Natalya weighs in on Michelel McCool’s Divas Championship win today, in a new edition of Diva Dish. Read below:
Making Divas history
When Michelle McCool became the first-ever Divas Champion Sunday at The Great American Bash, WWE’s history books changed forever.
“I’m on top of the world right now. My mindset was, win, lose or draw, history was going to be made. The victory was even that much sweeter. Not only did we make history, I became the first Divas Champion, ever,” McCool said.
“It still hasn’t really sunk in. I’ve said it before – I’m addicted to success, failure is not an option. I knew it would be a tough battle. I left all my blood, sweat and tears out there and came out on top. It feels great,” the Divas Champion said.
While Natalya was obviously disappointed by the outcome of the match, the third-generation Diva said timing is everything, and her time to win will come, and it will be “bigger, better and bolder” than McCool’s win.
“It really is going to drive me now to a totally different level. It’s one of those moments that yes, I would have liked to be the first Divas Champion, but I really believe it’s one of those moments in my life that’s going to push me to the next level,” Natalya said. “This is going to make me fiercer, this is going to make me more driven. I’m going to come back with a vengeance.”
Natalya’s best friend, Victoria, admitted she was a bit jealous of her pal’s big match, but said if it wasn’t herself fighting for the Divas Championship, there’s none better than Natalya.
“Besides myself, I’d want her to win. I’m a little bit disappointed in the result, but I think she’ll get it. I have faith in her,” Victoria said of her BFF. “I think Michelle had luck behind her, and the ankle lock does catch you off guard. I’ve taken that a few times.”
After McCool captured the gold, she was congratulated by her fellow SmackDown Divas, Cherry and Eve. It’s no secret that Cherry has been one of McCool’s biggest supporters.
“I was so excited because I know Michelle has worked so hard. I know of all the heart and faith she has in her training – because she’s helped me out personally. I know how exciting that was. I didn’t get to win it, but I was there, as a friend, supporting her,” Cherry said.
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.”
Former Women’s Champion Beth Phoenix offered her congratulations to McCool – a Diva she’s previously challenged in the ring. Phoenix also gave the All-American Diva a warning.
“Kudos to Michelle for making history and becoming that first Divas Champion, but – and there’s always a but – having been a champion myself, I know what it feels like to have to bull’s-eye on your back, and Michelle better have eyes in the back of her head,” The Glamazon said.
“Now that the Divas Championship is up and running on SmackDown, it’s only going to be a matter of time before everybody comes gunning for that title. And you never know, The Glamazon looks really good in gold, so Michelle better watch out because one of these days, when she least expects it, I might be around the corner ready to snatch that away from her,” Phoenix said.
Finally, Women’s Champion Mickie James called McCool’s victory “awesome,” and said she’s happy the SmackDown Women’s Division now has its own title. However, James isn’t opposed to facing another gold-wearing Diva, no matter the brand.
“I’ve never turned down competition, so if she wants a challenge, I’m up for a challenge. I never say no,” James said with a smile.
