I apologize in advance.  I'm getting that urge to yap about divas again.  This time, its Michelle.  You know, I thought I was going to like her heel turn.  She needed to do something else since, as I predicted, she plateaued after winning the belt and did nothing with it.  So, wonderful - maybe she'll do better without the belt. 

Then she tries this heel thing.  Nevermind that the turn itself was poorly staged (more on that later!).  Its what she's doing with it that's driving me crazy.  Look, I like Michelle (mostly).  I think she's athletically talented and when she just gets in the ring and wrestles she can be fun to watch.  A bunch of her moves, I love.  Borrowed or not, she does them well.  But for all that is holy, keep her off the mic!!  Has anyone ever mentioned the word "underplay" to the girl?  Good gravy, woman, you've been around this stuff for four years now.  And anyone who has "TRUE passion" for the biz should know that its not just about wrestling.

I really thought this was going to be great for Michelle.  Its easier to make people hate you than like you and a number of people dislike her already.  I'm thinking "awesome heel, here we come". And then she starts with the bowing and those absolutely ridiculous push-ups (and what's with the head bob, Michelle? Push-ups a little tough to do?).  She comes off so posturing!  Just like half her on-camera interviews with the fake trash-talking and the winking.  Down, Bessie! Keep it real, girl.  And the big problem is I just don't hate her.  The character comes across as silly, misguided, sarcastic (but in a way that's more peevish than amusing...read her latest two blogs. Oh and by the way, Michelle, love, "I would of" is inappropriate grammar.  It should be "would have".  This from a former teacher - tisk tisk!!), but not hate-able (made up a word!).

Apparently, if this heel turn is going to require more from her acting skills, its not gonna work, since those are being pushed well beyond their limits already.  I'm sure Michelle is giving it her best in that department.  Unfortunately, her best is none too good.

Aside: where the H in h*ll is Natalya?!

(c) BE 2009