In 2011, Kelly Kelly emerged victorious in the WWE Divas Championship, overpowering Brie Bella in a memorable Monday Night RAW match. Her reign as the Divas Champion extended for an impressive 104 days. In a recent episode of the “Fast Break” podcast, Kelly highlighted that she personally pleaded her case for the opportunity with the WWE owner, Vince McMahon.
She reminiscences, “It was incredibly thrilling to defeat Brie and claim the Divas Championship. The unique aspect of that night was that it relied on fan votes. The audience got the chance to pick whom they desired to see in the battle. We were informed about this special match on the same day. The choices were either me, Eve Torres, or Beth Phoenix. The lucky diva chosen by the audience would become the champion. We were unaware of the audience’s decision and had to prepare for all possible outcomes. It was like, ‘Brie, you need to be ready for three different matches and you’ve only got an hour to prepare.’ The diva whom the audience wants to see challenge Brie will be the winner. We were all anxious. But when the results were displayed, I had an overwhelming majority of the votes. The moment I saw my name, I knew I was the champion. I still remember that tidal wave of emotions. After spending five years in WWE, this was my moment of glory.”
Her conversation with McMahon unfolded like this, “I mustered up the courage to go to Vince a few weeks prior to that match. I hardly ever visit his office because he is quite intimidating. He’s an excellent boss, always present at every rehearsal and meticulous about how he wants everything. Approaching him felt like visiting the principal’s office at school. My family and friends had urged me to speak up for myself, to express my desire for a championship. ‘Alright, fine.’ With a heart full of hope, I walked into his office and said, ‘Vince, I believe I have the potential to be a great champion. I sincerely wish for this opportunity.’ He replied, ‘Okay, Kelly.’ This match came along, and though the narrative is usually scripted, this time it was entirely in the hands of the fans. I suspect they kind of assumed I would win as I was a fan favorite. When I won the championship, I was overcome with emotions. Holding that victory belt was simply marvelous.”
However, the culmination of Kelly’s championship reign arrived when she faced Beth Phoenix at WWE Hell In A Cell 2011.