Michelle McCool: Bringing down the respect of women’s wrestling?

Michelle McCool was voted as women wrestler of the year by pro wrestling illustrated. An award that most women wrestlers would be honoured to win. However, when they rung Michelle McCool with the good news she was less than enthusiastic. 

Instead of being overjoyed with happiness, she looked down on the award as she felt there was never any real competition. McCool then refused to do an interview with the magazine.

This showed a lack of respect not only to wrestling fans, but also to other women wrestlers. This award may not be the highest regard in the wrestling community but it is something of credibility.

McCool is often considered a great all round performer and has been the centre of SmackDown women’s division ever since stepping onto the scene in 2004 after trying out for the 2004 Diva search.

However, is her success down to her in ring ability or down to her connections? Of course I am talking about her husband The Undertaker. It is well known that Vince McMahon has a lot of respect for him and listens to whatever he has to say. The undertaker is always keen on pushing young, new talent within the company and often takes wrestlers under his wing. 

Fans have also highlighted the similarities in her and Lalya’s character to TNA’s beautiful people. Before her current character she was often described as bland, generic and stale by fans. Yet she claims her current character is completely original. Many fans beg to diver when they see her and Layla going round the women’s locker room claiming to be prefect and ‘flawless’.

Her finishing move has also angered many wrestling fans as they feel like she stole it from TNA star AJ Styles.  She has denied such claims on numerous occasions. However, many wrestlers and wrestling fans think otherwise.

Fans have also been critical of her attitude towards fans outside of the ring. There have been numerous reports of her refusing to sign autographs or pose for photographs with fans.

Former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis has defended McCool and stated that fans have a misconception of her, and gave reasons behind her not wanting to have photographs taken, due to not having makeup on or due to her just getting out of the gym and being all sweaty.

Current WWE diva Melina has also defended McCool in her blogs on WWE.com. Melina also believes that the WWE universe has a misconception of her and that McCool is sweet person.

But, despite employees and former employees defending her she remains under attack by fans due to her connection, stolen gimmick and finishing move. Is this a fair criticism, or is Michelle McCool bringing down the respect of women’s wrestling by unwilling giving credit were it’s due?