WWE Over the Limit 2012 Results: What We Learned from Layla's Win

At WWE's Over the Limit pay-per-view, Divas Champion Layla El managed to retain her title against Beth Phoenix, following a neckbreaker out of nowhere. 

It was a lively scrap, filled with smooth exchanges and superb psychology, with the ruthless Phoenix brutally attempting to injure Layla's surgically-repaired knee at every available opportunity. 

Granted, the seven-minute match was far from perfect and felt a bit clunky in places (notably, you could actually hear Layla calling spots to her opponent at a few points), but it was a very respectable bout all-round that managed to hold fan attention throughout. 

In fact, I'd go so far as to call it the best and most satisfying WWE women's match in ages. Most impressively of all, it felt relevant, something the divas division hasn't been in a long, long time. Without question, both Phoenix and Layla should be patting themselves on the back for a job well done here.

So, aside from the fact she is capable of putting on great in-ring performances, what have we learned from Layla's victory at Over the Limit?

Well, first of all, it demonstrates that management continues to have faith in the recently-returned diva and aren't putting the breaks to her push anytime soon. At a time when WWE's booking team is (rightly) considered erratic and fickle by many critics, it's refreshing to see the team get behind a performer so strongly for once.

And it's no surprise they like Layla. With her stunning good looks, charisma, athletic skills and eagerness to learn, the former Miami Heat dancer encompasses everything WWE brass could possibly want in a diva. It's not often a woman comes along with her talents, and WWE is wisely trying to make the most of her. 

Here's hoping it lasts.

And what does the loss to Layla mean for former Divas Champion Beth Phoenix?

Well, while the former SHIMMER wrestler remains one of the best female wrestlers on the roster, it looks like WWE's writing team is content to keep her out of the title picture for now.

Indeed, with the Beth program now behind her, Layla will likely move on to another female heel like Eve or even AJ Lee, who has been on a rampage lately as she deals with her broken heart courtesy of Daniel Bryan.   

Considering how dull and lackluster Phoenix's last (seven month) Divas Championship run was, this is almost certainly for the best. At this point, the title would not benefit from being associated with her—nor can she truly benefit from being associated with it.

She may be better switching to SmackDown for a while, where she can battle with former friend Natalya, or even staying put and turning babyface and joining forces with Layla. Bleak as it sounds, there really doesn't seem anywhere else for Beth to go as a heel on Raw. She really has done everything and faced everyone.

Summarily, WWE made the right call in keeping the title on Layla at Over the Limit. It simply offers more creative possibilities for the women's division, as well as gives the former LayCool member a chance to continue flourishing in her role as Divas Champion.