Source: Miami Herald
BY SCOTT FISHMAN
Miami Herald Writer
In the past decade, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) changed its perception toward women in sports entertainment.
The company began using the term ‘diva’ for its female on-air talent. Diva in sports entertainment is more than wearing a pretty face or working in the ring. It’s a combination of sex appeal and athleticism while glistening with a unique personality which brings fans into your corner.
For the past five years, FHM Magazine cover girl Torrie Wilson has remained in the WWE spotlight because of her ability to adapt and epitomize the current WWE diva moniker.
”It takes a different kind of woman to stick around in the wrestling industry,” said Wilson, who started in the defunct World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1999.
“It is especially hard when you’re gone from home as much as we are. I think you have to enjoy what you do and who you work with.”
WWE has constant turnover, but Wilson is one of the longer lasting divas.
”Sometimes they hire girls who don’t enjoy what they do, and it’s very evident,” she said. “They aren’t interested in learning and getting better in the ring or learning how to wrestle.
“I think it’s kind of been a learn-as-you-go type of experience for WWE. I guess I’ve been able to stick around, maybe, because I get along with everyone and try my best to improve and enjoy what I do.”
The Boise, Idaho native sees the utilization of women on Raw and SmackDown! as a plus in the roles which devise a WWE diva — no matter if it’s manager, announcer or in-ring performer.
“It’s great that we have woman stuff and women on the show. There are also great wrestlers. I definitely think, obviously like everyone on the show, that it would be great to have more time dedicated to the women’s division with more storylines.
“However, it’s just very exciting to be a part of it. Hopefully one day I’ll win the [women’s] belt, at least some time before my career ends.”
Wilson, 31, continues to makes strides in the ring and become more comfortable with her surroundings. She has come a long way from her role as the vivacious vixen who made her WWE debut by seducing WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.
”I think when I first got into wrestling, I didn’t have a clue what I was doing or anything about the wrestling industry,” said Wilson. “That was evident in the ring. When you work four shows a week, you can’t help but get a little more comfortable out there.
“I love it [wrestling]. I’m trying my best to improve. Everytime we have a show. I get in the ring and work with some of the older veterans. It’s just something I’m excited about. I hope I get more opportunities to show I do have an athletic side.”
WWE continues to take a hit when it comes to divas. After her stellar appearance on the reality TV series Dancing With the Stars, Stacy Keibler left the company for Hollywood.
There is speculation Lita and Trish Stratus will not renew their respective contracts when they expire later this year. In midst of seeing a major shakeup in the women’s division, Wilson plans to stick around.
”I’m just playing things by ear,” said Wilson. “I don’t want to pin myself down for 10 more years or anything. I just want to do this until I’m done having fun, when it becomes too much work and I’m miserable. That’s the time for me to go, but I’m still having fun.”
To help in the recruiting process, WWE began an annual Diva Search competition, where one winner gets a $250,000 and a one-year contract with WWE.
Despite only having one winner each year, the company hired others from the diva competition. Many critics have panned the Diva Search as demeaning woman and handing free rides to the top.
However, Wilson believes the diva search is a good idea.
”I can’t really say too many bad things about the [Diva Search],” said Wilson. “I know a lot of people have, but I think it’s a good thing. We’ve got quite a few girls from past diva search contests who are great fits for WWE, as well as from Tough Enough.
“I think sometimes it’s some of those people who probably wouldn’t have gone out of their way to become part of the wrestling industry but are such a great act. So it makes the whole diva search worthwhile.”
Wilson thinks the true test of anyone entering sports entertainment is adjusting to life on the road — constantly being away from home.
”I think [life on the road] is just as hard for the girls as it is for the guys,” said Wilson. “The only difference is to want to have kids. I think when I have kids I will for sure be done because there is no way I would leave my kid at home and travel the schedule we do.
“The guys usually have a great wife at home who understands what they’re doing and takes care of the kids.”
Wilson is in the rare case where she does have someone at home who knows the rigors of a career in pro wrestling. Wilson has been romantically involved with former WWE superstar Billy Kidman during their days in WCW.
The two were married in July 2003. The blonde bombshell believes this situation can be a double-edged sword.
”I think that could go both ways,” said Wilson, who takes her dog, Chloe, to ringside and with her when she travels to remind her of home.
“I think there are certain things about the wrestling lifestyle that you only know if you’ve been there. That can make you nervous at times, but it can also make things better because you understand how someone can be tired, and you don’t feel like doing anything.”
• Wilson was traded to Raw in August 2005. She is enjoying life and performing for WWE fans – in the ring and on promotional tours.
• Torrie Wilson is on the current cover of FHM Magazine in stores everywhere.
• Before the summer officially closes, WWE presents its biggest party of the season with the 19th annual SummerSlam pay-per-view 8 p.m. (ET) Sunday, Aug. 20.
The legendary Hulk Hogan battles the legend killer Randy Orton. John Cena challenges Edge with Lita for the WWE championship. King Booker with Queen Sharmell take on Batista for the world heavyweight championship.
Degeneration X’s Shawn Michaels and Triple H face Vince and Shane McMahon. Chavo Guerrero battled Rey Mysterio, and Ric Flair meets Mick Foley in an I quit match. Also, Big Show defends the ECW title against Sabu.
• WWE and WWE Films’ The Marine, starring John Cena, present SmackDown! live 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 at the South Florida Expo Center in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Tickets are on sale. The event is a house show (no TV).
See many SmackDown! stars including King Booker T with Sharmell, Batista, Rey Mysterio, Lashley, Finley, Terkay, The Great Khali and more. Get tickets at various Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone at 561-966-3309, 954-523-3309, 305-358-5885 or locally.
• WWE Raw will run a house show (no TV) also 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 from the Germain Arena in Estero, Fla. Check TicketMaster online.
• WWE 24/7 made its launch on Comcast’s ON DEMAND’s service, givingWWE its largest rollout nationwide for the service.
For just $7.99 per month, Comcast subscribers can watch 40 hours of wrestling-related programs each month including footage from WWE, WCW, NWA, ECW, AWA and SMW.
