MAKING A CASE FOR NIKKI BELLA
If I were a betting man, would say that Nikki Bella wouldn’t even break AJ Lee’s record for holding the Divas Title the longest. Truth of the matter is, I was wrong. Former PWP contributor Greg DeMarco says this about Nikki’s improvement as a wrestler:
“I’m one of Nikki Bella’s biggest supporters. I am on record as saying she’s one of the most improved performers of the past 18-months. She brought attention and heat to a Divas Championship that was devoid of both, even during AJ Lee’s reign. Some agree and some disagree. That’s the glory of the online environment that we live in. When used properly it leads to great discussion where people can agree to disagree.”
Of course, how are you going to argue with Greg DeMarco on that?
But I agree with his opinion about Nikki’s improvement in the past year and a half, as she has performed very well, even to a point some might consider her one of the best women’s wrestlers in the world today. But her title run does come with complete criticism, however; as it was done solely in spite of AJ Lee’s departure and her standing with John Cena, WWE’s high profile wrestler.
Those reasons according to some doesn’t make for a #1 woman wrestler of the year, nor being the best in the world. The hatred towards her for being linked with the company guy really is so white hot you can’t even feel it. And those who feel like her run at the top is the kiss of death of women’s wrestling in the mainstream has a right to express it.
Nikki has supporters all across the globe, and that is respectable. When you look at Nikki’s work in the last few months, she has improved quite a bit when it comes to ring work, promos, etc. But when it comes to insulting her, they go out defensively. But the truth is she is like the Honky Tonk Man of Divas Champions, after the legend who has held the Intercontinental Championship the longest (454 days to be exact).
Just because she’s the longest reigning champ in history, it doesn’t mean she’s the best in this sport. While I’m accused by her faithful fans for having this blind hatred towards Nikki in a way. It wasn’t about the blind hatred, it was about her spot on this year’s Female 50. If you look at the article regarding this, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
When I wrote about her reign was getting stale, I said “This reign is about pride of the company, not about respect. While I can say that Nikki does not have the skill-set to be great, my opinion is that she has an ability to be the best in her craft, no matter what. Fans may crucify me for saying those things, but if that is the way to be professional, even towards your fellow co-workers, so be it. Wrestling is very serious business but it doesn’t mean it can’t be fun.”
Her matches with Paige are not that special due to the fact that those matches are complete reruns, her involvement with the Divas Revolution helped her get over the fact that she is no longer in the shadows of AJ Lee now that she broke her record. With her on the shelf for a while, who knows when she’ll dominate again.
