1. She Thought Her Ethnicity Would Hurt Her Chances Of Winning The Diva Search
To say that the number of African-American Divas in WWE history is limited would be an understatement. Jacqueline, Jazz, Sapphire and Alicia Fox are a few of the ladies to make it in WWE but even fewer have had any real success. Sure, three of the four won Women's or Divas championships but they never really emerged as anything more that suitable role players. Why Vince McMahon and management never took a chance on putting a woman of color at the forefront of the Divas division is a mystery, especially as the United States became more and more diverse at the turn of the new Millennium. With the history of black women in pro wrestling not being particularly sparkling, it is no secret that Layla had very real doubts, concerns and reservations about her ability to win the 2006 Diva Search.
I honestly thought that I wasnt going to win. I was surprised that I got into the top three and was just happy that I was getting a free trip to New York. Because of my ethnicity, I honestly thought that people werent going to vote for me. There were a lot of beautiful women there and any one of us couldve won. I wasnt prepared to hear my name and sometimes when I watch the tape, I have to laugh at myself.
It is surprising that Layla felt that way, considering she was clearly the favorite among the fans in New York. And it had nothing to do with her skin color. She was the favorite because fans gravitated to her personality and her fun-loving demeanor. That she was black was secondary. Regardless of race, skin color or ethnicity, Layla is a beautiful woman who fans legitimately liked and they chose her over her fellow competitors as a result.
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.
