10 Wrestlers Who Lost Gold In Their Hometown

9. Beth Phoenix

Charlotte Women's
WWE.com

An excellent women’s wrestler at a time when WWE’s females weren’t exactly known for their in-ring escapades, Beth Phoenix would fit right into today’s Women’s Revolution had she not retired in 2012. Phoenix amassed four Divas/Women’s Championship reigns throughout her run with the company, but she was no stranger to hometown misery, and her third and final Women’s Title reign ended in familiar territory.

Beth was 16 days into her reign after defeating Michelle McCool at Extreme Rules 2010, and SmackDown came through her native Buffalo, NY. She found herself booked in a Tornado Handicap match against McCool and her partner Layla, and while she fought valiantly, the numerical disadvantage was too much. Layla capitalised on a collision between Phoenix and McCool, made the cover, and took the title.

This wasn’t the only time Phoenix tasted defeat in Buffalo, and she failed in an attempt to claim Kelly Kelly’s Divas Championship there in September 2011. For whatever reason, WWE loved having the dominant Glamazon lose on home soil, so perhaps it’s no surprise she walked away from the business at just 31 years old.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.