Isn't it Time to Admit the "Piggy James" Angle is Excellent?

[LKP]

Hey guys i found this on a newsletter. What your thoughts?

I distinctly remember many posters saying at the time of the "Ol' McDonald" video starring Michelle McCool singing an alternative version of the song and mean-spiritedly attacking Mickie James that the WWE crossed the line on several fronts. Largely because the storyline was taken by some, including on dirtsheet websites, as a "hint" by the company that they would like to see Mickie lose some pounds. Coupled with the speculation that James is probably leaving WWE in the not-so-distant future to pursue other endeavors, many thought it was WWE shaming and humiliating yet another diva before her removal from the product.

However, even if any of these "insider" elements were part of the rational for runnong the angle, is it not time to admit that the "Piggy James" angle, starring Mickie James, Michelle McCool, Layla and Beth Phoenix has been something uniquely grand--especially when compared to 98% of all other diva "feuds" or angles of the last several years?

It all stems from Mickie James having been traded to Smackdown in October. She received an immediately cool reaction by McCool and Layla, who staked Smackdown as their territory. James made it no secret that she was going after McCool's WWE Women's Championship. Meanwhile, Beth Phoenix was likewise traded to Smackdown; in her first appearance she told McCool that she was also pursuing the championship.

Gradually, the storyline progressed to new heights, taking on a "mean girls" characteristic with regards to McCool (the uber-cool prom queen cheerleader bully) and Layla (her hopeless sidekick errand-fetching, butt-kissing girlfriend who wants to be next to the top chick on the scene) menacing James and taking things into the realm of the personal. Beth Phoenix, meanwhile, has been depicted as a complicated loner who has little sympathy for anyone involved--during the initial stages of this angle, she was crushing random women jobbers in matches simply to establish herself as a clear and present threat on Smackdown. Only on the latest episode did Phoenix appear to finally make something of a choice between James and "Lay-Cool," reluctantly siding with the heels, probably for some unremarked-upon favor or reward.

Also, the cameo appearance of Maria as the put-upon and not-so-long-ago humiliated ex-girlfriend of Dolph Ziggler seeing similarities with herself and the tormented James resonated. As did Mickie James's rather poignant speech about women coming in all shapes and sizes.

In short, the "Piggy James" angle was not a cheap and crass effort to truly humiliate and kick James out of the company. It is a remarkably thoughtful piece of stagecraft, thus far culminating in a battle of ideas between the petty "Lay-Cool" and the sensible words of James. It's taken many of the elements of a certain genre of film and expanded upon it insofar as pro wrestling, like other television shows, are allowed to do through being episodic and "serial" dramatic enterprises.

I just thought this angle deserved some love and attention around here. I think WWE has finally found a divas angle that is strong enough to carry them into a high-profile divas match that could potentially draw at WrestleMania for the first time in four years (since the Mickie James "stalker" storyline with Trish Stratus). Also, as much hate as WWE womens' wrestling receives around here, it should be noted that Smackdown's diva division is rather spectacular in terms of the general workrate: McCool, James, Phoenix, Natalya and newcomer Serena can all go in the ring.

 

[LKP]

Cmon guys when was the last time a women's feud or title match actually had a storyline in it? Its a powerfull and hard hitting storyline and some women can relate to it.

 

[noumenon]

LOL @ this guy trying to justify it as something brilliant and masterful. I appreciate them trying to insert an actual storyline into the women's division but it really comes off as a bunch of petty high school girls going at it. I'm sure they could have come up with something better than "EWWW MICKIE YER FAT!"

 

[xtremebadass]

I find it as tasteless and disgusting. After everything Mickie James has done for the struggling WWE's Women's Division for the past 4 years, this is how WWE repays her? Making fun of her weight? Come on.

I am all for in depth storylines for the Divas, but this isn't right.

 

[LKP]

I get that noumenon but its better than half of the crap the wwe superstars have got. I like it and i like the fact Mickie is not getting the best of McCool and Layla and Beth phoenix is in the middle of it not knowing who to side with.

 

[noumenon]

Exactly. I mean, anyone with a set of eyes can tell Mickie is nowhere near overweight. But still, she's not as twiggy as some of the other Divas on the roster. This also conveniently started right around the time she was rumored to be leaving to pursue her music career.

 

[LKP]

I agree shes not fat and it is going to far but wwe need to do more things like this that hit home on the male side of things. Cause if dx split soon what other kind of entertainment will we get?

 

[Nation]

DX is not entertaining....... We'd better off without this DX army which has a fucking midget in it. Also the way Mickie is being treated is bullshit to the highest level.

 

[-TJ-]

The only positive of this feud. It's given the divas a well thought out feud that also gives the division some face time.

The bad thing is they're (WWE) are making fun of their greatest female wrestler currently in the company, and they can't do it with any of the other divas. (I mean seriously, the Raw Divas Division is horrible) So yeah... Maybe this might springboard the divas of both brands to get more face time, but I find it tasteless.

You could also think the outcome will be James winning the Womens title at Wrestlemania. Now wouldn't that be a true diva story line? Instead of a bullshit battle royal or an inter promotional tag match that makes everyone gag?

 

[Beer]

The segment isn't interesting in the slightest. Though I give it credit for being the first diva feud they've tried to make something of in ages.

Mickie being basically bullied and insulted is completely disrespectful and un-sporting.

 

[Klide]

DX is not entertaining....... We'd better off without this DX army which has a fucking midget in it. Also the way Mickie is being treated is bullshit to the highest level.

Couldnt agree more.

 

[King Of Kings]

I dont really care for storylines with the divas anymore. There not the same like they once were like lita vs trish,dawn marie vs torrie wilson,stacy vs torrie,even trish vs micky. I just dont get entertained by it the whole your fat thing just makes them seem like bimbos.

 

[noumenon]

Also, WTF was the point of Beth in all of this? The teased face turn and then going right back to heel was ridiculous. Hopefully she goes rogue and fuckin destroys everyone.

 

[King Of Kings]

Also, WTF was the point of Beth in all of this? The teased face turn and then going right back to heel was ridiculous. Hopefully she goes rogue and fuckin destroys everyone.

Yea that made no sense at all to me i thought she was gonna come down and help but she just randomly attacked micky and maria.

 

[LKP]

Next week she will probably attack McCool and Layla. I think it has to do with beths hate for Mickie and her hunt for the title.