Top 25 Ranking of 2009 – #7: Mickie James
Tag Team Top 10 of 2009 – #7: Michelle McCool & Layla

Lethalwow Top 25 Ranking of 2009 – #7:
Mickie James
Ranked #4 in 2008

In 2009, Mickie James continued to be—without question—the most popular WWE Diva at live shows. Despite the dwindling fan reactions to Diva matches, Mickie James consistently delivered for the WWE. The year, however, did not pass without it’s controversies… From online fans criticizing her for lackluster performances, to rumors of the WWE being displeased about her weight. Despite this, Mickie made history on July 26, 2009 at Night of Champions when she defeated Maryse to win the WWE Divas Championship. That night, Mickie became the second woman to hold both the WWE Women’s Championship and Divas Championship. Mickie successfully defended the title on numerous occasions. She defeated the likes of Gail Kim, Beth Phoenix, and Alicia Fox.

October 12, 2009 on WWE Raw, Jillian Hall defeated Mickie James to win the WWE Diva’s title. Immediately after, Mickie James was drafted to Smackdown. A rivalry began against Layla and WWE Women’s Champion Michelle McCool. After weeks of provocation from the duo, Mickie exacted some revenge on November 22, 2009 at WWE Survivor Series when Team Mickie defeated Team McCool in a Survivor Series Elimination match. On December 13, 2009, Mickie challenged Michelle for the WWE Women’s title at the WWE TLC pay per view; however, she came up short. The feud continued into 2010, with Michelle and Layla consistently directing “fat” jokes towards Mickie.

(Click Here To Vote In The 2009 Year-End Fan Polls)

Tag Team Top 10 of 2009 – #7:
Lay-Cool
Michelle McCool & Layla

In 2009, the unlikely pairing of Michelle McCool and Layla on WWE Smackdown turned out to be great direction for them both. At first it seemed like Layla would be regulated to just another sidekick. After all—just week’s prior—Alicia Fox was used in that capacity before being traded to Raw. Instead, their on-screen friendship gave fans some of the most entertaining segments from the WWE Divas in recent months. Layla became a permanent fixture in Michelle McCool’s WWE Women’s championship feuds and tagged in numerous matches. During this time, Layla’s in-ring performance and promo work improved by leaps and bounds. Michelle on the other hand, benefited from adding charisma to her often bland character.

(Click Here To Vote In The 2009 Year-End Fan Polls)