ECW Recap 02.24.09

ECW Recap from Nashville, TN:

ECW on Sci-Fi opened with a highlight video to promote the ECW Title match between Jack Swagger and Christian on tonight's show. Over the past weeks the two have fought with Christian pinning Swagger in two non-title bouts. Both times Finlay and Hornswoggle were involved in the outcome. Todd Grisham and Matt Striker welcomed fans to Nashville, Tennessee.

DJ Gabriel vs. Mark Henry

WWE Diva Alicia Fox danced along with Gabriel in the ring before Mark Henry and Tony Atlas emerged from backstage to come to the ring. Grisham noted that Gabriel's undefeated since arriving to ECW but tonight would be a tougher task than usual. Henry tossed Gabriel around the ring early on, causing Gabriel to back to the corner and regroup. Henry was distracted momentarily by Alicia Fox, and Gabriel tried to capitalize. His dropkick attempt failed, and Henry started to pound on DJ even more in the corner, then whipped him to the opposite side.

Alicia Fox started to pound on the mat to get the fans to back Gabriel. Gabriel stood up while in a headlock but Henry shoved him to the corner. Gabirel was able to avoid Henry in the corner, then began to rush at Henry with dropkicks, and an uppercut forearm. Gabriel kept trying to knock Henry down, then went to the corner. Gabriel flew off the corner at Henry who caught him from the air, then turned it into the World's Strongest Slam to win it.

Winner: Mark Henry wins via pinfall over DJ Gabriel.

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ECW returned with an Evan Bourne highlight reel and the message "Evan Bourne Returns ECW" with no date given.

Matt Boyce vs. Tyson Kidd

Kidd was accompanied to the ring by Natalya Neidhart. Amateur Matt Boyce took on the new ECW star tonight. Early on, Kidd took Boyce down to the mat and tried to wear him down. Kidd hid behind the ref as Boyce went after him, then came back to drag him down with an armlock. Boyce grabbed the bottom rope to break it. Boyce mounted a brief offensive strike, but Kidd kicked him hard to the mat, then kicked him in the chest. Kidd used a hard elbow on Boyce's chest then did a headscissors down on the mat. To finish things off, Kidd hit a spinning dropkick followed by jumping from the apron over the top rope to elbow drop Boyce. Grisham noted that Kidd is undefeated so far in ECW.

Winner: Tyson Kidd wins via pinfall over Matt Boyce.

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ECW returned with highlights of the Randy Orton-McMahons and Triple H saga. In the latest incidents, Orton delivered a Punt Kick to Shane in the ring, then RKO'd Stephanie on Raw. This prompted Triple H to storm down to the ring with Orton and Legacy leaving the ring quick. Last night's Raw saw Orton arrive to the ring at the end of Raw with a Sledgehammer, joined by Rhodes and Dibiase. Triple H arrived to the arena and headed straight to the ring with a Sledgehammer as well. Orton negotiated when HHH got to the ring, tossing his Sledgehammer over the top rope. HHH dropped his outside and then got into the ring, but as he took off his leather jacket, he revealed another Sledgehammer from behind his back. HHH chased Dibiase and Orton around backstage, smashing through doors, mirrors and eventually their getaway car's window as Raw ended.

Tommy Dreamer vs. Paul Burchill

Dreamer continued to chase a win since announcing he would retire in June if he can't recapture the ECW title. Burchill arrived to the ring with sister Katie Lea Burchill. Last week, Burchill picked up a surprise win over Boogeyman because Boogey went for his bag of worms early. Boogeyman chased Katie Lea around the ring with his bag of worms, and she managed to get up the ramp with Paul.

In tonight's match, Dreamer gained momentum after Burchill had dominated from the onset. Dreamer charged at Burchill in the corner and missed, and Burchill tried for a move off the corner. Dreamer avoided it and grabbed Burchill's legs then catapulted him into the corner. Dreamer hung Burchill upside down in the Tree of Woe, then ran for a dropkick. Katie Lea had come around the ring and pulled Burchill to the side causing Dreamer to miss on the dropkick. All of a sudden, the lights dimmed with someone grabbing Katie Lea's leg and dragging her underneath the ring. Katie Lea began screaming and managed to escape, then fell back up the ramp. Boogeyman emerged from under the ring as Katie Lea took off for backstage. Meanwhile, Burchill was distracted looking out at Boogey. Dreamer grabbed Burchill and DDT'd him to pick up a much needed victory.

Winner: Tommy Dreamer wins via pinfall over Paul Burchill.

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A promo video revealed that Wrestlemania 25 is just 40 days away.

Christian vs. Jack Swagger
ECW Title Match

Christian arrived to the ring first hungry for the ECW title just 3 weeks into his WWE return. The champ Swagger came out next, cocky as ever and looking intent to successfully defeat Christian.

In the highly-anticipated title match, Swagger brought Christian down to the mat early and wrapped his arms around Christian's midsecton. Christian stood up and tried to fight out, eventually grabbing Swagger's wrist to break out. Swagger slammed Christian down yet again then let out a cocky roar to the crowd. Christian recovered in the corner to start chest chopping Swagger, then hit a spin kick as he came off the ropes at Swagger. With Christian having the upperhand for some time, Swagger regained control then started whipping Christian corner to corner. Christian managed to grab the top rope as Swagger charged at him and pulled it down for Swagger to fall out. Christian quickly ran and jumped off the corner splashing down on Swagger outside as ECW went to commercial.

ECW returned with Swagger turning the tide on Christian as he clubbed Christian with a hard forearm to his back. Swagger landed a splash off the corner. Christian rolled onto the apron and started to stand up but Swagger ran across from the ropes and knocked him down with a shoulder. The two started to battle outside the ring, with Christian missing as he ran at Swagger near the steps. Christian appeared to hurt his left shoulder/arm. Swagger rolled in as the ref began the count, with Christian able to roll in at 8. Swagger immediately picked up Christian to slam him to the mat then pulled Christian's hurt arm back to work on it more. Swagger continued to take advantage of the injury down on the mat and around the ring. Swagger slammed Christian hard against the bottom rope as ECW took another break.

ECW returned with Striker noting that Christian may have a dislocated or separated shoulder. Christian was able to jump off the corner and knock Swagger down, then began trying to pump up his hurt arm to get the bloo flowing. Christian started punching at Swagger then tripped him down against the bottom rope. Christian stood on Swagger, then was able to yank him down against the top rope. As Christian got into the ring he went to the corner for a diving headbutt with Swagger avoiding it. Christian countered the Gut Wrench Powerbomb by Swagger, then ducked a clothesline to reverse DDT Swagger down. Swagger kicked out of the pinfall. The two traded pinfall attempts with Swagger trying for a splash off the corner and Christian putting his knees up.

Christian eventually connected on a diving headbutt, but Swagger barely got out at 2 from the pinfall. Christian was able to DDT Swagger from the corner, but held his arm after because of the pain. Christian tried again for the pin with Swagger escaping. Swagger took control by shoving Christian into the corner ring post, again hurting Christian's left shoulder. Swagger went for the Powerbomb, but Christian flipped out of it and tried for his own move, but then backed off as his arm started to hurt. Swagger took advantage by grabbing Christian to finally hit the Gut Wrench Powerbomb.

Winner: Jack Swagger wins via pinfall over Christian to retain the ECW title.

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ECW Recap 01.13.09

ECW Recap from Sioux City, IA:

ECW opened with a promo video to hype the Jack Swagger versus Matt Hardy ECW Title match on the show. Last week, GM Theodore Long told Swagger he could have his title match. Swagger told Teddy he'd be the new champ and new face of ECW.

Alicia Fox and DJ Gabriel were already in the ring dancing as ECW kicked off the show. Paul Burchill and his sister Katie Lea headed to the ring next for a mixed tag team match.

DJ Gabriel & Alicia Fox vs. Paul Burchill & Katie Lea
Mixed Tag Team Match

Early on the two divas knocked heads, prompting Alicia Fox to crawl over for a tag. Burchill charged into the ring and immediately delivered a double knee to Gabriel, then began beating him around the ring. Burchill continued to punish Gabriel, but Gabriel was able to reverse Burchill's attempt to whip him to the ropes. Gabriel slid under Burchill's legs then got back up to backdrop Burchill. As Gabriel made the cover, Katie Lea entered the ring to kick Gabriel off. Alicia Fox rushed into the ring and jumped up on Katie from behind. The two WWE Divas toppled outside of the ring. Meanwhile, DJ Gabriel managed to climb the corner turnbuckle and jumped off to hit Burchill with a flying European uppercut to get the winning pinfall.

Winners: DJ Gabriel and Alicia Fox win via pinfall over Paul Burchill & Katie Lea.

Todd Grisham introduced footage to announce that Stone Cold Steve Austin will be inducted into the 2009 WWE Hall of Fame Class, April 4, 2009 in Houston, Texas. Highlights from Austin's career were shown including his battles with the likes of The Rock, Bret Hart, Kurt Angle and Vince McMahon.

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Tommy Dreamer arrived down to the ring dressed in a suit and tie. Dreamer grabbed a mic and spoke to the fans about being able to entertain wrestling fans for 19 years. An emotional Dreamer said he has an amazing bond with the fans, and that people say he's the heart and soul of ECW. Dreamer acknowledged his friends, wife and daughters as making it all worthwhile. Dreamer said he came to the point in his life when he had to reflect deep inside himself, and doesn't think he's the same man he used to be.

Dreamer announced he doesn't feel he has what it takes to compete with the younger talent any more. Dreamer says his WWE contract expires June 2009, and that gives him 5 months to prove himself. Dreamer says he's been training harder than ever to achieve one goal: win the ECW title. Dreamer says if he doesn't win the title in the next 5 months, he'll leave ECW.

Highlight video was shown of the undefeated superstar, Jack Swagger.

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Backstage, Ricky Ortiz was shown with a smitten Tiffany. Ortiz took both of Tiffany's hands in his, then moved in close about to kiss her. Just then a loud noise sounded out and Hornswoggle was shown running around them, laughing maniacally. Hornswoggle ran off with Tiffany looking upset. Finlay came rushing in chasing after his son.

Sammy Savard vs. The Boogeyman

Boogeyman reacted to Savard's early attack by strutting around dancing. Boogeyman then worked on Savard in the various corners of the ring, tossing him around and splashing onto his back. As Savard stood up, Boogeyman picked him up on one shoulder and slammed him down for the quick pinfall victory. After the bell, Boogeyman grabbed a handful of worms from his bag, put them in his mouth and drooled them onto Savard's face and mouth.

Winner: The Boogeyman wins via pinfall over Sammy Savard.

Smackdown Rewind was shown with highlight footage of the 1/09/09 police videotape showing Jeff Hardy and Beth talking to a police officer after they were involved in a hit and run car accident. Jeff later said he was lucky not to be seriously hurt and plans to still defend his WWE Title at the Royal Rumble.

Todd Grisham and Matt Striker spoke to Matt Hardy who was live backstage. They asked how the Jeff accident situation will affect him in tonight's match with Swagger. Matt said he won't use it as an excuse to not perform his best tonight. Hardy said Swagger's accomplished a lot, except defeating him. Hardy said he's one thing that Swagger isn't: the ECW Champion.

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Promotional highlight video was shown of Mr. McMahon firing various individuals on Raw. Vince returns to Raw this coming Monday.

Jack Swagger vs. Matt Hardy
ECW Title Match

Both men gave their all in this contest, which was a true back and forth affair. As the match wore on, Swagger missed on an elbow drop. Hardy began to punch away but Swagger blocked him then delivered a huge boot. Hardy kicked out of a pinfall attempt and ECW went to commercial.

As ECW returned, Swagger had Matt down in the ring holding him in an armlock. Swagger whipped Hardy to the ropes, but Hardy made a comeback and was able to knock Swagger down. Hardy climbed the corner but Swagger ran over to punch him then climbed up to Superplex Hardy off the corner. Swagger continued to work on Hardy's arm. The two ended up in the ring corner yet again with Swagger sitting Matt up on the turnbuckle. Swagger climbed up to attempt another Suplerplex, but Hardy fought him off, flipped underneath Swagger and was able to Powerbomb him to the mat. In the process, Swagger ripped off the turnbuckle cover and tossed it out of the ring. Matt barely got the 3 count afterwards, with Swagger escaping it.

Swagger seemed to counter a Twist of Fate and slammed Matt down, but couldn't score the pinfall. Hardy countered a Swagger move and hit a Side Russian Leg Sweep. Swagger tried to counter Matt's Bulldog attempt from the corner by shoving him to the ropes, but Matt came back with a Side Effect and yet another near pinfall. Swagger went for a quick pin attempt pulling Matt's tights up. After that Swagger did a Splash from off the corner, but again failed to get the pinfall.

Swagger charged at Hardy in the corner with Hardy giving an elbow to counter. As Swagger fell back, Matt climbed the corner backwards for a flip. Swagger got up and put Hardy on his shoulders then walked over to the exposed turnbuckle, dropping Matt face first into the steel. Matt was out of it, allowing Swagger to grab him and hit the Gut Wrench Powerbomb for the pinfall victory.

Winner: Jack Swagger wins via pinfall over Matt Hardy to become new ECW Champion.

As ECW was ending, Swagger headed up the ramp cockily displaying his ECW title to the fans. Matt Striker said the face of ECW has now changed with an arrogant young and undefeated champion.

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ECW Recap 12.30.08

ECW Recap from Manchester, NH:

ECW opened with The Miz and John Morrison in the ring to present a special-edition of The Dirt Sheet to end 2008. Miz and Morrison joked that they bought everyone new cars, but instead said they were giving them The Dirt Sheet which was named Best Talk Show of 2008. Miz and Morrison listed out their New Year's resolutions with both men saying they would win the Royal Rumble. Then the two superstars made fun of various superstars by listing out various prank items they wished for in the New Year.

As they made fun of Finlay and Hornswoggle, the duo rushed down to the ring. Hornswoggle screamed into the mic and Finlay translated as he hit Morrison in the face. Miz gained an upperhand on Finlay and both men started to attack. Hornswoggle rushed out of the ring and then underneath it. Miz and Morrison went out and lifted the apron cover to find him, but instead Boogeyman's music came on. The Boogeyman came out from under the ring and chased both men out.

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Mark Henry vs. Matt Hardy

Tony Atlas accompanied Henry to the ring and then Hardy came out to the roar of the crowd. Matt offered a hand for a test of strength early on but then punched Henry in the face instead. Matt used a barrage of right hands then ran against the ropes into a Mark Henry boot. Henry started to take control from here, using his power on Matt, including a headbutt. Matt tried to mount offense but ran into Mark Henry and was knocked to the mat. Henry used a chin/headlock to try to wear him down more. Henry was able to send Matt to the corner and did a seated Splash on him off the bottom rope. Matt managed to get a leg on the ropes to prevent the pinfall.

After a commercial, Henry continued his dominance of the match, until he tried to sit splash Matt in the ring. Matt avoided it and started building up the offense, eventually hitting a Side Effect. Matt signaled for Twist of Fate, but Tony Atlas was up on the apron to distract him. Matt turned and clocked Atlas, knocking him off. Henry had recovered and tried for a clothesline, but Matt ducked him and kicked him in the gut. Matt went for Twist of Fate, but Henry shoved him away. All of a sudden, Jack Swagger had entered the ring and grabbed Hardy for the Gut Wrench Powerbomb. Mark Henry stared down Swagger as Swagger kept smiling and backed out of the ring and up the ramp.

Winner: Matt Hardy wins due to disqualification of Mark Henry when Jack Swagger interfered.

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DJ Gabriel vs. Paul Burchill

Katie Lea accompanied her brother to the ring for his debut appearance on ECW. Gabriel emerged onto the ramp with Alicia Fox and they danced down to and inside the ring with Katie and Burchill watching.

Burchill gained the advantage as he shoved Gabriel down and then began to maul him in the corner and center of the ring. Burchill continued to wear down the new superstar with a headlock, but Gabriel used his power to stand up and chop out of it. Burchill knocked him down again and continued to beat on him. Gabriel fought back again, but Burchill responded with a suplex to bring him back to the mat. Gabriel again began to try to gain some momentum but Burchill shoved him to the ropes. As Gabriel bounced off the ropes Burchill hit him down from behind. Gabriel then countered a Burchill slam attempt by putting him on one shoulder and dropping to the mat.

From there Gabriel went to the turnbuckle for his finisher, but Burchill went over and yanked his leg to drop DJ to the mat. Burchill tried to stand up Gabriel for a DDT, but Gabriel was quick to counter it and rolled onto Burchill, holding his legs for a pinfall victory. Gabriel rolled out of the ring holding his head still and Alicia Fox slid over to congratulate him. Fox danced by Gabriel's side as they headed up the ramp and Katie Lea and her brother scowled at them from the ring.

Winner: DJ Gabriel wins via pinfall over Paul Burchill.

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ECW returned with behind the scenes footage and interviews to promote Mr. Kennedy's upcoming DVD Behind Enemy Lines: Colombia. The DVD arrives next Tuesday, January 6, 2009.

Backstage, Boogeyman was shown feasting on worms and laughing maniacally. All of a sudden, Hornswoggle was there and began angrily running circles around Boogeyman before rushing out. Boogeyman laughed and began mumbling incoherently about Leprechauns, then sang some of the Smurfs theme song before chomping down on a worm.

Raw Rebound covered the employer-employee relationship of JBL and Shawn Michaels which included last night's Fatal Fourway match. Michaels was able to deliver a Superkick to eliminate Randy Orton which left just him and JBL in the ring. JBL ordered his employee to simply lay down for the pin. HBK wouldn't do it, but after several minutes Michaels prepared himself for a JBL clothesline. JBL leveled him then took the pinfall to become #1 Contender for Cena's World Heavyweight title.

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Finlay & The Boogeyman vs. John Morrison & The Miz
No DQ Match

During the early part of this match, Miz and Morrison were dropped to the mat and Hornswoggle came in the ring to help Finlay sit splash them. As Miz and Morrison rolled to the outside, Boogeyman hit them with a double clothesline. Boogeyman crawled under the ring, and eventually went to the other side to yank Miz' leg. Boogeyman began to pull Miz under the ring but Morrison ran over to help him. Horney leapt off the side apron and crashed onto both men. As Finlay came onto the side apron, Morrison was able to get up and run over to clip his leg. Miz took control of Finlay inside the ring. The heel team began to keep Finlay away from a tag and worked to wear him down.

Morrison had the pinfall on Finlay, but Boogeyman rushed in and kicked him to break it up, then rushed over to knock Miz off the apron. Finlay was back up and ducked a Morrison clothesline, then knocked him to the mat with repeated clotheslines. Miz entered the ring, but Finlay was able to clothesline him over the top rope. Unfortunately, as Finlay was turned to send Miz out of the ring, Morrison took advantage by grabbing him and rolling him up for a pin. Boogeyman attacked Morrison outside the ring and shoved him back in. Morrison stood up to look out at Boogeyman, but Finlay grabbed him from behind and hit the Celtic Cross. Miz was able to pull Morrison out safely and the duo backed up the ramp as Boogeyman and Finlay stared at them.

Finlay went to the audience and brought 3 kids in the ring to join in a dance with Hornswoggle and himself as ECW closed out the year.

Winners: The Miz & John Morrison win via pinfall over The Boogeyman & Finlay.

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Jack Swagger vs. Ricky Ortiz - Round 1

ECW on Sci-Fi was off to a tremendous start this past Tuesday night, showing why it may soon have the ECW name respectable again. In the opener, the always cocky and boastful, Jack Swagger, demanded General Manager Theodore Long name him the top contender for Matt Hardy's ECW title. Teddy was hesitant to do so, and his lovely assistant, WWE Diva Tiffany, added in that Ricky Ortiz is also undefeated. Ortiz came out to agree with Tiffany's claim, and insult Swagger for his lisp in a rather funny moment. From there, Teddy Long set a match right then to decide who would be top dog, Swagger vs. Ortiz for the first time ever.

In the match (ECW recap here), both superstars looked good, but Swagger was just slightly better. There was no cheating involved as Swagger pulled off a clean win after beating up Ortiz outside the ring and then finishing him off. It definitely gives Swagger a huge push, and it may be a disappointing first loss for Ortiz. Matt Striker did make the point that John Cena was defeated in his first match ever, against Kurt Angle on Smackdown. So Ortiz losing 7 matches in is nothing to sneeze at. I still think Ortiz is capable of handing Swagger his first loss, unless Matt Hardy does so first. That said, Swagger has the making of a cocky ECW champion and it wouldn't be far fetched to see him take the belt. He also provides a heel that others can insult due to the lisp. Hopefully we see the Swagger vs. Hardy match at the Armgaddon PPV, and it's a good one, so that fans will renew their interest in the ECW product.

On another note, Teddy's assistant, Tiffany, definitely is smitten with Ricky Ortiz, as you can tell from her in-ring and backstage talk to hype him up. I'm going to bet she becomes Ortiz's ringside gal in the near future, and that Ortiz will feud with the other newcomer, DJ Gabriel. Makes sense as you'll have opportunities for a mixed tag match (Ortiz/Tiffany vs. Gabriel/Alicia Fox) as well as the two ECW divas feuding.

Overall the Swagger-Ortiz match definitely made for an exciting start to the show, to have a surprise match featuring two undefeated rising stars from the ECW. The two wrestlers' names even give the fight a boxing or UFC sound. If ECW can continue to set up these sorts of intriguing situations, it's definitely going to be a respectable WWE brand again, and considered less of a minor league for new stars.

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ECW Recap 12.02.08

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WWE Diva Alicia Fox

WWE Diva Alicia Fox

Real Name: Victoria Crawford
Height: 5'9
Weight: 120lbs
DOB: 6/30/08
Birthplace: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

The beautiful Alicia Fox, real name Victoria Crawford, is the latest to join the lovely WWE Divas of pro-wrestling. She had her start with Ohio Valley Wrestling where she refereed a contest between ODB & Shelly Martinez (now with TNA), and also has been in Florida Championship Wrestling. Fox debuted on September 25, 2007 in FCW in a tag team match. Her partner was current Smackdown diva Natalya and they faced fellow WWE divas, Nicole and Brie Bella. Fox returned to FCW in 2008 after a brief stint on Smackdown. During this time, Fox wrestled in matches with the likes of Ryan Braddock (as a teammate) and faced the Bella twins in singles matches.

Alicia had her WWE start earlier this year in a minor Smackdown role. She first started working as the wedding planner for Edge and Vickie Guerrero on June 13, 2008. Edge cheated with her during a private meeting, and Triple H managed to catch them kissing on tape. HHH presented it to the fans, as well as the entire wedding party, enraging Vickie Guerrero. The footage caused chaos with the wedding being called off, and Vickie Guerrero eventually seeking retribution by reinstating the Undertaker to come to WWE and destroy Edge. Alicia was involved in Edge's WWE title match against Triple H at the Great American Bash Pay-Per-View. She attempted to help out Edge, but Vickie Guerrero intervened, causing Edge to spear Vickie. The resulting distraction may have caused Edge to lose the match. After that event, Fox wasn't seen or heard from for several weeks until her recent ECW debut.

Alicia Fox made her ECW debut on the 11/18/08 episode of ECW as the ringside valet of new superstar, DJ Gabriel. The duo danced their way down to the ring as well as in it with Alicia strutting her stuff, despite some negative crowd reaction. Alicia provided eye candy during Gabriel's debut in which he beat a European amateur wrestler using a European forearm uppercut off the second rope. ECW Commentators Todd Grisham and Matt Striker noted that Alica Fox is not only a wedding planner, but also an entrepreneur, which explains her relationship with DJ Gabriel in the WWE.

Read recap of ECW 11.18.08 from Alicia Fox's debut.

Check out a list of past and present WWE & WWF Divas.

Victoria Crawford Myspace profile

Victoria Crawford Wikipedia entry