As a former Diva Search contestant, there was reason to doubt Maryse's abilities when she finally became a regular in-ring performer. Much to the surprise of fans everywhere, the gorgeous blonde French Canadian was infinitely better between the ropes than anyone could have imagined. She had a charisma about her that captured the fans attention and added to her act exponentially. So good was she, and so undeniably hot was she, that management felt comfortable enough to have her knock off Michelle McCool in December 2008 to win the Divas Championship. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGqPZEAhERI As champion. Maryse became a heel that management could build the entire Divas division around. With a cocky and arrogant personality that rubbed fans the wrong way and infuriated her opponents, she was incredibly effective at what she did. Her matches with McCool, Natalya, Maria and Gail Kim were evidence of her development as a worker, each one better than the last. Unfortunately, a dislocated knee cap brought her run to an end. Though she would return to the ring eventually, there as a hesitancy that was evident, a fear of re-injuring herself that had set in. She was never the same. Still, her run as Divas champion early in that title's infancy helped establish it as a legitimate and credible title, something that ultimately helped fuel WWE's decision to run with that championship instead of the Women's Championship, which had a longer lineage.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
