SvR 2009 Countdown 21: Melina

[Sunny]

With her signature ring entrance of a sexy split, Melina began her career as a fashion model.

But the wrestling bug bit the Los Angeles native in 2000, when she began training at the School of Hard Knocks in San Bernardino, Calif. She continued to work various wrestling shows, honing her in-ring abilities. In January 2002, Tom Prichard took notice of Melina, where she would work out with WWE while they were on the West Coast--sometimes driving 14 hours.

Her dream was finally realized in 2003, when WWE signed her in San Diego. Two Women's Championship reigns later, Melina is still a force to be reckoned with in the women's division. She credits the experience of training hard with both men and women for making her tougher and stronger. You simply must take the hits and keep on going.

"I was always told I was too short, too fat, too small, too ugly or not good enough. People would tell me every negative comment under the moon, and that I would never make it," Melina wrote in her WWE.com exclusive blog. "I kept going. I knew in my heart that I could make it, and that I was meant for this. My love for wrestling and my determination got me through all the crap I had to endure."

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SIGNATURE MOVES: Extreme Makeover; Facecrusher 2

FINISHERS: Leg Drop Reverse DDT; California Dream

ABILITIES: Dirty Pin; Referee Shield; Move Theft

NOTES: It's about damn time! lol. I hope they get the divas out the way soon.