Should Michelle Beadle Be the New WWE Divas Champion?

Michelle Beadle, a non-wrestler, may be the greatest opponent WWE Divas Champion AJ Lee has ever faced.

The NBC television personality has confirmed that Lee and her had a heated backstage confrontation at a WWE taping last week.

The incident occurred at WWE’s annual Tribute for the Troops show taping, which sees WWE perform in front of a live audience of members of the United States armed forces. Beadle, who is an avid wrestling fan, served as host for the show.

Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio reported on Saturday night that Lee began shouting at Beadle when she saw her backstage alongside Lee’s real-life boyfriend, CM Punk. Beadle revealed on Twitter that she was surprised at first by Lee’s actions, as her character on television has the tendency to act paranoid and crazy. Meltzer reported she did come off like her character, “but not in a good way.”

 

@sjo2009 meh. I thought it was a joke.

— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) December 15, 2013

However, Lee was not in character, and was reportedly legitimately upset with Beadle. And the former ESPN anchor revealed that the confrontation occurred in front of some of WWE’s upper brass.

@Derpina_007 hon…it was done in front of company people. I didn’t say a word. I thought it was a joke.

— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) December 15, 2013

Because of this, it is likely that Lee will be disciplined for her behavior. She has been the face of the Divas division for the last year or so, and captured the championship belt back in May.

In WWE, it is not uncommon for someone to be punished on-screen for something that happened off television. Former World Heavyweight Champion Jack Swagger was arrested earlier this year for DUI, and subsequently lost major television time and was taken out of the main event.

It also would not be the first time that politics have had an effect on a WWE Superstar’s prospects. Former WWE wrestler Ken Anderson (then known as “Mr. Kennedy”) was believed to have been let go from the company in 2009 after messing up a move during a match with then-WWE Champion Randy Orton. Orton is considered among the top stars of the company, and it is widely accepted that he lobbied for Anderson’s firing.

And while many may see this as harsh, many wrestlers would agree that it’s just part of the business.

Beadle will end up winning this battle; she just won’t hold any championship gold when it’s over.

Maybe she should though.