Stacy Keibler has signed a deal with Disney/Touchstone that is going to see them either develop a show for her, or find a way to bring her into an existing show. I think this is a big deal for Keibler, who has managed to put WWE behind her, after her breakthrough performance on Dancing With The Stars. Keibler is an interesting example of a WWE diva, as she managed to resist both the pressure to pose for Playboy, and the obsession with big breasts that is the WWE. She was popular with the fans, she came across as relatively intelligent, and she provided WWE with a good public face. She put up with all the degrading garbage that WWE makes their female employees do (gravy bowl, bra and panties, pillow fights, etc, etc). Sure she wasn't a good wrestler, but since she was originally hired to be a dancer, one can't expect her to be Lou Thesz.
I can see Stacy getting a role on a sitcom as the pretty friend or neighbour. A quick glance at ABC's (aka Disney/Touchstone's primary broadcast outlet) fall schedule shows a few shows where she may fit in. Right now, I think the best option would be Ugly Betty, which, despite the terrible title, seems like it would be a good fit for Keibler. The show is about an ugly duckling (played by America Ferrera, who isn't actually ugly) working in the world of fashion publishing. Given Stacy's looks, she could probably work well in that show, and given her nice girl appeal, could be the friend/sounding board for Ferrera's Betty. I don't think Keibler will be taking on any dramatic roles any time soon, but she could possibly replace Katherine Heigl's Izzy on Grey's Anatomy, if Izzy is actually leaving.
Keibler's move away from the subculture of professional wrestling also bodes well for another Diva, Trish Stratus. Evidently Stratus' contract with WWE is up shortly, and like fellow Canadians Chris Jericho and Christian Cage before her, Stratus has yet to sign a new contract. The brilliant and hilarious RD Reynolds has written an open letter to Trish here, although I don't know how much longer it will be up. So read it now. NOW I said!!! Anyway, I've got to agree with what Deal says. Trish has pretty much done it all in the world of professional wrestling. Those who have been watching for years have seen her develop from eye candy manager to one of the best North American female wrestlers today. Her heel turn on Chris Jericho was one of the highlights of Wrestlemania XX. She has been one of the most adored wrestlers, and one of the most hated. That last is impressive, as WWE fans are often reluctant to boo a beautiful woman who can entertain, but Stratus was able to do it.
Outside of wrestling, Stratus has made appearances on MadTV, has done some comedy work with Toronto's Second City, and hosted the meaningless Canada's Walk of Fame ceremony. She has genuine charm, is stunningly beautiful, and seems to be a likeable person. Unlike Keibler, she may have unnaturally large breasts, but she too has managed to avoid the Playboy pressure. She has nothing left to do in professional wrestling, and if she sticks around, she will probably just find herself in more T&A matches (not Test and Albert), occasionally being allowed to showcase her actual wrestling skills against Victoria or Mickie James.
Given the sad state of Canadian television, any Canadian production company would jump at the opportunity to sign Stratus to a deal similar to Keibler's. I'm not saying she should be the hot new teacher on Degrassi, but I'm pretty sure that they could find a role for her.
The other argument that some people will forward is that presented by the cases of Sable and Chyna. Both of these ladies left wrestling with hopes of achieving success in Hollywood. Sable's greatest success has been hooking up with Brock Lesnar, and Chyna (Doll) has appeared on VH1's Surreal Life and in an oddly, and disturbingly, popular adult video release with Kliq bagboy Sean Waltman (no nudity, but that doesn't make it any less disturbing). For me, the difference lies in the fact that Stratus and Keibler have already laid a groundwork for their success. Sable and Chyna did Playboy, and that was about it. Their egos got the best of them, and they began to think they were more popular than they really were. Stratus and Keibler are popular, and have the tools to succeed when freed from the constraints of professional wrestling. Sure they may not win any Emmys or Oscars (I'm not saying they won't) and they may not make Julia Roberts money(again, not saying they can't). But I think they can both find a comfortable position that allows them to continue to entertain, without worrying about herniated disks, broken ankles or being forced to bark like a dog and literally kiss your boss' ass.
So Stacy, congratulations. And thank you. You've entertained, you've done your best, and you've forever etched the name Hancock on the minds of wrestling fans. Hell, I actually think better of the Baltimore Ravens because of you.
And Trish, as much as I hate to say it, please leave and don't come back. You're better than wrestling. You have done all you can, and you should spread your wings and fly. I take solace in the fact that you should find work in Toronto, making it simpler for me to continue to enjoy your work.
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