A.J
Although her girl-next-door fashion sense and relatively small frame might be misleading, make no mistake: A.J. is an extremely fierce competitor. Since she first introduced herself to the WWE Universe on WWE NXT, this fearless spark plug has shown that there’s no limit to how high she can go.
Inspired by the likes of Rey Mysterio, "Macho Man" Randy Savage and WWE Hall of Famer Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, A.J. is more than comfortable launching herself off the top turnbuckle to punish opponents from above. But, with her unparalleled flexibility and lightning-fast agility, she can also hold her own against more physically-imposing opponents in ground combat.
A.J.'s propensity for beating the odds and staring adversity in the face began long before she entered the squared circle. Growing up, this New Jersey native faced multiple hardships, overcoming extreme poverty and even homelessness. But through it all, she never lost sight of her lifelong goal to thrive as a Diva in WWE.
With her high-flying (and high-risk) lucha libre in-ring style and indomitable fighting spirit, the energetic A.J. is sure to pose a threat to any Diva she steps in the ring with.
There are fierce competitors on the path to reaching the pinnacle of WWE, and it takes a great deal of hard work and dedication to become a Superstar or Diva. Former NXT season three Rookie Diva Aksana, a world class bodybuilder and fitness enthusiast came to WWE with one goal — to make history.
Aksana was raised by a small family in Alytus, Lithuania, that instilled a sense of hard work and determination in her from an early age. The Lithuanian-born beauty competed in numerous fitness competitions including a victory in the 2009 Arnold Classic Figure International. It is this dedication and sense of competition that makes Aksana one to watch.
With interests circling around health and fitness, it's no wonder that a major influence of Aksana's is former Women's Champion Trish Stratus. While Stratus may be Aksana's dream tag team partner, she ultimately hopes to follow in her footsteps by becoming a title holder. Aksana also strives to make history by becoming the first-ever Lithuanian Divas Champion.
The former NXT Rookie Diva returned to WWE programming during the Summer of 2011 on SmackDown. How will this beauty make an impact on Friday nights?
Alberto Del Rio
Alberto Del Rio came to WWE from the Mexican elite. A Superstar of tremendous society stature and culture, he has been linked to the bloodline of Spanish royalty Ferdinand and Isabella. Everything about him, from his education to his sense of honor and his very appearance exudes an image of carefully-calculated majesty. He is, in every sense of the word, a Superstar of boundless means.
With pure aristocratic arrogance, Del Rio chose to make his WWE debut in the summer of 2010 by interrupting and insulting Rey Mysterio on SmackDown. Later that night, Del Rio stunned the WWE Universe by making the two-time World Champion tap out in his first WWE match!
Alberto Del Rio clearly prides himself on excellence. Armed with talent that appears to match his superior attitude, his zest for the finer things in life makes him destined for in-ring glory.
Alex Riley
Does his hair look all right? Of course it does. If there is one thing that can be said about Alex Riley, he clearly is not lacking in confidence.
The son of a former Miss Virginia and an ESPN sportscaster, Riley describes himself as a "rare breed." Indeed, after earning bachelor's degrees in economics and communications from Boston College, he knows exactly what he's worth and never hesitated to communicate it to the WWE Universe during the second season of WWE NXT. Riley finished an impressive third place in the competition before following The Miz to Raw, first as his apprentice, then later promoted to his "Vice President of Corporate Communications."
In the employ of The Miz, Riley cultivated his affinity for winning at all costs - an attribute that proved useful once he defiantly severed his ties with The Awesome One and set out on his own.
Few NXT Rookies burst from WWE NXT with as much potential as Alex Riley, a truly charismatic Superstar poised for greatness.
Alica Fox
The sometimes devious, always talented Alicia Fox has worked hard to hone her craft in the square circle, eager to show off her tremendous ability and cave a place among the best in WWE. Nowhere was this more evident than when she first captured the Divas Championship in the summer of 2010. Her flashy title reign put the beautiful competitor on the fast track toward becoming one of the top Divas today.
Resourceful, stunning and extremely capable, “A-Fox” refuses to let the WWE Universe forget her name.
Beth Phoenix
Beth Phoenix likes to talk a good game, boasting of her strength and dominance over all the Divas in the ring. And Phoenix backs her words up — it’s what Glamazons do. But while domination may be her “nature,” The Glamazon is no one-trick pony. Ever since she was a little girl, she’s been commanding respect and powering her way through obstacles and challenges.
Phoenix’s passion for sports-entertainment began as a young girl, watching countless hours of WWE with her grandma on weekend mornings. It was from that moment she knew, come hell or high water, she was going to make it. Enrolling at Notre Dame High School in Elmira, N.Y., Phoenix began to blaze her own trail, becoming the first female on the wrestling team.
But making it to WWE was a little more difficult … and college came first. Degree in hand, she threw caution to the wind and pursued her passion.
Her performance at 2008’s Judgment Day, lifting both Melina and then-Women’s Champion Mickie James over her shoulder at the same time, drew gasps from the crowd. But according to The Glamazon, moments like those speak for themselves.
“After I fought my way in the dark, WWE recognized and respected The Glamazon for the incredible entity that I am. It’s not that I want to establish myself at the top of the food chain,” Phoenix continued. “I want to establish myself as unlike anyone else who has come through WWE and the Divas Division.”
Big Show
Reminiscent of Andre the Giant and Big John Studd before him, Big Show is a feared competitor who can intimidate an opponent with his size and stare alone. The pound-for-pound World's Largest Athlete's measurements are astounding: 441 pounds; 7-feet of raw girth and might; 22 EEEEE shoe size; 22 1/2 ring size and a 64-inch chest.
Big Show made his in-ring debut in WCW where he left a massive impression as The Giant, and captured the WCW Championship on two occasions, along with the WCW Tag Team Titles. The Giant had an immediate impact in WCW, focusing his attention on some of the biggest icons in the industry, from Hulk Hogan to The "Nature Boy" Ric Flair.
In 1999, the mighty giant became a worldwide star upon signing with WWE. He continued to collide with Superstars of great renown and captured countless titles, including the WWE Championship. From "Stone Cold" Steve Austin to The Rock to Undertaker to Triple H, Big Show has battled and manhandled the top names in all of WWE.
In the years that followed, no Superstar on the roster could stand toe-to-toe with Big Show feeling anything close to confident, and with good reason. Using his incredible size to utterly manhandle even the most seasoned combatants, Big Show found success wherever he went, whether it be Raw, SmackDown or ECW. Among his myriad accomplishments, Big Show became the first Superstar in history to capture the WWE, WCW and ECW Championships when he conquered The Land of the Extreme in 2006.
Although he is known to display his outside the ring, including a comedic turn in WWE Studios’ “Knucklehead,” this titanic warrior is all business when he steps through (or in his case, over) the ropes. Armed with a mighty Knockout Punch and a vast array of high-impact maneuvers, there is not a Superstar on the roster who can intimidate Big Show.
Booker T
Booker T has an illustrious and decorated history with WWE. He is a six-time World Champion, winner of the 2006 King of the Ring tournament, as well as the holder of numerous other prestigious championships and honors.
From the first moment he stepped into the WWE ring in 2001, Booker T has Spinarooni-ed his way into Superstar elite status, tangling with a virtual who's who of the squared circle, including "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, The Undertaker, John Cena, Triple H, Randy Orton, Batista, Rey Mysterio, Ric Flair, Christian, Mark Henry and many more.
Some of the most memorable moments of his WWE career included his association with The Alliance, costing "Stone Cold" the first-ever Undisputed WWE Championship against Chris Jericho, battling Austin in a grocery store, a partnership with the outrageous Goldust that was as hilarious as it was unlikely and his outspoken reign as King Booker.
The ultra-charismatic Superstar returned to WWE in 2011 as part of the biggest Royal Rumble in WWE history. He then joined the announce team on SmackDown as a color commentator and became a trainer on USA's hit reality series "WWE Tough Enough."
Brie Bella
Scottsdale, Ariz.'s Brie Bella made her debut on SmackDown in summer 2008 and made an immediate impact on the Divas Division.
On her debut night, Brie defeated former Women's Champion Victoria, showing that this half-Mexican, half-Italian beauty may be new to the scene, but she is ready to take on any challenge. Ever since, she's proven she will not be an easy Diva with which to deal.
With her twin sister, Nikki, at her side, the Bella Twins have proven every bit as cunning as they are cute. In fact, Nikki would be instrumental in helping her twin sister capture the duo's first championship win in WWE when Brie won the Divas Championship.
Alone, Brie has proven herself an accomplished athlete in her own right. With her sister Nikki, however, the pair are definitely double trouble.
Brodus Clay
Fierce. Forceful. Unstoppable. This is Brodus Clay.
Tipping the scales at 360 pounds and standing at 6 feet 8 inches tall, the “Mastodon of Mayhem” has towered over the majority of his opponents from the start. While this makes him practically an immovable object, Clay also boasts incredible speed and agility for a man of his size.
Sometimes called "the world's biggest suplex machine," Clay grew up on the mean streets of Los Angeles and has plenty of A-list experience under his belt, even working as the bodyguard for Snoop Dogg.
After finishing second as a contestant on WWE NXT season four, the immense Clay worked as the protégé of Alberto Del Rio and was officially signed to a WWE contract by General Manager Theodore Long. He continued to work with Del Rio until the aristocratic Superstar moved to Raw as part of the 2011 WWE Draft.
Clay learned a great deal from his aristocratic mentor in the deviousness department and will apply those ruthless attributes as he attempts to swallow up the WWE Universe.
Christian
At different times in his celebrated career, Christian has been described as everything from smug to extremely confident. However one chooses to characterize Captain Charisma's extraordinary believe in himself, there is no doubt that the outspoken Superstar has been backing up every bit of his larger-than-life bravado.
First appearing as a long-haired member of the morbid faction known as The Brood, Christian won the Light Heavyweight Championship in his very first WWE match. This would only be the beginning of his highly-decorated career in the squared-circle.
Teaming with his lifelong friend Edge, Christian formed one of the most successful and most outlandish tag teams in WWE history. Together, they won the World Tag Team Championship on seven separate occasions.
The off-beat duo of "E & C" engineered some of WWE's most memorably absurd moments. Their egomaniacal "five-second pose for the benefit of those with flash photography" is legendary and their constant hi-jinks at the expense of the WWE Universe and their fellow Superstars proved as relentless to as they were hilarious.
But, it wasn't all fun and games. Known for using the chair in their dreaded signature maneuver Con-Chair-To, Edge & Christian fused their metal with the Hardy Boyz's ladders and the Dudleys tables, revolutionizing squared circle competition with the creation of the extreme Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match.
No one can deny that Edge & Christian took part in many of WWE's most famous and dangerous tag-team matches, including the Ladder Match at WrestleMania 2000; Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match at SummerSlam 2000; TLC II at WrestleMania X-Seven; and TLC III on the May 24, 2001 episode of SmackDown.
The always-outrageous Christian would soon break out on his own, going on to win numerous titles throughout his career, both as a singles and tag team competitor.
And over the years, the WWE Universe came to form a great respect for the word-wielding warrior, a feeling he would truly embrace. He even nicknamed his fans the "Peeps” and created highly-entertaining "The Peep Show" in their honor.
However, perhaps none of his achievements was as extraordinary as when Christian fulfilled a lifelong dream in a brutal Ladder Match with Alberto Del Rio at Extreme Rules 2011, capturing his first-ever World Heavyweight Championship. This monumental milestone propelled him to the spotlight and notoriety as one of the greatest competitors in the history of the squared circle.
CM Punk
Luck is for losers, at least according to CM Punk. Even though his arm is literally tattooed with good-luck charms, Punk believes you make your own good fortune through hard work and intense preparation.
Growing up in Chicago, the Superstar's childhood consisted of watching the likes of "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Jimmy Snuka exchange words, then blows. Such heated rivalries helped Punk realize that WWE was where he belonged. Adopting the "Straight Edge" movement -- in which one bases their life around personal development, and avoids drugs, alcohol and a dependency lifestyle -- Punk has brought his own style to WWE.
Punk's in-ring repertoire is an assimilation of fighting styles he has learned from his travels around the world. In his WWE pay-per-view debut as a part of Team DX at Survivor Series 2006, Punk brought down the house in Philadelphia where fans showed their respect for his talents.
After becoming the only multiple-time Straight Edge World Champion in WWE history, Punk set out to convert his fellow Superstars as well as members of the WWE Universe to his way of thinking. Through his use of persuasive arguments and keen intellect, "The Second City Savior" has acquired a devout following both in and out of the squared circle.
Punk would later use his silver tongue to target his superiors in the hope of inspiring change in WWE as the self-appointed “voice of the voiceless” shortly before his monumental first WWE Championship victory over John Cena on July 17, 2011 -- the final night of his contract. After the bell, Mr. McMahon watched helplessly as The Straight Edge Superstar vanished through the Chicago crowd with the coveted title as Punk's hometown fans passionately chanted his name.
When a re-signed Punk returned on Raw to WWE with his title to confront the newly crowned WWE Champion, Cena, it would mark the first time in the championship's rich history that two Superstars held claim to the WWE Title simultaneously. Punk's re-emergence as WWE Champion was controversial but, then again, Punk has always thrived on controversy.
Whether a sole champion of his cause or flanked by supporters, verbally - from the commentary booth - or by force in the ring, CM Punk continues to preach from his self-appointed pulpit at the epicenter of the WWE Universe.
Cody Rhodes
As the son of WWE Hall of Famer the "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes, Cody Rhodes grew up admiring his father and watching him capture the imagination of wrestling fans worldwide. He could not wait to carry on his father's legacy while carving out one of his own in WWE.
Besides being the son of "the son of a plumber," Cody's appearance and natural ability seemed to make him destined for success in the squared circle from the start.
The second-generation Superstar quickly fulfilled that promise in the tag team ranks, capturing several tag team championships.
Together with fellow multiple-generation Superstar Ted DiBiase, Rhodes would soon look for additional guidance from another Superstar with the squared circle in his blood, Randy Orton. With Orton as their mentor, the trio formed The Legacy, overtaking their adversaries with overwhelming force.
Shortly after being voted "Most Handsome Superstar" in a Divas poll on WWE.com, Rhodes added the moniker "Dashing" to his persona, showcasing a new level of self confidence that included giving numerous good hygiene tips to the WWE Universe on how they might become more like him.
However, that all came crashing down following an accidental facial injury in a match with Rey Mysterio. Behind a protective mask, the extremely bitter, self-conscious Rhodes began to spread his torment through WWE.
One way or another, dashing or devious, Cody Rhodes is relentless in his pursuit of a long-lasting legacy.
Curt Hawkins
Curt Hawkins, hailing from Queens, N.Y., first gained prominence as part of "The Family," hitching his wagon, along with partner Zack Ryder, to a major star: The Rated-R Superstar, Edge.
Hawkins & Ryder soon began a respectable run as the WWE Tag Team Champions, after winning the titles at The Great American Bash.
Parting ways with Ryder, Hawkins -- along with Vance Archer -- was given a "limited SmackDown contract" by SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long. The contract called for the two Superstars to do one thing, "make an impact." And over the next few weeks, that's exactly what they did, earning Hawkins an official contract.
Now that Hawkins has ventured out on his own in WWE, can he finally carve a name for himself in singles competition?
Daniel Bryan
Trained by WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels, Daniel Bryan competed on the indie wrestling circuit for 10 years. Honing his craft on multiple continents, Bryan became well-known for his hybrid of Japanese and American offensive styles that made good use of vicious elbow strikes, precision kicks, spine-jarring suplexes and various torturous submission maneuvers.
First coming to WWE as part of the inaugural season of WWE NXT, Daniel Bryan soon made it clear that he was destined for great things.
After shaking the drama of The Nexus – which formed out of WWE NXT season one – Bryan refocused his efforts on a solo career, exciting the WWE Universe with his unique ring style and bone-snapping artillery.
Eventually the determined Superstar's efforts came full circle, when he captured his first championship in WWE from then-United States Champion The Miz, his former WWE Pro.
With Daniel Bryan's experience and drive leading the way, he will look to make history every time he steps through the ropes.
David Otunga
After becoming well-known to followers of reality TV and American tabloids, David Otunga made his name famous as one of the first NXT Rookies. First coming to prominence as part of the VH1 reality show, I Love New York 2, Otunga has since become better known as the fiancé of Grammy and Academy Award-winning actress, Jennifer Hudson. As anyone confronted with Otunga's impressive physique can testify, the competitor has more than his fair share of brawn and good looks, but he backs up these natural gifts with a powerful intelligence, as exemplified by his degree from Harvard Law School. A fan of lavish vacations, Hollywood parties and seeing his face in People and Us Weekly, the self-proclaimed "Kanye West of WWE" stands to get a lot more of his favorite things as part of WWE.
The runner-up of WWE NXT season one, Otunga joined the winner, Wade Barrett, and his fellow season one Rookies to form The Nexus. The group came to Raw upset over their treatment on NXT and were out to ensure they would all receive WWE contracts. When The Nexus was finally granted contracts, Otunga not only became an official WWE Superstar, but he elevated his "A-List" status even further.
Dolph Ziggler
Since making his debut on Raw, this aggressive young Superstar has made certain that every ring warrior on the roster knows his name. For weeks leading up to his first match he would approach Superstars and Divas alike in the locker room area with what has became a familiar refrain: "Hi, I'm Dolph Ziggler."
With his sculpted physique and cocksure attitude, Ziggler gives off the aura of an athlete who knows exactly what he's doing. The young Superstar makes use of his impressive amateur wrestling background (during which he won more matches than anyone in Kent State University's history) to ensure that for years to come, the WWE Universe will remember the name of Dolph Ziggler.
In August, 2010, with the help of SmackDown's Official Consultant Vickie Guerrero, Dolph Ziggler hit the Zig Zag on Kofi Kingston to capture his first Intercontinental Championship. WWE's resident cougar also played an instrumental role in Ziggler's controversial (and short-lived) World Heavyweight Championship reign in February 2011.
Ziggler seldom refrains from letting the WWE Universe know how good he is, and much to his opponents' chagrin, this arrogant competitor has the skill to back up his boasts.
Drew McIntyre
From the moment Drew McIntyre entered the realm of the squared circle, he made his intentions very clear to the WWE Universe -- plow over anyone he feels like and snatch the spotlight from wherever it might be pointing. And, before even taking part in a single match, McIntyre turned Friday nights upside-down by launching a series of unrelenting attacks, starting with R-Truth.
The ruthless aggression of the Scottish Superstar paid in spades when he was personally awarded a SmackDown contract by the Chairman of WWE himself, Mr. McMahon, who called him "a future World Champion."
Since arriving on SmackDown, "The Chosen One" has paid dividends on Mr. McMahon's belief in him, reigning supreme over John Morrison to capture the illustrious Intercontinental Championship. McIntyre's forceful nature is only outdone by his extreme confidence and ironclad resolve.
On Sept. 19, 2010, at Night of Champions, Drew McIntyre captured his first WWE Tag Team Championship with "Dashing" Cody Rhodes in Tag Team Turmoil against The Hart Dynasty, The Usos, Mark Henry & Evan Bourne and Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov. Although the championship was only his second, we're confident it was hardly his last.
Evan Bourne
Evan Bourne is a high-flying ring technician whose fast-paced intensity is quickly making him a force to be reckoned with throughout WWE.
While growing up in St. Louis, it was Superstars such as Bret Hart, Dean Malenko, Rey Mysterio, and Eddie Guerrero that first instilled in young Bourne a desire to make audiences feel the way he did while watching them.
Later, he became a hardcore fan of the original ECW, admiring such greats as Tazz, Sabu, and RVD. And it was while traveling to ECW events that he captured his first taste of the live, unbridled sports-entertainment intensity that he would never let go of.
Bourne started his in-ring training at 17 years old. Before long, he had become the first person under the age of 18 to be licensed to grapple in the state of Missouri. It was during his very first match, while connecting with a difficult moonsault, that a familiar feeling washed over him and left no doubt in his mind that he was doing what he was meant to do.
While continuing to learn all he could about the business, Bourne attended college, earning a degree in marketing from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He went on to become the vice president of sales and marketing for a small mailbox company in St. Louis. But, during his time, his company allowed all the time he wanted to travel and train. They knew, as did he, that his destiny lay in the ring.
Bourne's quest to join WWE eventually took him all over United States, Europe and Japan. During this time, he became very accomplished, winning several honors including St. Louis' Wrestler of the Year in 2006 and Move of the Year in 2007 for his Shooting Star Press.
In 2008, Bourne blasted off into the WWE Universe, utilizing an exciting combination of Mexican, Japanese, and American training styles that has made him both a dangerous high-flyer and a sound ground technician.
Eve
If one were to ask Eve how she views herself, the beautiful Los Angeles resident would answer, "I am sexy, smart, and always excel and do my best."
It's that same drive which propelled Eve to enter the 2007 Diva Search and become not only one of the final eight contestants, but the winner of the competition. No stranger to the excitement of a large crowd as a Los Angeles Clippers Spirit Dancer, she now brings her unique strength and enthusiasm to WWE.
Eve is hardly a slouch in the brains department either, as she's adept at solving Rubik's Cubes whenever the mood strikes her. Also, in addition to studying Gracie Jiu-Jitsu with Rener Gracie, she assisted in designing GracieUniversity.com.
To help keep her body in shape, she enjoys dancing, running, aerobics and kickboxing. And if you really want to get this Divas Champion's temperature rising (pay attention, boys), the key to Eve's heart is a night of salsa dancing, with intelligent conversation mixed in.
It's easy to see why one might consider Eve to be a strong, beautiful woman with a sunny disposition, though be warned; she's the first one to admit that if something or someone rubs her the wrong way, "I do have a bit of a temper."
Ezikel Jakson
Ezekiel Jackson is the definition of ringside intimidation. Born in Guyana, he moved to Harlem, N.Y., where the rough streets helped raise him. Growing up, he was forced to often do what he does best – bust heads and take no names, feeling no remorse for any of his actions. Through his experiences, he learned the hard way that sometimes a man has to do what he has to do.
The self-proclaimed “Personification of Domination” entered WWE in July 2008. Since then, he has muscled his way into notoriety – whether that means using his incredible force to hurl enormous Superstars like The World's Largest Athlete Big Show to the canvas or lending his intensity to dangerous associations such as The Corre.
Much more than simple brute strength, Jackson has also proved himself to be ruthlessly tough. No place was this personified more than when he captured the distinction of becoming the last ECW Champion, defeating Christian in an Extreme Rules Match in the final episode of ECW in February of 2010.
At Capitol Punishment 2011, Jackson displayed his true power and defeated former Corre leader Wade Barrett to capture his first Intercontinental Championship.
In no uncertain terms, Ezekiel Jackson has made it clear that he intends to fight his way to the top of WWE. And if might makes right, there is no telling just how far this powerhouse will go.
Gail Kim
Gail Kim began her WWE career with a firestorm of momentum, winning a Divas Battle Royal in her debut match to capture the coveted Women's Championship. She then spent the next year and a half battling the best Divas in WWE. She soon anointed herself as a "submission specialist."
Kim reemerged, poised to once again make some noise in the squared-circle, which she appeared to accomplish with glee. Having proven she can overcome any Diva who steps to her, Kim's focus seems to be championship kudos.
Regardless of which brand she calls home, Kim's agility, athleticism and lethal submission moves promise to serve her well on her path to the top of WWE.
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