Duane Hanson and Melina Perez: Difference between pages

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{{Infobox Artist
{{Infobox Wrestler
|name=Melina Perez
| bgcolour =
|image=Melina Perez.jpg<!---Only freely-licensed images may be used to depict living people. Please see [[WP:FU]] before changing the image here.--->
| name = Duane Hanson
|names='''Melina'''<ref name="wwe"/><br />Kyra<ref name="oww"/><br />Melanie Little Deer<ref name="rbwb">{{cite web|url=http://www.ringbabe.net/bio.htm|title=WRITTEN BIO|accessdate=2007-06-28|publisher=ringbabe.net}}</ref>
| image =
|height={{height|ft=5|in=6}}<ref name="rbps">{{cite web|url=http://www.ringbabe.net/statbio.htm|title=PERSONAL STATS|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=ringbabe.net}}</ref>
| imagesize =
|weight={{convert|122|lb|kg st|abbr=on}}<ref name="rbps" />
| caption =
|birth_date={{birth date and age|1979|3|9}}<ref name="rbff">{{cite web|url=http://www.ringbabe.net/fastfacts.htm|title=FAST FACTS|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=ringbabe.net}}</ref>
| birthname = Duane Hanson
|death_date=
| birthdate = January 17, 1925
|birth_place=[[Los Angeles, California]]<ref name="rbps" />
| location = Alexandria, [[Minnesota]]
|resides=
| deathdate = January 6, 1996<br>(aged 70)
|billed=[[Los Angeles, California]]<ref name="wwe">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/melina/bio/|title=Melina's Bio|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
| deathplace = [[Davie, Florida]]
|trainer=[[Jesse Hernandez]]<ref name="oww"/><br />[[Lance Storm]]<br />[[Dave Finlay]]<br />[[Ultimate Pro Wrestling]]<ref name="oww">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/m/melina-perez.html|title=OWoW Profile|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><br />[[Ohio Valley Wrestling|OVW]]
| nationality = [[United States|American]]
|debut=April 2002<ref name="internetconfessions2"/>
| field = [[Sculpture]]
|retired=
| training = [[Bachelor of Arts|BA]], 1946, [[Macalester College]], [[Saint Paul, Minnesota]]<br>[[Master of Fine Arts|MFA]], 1951, [[Cranbrook Academy of Art]], [[Bloomfield Hills, Michigan]]
| movement = [[Photorealism]]
| works =
| patrons =
| influenced by =
| influenced =
| awards =
}}
}}


'''Melina Nava Perez'''<ref name="California Births">{{cite web|url=http://www.familytreelegends.com/records/calbirths?c=search&first=Melina&last=Perez&spelling=Exact&4_year=1979&4_month=3&4_day=0&5=&7=&SubmitSearch.x=57&SubmitSearch.y=8|title=California Births|accessdate=2008-04-07|publisher=familytreelegends.com}}</ref> (born March 9, 1979), better known simply as '''Melina''', is an [[United States|American]] [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] currently signed to [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) wrestling on its [[WWE Raw|Raw]] [[WWE Brand Extension|brand]].<ref name="wwe"/>
'''Duane Hanson''' ([[January 17]], [[1925]]–[[January 6]], [[1996]]) was an [[United States|American]] [[artist]] based in [[South Florida]], a [[sculptor]] known for his lifecast [[Realism (arts)|realistic]] works of people, cast in various materials, including polyester [[resin]], [[fiberglass]], [[Bondo (putty)|Bondo]] and [[bronze]]. His work is often associated with the [[Pop Art]] movement, as well as [[hyperrealism (painting)|hyperrealism]].<ref>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9905E5D9103BF934A15751C0A962958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=1 Is Duane Hanson the Phidias of Our Time?], Kimmelman, Michael. The New York Times. 27 February, 1994.</ref>


After becoming interested in wrestling, Melina joined the [[independent circuit|independent professional wrestling circuit]] before ultimately joining WWE in 2004.<ref name="rbwb" /><ref name="rbps" /><ref name="glory" /> Initially, she was [[List of professional wrestling terms#P|pushed]] as a [[Manager (professional wrestling)|manager]] for the [[tag team]] of [[MNM]].<ref name="mnm"/> She managed them to a record three reigns as [[WWE Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Champions]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwetag/|title=WWE Tag Team Championship title history|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=2007-11-13}}</ref> as well as managed former boyfriend and MNM member [[John Hennigan|Johnny Nitro]] to two reigns as [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|WWE Intercontinental Champion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/|title=Intercontinental Championship title history|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=2007-11-13}}</ref><ref name="misscalifornia" />
==Background==
Hanson grew up in [[Parkers Prairie, Minnesota]]. He received his [[Bachelor of Arts]] from [[Macalester College]] in 1946 and his [[Master of Fine Arts|MFA]] from the [[Cranbrook Academy of Art]] in [[Bloomfield Hills, Michigan]] in 1951. From 1953 to 1960, he taught art in [[Munich]] and [[Bremerhaven]], [[Germany]]. And from 1962 to 1965 he was a professor of art at [[Oglethorpe University]] in [[Atlanta, Georgia]].
[[Image:Duane Hanson Drug Addict Louisiana 1975.jpg|thumb|left|Duane Hanson’s sculpture ''Drug Addict'' from 1974 (together with an unidentified museum guest).]]


Melina made her WWE singles debut in 2005. She is a two-time former [[WWE Women's Champion]], winning the belt twice in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/women/|title=Women's Championship title history|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=2007-11-13}}</ref> She is currently inactive after suffering a broken heel and is expected to miss five months.<ref>{{Citation |last=Campbell |first=Brandon |title=Melina takes on another fight |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/articles/6648278/melinafight |publisher=WWE |date=2008-07-02 |accessdate=2008-07-07}}</ref>
==Career and style==
Starting in the mid-1980s, Hanson's works were cast in [[bronze]]. His works are exact down to every detail; made via [[lifecasting]], the pieces created from epoxy resin or bronze, and the whole sculpture painted to faithfully resemble a living person. This combined with hand-picked wigs, clothing and accessories means that Hanson's works are perfect [[simulacra]], often fooling gallery visitors with their ordinary appearance and casual stances.


==Career==
Hanson chose to sculpt working-class citizens, unremarkable people going about their business. In transforming them into highly complex works of art, he highlighted the activities and societal roles of everyday people. Duane Hanson and [[John DeAndrea]] are the two [[sculptor]]s most associated with [[photorealism]]. Both are famous for amazingly lifelike painted sculptures of average people, complete with [[hair]] and real clothes. They were called [[Verists]]. Today the [[Australian]] artist [[Ron Mueck]]'s work relates to Hanson and DeAndrea. Hanson is recognised as one of the most accomplished hyper-real sculptors. <ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1272/is_2648_127/ai_54680895/print DUANE HANSON: Artful Master of Super-Realism], USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), May 1999</ref>
===Early career===
Perez began her career as a model. She won a Miss California beauty contest and also modeled athletic wear for [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]].<ref name="misscalifornia" /> She decided to become a [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] after talking to [[Empire Wrestling Federation]] (EWF) superstar Mike Henderson in 2000.<ref name="rbwb" /><ref name="glory" /><ref>{{cite web|url=empirewrestlingfederation.com/Superstars/past.htm|title=Past EWF Superstars|accessdate=2007-11-13|publisher=EmpireWrestlingFederation.com}}</ref> Perez started training at [[Jesse Hernandez]]'s ''School of Hard Knocks'' in [[San Bernardino, California]] and made her professional debut in April 2002.<ref name="internetconfessions2">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/melina/internetconfessions/022307?cid=WWEADP-47|title=Internet Confessions of a True Diva, No. 2|author=Melina|accessdate=2007-03-06|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|date=[[2007]]-[[02-23]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gerweck.net/melinaperez.htm|title=Gerweck Profile|accessdate=2007-11-13|publisher=gerweck.net}}</ref> She joined a number of California-based promotions such as the EWF, where she wrestled under the [[ring name]] Kyra, and CRUSH, as Melanie Little Deer.<ref name="rbps" /> Many EWF officials stated that she had the most natural ability of any woman who came through their school.<ref name="socal">{{cite web|url=http://www.socaluncensored.com/article347.html|title=WWE signs Melina Perez (Kyra) to a developmental contract|author=Steven Bryant|accessdate=2007-04-09|publisher=socaluncensored.com|date=[[2004]]-[[01-07]]}}</ref> In late 2002 Perez auditioned for [[World Wrestling Entertainment]]'s reality show ''[[WWE Tough Enough#Tough Enough III|Tough Enough III]]'', making it through to the final 21 before being eliminated from the competition in the final cut of the first episode.<ref name="wwe" /><ref name="socal" /><ref>{{cite news|title=Season Premier of WWE Tough Enough 3 Airs on MTV on Thursday, October 17th at 10 pm ET/PT|publisher=Business Wire|accessdate=2007-08-20|date=[[October 7]], [[2002]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/2002_10_07.jsp|title=21 Semi-Finalists Are Whittled Down to the Final 13 Competitors Vying To Become the Next WWET Superstars|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=WWE Corporate|date=[[October 7]], [[2002]]|quote=The 21 semi-finalists featured in the season premiere are:[…]Melina, 23 yrs old, Hesperia, CA}}</ref> After being eliminated from the contest, trainer [[Al Snow]] pulled Perez aside and encouraged her to keep trying to pursue her dream as a wrestler.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/341-03172008-1503583.html|title=WWE Diva & Playboy cover girl, Maria speaks to phillyBurbs.com|author=Eric Gargiulo|publisher=PhillyBurbs.com|accessdate=2008-06-14|date=[[March 17]], [[2008]]}}</ref>


===World Wrestling Entertainment===
==Collections==
Perez debuted in WWE's [[farm team|developmental territory]] [[Ohio Valley Wrestling]] (OVW) in March 2004, being placed in an [[List of professional wrestling slang#A|angle]] as [[John Hennigan]]'s ex-girlfriend. The storyline had [[Matt Cappotelli]] introduce her to the ring as a way to taunt Hennigan.<ref name="oww" /> Melina, however, [[Turn (professional wrestling)|turned]] on Cappotelli and aligned herself with Hennigan, who later changed his ring name to Johnny Nitro.<ref name="oww" /> Soon after, Melina and Nitro began [[Tag team|teaming]] with [[Adam Birch|Joey Matthews]], later known as Joey Mercury.<ref name="oww" /> The trio became known as [[MNM]] and on November 10, Melina managed Mercury and Nitro to win the [[OVW Southern Tag Team Championship]].<ref name="mnm">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/m/mnm.html|title=MNM's OWoW Profile|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> During her time in OVW, Melina, Nitro, and [[Steven Adkins]] came up with Melina's trademark split ring entrance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/webshows/ringside_reality/200701/bbrngsd020107?section=%2Fbroadband%2Fringsidereality%2F|title=Ringside Reality - Melina (video)|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=2007-08-21|date=[[February 1]], [[2007]]}}</ref>
Hanson’s work is represented in most major modern collections. His work has been shown internationally in many important exhibitions, including two solo retrospectives at [[New York City|New York City's]] [[Whitney Museum of Art|Whitney Museum]] in 1978 and 1998, ''Five Artists and the Figure'' at the Whitney, a solo show at [[London|London's]] [[Saatchi Gallery]], the 1995 [[Monte Carlo]] ''Sculpture Biennale'', and ''Pop Art: 1955–1970'' at the Art Gallery of [[New South Wales]] in [[Sydney]], [[Australia]].


While in OVW, Melina made occasional appearances on WWE television. On a [[Thanksgiving]] episode of ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown|SmackDown!]]'' in 2003, she dressed up as a [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] and was shown serving food and drinks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ringbabe.net/paparazzi/data/media/9/sdcameo31.jpg|title=Photo of Melina on a ''SmackDown!'' Thanksgiving special|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=ringbabe.net}}</ref> Melina made her first ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' appearance on November 29, 2004 when [[Randy Orton]] was the guest [[List of authority figures in professional wrestling#Temporary/Honorary General Managers|General Manager]] and hosted a diva [[lingerie]] fashion show.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/041129.html|title=RAW results - November 29, 2004|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> She made another ''Raw'' appearance in December, participating in a [[Limbo (dance)|limbo]] contest when [[Chris Jericho]] was General Manager for the night.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/041206.html|title=RAW results - December 6, 2004|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>
== See also ==


====2005–2006====
*[[Hyperrealism (painting)]] and sculpture
MNM made their debut in WWE as a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] tag team on the April 14, 2005 edition of ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown|SmackDown!]]''.<ref name=ap14>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/04142005/|title=SmackDown! results - April 14, 2005|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> The team interrupted the first ever ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown#Recurring segments|Carlito's Cabana]]'' interview segment, where one half of the [[WWE Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Champions]], [[Rey Mysterio, Jr.|Rey Mysterio]], was a guest.<ref name=ap14/> Melina insulted Mysterio and had Mercury and Nitro attack him, leading to MNM's in-ring debut the next week on ''SmackDown!'' in a title match. The team was [[List of professional wrestling slang#B|booked]] to win the match against Mysterio and [[Eddie Guerrero]], starting their first WWE Tag Team Title reign.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/04212005/|title=SmackDown! results - April 21, 2005|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwetag/329952|title=WWE: Inside WWE > Title History > WWE Tag Team > 20050421 - MNM|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
*[[Photorealism]]
*[[Simulacrum]]


While managing the Tag Team Champions, Melina's character was developed to be more egotistical as she declared herself "the most-dominant [[WWE Diva|Diva]] in WWE".<ref name="wwe" /> She made her official WWE in-ring debut on June 30 against [[Michelle McCool]] and had her first [[pay-per-view]] match—a [[Professional wrestling match types#Bra and Panties match|Bra and Panties match]]—at [[WWE The Great American Bash#2005|The Great American Bash]] against [[Torrie Wilson]], winning both matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/06302005/|title=SmackDown! results - June 30, 2005|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref name="gab05">{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/gabash.html#2005|title=Great American Bash 2005 - July 24, 2005|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=prowrestlinghistory.com}}</ref> Also at The Great American Bash, MNM [[List of professional wrestling slang#D|dropped]] their championship to the [[Road Warriors|Legion of Doom]], prompting a new storyline where Melina hired [[Jillian Hall]], a "[[Public relations#Spin doctor|fixer]]", to assist them.<ref name="gab05" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07282005/|title=SmackDown! results - July 28, 2005|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> MNM regained the title on October 28 in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|Fatal Four-Way]] tag team match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwetag/32995211|title=WWE: Inside WWE > Title History > WWE Tag Team > 20051028 - MNM|accessdate=2007-08-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> On the [[WWE Raw#Special episodes|Eddie Guerrero Tribute Show]] Melina won an interpromotional [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)#WWE Divas Battle Royal|Divas battle royal]] by eliminating [[WWE Women's Championship|Women's Champion]] [[Trish Stratus]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/11142005/|title=RAW results - November 14, 2005|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> The next week, MNM kayfabe kidnapped Stratus and Melina challenged her to a match for the Women's Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/11212005/|title=RAW results - November 21, 2005|accessdate=2007-08-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> The two fought at [[Survivor Series (2005)|Survivor Series]], with Melina losing to Stratus after interference from [[Mickie James]].<ref>{{cite news|author=PWI Staff|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work="Wrestling’s historical cards"|publisher=Kappa Publishing|date=2007|pages=119}}</ref>
== References ==


During this time, MNM was booked to defend their title against Rey Mysterio and the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Champion]] [[Dave Batista|Batista]]. Melina was placed in an angle with her trying to make Batista call off the match by visiting him in his locker room and attempting to seduce him. The storyline had the two engage in sexual acts, after which he simply thanked her for the "warm-up" before leaving to take part in the match, where he and Mysterio defeated MNM for the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/12162005/|title=SmackDown! results - December 16, 2005|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> The storyline played over to the next episode of ''SmackDown!'' when, before MNM evoked their rematch clause, Melina held a [[News conference|press conference]] in the ring where she claimed that Batista had [[Sexual harassment|sexually harassed]] her. During the tag team match, [[Mark Henry]] aided MNM in winning back the WWE Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/12302005/|title=SmackDown! results - December 30, 2005|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> The angle with Henry continued into the next year. On the first ''SmackDown!'' of 2006, Melina announced that Henry was her personal protection against Batista. He accompanied her and aided the other members of MNM in matches against Batista and Mysterio.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/01062006/|title=SmackDown! results - January 6, 2006|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
{{reflist}}


At [[Judgment Day (2006)|Judgment Day]] on May 21, 2006, MNM were booked to lose their Tag Team Championship to [[Paul London and Brian Kendrick]].<ref name=jd2006>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/2006/matches/23848442/results/|title=London & Kendrick are golden; MNM are broken|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|date=[[2006]]-[[05-21]]|author=Ed Williams III}}</ref> After the match, Melina and Nitro, as part of the storyline, attacked Mercury, blaming him for the loss.<ref name=jd2006 /> Later that night, Melina lost a singles match against Jillian Hall and after slapping [[List of authority figures in professional wrestling#General managers 2|General Manager]] [[Theodore Long]] in anger, she and Nitro were [[kayfabe#"You're fired!" and "I quit!"|kayfabe fired]] from the SmackDown! [[WWE Brand Extension|brand]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/2006/matches/23848444/results/|title=Melina's night goes from bad to worse|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|date=[[2006]]-[[05-21]]|author=Ed Williams III}}</ref> Off-screen, Nitro and Mercury did not get along, and WWE management decided to split the tag team and send Nitro and Melina to the RAW brand.<ref>{{cite news|title=Injuries shelve Benoit, HBK|publisher=Chicago Sun-Times|accessdate=2007-08-21|date=[[2006]]-[[05-28]]}}</ref> Melina and Nitro made their way to ''Raw'' on May 29, with Nitro losing to [[WWE Championship|WWE Champion]] [[John Cena]].<ref name=diary273>Foley, Mick. ''Hardcore Diaries'' (p.273)</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/05292006/|title=RAW results - May 29, 2006|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> The following week, Melina faked a sprained ankle, allowing Nitro to [[Pin (wrestling)#Roll-up|roll-up]] [[Charlie Haas]] for his first ''Raw'' victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06052006/|title=RAW results - June 5, 2006|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> Melina continued to manage Nitro during his successful hunt for the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship]], while being involved in another storyline with Trish Stratus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/2968410|title=WWE: Inside WWE > Title History > Intercontinental > 20060625 - Johnny Nitro|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/060626.html|title=RAW results - June 26, 2006|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> The angle turned into a tag team feud when [[Carly Colón|Carlito]] joined forces with Stratus to take on Melina and Nitro.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/07102006/|title=RAW results - July 10, 2006|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> At ''[[WWE Saturday Night's Main Event|Saturday Night's Main Event]]'' on July 15, Melina and Nitro lost to Carlito and Stratus in a [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Mixed tag team match|mixed tag team match]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/snme/060715.html|title=Saturday Night's Main Event results - July 15, 2006|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>
== External links ==

After Melina's arrival on ''Raw'', [[Mick Foley]] began to mention her in [[Promo (professional wrestling)|promos]], playing on the [[legit (professional wrestling)|real]] friendship they had forged that he talked about in his WWE.com columns, and they soon formed an on-screen friendship.<ref>Foley, Mick. ''Hardcore Diaries'' (p.26)</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://owow.com/RingsideWith/MelinaPerez/Interviews/FoleyBlog_04-18-06.htm|title=Foley is Blog: The Story Behind the Melina Photos|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=Official Women Of Wrestling|date=[[2006]]-[[04-18]]|author=Mick Foley}}</ref> At [[SummerSlam (2006)|SummerSlam]], Melina was involved in Foley's [["I Quit" match]] against [[Ric Flair]] when Flair threatened to hit her with a [[barbed wire]]d baseball bat, causing Foley to quit the match to save her.<ref>{{cite news|author=PWI Staff|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work="Wrestling’s historical cards"|publisher=Kappa Publishing|date=2007|pages=121-122}}</ref> On the August 21 edition of ''Raw'', the storyline called for her career to be endangered when Foley was offered the choice to either join [[Vince McMahon]]'s [[Vince McMahon#Vince McMahon Kiss My Ass Club|Kiss My Ass club]] or have Melina fired.<ref name=diary80>Foley, Mick. ''Hardcore Diaries'' (p.80-81)</ref> After begging Foley not to go through with it, Foley "joined the club" to save Melina's job, only to have her suddenly [[Turn (professional wrestling)|turn]] on him by delivering a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Low blow|low blow]] and kayfabe firing him at the behest of McMahon.<ref name=diary80/> This storyline was concocted by Foley to refresh the idea of the Kiss My Ass club.<ref name=diary80/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/08212006/|title=RAW results - August 21, 2006|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref>Foley, Mick. ''Hardcore Diaries'' (p.365)</ref> It was also around this time that Melina added another characteristic to her gimmick: screaming loudly at ringside while managing or in tag team action, which became known as the "primal scream".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/jimross/sotwarchive/111606sotw|title=J.R's Superstar of the Week - Jeff Hardy|accessdate=2007-07-18|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|date=[[2006]]-[[11-16]]|author=Jim Ross|quote=Melina please stop the “primal screams”, you’re killing us}}</ref>

====2007–present====
[[Image:Melina-Women's-Champion.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Melina as the WWE Women's Champion.]]
On January 29, 2007, Melina became the number 1 contender for the WWE Women's Championship, as well as introduced her [[List of professional wrestling slang#F|finisher]] from the independent circuit, the [[Professional wrestling holds#Muta lock|Kyrapractor]], to WWE under the new name ''California Dream''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://enewsi.com/news.php?catid=249&itemid=10638|title=RAW results - January 29, 2007|accessdate=2007-08-18|publisher=ENewsI.com}}</ref> On February 5 Melina lost a title match against Mickie James.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/02052007/|title=RAW results - February 5, 2007|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> The following week on ''Raw'', Melina pinned James in a mixed tag team match and then challenged James again for the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/02152007/|title=RAW results - February 15, 2007|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> On February 19, as part of her first major singles [[List of professional wrestling slang#P|push]], Melina successfully pinned James, making her the only former Tough Enough contestant to have won the WWE Women's Championship. In continuation of their storyline feud, retained the title in a rematch during the first ever Women's [[Professional wrestling match types#Falls Count Anywhere match|Falls Count Anywhere match]] in WWE history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/women/243982611111|title=WWE: Inside WWE > Title History > Women's > 20070219 - Melina|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/03052007/|title=RAW Results - March 5, 2007|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>

In March, Melina was placed in an angle where she became jealous of SmackDown! Diva [[Ashley Massaro]], who was receiving attention because of her appearance in ''[[Playboy]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/03092007/|title=SmackDown! Results - March 9, 2007|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> The angle had Melina claim in her [[blog]]s that no ''Playboy'' cover models were capable of fighting her.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/melina/internetconfessions/031307|title=Internet Confessions of a True Diva, No. 3|accessdate=2007-08-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|date=[[2007]]-[[03-13]]|author=Melina Perez}}</ref> This resulted in scheduled matches against former ''Playboy'' cover girls Torrie Wilson and [[Candice Michelle]], with both women losing to Melina.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/03122007/|title=RAW Results - March 12, 2007|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/03192007/|title=RAW Results - March 19, 2007|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> The storyline came to a close at [[WrestleMania 23]], where Melina pinned Ashley in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Lumberjack match|Lumberjill match]] to retain her Women's Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/mania.html#23|title=WrestleMania 23 - April 1, 2007|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=prowrestlinghistory.com}}</ref> After WrestleMania, Melina organized a [[photo op]] with the Women's Title belt in the ring but was interrupted by Mickie James, resulting in another storyline feud between the two Divas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/04022007/|title=RAW Results - April 2, 2007|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> On April 24 at a [[house show]] in [[Paris]], [[France]], Melina lost the Women's Championship in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|Triple Threat match]] to James when James pinned [[Lisa Marie Varon|Victoria]], but on the orders of [[Jonathan Coachman]] she was entitled to a rematch on the same night, where she pinned James to regain the title and become a two-time WWE Women's Champion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/women/4598294|title=WWE: Inside WWE > Title History > Women's > 20070424 - Melina|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>

On May 7 Melina was defeated in a tag team match when she was pinned by Candice Michelle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/05072007/|title=RAW Results - May 7, 2007|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> Melina was scripted to lose to Candice in various tag team matches, as well as in non-title bouts over the next few weeks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/05212007/|title=RAW Results - May 21, 2007|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/stand.html#2007|title=One Night Stand 2007 - June 3, 2007|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=prowrestlinghistory.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06042007/|title=RAW Results - June 4, 2007|accessdate=2007-06-29|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> At [[Vengeance: Night of Champions|Vengeance]], Melina dropped the Women's Championship to Candice, and failed to recapture the title at [[The Great American Bash (2007)|The Great American Bash]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/venge.html#2007|title=Vengeance 2007 - June 24, 2007|accessdate=2007-08-18|publisher=prowrestlinghistory.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/gabash.html#2007|title=Great American Bash 2007 - July 22, 2007|accessdate=2007-08-18|publisher=prowrestlinghistory.com}}</ref>

Melina, along with then ally [[Beth Phoenix]], defeated [[Maria Kanellis|Maria]] and Ashley at [[WrestleMania XXIV]].<ref name="WM24 Res">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe-zone.com/wwe/results/ppv/wrestlemania/XXIV/index.htm|title=WWE WrestleMania XXIV Results|publisher=Pro-Wrestling Edge|accessdate=2008-04-06}}</ref>
After Phoenix lost the Women's Championship to [[Mickie James]], she began a feud with Melina when she accidentally hit Phoenix with her boot in a lumberjill match against James. The following week on ''Raw'', Phoenix walked out on Melina during a tag match against James and Maria when Melina accidentally bumped Phoenix off the apron. Melina then attacked Phoenix after doing commentary on her match, thus turning her [[face (professional wrestling)|face]]. At [[WWE One Night Stand|One Night Stand]], Melina competed in a losing effort against Phoenix in the first ever women's "I Quit" match. On June 23, 2008, Perez injured her ankle when she fell from the turnbuckle in a match where she and Mickie James took on [[Natalie Neidhart|Natalya]] and Victoria. Melina is prompted to make a successful in ring return in late January 2009 and that her ankle is healing within schedule.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestling.com/article/news/9502| title=WWE Diva injured on RAW|date=2008-06-24|accessdate=2008-06-24|publisher=ProWrestling.com}}</ref><!-- DO NOT ADD WEEK BY WEEK EVENTS, RUMOURS OR SPECULATION. THIS INCLUDES ANNOUNCED MATCHES THAT HAVE NOT YET OCCURRED. WIKIPEDIA IS NOT A NEWS SITE BUT AN ONLINE ENCYCLOPAEDIA. Please see the articles "Wikipedia:What Wikipedia is not" and "Wikipedia:Guide to writing better articles" for more information. -->

==In wrestling==
[[Image:Melina Split Entrance Milwaukee 031008.jpg|right|thumb|400px|Melina's splits entrance.]]
*'''Finishing moves'''
**'''''[[California Bitchy Dreams|California Fucking Dream]]''''' / '''''[[Chiropractic|Kyrapractor]]''''' ([[Professional wrestling holds#Muta Lock|Grapevine bridging inverted STF]])<ref name="internetconfessions2"/><ref name="glory">{{cite web|url=http://www.glorywrestling.com/gg/Kyra/K.asp|title=Melina Perez of G.L.O.R.Y. Wrestling: The Hardest Working Women In Independent Wrestling|accessdate=2007-09-04|publisher=G.L.O.R.Y. Wrestling}}</ref>
**'''[[Facebuster#Spinning facebuster|Charging 180° spinning facebuster]]'''<ref name="oww"/> – Used as a finisher from 2005–Early 2007; Used as a regular move from 2007–Present
**'''''[[Extreme Makeover]]'''''<ref name="oww"/> ([[Facebuster#Diving facebuster|Diving or a springboard spinning facebuster]])<ref name="oww"/>
**'''[[Leg drop#Inverted leg drop bulldog|Inverted split–leg drop bulldog]] into a [[Split (gymnastics)|split–legged]] [[Pin (professional wrestling)|pin]]'''
**'''[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Frog splash|Frog Splash]]''' - Independent circuit
*'''Signature moves'''
**[[Professional wrestling holds#Bow and arrow hold|Bow and arrow submission]]<ref name="oww"/>
**[[Professional wrestling holds#Body scissors|Body scissors]]
**[[Professional wrestling holds#Camel clutch|Camel clutch]]<ref name="oww"/>
**''[[Devastator|Divastator]]''<ref name="oww"/> ([[Kick|Kicking combination]])
**[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Diving knee drop|Diving double knee drop]]<ref name="oww"/>
**[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Seated senton|Diving seated senton]] from out of the corner
**[[Professional wrestling holds#Indian deathlock|Hair–pull curb stomp]]
**[[Neckbreaker#Shoulder neckbreaker|Kneeling or a split-legged hangman's neckbreaker]] – Innovated
**''Kyranium Buster''<ref name="oww"/> ([[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Flying neckbreaker|Blockbuster]])<ref name="oww"/> - as Kyra
**[[Professional wrestling attacks#Lariat|Lariat]]<ref name="oww"/>
**[[Professional wrestling holds#Bite of the Dragon|Modified Bite of the Dragon]]
**[[Professional wrestling holds#Neck scissors|Neck scissors]] into a [[Kick#Axe kick (Hammer Kick)|axe kick]]
**[[Backbreaker#Backbreaker submission|Pendulum backbreaker submission]]
**[[Boston crab#Rope hung Boston crab|Rope-hung boston crab]]<ref name="oww"/>
**[[Professional wrestling holds#Neck scissors|Top rope neck scissors choke]] transitioned into a [[Professional wrestling throws#Headscissors takedown|headscissor takedown]]

*'''Wrestlers [[Manager (professional wrestling)|managed]]'''
**[[Adam Birch|Joey Mercury]]
**[[John Hennigan|Johnny Nitro]]
**[[Mark Henry]]
**[[Mick Foley]]

*'''[[Manager]]s'''
**[[Jillian Hall]]
**[[Beth Phoenix]]

*'''[[Nickname]]s'''
**The [[A-list]] Diva<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/thegreatamericanbash/matches/427898221/results/|title=Not just another pretty fluke|author=Bryan Robinson|date=[[2007]]-[[07-22]]|accessdate=2007-12-12|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
**The [[Barracuda]] (from WWE announcer [[Jim Ross]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/jimross/sotwarchive/030907sotw|title=J.R.'s Superstar of the Week - "Stone Cold" Steve Austin|author=Jim Ross|date=[[2007]]-[[03-09]]|accessdate=2007-12-12|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/jimross/sotwarchive/031707sotw|title=J.R.'s Superstar of the Week - Randy Orton|author=Jim Ross|date=[[2007]]-[[03-17]]|accessdate=2007-12-12|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
**The Most Dominant Diva in the WWE<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/melina/internetconfessions/040308|title=Internet Confessions of a True Diva, No.9|author= Melina|date=[[2008]]-[[04-03]]|accessdate=2008-04-09|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
**The Paparazzi Princess<ref name="mad">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/melinamadashell|title=Melina's mad as hell|author=Craig Tello|date=[[2007]]-[[06-06]]|accessdate=2007-12-12|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
**The [[Red carpet|Red Carpet]] Diva<ref name="mad" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/divas/divadish/divadish040207|title=Diva Dish: WrestleMania edition|author=Jen Hunt and Kara A. Medalis|date=[[2007]]-[[04-02]]|accessdate=2007-12-12|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>

*'''[[Music in professional wrestling|Entrance themes]]'''
**"What You Waiting For" by [[Gwen Stefani]] - [[Ohio Valley Wrestling|OVW]]
**Melina has used the WWE-produced theme "Paparazzi" throughout her entire run with WWE. It is available on [[RAW Greatest Hits: The Music|Raw Greatest Hits: The Music]].

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''
**PWI ranked her # '''8''' of the best 50 female singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI Top 50 Females|PWI Female 50]] in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwpix.net/pwpixnews/headlines/223777233.php|accessdate=2008-09-19|date=[[2008-09-18]]|publisher=PWPix.net|title=The PWI Female 50 Rankings: Who Is The Top Women's Wrestler In The World?}}</ref>

*'''[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]'''
**[[WWE Women's Championship]] ([[List of WWE Women's Champions|2 times]])<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/women/|accessdate=2008-06-13|title=WWE Women's Championship official title history|publisher=WWE}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Perez is of [[Mexican]] and [[Hispanic]] heritage.<ref name="rbff" /> She is also [[Multilingualism|bilingual]], as she can speak both [[English language|English]] and [[Spanish language|Spanish]] fluently.<ref name="rbff" />

She was in a long term relationship with [[John Hennigan]] who she managed on-screen, he wrestles under the ring name John Morrison on [[Extreme Championship Wrestling (WWE)|ECW]].<ref name="misscalifornia">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/05/29/1062165.html|title=Melina wants to do it all|author=Scott Zerr|accessdate=2007-01-01|publisher=Edmonton Sun|date=[[2005]]-[[05-29]]}}</ref><ref name=diary273/> The two met during their auditions for ''[[WWE Tough Enough#Tough Enough III|Tough Enough III]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/08/20/1766556.html|title=Nitro making impact in WWE|accessdate=2007-08-18|publisher=Ottawa Sun|author=Tim Baines|date=[[2006]]-[[08-20]]}}</ref> Eventually they broke up, Melina is currently in a relationship with ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' wrestler [[Dave Batista|Batista]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.charleston.net/news/2007/nov/25/batistas_climb_top_took_toll/ |title=Book chronicles Batista's highs and lows |last=Mooneyham |first=Mike |accessdate=2007-11-26 |publisher=[[The Post and Courier]] |date=[[November 25]] [[2007]]}}</ref> Batista claims that the duo began their relationship after the divorce from his wife in 2006.<ref>{{cite book|title=Batista Unleashed (p.263)|author=Dave Bautista and Jeremy Roberts|date=October 2007|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|isbn=1416544100}}</ref>

Unlike some of her fellow [[WWE Diva|Divas]], Perez has been outspoken about her disinterest in posing for ''[[Playboy]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/vms/onmydayoff/2007/june15-21/4925212|title=On My Day Off: Melina (Windows Media Player, RealPlayer)|accessdate=2007-07-01|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|date= 2007-06-20}}</ref> Melina has one younger brother.

On April 13, 2008 she along with [[Mickie James]], [[Layla El|Layla]], and [[Kelly Kelly]] appeared in an episode of ''[[Celebrity Fit Club (U.S. TV series)#Season Six - 2008|Celebrity Fit Club Boot Camp]]''.

==Notes==
{{reflist|2}}

==References==
*{{cite book|title=Batista Unleashed|author=Dave Bautista and Jeremy Roberts|date=October 2007|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|isbn=1416544100}}
*{{cite book|author=Mick Foley|title=Hardcore Diaries|publisher=Pocket Books|date=2007|pages=384|isbn=1416531572}}
*{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/05/29/1062165.html|title=Melina wants to do it all|author=Scott Zerr|accessdate=2007-01-01|publisher=Edmonton Sun|date=[[2005]]-[[05-29]]}}
*{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/08/20/1766556.html|title=Nitro making impact in WWE|accessdate=2007-08-18|publisher=Ottawa Sun|author=Tim Baines|date=[[2006]]-[[08-20]]}}
*{{cite news|author=PWI Staff|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work="Wrestling’s historical cards"|publisher=Kappa Publishing|date=2007}}


{{Wikiquote}}
==External links==
==External links==
{{Portal|Professional wrestling|break=yes}}
*[http://www.richeast.org/HTWM/artists/AK/hanson.html Duane Hanson mini-biography and images of sculptures]
*[http://www.tfaoi.com/aa/4aa/4aa439.htm Portraits from the Heartland]
*[http://www.melina-perez.org/ Official website]
*[http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/melina/ WWE profile]
*[http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/artists/duane_hanson_biography.htm Duane Hanson biography]
*[http://www.glorywrestling.com/gg/Kyra/K.asp G.L.O.R.Y. profile]
*[http://museum.oglethorpe.edu/Hanson.htm Duane Hanson: A Master Returns, Oglethopre University online exhibition]
*{{imdb name|id=1773425|name=Melina Perez}}
*[http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/artists/duane_hanson.htm Images of Duane Hanson works posted on the Saatchi Gallery, UK, website]


<!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]] -->
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hanson, Duane}}

[[Category:1925 births]]
{{Current World Wrestling Entertainment employees}}
[[Category:1996 deaths]]

[[Category:American sculptors]]
{{Persondata
[[Category:American artists]]
|NAME=Perez, Melina
[[Category:Photorealism]]
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=Kyra, Melanie Little Deer
[[Category:Modern artists]]
|SHORT DESCRIPTION=Professional wrestler
|DATE OF BIRTH=[[March 9]], [[1979]]
|PLACE OF BIRTH=[[Los Angeles, California]]
|DATE OF DEATH=
|PLACE OF DEATH=
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Perez, Melina}}
[[Category:1979 births]]
[[Category:American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:California sportspeople]]
[[Category:Female professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Mexican American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Mexican American sportspeople]]
[[Category:People from Los Angeles, California]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling managers and valets]]
[[Category:Tough Enough contestants]]


[[bg:Мелина Перез]]
[[da:Duane Hanson]]
[[de:Duane Hanson]]
[[ca:Melina Pérez]]
[[fr:Duane Hanson]]
[[de:Melina Perez]]
[[nl:Duane Hanson]]
[[es:Melina Pérez]]
[[fi:Duane Hanson]]
[[fr:Melina Perez]]
[[sv:Duane Hanson]]
[[it:Melina Perez]]
[[nl:Melina Perez]]
[[pt:Melina Perez]]
[[ro:Melina Perez]]
[[simple:Melina Perez]]
[[fi:Melina Perez]]

Revision as of 14:40, 10 October 2008

Melina Perez
Born (1979-03-09) March 9, 1979 (age 45)[1]
Los Angeles, California[2]
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Melina[3]
Kyra[4]
Melanie Little Deer[5]
Billed height5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)[2]
Billed weight122 lb (55 kg; 8.7 st)[2]
Billed fromLos Angeles, California[3]
Trained byJesse Hernandez[4]
Lance Storm
Dave Finlay
Ultimate Pro Wrestling[4]
OVW
DebutApril 2002[6]

Melina Nava Perez[7] (born March 9, 1979), better known simply as Melina, is an American professional wrestler currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) wrestling on its Raw brand.[3]

After becoming interested in wrestling, Melina joined the independent professional wrestling circuit before ultimately joining WWE in 2004.[5][2][8] Initially, she was pushed as a manager for the tag team of MNM.[9] She managed them to a record three reigns as WWE Tag Team Champions,[10] as well as managed former boyfriend and MNM member Johnny Nitro to two reigns as WWE Intercontinental Champion.[11][12]

Melina made her WWE singles debut in 2005. She is a two-time former WWE Women's Champion, winning the belt twice in 2007.[13] She is currently inactive after suffering a broken heel and is expected to miss five months.[14]

Career

Early career

Perez began her career as a model. She won a Miss California beauty contest and also modeled athletic wear for Nike.[12] She decided to become a professional wrestler after talking to Empire Wrestling Federation (EWF) superstar Mike Henderson in 2000.[5][8][15] Perez started training at Jesse Hernandez's School of Hard Knocks in San Bernardino, California and made her professional debut in April 2002.[6][16] She joined a number of California-based promotions such as the EWF, where she wrestled under the ring name Kyra, and CRUSH, as Melanie Little Deer.[2] Many EWF officials stated that she had the most natural ability of any woman who came through their school.[17] In late 2002 Perez auditioned for World Wrestling Entertainment's reality show Tough Enough III, making it through to the final 21 before being eliminated from the competition in the final cut of the first episode.[3][17][18][19] After being eliminated from the contest, trainer Al Snow pulled Perez aside and encouraged her to keep trying to pursue her dream as a wrestler.[20]

World Wrestling Entertainment

Perez debuted in WWE's developmental territory Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) in March 2004, being placed in an angle as John Hennigan's ex-girlfriend. The storyline had Matt Cappotelli introduce her to the ring as a way to taunt Hennigan.[4] Melina, however, turned on Cappotelli and aligned herself with Hennigan, who later changed his ring name to Johnny Nitro.[4] Soon after, Melina and Nitro began teaming with Joey Matthews, later known as Joey Mercury.[4] The trio became known as MNM and on November 10, Melina managed Mercury and Nitro to win the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship.[9] During her time in OVW, Melina, Nitro, and Steven Adkins came up with Melina's trademark split ring entrance.[21]

While in OVW, Melina made occasional appearances on WWE television. On a Thanksgiving episode of SmackDown! in 2003, she dressed up as a Native American and was shown serving food and drinks.[22] Melina made her first Raw appearance on November 29, 2004 when Randy Orton was the guest General Manager and hosted a diva lingerie fashion show.[23] She made another Raw appearance in December, participating in a limbo contest when Chris Jericho was General Manager for the night.[24]

2005–2006

MNM made their debut in WWE as a heel tag team on the April 14, 2005 edition of SmackDown!.[25] The team interrupted the first ever Carlito's Cabana interview segment, where one half of the WWE Tag Team Champions, Rey Mysterio, was a guest.[25] Melina insulted Mysterio and had Mercury and Nitro attack him, leading to MNM's in-ring debut the next week on SmackDown! in a title match. The team was booked to win the match against Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero, starting their first WWE Tag Team Title reign.[26][27]

While managing the Tag Team Champions, Melina's character was developed to be more egotistical as she declared herself "the most-dominant Diva in WWE".[3] She made her official WWE in-ring debut on June 30 against Michelle McCool and had her first pay-per-view match—a Bra and Panties match—at The Great American Bash against Torrie Wilson, winning both matches.[28][29] Also at The Great American Bash, MNM dropped their championship to the Legion of Doom, prompting a new storyline where Melina hired Jillian Hall, a "fixer", to assist them.[29][30] MNM regained the title on October 28 in a Fatal Four-Way tag team match.[31] On the Eddie Guerrero Tribute Show Melina won an interpromotional Divas battle royal by eliminating Women's Champion Trish Stratus.[32] The next week, MNM kayfabe kidnapped Stratus and Melina challenged her to a match for the Women's Championship.[33] The two fought at Survivor Series, with Melina losing to Stratus after interference from Mickie James.[34]

During this time, MNM was booked to defend their title against Rey Mysterio and the World Heavyweight Champion Batista. Melina was placed in an angle with her trying to make Batista call off the match by visiting him in his locker room and attempting to seduce him. The storyline had the two engage in sexual acts, after which he simply thanked her for the "warm-up" before leaving to take part in the match, where he and Mysterio defeated MNM for the title.[35] The storyline played over to the next episode of SmackDown! when, before MNM evoked their rematch clause, Melina held a press conference in the ring where she claimed that Batista had sexually harassed her. During the tag team match, Mark Henry aided MNM in winning back the WWE Tag Team Championship.[36] The angle with Henry continued into the next year. On the first SmackDown! of 2006, Melina announced that Henry was her personal protection against Batista. He accompanied her and aided the other members of MNM in matches against Batista and Mysterio.[37]

At Judgment Day on May 21, 2006, MNM were booked to lose their Tag Team Championship to Paul London and Brian Kendrick.[38] After the match, Melina and Nitro, as part of the storyline, attacked Mercury, blaming him for the loss.[38] Later that night, Melina lost a singles match against Jillian Hall and after slapping General Manager Theodore Long in anger, she and Nitro were kayfabe fired from the SmackDown! brand.[39] Off-screen, Nitro and Mercury did not get along, and WWE management decided to split the tag team and send Nitro and Melina to the RAW brand.[40] Melina and Nitro made their way to Raw on May 29, with Nitro losing to WWE Champion John Cena.[41][42] The following week, Melina faked a sprained ankle, allowing Nitro to roll-up Charlie Haas for his first Raw victory.[43] Melina continued to manage Nitro during his successful hunt for the WWE Intercontinental Championship, while being involved in another storyline with Trish Stratus.[44][45] The angle turned into a tag team feud when Carlito joined forces with Stratus to take on Melina and Nitro.[46] At Saturday Night's Main Event on July 15, Melina and Nitro lost to Carlito and Stratus in a mixed tag team match.[47]

After Melina's arrival on Raw, Mick Foley began to mention her in promos, playing on the real friendship they had forged that he talked about in his WWE.com columns, and they soon formed an on-screen friendship.[48][49] At SummerSlam, Melina was involved in Foley's "I Quit" match against Ric Flair when Flair threatened to hit her with a barbed wired baseball bat, causing Foley to quit the match to save her.[50] On the August 21 edition of Raw, the storyline called for her career to be endangered when Foley was offered the choice to either join Vince McMahon's Kiss My Ass club or have Melina fired.[51] After begging Foley not to go through with it, Foley "joined the club" to save Melina's job, only to have her suddenly turn on him by delivering a low blow and kayfabe firing him at the behest of McMahon.[51] This storyline was concocted by Foley to refresh the idea of the Kiss My Ass club.[51][52][53] It was also around this time that Melina added another characteristic to her gimmick: screaming loudly at ringside while managing or in tag team action, which became known as the "primal scream".[54]

2007–present

File:Melina-Women's-Champion.jpg
Melina as the WWE Women's Champion.

On January 29, 2007, Melina became the number 1 contender for the WWE Women's Championship, as well as introduced her finisher from the independent circuit, the Kyrapractor, to WWE under the new name California Dream.[55] On February 5 Melina lost a title match against Mickie James.[56] The following week on Raw, Melina pinned James in a mixed tag team match and then challenged James again for the title.[57] On February 19, as part of her first major singles push, Melina successfully pinned James, making her the only former Tough Enough contestant to have won the WWE Women's Championship. In continuation of their storyline feud, retained the title in a rematch during the first ever Women's Falls Count Anywhere match in WWE history.[58][59]

In March, Melina was placed in an angle where she became jealous of SmackDown! Diva Ashley Massaro, who was receiving attention because of her appearance in Playboy.[60] The angle had Melina claim in her blogs that no Playboy cover models were capable of fighting her.[61] This resulted in scheduled matches against former Playboy cover girls Torrie Wilson and Candice Michelle, with both women losing to Melina.[62][63] The storyline came to a close at WrestleMania 23, where Melina pinned Ashley in a Lumberjill match to retain her Women's Championship.[64] After WrestleMania, Melina organized a photo op with the Women's Title belt in the ring but was interrupted by Mickie James, resulting in another storyline feud between the two Divas.[65] On April 24 at a house show in Paris, France, Melina lost the Women's Championship in a Triple Threat match to James when James pinned Victoria, but on the orders of Jonathan Coachman she was entitled to a rematch on the same night, where she pinned James to regain the title and become a two-time WWE Women's Champion.[66]

On May 7 Melina was defeated in a tag team match when she was pinned by Candice Michelle.[67] Melina was scripted to lose to Candice in various tag team matches, as well as in non-title bouts over the next few weeks.[68][69][70] At Vengeance, Melina dropped the Women's Championship to Candice, and failed to recapture the title at The Great American Bash.[71][72]

Melina, along with then ally Beth Phoenix, defeated Maria and Ashley at WrestleMania XXIV.[73] After Phoenix lost the Women's Championship to Mickie James, she began a feud with Melina when she accidentally hit Phoenix with her boot in a lumberjill match against James. The following week on Raw, Phoenix walked out on Melina during a tag match against James and Maria when Melina accidentally bumped Phoenix off the apron. Melina then attacked Phoenix after doing commentary on her match, thus turning her face. At One Night Stand, Melina competed in a losing effort against Phoenix in the first ever women's "I Quit" match. On June 23, 2008, Perez injured her ankle when she fell from the turnbuckle in a match where she and Mickie James took on Natalya and Victoria. Melina is prompted to make a successful in ring return in late January 2009 and that her ankle is healing within schedule.[74]

In wrestling

Melina's splits entrance.

Championships and accomplishments

Personal life

Perez is of Mexican and Hispanic heritage.[1] She is also bilingual, as she can speak both English and Spanish fluently.[1]

She was in a long term relationship with John Hennigan who she managed on-screen, he wrestles under the ring name John Morrison on ECW.[12][41] The two met during their auditions for Tough Enough III.[83] Eventually they broke up, Melina is currently in a relationship with Raw wrestler Batista.[84] Batista claims that the duo began their relationship after the divorce from his wife in 2006.[85]

Unlike some of her fellow Divas, Perez has been outspoken about her disinterest in posing for Playboy,[86] Melina has one younger brother.

On April 13, 2008 she along with Mickie James, Layla, and Kelly Kelly appeared in an episode of Celebrity Fit Club Boot Camp.

Notes

  1. ^ a b c "FAST FACTS". ringbabe.net. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  2. ^ a b c d e "PERSONAL STATS". ringbabe.net. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Melina's Bio". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q "OWoW Profile". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  5. ^ a b c "WRITTEN BIO". ringbabe.net. Retrieved 2007-06-28.
  6. ^ a b c Melina (2007-02-23). "Internet Confessions of a True Diva, No. 2". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-03-06. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ "California Births". familytreelegends.com. Retrieved 2008-04-07.
  8. ^ a b c "Melina Perez of G.L.O.R.Y. Wrestling: The Hardest Working Women In Independent Wrestling". G.L.O.R.Y. Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-09-04.
  9. ^ a b "MNM's OWoW Profile". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  10. ^ "WWE Tag Team Championship title history". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-11-13.
  11. ^ "Intercontinental Championship title history". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-11-13.
  12. ^ a b c Scott Zerr (2005-05-29). "Melina wants to do it all". Edmonton Sun. Retrieved 2007-01-01. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  13. ^ "Women's Championship title history". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-11-13.
  14. ^ Campbell, Brandon (2008-07-02), Melina takes on another fight, WWE, retrieved 2008-07-07
  15. ^ [empirewrestlingfederation.com/Superstars/past.htm "Past EWF Superstars"]. EmpireWrestlingFederation.com. Retrieved 2007-11-13. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  16. ^ "Gerweck Profile". gerweck.net. Retrieved 2007-11-13.
  17. ^ a b Steven Bryant (2004-01-07). "WWE signs Melina Perez (Kyra) to a developmental contract". socaluncensored.com. Retrieved 2007-04-09. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  18. ^ "Season Premier of WWE Tough Enough 3 Airs on MTV on Thursday, October 17th at 10 pm ET/PT". Business Wire. October 7, 2002. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Check date values in: |date= (help)
  19. ^ "21 Semi-Finalists Are Whittled Down to the Final 13 Competitors Vying To Become the Next WWET Superstars". WWE Corporate. October 7, 2002. Retrieved 2007-06-29. The 21 semi-finalists featured in the season premiere are:[…]Melina, 23 yrs old, Hesperia, CA {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  20. ^ Eric Gargiulo (March 17, 2008). "WWE Diva & Playboy cover girl, Maria speaks to phillyBurbs.com". PhillyBurbs.com. Retrieved 2008-06-14. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  21. ^ "Ringside Reality - Melina (video)". World Wrestling Entertainment. February 1, 2007. Retrieved 2007-08-21. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  22. ^ "Photo of Melina on a SmackDown! Thanksgiving special". ringbabe.net. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  23. ^ "RAW results - November 29, 2004". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  24. ^ "RAW results - December 6, 2004". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  25. ^ a b "SmackDown! results - April 14, 2005". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  26. ^ "SmackDown! results - April 21, 2005". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  27. ^ "WWE: Inside WWE > Title History > WWE Tag Team > 20050421 - MNM". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  28. ^ "SmackDown! results - June 30, 2005". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  29. ^ a b "Great American Bash 2005 - July 24, 2005". prowrestlinghistory.com. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  30. ^ "SmackDown! results - July 28, 2005". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  31. ^ "WWE: Inside WWE > Title History > WWE Tag Team > 20051028 - MNM". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-08-29.
  32. ^ "RAW results - November 14, 2005". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  33. ^ "RAW results - November 21, 2005". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-08-29.
  34. ^ PWI Staff (2007). "Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts". "Wrestling’s historical cards". Kappa Publishing. p. 119.
  35. ^ "SmackDown! results - December 16, 2005". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  36. ^ "SmackDown! results - December 30, 2005". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  37. ^ "SmackDown! results - January 6, 2006". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  38. ^ a b Ed Williams III (2006-05-21). "London & Kendrick are golden; MNM are broken". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-06-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  39. ^ Ed Williams III (2006-05-21). "Melina's night goes from bad to worse". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-06-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  40. ^ "Injuries shelve Benoit, HBK". Chicago Sun-Times. 2006-05-28. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Check date values in: |date= (help)
  41. ^ a b Foley, Mick. Hardcore Diaries (p.273)
  42. ^ "RAW results - May 29, 2006". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  43. ^ "RAW results - June 5, 2006". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  44. ^ "WWE: Inside WWE > Title History > Intercontinental > 20060625 - Johnny Nitro". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  45. ^ "RAW results - June 26, 2006". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  46. ^ "RAW results - July 10, 2006". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  47. ^ "Saturday Night's Main Event results - July 15, 2006". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  48. ^ Foley, Mick. Hardcore Diaries (p.26)
  49. ^ Mick Foley (2006-04-18). "Foley is Blog: The Story Behind the Melina Photos". Official Women Of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-06-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  50. ^ PWI Staff (2007). "Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts". "Wrestling’s historical cards". Kappa Publishing. pp. 121–122.
  51. ^ a b c Foley, Mick. Hardcore Diaries (p.80-81)
  52. ^ "RAW results - August 21, 2006". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  53. ^ Foley, Mick. Hardcore Diaries (p.365)
  54. ^ Jim Ross (2006-11-16). "J.R's Superstar of the Week - Jeff Hardy". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-07-18. Melina please stop the "primal screams", you're killing us {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  55. ^ "RAW results - January 29, 2007". ENewsI.com. Retrieved 2007-08-18.
  56. ^ "RAW results - February 5, 2007". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  57. ^ "RAW results - February 15, 2007". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
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  59. ^ "RAW Results - March 5, 2007". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  60. ^ "SmackDown! Results - March 9, 2007". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  61. ^ Melina Perez (2007-03-13). "Internet Confessions of a True Diva, No. 3". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-08-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  62. ^ "RAW Results - March 12, 2007". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  63. ^ "RAW Results - March 19, 2007". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  64. ^ "WrestleMania 23 - April 1, 2007". prowrestlinghistory.com. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  65. ^ "RAW Results - April 2, 2007". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
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  67. ^ "RAW Results - May 7, 2007". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  68. ^ "RAW Results - May 21, 2007". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  69. ^ "One Night Stand 2007 - June 3, 2007". prowrestlinghistory.com. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  70. ^ "RAW Results - June 4, 2007". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  71. ^ "Vengeance 2007 - June 24, 2007". prowrestlinghistory.com. Retrieved 2007-08-18.
  72. ^ "Great American Bash 2007 - July 22, 2007". prowrestlinghistory.com. Retrieved 2007-08-18.
  73. ^ "WWE WrestleMania XXIV Results". Pro-Wrestling Edge. Retrieved 2008-04-06.
  74. ^ "WWE Diva injured on RAW". ProWrestling.com. 2008-06-24. Retrieved 2008-06-24.
  75. ^ Bryan Robinson (2007-07-22). "Not just another pretty fluke". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-12-12. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  76. ^ Jim Ross (2007-03-09). "J.R.'s Superstar of the Week - "Stone Cold" Steve Austin". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-12-12. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  77. ^ Jim Ross (2007-03-17). "J.R.'s Superstar of the Week - Randy Orton". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-12-12. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  78. ^ Melina (2008-04-03). "Internet Confessions of a True Diva, No.9". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2008-04-09. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  79. ^ a b Craig Tello (2007-06-06). "Melina's mad as hell". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-12-12. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  80. ^ Jen Hunt and Kara A. Medalis (2007-04-02). "Diva Dish: WrestleMania edition". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-12-12. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  81. ^ "The PWI Female 50 Rankings: Who Is The Top Women's Wrestler In The World?". PWPix.net. 2008-09-18. Retrieved 2008-09-19. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  82. ^ "WWE Women's Championship official title history". WWE. Retrieved 2008-06-13.
  83. ^ Tim Baines (2006-08-20). "Nitro making impact in WWE". Ottawa Sun. Retrieved 2007-08-18. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  84. ^ Mooneyham, Mike (November 25 2007). "Book chronicles Batista's highs and lows". The Post and Courier. Retrieved 2007-11-26. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  85. ^ Dave Bautista and Jeremy Roberts (October 2007). Batista Unleashed (p.263). World Wrestling Entertainment. ISBN 1416544100.
  86. ^ "On My Day Off: Melina (Windows Media Player, RealPlayer)". World Wrestling Entertainment. 2007-06-20. Retrieved 2007-07-01.

References

External links


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