WWE SummerSlam 2011 Results: What's Next for Beth Phoenix?

In the middle of a very good SummerSlam where we saw the Viper regain the World title, Kevin Nash deliver a powerbomb and Alberto Del Rio (unfortunately) realize his destiny, we also had the Diva’s Championship match.

The Diva's match up was pretty clear: the powerful Beth Phoenix, competing with Natalya in her corner, faced the blonde bombshell, Kelly Kelly, accompanied by Eve. In a sense, this was a beauty vs. the beast affair—though Beth certainly qualifies for both titles.

Given the low standards of Diva matches in previous years, this one wasn’t bad. Nothing entirely special, but not bad either.

Kelly is generally pretty bland. She looks amazing, but that is usually the only reason she keeps her job with the WWE. She had an above average performance during this match, including the shocking reversal of the Glam Slam into a roll up for the three count and successful defense of her Divas title.

Now, where does Beth go?

Her and Natalya are going to switch places.

That may appear to be a simple solution, but think about it. What point does it serve to cram together Natalya and Beth, only to have them fall into obscurity?

Booking has been bad for Divas in this PG era. If they aren’t in the title picture, they aren’t on television for more than an occasional backstage scene that doesn’t add anything to the show. 

Given that fact, Beth Phoenix will be supporting Natalya as she goes after Kelly for the title.  Granted, she may have to win some sort of match to get there, but make no mistake—Kelly’s next opponent will be Natalya. 

There is wide speculation about Beth jumping to the side of her real-life boyfriend CM Punk. However, after what we witnessed tonight that’s about as likely to happen as me becoming the next WWE Champion.

Natalya and Beth are the best fighting Divas the WWE has to offer and WWE creative finally created a good thing by uniting them. This was not a step back for Beth Phoenix.

This keeps things interesting. If Kelly drops the title to Beth at SummerSlam, that “rivalry” is done and over with. It appears that Beth and Natalya—the Divas of Doom—will be developing something with Kelly and Eve.

For now, expect Natalya to get the title shots, but Beth will linger in the scene for a while. She’ll fight in matches here and there to assert her dominance and by Survivor Series she’ll either be Divas Champion or fighting for the title once again.