a muse and he knows who he is,” she said. “It all comes from people.” Maria’s brother spent nearly a year serving the United States military in Iraq. He motivated her to attend every tour to visit the soldiers and to put smiles on their faces. Maria’s sister is the one who keeps her morally sound, as her mother drives her to continuously push forward, and her father makes sure she stays strong inside and outside of the ring. As her family holds her together, music serves as her outlet, particularly when she is working on her own secret recordings. In addition to singing and writing, Maria expresses herself through fashion. “A lot of people think of [fashion] as just clothes,” she said. “But some of the biggest statements in the world have been made through fashion.” She cited when shorter skirts came into fashion saying they were created because the economy was struggling and using less fabric saved money. Whether or not people have a passion for clothing, Maria states, they are still making some sort of statement. Maria often designs her own outfits, including ring gear and dresses. Her interest started as a result of Halloween. Maria’s mother would make unique costumes for her and her siblings, leading her to love dressing up at a young age. “As I grew up, we didn’t have a lot of money,” she explained. “So, when I was entering bikini contests, my choices were – go with a real ugly dress or make one. So my mom and I opted to make them.” Although she hopes to have her own clothing line someday, Maria desires to be a Diva for as long as possible. “I made it to Diva Search and I’m a wrestler,” she said. “Even if I’m not always in the ring, I hope to be part of WWE forever – no matter what form or fashion.”

Summer Skin and Hats the Ticket
Posted by: Jeff	08/26/2008
We have been blessed with 2 new shoots today of the lovely Maria. Go check them out in the gallery.

Sunset Tan
Posted by: Jeff	08/23/2008
Maria was featured on the hit show Sun Set Tan today. She was getting a sprey on tan with Candice Michelle and Eve torres.

Smackdown Results
Posted by: Jeff	08/22/2008
Maria vs Natalya Maria defeats Natalya via DQ Digitals Have been added

Smackdown Results
Posted by: Jeff	08/15/2008
MICHELLE MCCOOL & MARIA vs. MARYSE & NATALYA Maria started with Maryse. The girls did a few moves then some trash-talking before Maryse tagged Natalya. Natalya used her power to sidewalk slam Maria. Maria fought out of the heel corner and through Natalya's legs to tag Michelle. She added some athleticism to the match, including a forward suplex on Natalya. Maryse distracted Michelle enough for Natalya to dump McCool on her back and roll her up for three. WINNERS: Natalya & Maryse, at 3:05. Source: pwtorch.com

Diva Dish
Posted by: Jeff	08/15/2008
Diva Dish: Celebrate SummerFest By: Kara A. Medalis Written: August 15, 2008 In this week’s Diva Dish, celebrate SummerFest with Lena Yada, Candice Michelle, Maryse, Eve and Lilian Garcia; make front-page news with Victoria; visit wounded soldiers with Mickie James; and read Maryse’s rebuttal to Maria. Maryse’s rebuttal During last week’s Summer Olympics tag team match on SmackDown, Maria delivered a brutal bulldog to Maryse, breaking the Diva’s nose, and later chuckling about it on WWE.com. This week, Maryse spoke exclusively to WWE.com about the incident. “Obviously she never planned to break my nose because she has no athleticism. I’m not scared of Maria at all. I think she’s just a funny joke,” Maryse said. “And she says I’m not smart. Well, I’m not the one who showed up there in a winter outfit. Honestly, we don’t ski in the summer. We play tennis, we don’t ski.” Maryse also shared her views on Maria’s fashion sense. Maria is a budding fashion designer who often totes her sewing machine to live events to work on her infamous hoodies and in-ring gear. “The best designers are French – we all know that. That’s a fact, I’m not inventing anything. She talks about fashion all the time and that she’s really good at it, but she has no clue what she’s talking about. If you look at the way she dresses, it’s unfortunately so cheesy,” Maryse said. “When I look at her, I see somebody who tries and thinks that she’s got it, but she doesn’t know. That’s the funniest part for me. She thinks she’s good, but she’s not, actually. And us French people all know that. It makes me laugh every time!”

Blue Beauty
Posted by: Jeff	08/08/2008
Maria is featured in a new photo shoot this week called blue beauty. I think it should have been called blue goddess but I am not in charge. We have been getting pretty lucky since the show moved with the photo shoots. Keep them coming.

New Shoot
Posted by: Jeff	08/08/2008
Maria is featured in a new photo shoot this week sporting some of her greek heritage.

SmacDown Results
Posted by: Jeff	08/08/2008
Six Diva Tag Team Match with Oylmpic flavor: Maryse, Victoria, and Natalya vs Michelle McCool, Cherry, and Maria. Maryse is dressed as a tennis player, Victoria is a gymnast, Natayla as an Equestian (horse) rider with Michelle McCool being a volleyball player, Cherry as a boxer, and finally Maria is dressed as a snow skier. Match begins with Natayla vs Michelle, who start off with submission moves, with McCool going for early pins. Blind tag from Maria, and McCool and Maria clothesline Natalya. Big kick in the face by Natayla, who throws Maria outside, and hits Michelle. Cherry enters and delievers a DDT to Natayla as Victoria comes in and hits the Widow's Peak. McCool comes in and knocks down Victoria, and then is hit from behind my Maryse. Maria comes back in and bulldogs Maryse. Natayla knocks down Maria and puts her in the sharpshooter. Maria taps out almost immediately. Winner(s): Maryse, Victoria, and Natayla Source: wrestlezone.com

Diva Dish
Posted by: Jeff	08/08/2008
Diva Dish: Fun in The Sweetest Place on Earth By: Kara A. Medalis Written: August 8, 2008 In this week’s Diva Dish, Victoria and Lena Yada let loose in Hershey Park, Tiffany shows off her athletic side, Natalya reveals the inspiration behind her red hair, Maria makes an impressive “Blue” debut, Kelly Kelly goes “Free Fallin,’” and Cherry sweetens up WWE’s tour of New England. True Blue Debut Maria made an impressive debut on SmackDown last week, as the Diva – who joined Friday nights thanks to the 2008 WWE Draft – picked up a big win over Victoria. Maria has vowed to work harder and improve her in-ring skills on SmackDown. “Victoria is an incredible competitor, and to be able to beat her was amazing. To do it on my first night on SmackDown, it was incredible. I felt good going out there,” Maria said. “I’m here to fight. I’m here to show my passion, and passion is my motivation. All I wanted was to have a great match and to show that I’m here. I don’t care what you throw at me, I’m going to fight back.” The fashionista Diva is also taking advantage of SmackDown’s trademark color – blue. “I have green eyes and I think blue goes very well with my green eyes, so it brings out the color,” she said. “It’s great. It’s a different experience, a different atmosphere, new competitors, a new championship. I’m excited to work with every single person on this show and I absolutely can’t wait.”

SmackDown Preview
Posted by: Jeff	08/07/2008
WWE.com posted: In celebration of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, SmackDown’s Divas will compete in a special Six-Diva WWE Olympic Tag Team Match, pitting Michelle McCool, Maria & Cherry against Natalya, Victoria & Maryse. Which team will prove its mettle?

Smack Down Blue
Posted by: Jeff	08/07/2008
Sorry for the delay on these photos. I actually added them to the gallery a few days ago, but I forgot to update on her so you would know about them.

Smack Down Debut Results
Posted by: Jeff	08/01/2008
MARIA vs. VICTORIA This is Maria’s Smackdown debut. Waist-lock take-down by Victoria to start things off. Victoria got a one-count on a pin attempt. She really laid in the trash talking. Maria caught Victoria coming back into the ring, but she couldn’t fully take over offense. Scoop slam by Victoria for two. Full-nelson from Victoria and Maria began to fade. Maria backed Victoria into the corner to break the hold. Sunset flip by Maria for two. Maria got the pin on a clothesline off the top. WINNER: Maria, at 3:19. Source: pwtorch.com

Diva Dish
Posted by: Jeff	08/01/2008
Diva Dish: Cover girl Kelly Kelly By: Kara A. Medalis Written: August 1, 2008 In this Diva Dish, Kelly Kelly shows off her first magazine cover, Maria raises money for the Humane Society of New York, Beth Phoenix finds a special, new friend, and Jillian and Eve celebrate summer with a cookout. Dog-gone good design Maria recently took one of her dress designs – and matching dog outfit – to the dogwalk when she and her Chihuahua, Gemini, participated in the ninth annual Animal Fair magazine Paws for Style to benefit the Humane Society of New York. After showing off her first runway design, the clothes were auctioned on eBay, and Maria’s garnered the highest bids. “I’m extremely excited about my outfit. I really don’t care how much it went for, as long as it all went to Paws for Style and all of the animals. I wanted it to make as much money as possible,” the SmackDown Diva said. “I really hope the person who bought the outfit loves it and wears it and makes her dog wear it, too. A lot of effort was put into it and I hope they absolutely enjoy it.” The Diva’s design raised more money than outfits from designers such as Lauren Conrad (of MTV’s The Hills), Ed Hardy, Badgley Mischka and Armani Exchange. “I think it was probably a WWE fan who bought my outfit. It’s impressive to think that our fans have that much power. And it was a pretty darn good dress, too!” she laughed. “I put a lot of effort into it and I’m so glad it made as much as it did. I’m planning on coming out with a clothing line, and tonight I was wearing one of my own designs.” Maria told Diva Dish she enjoys doing charity work – and it was just a bonus that Paws for Style involved two things close to her heart – fashion and animal rescue. “Pets are so important in so many people’s lives; I can’t imagine my life without Gem now, traveling without him. But if something happened to him, I’m glad there’s a place he can go,” she said. “To do charity work makes it all worthwhile. It makes it all feel so very good. I’m just so glad I did Paws for Style. I can’t wait until next year!” For more information on the Humane Society of New York, visit its official Web site.

Coming Soon
Posted by: Jeff	07/28/2008
It's official Maria will debut this week on SmackDown..

Love Notes
Posted by: Jeff	07/24/2008
Maria’s Love Notes (July 24, 2008) Thursday, July 24, 2008, 06:28 PM EST What’s up all you stars and studs!!!!!! It is so nice to speak with you all once again. It has been a crazy busy year, and I have loved every moment of it! WrestleMania, to a kiss with Snoop, to top 100, to Santino and I, (What was I thinking?) Project Runway (purrrrrrrr kitty), Sunset Tan, SummerSlam poster, (Did you see me blow … mmmmm … that boat up?) my first runway show, (It’s called fashion for a reason … not everyone is supposed to like it or understand it … hahahaha…) and now I moved to SmackDown! AAHHHHHHH!!!! It still isn’t over. It is never over … Moving to SmackDown … Did it come as a shock is the question I have been getting. Yes, very very much. I am sad in some ways and happy in others. I am happy and excited about this new adventure I am beginning. It is a new bright and shiny begining. It is like the first day at a new school and I am still trying to figure out who to sit with. I am sad because I am leaving some very important people that have been in my life for four years and without them I could not have gotten to where I am now. I want to send a big SPANK YOU to all the Divas on Raw, whether kicking my butt or trying to help me get my butt in shape in the ring, I thank you!! Red team, sorry girls I am turning “blue.” I am sooooo excited about helping charities! It makes me feel like I am giving back because I have been given so much. It makes me feel alive!! Paws for Style was so much fun … Gemini (my Chihuahua, or hua hua as I like to call him), was so cute!! The outfit was fun to make, and since I wanted it to be a little crazy and wild I think it did the job. Haha … Gem even had a hoodie. He flirted with all of the ‘lil girl doggies. Ow Ow!! If you would like to buy Gem’s and my outfit go to eBay!!!! As for the new Divas Championship … Congratulations to Michelle!!!!! Yay!! That title is beautiful! And Michelle deserved it. Congrats!! What is next?? I am only looking to the future! Hard work and more hard work! My Favorite quote is, “My own personal strength scares the sh### out of me!!” I have had my butt kicked from here to Phoniexville and I am still not scared. I still step into that ring. I still desire to be champion!! I still want gold around my waist — and not as just a fashion statement. But as a statement that “Even though I might not be the best and have been beaten, I never give up!” I have so many dreams, from wrestling to music, movies and fashion to one day a family. No one should ever fear going after what they believe in, and you should always follow your passions! Do not, I repeat, DO NOT under any circumstances change for anyone but yourself!! Finally, I want to talk about the most important people in my life: My family. My ‘lil bro is having a baby!!!! Billy and Kelly CONGRATS!! Life is the greatest gift! And to the rest of my family thank you for always being by my side. I miss you and love you! As always, Passion is my motivation!! Spanks and Kisses!!!!, Maria and Gem (ARF!!) P.S.: tut…..

Diva Dish
Posted by: Jeff	07/25/2008
Diva Dish: Play ball with Victoria and Lena By: Kara A. Medalis Written: July 25, 2008 In this week’s Diva Dish, Victoria and Lena Yada head to Yankee Stadium; Natalya, Victoria, Cherry, Maria, Beth Phoenix and Mickie James share their thoughts on Michelle McCool’s big Divas Championship win at The Great American Bash; and Katie Lea reveals her tricks of the trade. Making Divas history When Michelle McCool became the first-ever Divas Champion Sunday at The Great American Bash, WWE’s history books changed forever. SmackDown’s newest Diva, Maria, who hasn’t made her inaugural appearance on Friday nights just yet, told Diva Dish she doesn’t think enough emphasis has been made on the fact that McCool has made WWE history. “Ten years from now, you’ll look at the first Divas Champion, and it’s going to be Michelle McCool. I think that’s something that she can always be proud of, and something she can always feel good about because she was able to be the first,” Maria said. “Hopefully, eventually, just like the Women’s Championship, I’ll have an opportunity to go after it, as well.”

Raw Results
Posted by: Jeff	07/21/2008
Maria was featured in a video package along with Jenny McCarthy. The two of them as well as the whole WWE have teamed up with Generation Rescue to raiase a $100,000 for Autism. They will try to raise this money before WWE Saturday Night Main Event on August 2nd, 2008.

Maria Not At Smack Down
Posted by: Jeff	07/17/2008
Maria was not at the smackdown tapings this week because of the Paws for Style event she was out that I talked about in a post yesterday. The photos have been uploaded to the gallery. Check them Out.

Paws for Style
Posted by: Jeff	07/16/2008
Maria and her faihful dog Gemini were in at Animal Fair Magazine's Paw for Style charity event on Tuesday night sporting beautiful outfits made by Maria. Maria's plaid dress looked wonderful. Maria was also spotted in a sexy purple dress with star ear rings. I will have candids posted tomorrow night.

Diva Dish
Posted by: Jeff	07/11/2008
By: Kara A. Medalis Written: July 11, 2008 In this week’s Diva Dish, Kelly Kelly is welcomed to Raw, Maria prepares to strut her stuff in New York City, Michelle McCool honors a young hero and Beth Phoenix visits South America. Cherry, Jillian, Lilian, Eve, Victoria and Lena Yada share their Fourth of July tales. Paws for Style Maria and her chihuahua, Gemini, will take their skills to the cat— er, dogwalk next week at Animal Fair Magazine’s 9th annual Paws for Style charity event in New York City. “Paws for Style is a charity event where designers – celebrities and actual clothing designers – make outfits for their pets and themselves and walk the runway,” Maria told Diva Dish. SmackDown’s newest Diva will design and sew matching outfits for herself and Gemini to show off on the dogwalk. “My brand new logo is going to be on my outfit. This is the first time I’ll be walking my own design on a runway. It’s my design and it’s my doggie that’s going with me,” Maria smiled. “Gemini is pumped and ready. I’ve been walking him everywhere so he’s ready. I’m really excited about it.”

Mickie James best Friend
Posted by: Jeff	07/10/2008
Mickie James did an interview while in Chile and said Maria is her best friend.

Smack Down Results
Posted by: Jeff	07/10/2008
Maria was Once Again featured in a Coming Soon video on Smackdown that will air tomorrow night.

Daily Diva
Posted by: Jeff	07/08/2008
Maria is once again the Daily Diva. This is a beautiful unreleased photo from one of her last shoots.

New Layout
Posted by: Jeff	07/08/2008
We have a brand new layout made by Dirrty-Laundry Designs. I think its one of the best ones yet. This is going to be the summer layout, so I hope you all like it. Let me know on the tag Board.

Beth Mentions Maria
Posted by: Jeff	07/07/2008
Two week ago, the Raw Division was shaken up due to the WWE Supplemental Draft. Playboy cover girl Maria was drafted to SmackDown and former ECW Diva Layla was sent to Raw. For Beth, nothing will change. “I look forward to getting Layla in the ring. It’s just one more body I can toss around and decimate,” boasted The Glamazon. “What I’ll miss about Maria and her smiling face is watching the tears flow down her face when I would torture her.”

Summer Skin Let Down
Posted by: Jeff	07/042008	Comments: 004
We'll I don't know how everyone else feels, but I am pretty let down that the summer skin photoshoots that the WWE promised us for July 4th were never delivered. Now we have to wait until August. I really hope this is a good shoot because a lot of fans were really looking forward to seeing there divas in new shoots..

Summer Skin
Posted by: Jeff	07/04/2008	Comments: 004
By: Kara A. Medalis Written: July 4, 2008 Summer Skin is here    In this week’s Diva Dish, celebrate Independence Day and the launch of the sizzling-hot Summer Skin. Michelle McCool, Natalya, Kelly Kelly, Maria, Cherry, Victoria and Lena Yada chat about WWE.com’s exclusive, summer-long series. Then, Maria, Victoria and Maryse share their Fourth of July plans with our readers.    Maria told Diva Dish she enjoyed being outside in the sunshine all day during her Summer Skin photo shoot, which was at a lush botanical garden.    “I had never been to a botanical garden before. There were a lot of really cool plants and bamboo – all this wild stuff you wouldn’t necessarily see if you were hanging out in Chicago,” SmackDown’s newest Diva said. “It was a lot of fun, it’s going to turn out really pretty and I think our fans will really enjoy it – or at least I hope they do!”    The fashionista Diva loves being involved in her photo shoots, whether it’s modeling for Playboy or WWE.com’s Summer Skin.    “Whether I’m getting dressed or getting my hair or make up done, I like to have a lot of input on that,” Maria said. “I think 90 percent of what I wore in Summer Skin was all my stuff, plus all the hair and make up ideas were all mine. Our fans will see a bit more out of me when it comes to that stuff.”