The Anti-Diva of WWE kicked off 2014 by wowing audiences with an extraordinary NXT Womens Championship defense against Emma on the Arrival two-hour live event special. Using the a rarely seen Scorpion Cross Lock to force a submission from the Aussie Diva, Paige established herself as the next breakout star in WWE. Few could have imagined just how quickly that would come to fruition as Paige debuted just 24 hours after WrestleMania XXX and defeated AJ Lee to become the new Divas champion. It was the first time ever that a Diva held both WWE and NXT gold simultaneously. Successful title defenses over Tamina Snuka and Alicia Fox helped her maintain momentum but it was the rivalry with AJ Lee that resulted in some solid matchups. After losing the Divas title to AJ at Battleground in a match that felt very much like a disappointment given the talent of the women involved, Paige and her newfound rival recovered and delivered the contest that so many knew they were capable of at SummerSlam. Paige won that match but dropped the title right back to her on-again, off-again friend the following month at Night of Champions. Booking let both Paige and AJ down throughout their feud and, as 2014 came to a close, WWE Creative had most definitely failed Paige. Despite her monumental year, she was left without anything to do, thanks in large part to her role as a heel and the Bella Twins having that market cornered. Perhaps a return to her Anti-Diva ways and a more defined run as a babyface are in order as 2015 arrives.
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.
