Cheerleader Melissa Brightest Star in America

Melissa Anderson, "Cheerleader Melissa" to her fans, is in my opinion the epitome of women's wrestling in the United States. Even though women's wrestling hasn't skyrocketed like it has over in the land of the rising sun, it still has its high points.

When most casual fans of wrestling are asked what name comes to mind when they hear "women's professional wrestling," most would say names like Trish Stratus, Lita, Victoria, or Beth Phoenix. Even though those names have done a lot for putting women's wrestling on the map, they are not what I think of when I hear "women's wrestling."

Cheerleader Melissa is the first name that comes to my mind. Since the first volume of Shimmer wrestling I saw, the only name and match that really stood out for me was "Cheerleader Melissa vs. Sarah Stock." The reason this match stood out for me was because of the true potential Melissa exhibited, the technique shown by her was second to none (that I know of).

Then as I read more into her background through ever reliable "Wikipedia" (Yeah I know) and Online World Of Wrestling, I found she had worked for TNA in the past and is now working for them under her Raisha Saeed gimmick. Finding this out heightened my interest in her career as it showed me her versatility as an athlete and a performer.

My reason for interest is that while most of the WWE "divas" have unlimited amounts of problems trying to get the right work ethic, they also have problems trying to put over their gimmicks, whereas Cheerleader Melissa (amongst others in the independent scene) can not only put on a clinic of a 20-minute match, but she can get over using not only one gimmick, but two, which by any means is an accomplishment in her own right.

Even though this talented performer can hold a crowd in the palm of her hand every match, she has yet to win the Shimmer, TNA, or the WWE women's championship. But I do believe in the next two years, two of the three will happen.

So my advice to everyone; this great in-ring entertainer has yet to meet her true potential so if you get the chance to watch any of her matches, take the opportunity. You will not be disappointed.

- Steven D