The revelation that Nikki Bella was dating John Cena, coupled with Brie Bella's marriage to Daniel Bryan, set the stars of TV's "Total Divas" up for harsh criticism on the part of fans who saw them as little more than former models who did whatever was necessary to earn a high profile spot in World Wrestling Entertainment. Including sleeping their way to the top of the company. Sadly for those uninformed fans, their criticisms are unfounded, especially since their long history with the company began long before Nikki bedded the franchise player and Brie said "I do" to the best wrestler in the world. The twins were soccer stars in college, proving their athletic backgrounds. Did they enter the Diva Search in an attempt to earn a contract with the company? Of course, but it was simply an "in." From there, they reported to developmental, where they trained for in-ring competition. From that point on, they worked hard to become the best wrestlers they could. When the opportunity presented itself, they took time off to develop their brand, then returned to the company where both Nikki and Brie demonstrated improved in-ring work. Nikki, particularly, was greatly improved over the young woman fans had seen before. She had clearly taken her in-ring performance seriously, as had Brie. Top top it all off, they pitched a reality show featuring the WWE Divas that began airing on E! Network in 2013. Yet all of their hard work could not earn them the respect of fans who suggested that they only achieved what they did thanks to their relationships away from the cameras. Even when Nikki held the Divas title for a record number days, it was chalked up to both her relationship with Cena and WWE's desire to erase AJ Lee from the history books. That line of thinking is self-serving, bolstering the argument of those who simply do not like the twin sisters rather than giving legitimacy to any criticisms they may have of them or against them.
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.
