Backstage returns to discuss Fire & Desire’s BREAK-UP!
Speaking of Sonya, obviously we saw her get everything off her chest in regards to Mandy’s apparent selfishness. “All I want is to see you hurt.” WOW! What does everyone think of this development? Natty has worked alongside Sonya, so what does she think about SmackDown this week? Natty felt that, as someone who has known both Sonya and Mandy, this made her take sides. She sees things from both perspectives, with Mandy being shocked by Sonya’s bitterness, but also the reasons why Sonya would be bitter in the first place. Their duo entrance was more Mandy than Sonya. This has shades of Becky and Charlotte where Becky didn’t want to be second fiddle. A lot of people can relate to that, Natty included. There comes a time when you don’t want to be second, and Sonya lit it up.
Beth adds that it is great to see both talents getting the opportunity they’ve wanted and worked for, for five years now. Having a best friend to go through that with is amazing. Beth and Natty know what that’s about, so this really resonates with them. There is a big difference between getting the big opportunity, and nailing it. What happens when a talent goes out and crushes it, this will bring more opportunities because they can’t be denied. Love her or hate her, Sonya just became a star. Now she and Mandy can both showcase what they can do, even if it has to be against each other.
Ember says she’ll try to keep it short and sweet, just like Booker T taught her. But there was Tough Enough where Mandy and Sonya were best friends. Then in NXT, they were best friends. Absolution behind Paige and Fire & Desire, they were best friends. Now, all of that history makes for a perfect feud. Ember says that fiery delivery works so perfectly during this time without a crowd. You can tell perfect stories and make stars! Ember loves Mandy, Sonya, Otis and Dolph Ziggler, and it all comes together in a beautiful story that makes a star out of everyone.
Renee says there is no easy transition, but it was last Thursday that the WWE Universe suffered a huge loss in the passing of Howard Finkel. Finkel was always proud of being the WWE’s first full-time employee, and will always be remembered as the most iconic voice in the business. On behalf of all the WWE, Backstage’s thoughts and prayers will be with the Finkel family.
A career spanning five decades, #TheFink is arguably the best ring announcer in WWE history. He basically invented the way to say “AND NEW…!” in pro-wrestling. He called classic moments like Shawn Michaels surviving elimination in the Royal Rumble, and would even join in the fun with some future legends. Finkel will always be remembered as a friend to all in the WWE Universe.
