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Layla El

{{short description|English retired professional wrestler, dancer, and model (born 1977)}}

{{good article}}

{{use British English|date=December 2014}}

{{use dmy dates|date=June 2015}}

{{Infobox professional wrestler

|name = Layla

|image = Layla El April 2014.jpg

|caption = Layla in 2014

|birthname = Layla El

|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1977|6|25|df=y}}

|birth_place = London, England

|spouse = {{marriage|Richard Young|2015}}

|names = Layla
Layla El

|height = 5 ft 2 in

|weight = 119 lb

|billed = Miami, Florida

|trainer = Jesse Hernandez
Dave Finlay

|debut = 16 August 2006

|retired =27 July 2015

|signature =

}}

Layla El (born 25 June 1977) is an English retired professional wrestler, dancer and model. She is best known for her tenure in WWE, under the mononymous ring name Layla. She danced for Carnival Cruise Lines, the Miami Heat franchise of the National Basketball Association, and Kanye West during his performance at the MTV Video Music Awards before becoming a contestant on the 2006 edition of WWE's Diva Search, which she won to earn a contract with the company.

Initially appearing on the SmackDown brand, El moved to ECW in January 2007. There, she formed the Extreme Exposé dance troupe with Kelly Kelly and Brooke Adams. In 2008, she was drafted to the Raw brand, where she began managing William Regal. The following year, she returned to SmackDown and formed an alliance with Michelle McCool known as LayCool. In May 2010, she won the WWE Women's Championship for the first time. She is the first British woman and the first Diva Search winner to hold the championship, and was the final champion when the title was retired in 2010. In April 2012, she won the WWE Divas Championship upon her return from a year-long absence due to injury, and held it until September that year. She then wrestled for the next three years until her retirement in 2015.

Early life

Layla El was born and raised in London, England{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/l/layla-el.html|title=Layla El|access-date=15 June 2009|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}} on 25 June 1977.{{cite web|last=El|first=Layla|title=Happy Birthday – 35|url=https://twitter.com/mslayel/status/217064350211514369|date=24 June 2012|publisher=Twitter|access-date=24 June 2012}} Her paternal grandparents were Spanish, and she is also of Moroccan descent. She attended a performing arts college in London.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/divas/divadish/divadish0411|title=Diva Dish: Eurotrip Divas|date=11 April 2008|last=Medalis|first=Kara A.|access-date=14 August 2010|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}

Dancing career

El relocated to the United States to begin her professional dancing career, becoming a dancer for Carnival Cruise Lines.{{cite web|url=http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/14792810.htm|title=Hot moves: Heat dancers' hopes for stardom|date=12 July 2006|last=Eckinger|first=Helen|access-date=1 March 2008|work=The Miami Herald|archive-date=15 June 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060615155915/http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/14792810.htm}} Afterwards, she joined the National Basketball Association's Miami Heat franchise, where she danced for two years beginning in 2004.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/heat/dance/dancer05_layla.html|title=Heat Dancer 2005: Layla|access-date=15 April 2007|publisher=National Basketball Association|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060924083626/http://www.nba.com/heat/dance/dancer05_layla.html|archive-date=24 September 2006|url-status=dead}} As part of the Miami Heat dance troupe, she received a championship ring.{{cite web|url=http://www.king-mag.com/online/?p=10483|title=Layla El|date=15 January 2009|last=Hester|first=Larry|access-date=14 August 2010|work=King}} During this time, she appeared on-stage with John Legend as one of his backup dancers.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/divas/divadish/divadish0328|title=Diva Dish: 'Mania-bound Divas|date=28 March 2008|last=Medalis|first=Kara A.|access-date=14 August 2010|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}} She also danced for P. Diddy and Kanye West at the MTV Video Music Awards.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/divas/2006divasearch/laylael/profile/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070615045101/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/divas/2006divasearch/laylael/profile/|archive-date=15 June 2007|title=Diva Search: Layla El Profile|access-date=15 April 2007|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}

Professional wrestling career

= WWE (2006–2015) =

== ''Diva Search'' and early appearances (2006–2007) ==

File:Layla El Hammond IN 092407.jpg in 2007]]

El's first foray into professional wrestling occurred when her trainer suggested she try out for the $250,000 WWE Diva Search contest in 2006.{{cite web|url=http://prowrestling.about.com/od/interviews/a/laylaelintervie.htm|title=Interview With Layla El, Winner of the 2006 Diva Search|last=Cohen|first=Eric|access-date=15 April 2007|publisher=About.com|archive-date=9 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409093445/http://prowrestling.about.com/od/interviews/a/laylaelintervie.htm|url-status=dead}} After a casting call, she was selected as one of the finalists. During the contest, she won two individual competitions, an obstacle course and a talent competition, before winning the overall competition on 16 August.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07142006/articles/divabootcamplayla|title=Layla earns immunity|last=Zeigler|first=Zach|access-date=15 April 2007|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman/exec/view.cgi/25/17321|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927010957/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman/exec/view.cgi/25/17321|archive-date=27 September 2007|title=SmackDown! Results – July 14, 2006|access-date=15 April 2007|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|quote=Layla El [...] was next [...]She screwed up the tires again and looked to have skipped some.}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/08112006/articles/divareport|title=Divas show their talents|access-date=15 April 2007|last=Medalis|first=Kara|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1155785632.shtml|title=The winner of $250,000 2006 WWE Diva Search in New York City is...|date=16 August 2006|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=14 August 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}

She made her first official WWE appearance at the 2006 SummerSlam pay-per-view in a backstage segment with several other Divas. During the segment, the other women initially taunted and teased her before revealing that "it was all in fun" and part of an "initiation".{{cite web|url=http://fhmonline.com/girls_girls_of_fhm_article.asp?cnl_id=1&stn_id=1&idx_id=5150&gofp_slot=4 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012002311/http://fhmonline.com/girls_girls_of_fhm_article.asp?cnl_id=1&stn_id=1&idx_id=5150&gofp_slot=4 |archive-date=12 October 2007 |title=Girls of FHM – Extreme Exposé's Layla |work=FHM |access-date=14 August 2010}}{{cite journal|journal=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Presents: 2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|title=Wrestling's historical cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing Group|year=2007|pages=121–122}} The week after SummerSlam, El made her debut as a member of the SmackDown! brand in an interview with Mike "The Miz" Mizanin—although he did not allow her the chance to say much, spending most of the time talking about himself.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/08252006/mainarticle|title=Friday knightmare|access-date=25 August 2006|first=Craig|last=Tello|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}} Subsequently, she did not appear on television for almost a month, reappearing on the 22 September episode of SmackDown! and getting into a confrontation with Kristal and Jillian Hall.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/09/23/1884584.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715095343/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/09/23/1884584.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=15 July 2012|title=Smackdown: SuperShow Part Deux|date=23 September 2006|last=Kamchen|first=Richard|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}

At October's No Mercy pay-per-view event, she embarrassed The Miz by tricking him into getting a lap dance from Big Dick Johnson while he was blindfolded and expecting it to be from her as a birthday gift. On 20 October, Layla participated in a dance contest with the other SmackDown! Divas, and was chosen as the winner by the judges, Nick and Aaron Carter. Despite this, The Miz, who was acting as emcee, declared Kristal the winner.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/10/21/2086752.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717023254/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/10/21/2086752.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=17 July 2012|title=Smackdown: A-1 matches better "A-list" celebs|date=21 October 2006|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} The following week, Layla made her in-ring debut in a Diva's battle royal. The match ended in controversial fashion when she was pulled from the ring apron by The Miz, allowing Kristal to win.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/10242006/mainarticle|title=Mutiny|date=24 October 2006|first=Lennie|last=DiFino|access-date=27 October 2006|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}} The following week, Layla teamed with Big Vito in a loss to The Miz and Kristal in a mixed tag team match.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/11/04/2231355.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717071743/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/11/04/2231355.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=17 July 2012|title=Smackdown: Brothers of Destruction reunite|date=4 November 2006|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} Continuing to feud with Kristal, Layla had her singles match debut on the 1 December episode of SmackDown!, when she lost to Kristal.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/12/02/2591124.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721101836/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/12/02/2591124.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=21 July 2012|title=Smackdown: Triple threat title tilt|date=2 December 2006|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} In her final match for the SmackDown! brand, Layla teamed with Ashley to defeat Kristal and Jillian Hall in a tag team match on 22 December.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/12/23/2950842.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715050252/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/12/23/2950842.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=15 July 2012|title=Smackdown: Destruction rings in the holiday|date=23 December 2006|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}

== Extreme Exposé and managing William Regal (2007–2009) ==

File:Regal IC Champion.jpg William Regal in January 2009]]

The following month, Layla was moved to the ECW brand, debuting on 23 January 2007. She joined Brooke and Kelly Kelly to form Extreme Exposé.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/01232007/mainarticle|title=Premature rumblings|access-date=23 January 2007|first=Craig|last=Tello|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}} The trio performed a weekly dance segment on ECW, choreographed by Layla, for the next several months. In June 2007, The Miz was moved to the brand, prompting a storyline in which all three members of Extreme Exposé were attracted to him.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/06/13/4257814.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722022904/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/06/13/4257814.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=22 July 2012|title=ECW: Title picture clears up|date=13 June 2007|last=MacKinder|first=Matt|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/07/10/4329571.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719032909/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/07/10/4329571.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=19 July 2012|title=ECW: Originals do the job|date=10 July 2007|last=MacKinder|first=Matt|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} When Kelly shifted her attentions towards Balls Mahoney, Layla, Brooke, and Miz openly mocked her, turning Layla and Brooke into villainous characters.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/08/02/4388081.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714133606/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/08/02/4388081.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=14 July 2012|title=ECW: Punk gets his 15 minutes|date=2 August 2007|last=MacKinder|first=Matt|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/10/03/4546389.html|title=ECW: Elimination Chase reaches finish line|date=3 October 2007|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=14 July 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714074553/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/10/03/4546389.html|url-status=usurped}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/10/24/4601443.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143627/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/10/24/4601443.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=29 June 2012|title=ECW: More SmackDown presence|date=24 October 2007|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} On 1 November, Brooke was released from her WWE contract, and Extreme Exposé dissolved as a group, leaving Kelly and Layla to enter an ongoing rivalry with more active in-ring roles.{{cite web|title=Brooke released|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/brookereleased|access-date=1 November 2007|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}} They were on opposite sides of a 10-Diva tag team match at Survivor Series, which Layla's team lost.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/11/18/4666920.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629045655/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/11/18/4666920.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=29 June 2012|title=Survivor Series ends with an Edge|date=18 November 2007|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|last2=Tylwalk|first2=Nick|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} In December, Layla formed an alliance with Victoria, which expanded to include Lena Yada in January 2008, and the trio continued to feud with Kelly.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/12/12/4720537.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716221004/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/12/12/4720537.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=16 July 2012|title=ECW: Tag bout steals the show|date=12 December 2007|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/01/30/4802003.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714200729/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/01/30/4802003.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=14 July 2012|title=ECW: Punk sounds in on Guerrero's fiesta|date=30 January 2008|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} In April, Layla was part of the winning team in a six-on-six Divas match at the Backlash pay-per-view.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/04/28/5407546.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716191007/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/04/28/5407546.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=16 July 2012|title=HHH reigns again after Backlash|date=28 April 2008|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}

As part of the 2008 supplemental draft in late June, Layla was drafted to the Raw brand.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/wwedraft2008/7505418/|title=Official 2008 WWE Supplemental Draft Results|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=25 June 2008}} On the 7 July episode of Raw, Layla made her debut in a tag team match with Jillian Hall, losing to Mickie James and Kelly Kelly, the latter of whom had also moved to the Raw brand.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/07/08/6096926.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729204214/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/07/08/6096926.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=29 July 2012|title=Raw: Batista rises above, Kane gets angry|date=8 July 2008|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} She soon entered a storyline with Jamie Noble in which Noble attempted to impress her with his matches, only to be easily defeated by his opponents.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/07/15/6160986.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714094927/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/07/15/6160986.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=14 July 2012|title=Raw: JBL runs down Cena|date=15 July 2008|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/07/29/6296041.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714213020/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/07/29/6296041.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=14 July 2012|title=Raw: The new GM no one expected|date=29 July 2008|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} On 1 September, Noble was able to defeat William Regal, which impressed Layla.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/09/01/6631776.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718130004/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/09/01/6631776.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=18 July 2012|title=Raw: Jericho-HBK segment saves show|date=1 September 2008|last=Elliott|first=Brian|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} The following week, however, Layla chose to align herself with Regal, after he defeated Noble in a rematch.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/09/09/6710181.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714100529/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/09/09/6710181.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=14 July 2012|title=Raw: It's Jericho's show again|date=9 September 2009|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} On the following episode of Raw, Layla reinforced her decision, telling Noble that she had finally found a worthy man in Regal.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/09/16/6780306.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715204305/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/09/16/6780306.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=15 July 2012|title=Raw: Climbing the ladder to No Mercy|date=16 September 2008|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} Over the next few months, Layla competed only sporadically in matches, spending most of her time managing Regal, and was present at ringside when Regal defeated Santino Marella on 10 November to win the WWE Intercontinental Championship.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/11/11/7371726.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719020243/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/11/11/7371726.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=19 July 2012|title=Raw: Not so live – or interesting – from England|date=11 November 2008|last=Elliott|first=Brian|access-date=2 April 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}

== LayCool (2009–2011) ==

{{main|LayCool}}

On 15 April 2009, Layla was drafted to the SmackDown brand as part of the Supplemental Draft.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2009draft/2009supplementaldraftresults/|title=2009 WWE Supplemental Draft results|date=15 April 2009|access-date=15 April 2009|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}} She began a feud with Eve Torres, and lost both a dance contest and an arm wrestling match, before losing a match to her on the 29 May episode of SmackDown.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/05/01/9320941.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120918070554/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/05/01/9320941.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=18 September 2012|title=Smackdown: Punk wins, but Hardy stands tall|date=1 May 2009|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/05/08/9402011.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718182531/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/05/08/9402011.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=18 July 2012|title=Smackdown: Hardy's hot, Edge is not|date=8 May 2009|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/05/29/9620576.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717173930/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/05/29/9620576.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=17 July 2012|title=Smackdown: Numbers game too much for Jeff Hardy|date=29 May 2009|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=2 June 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} The rivalry ended after Torres defeated Layla again on WWE Superstars on 18 June.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/06/18/9841996.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629171009/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/06/18/9841996.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=29 June 2012|title=WWE Superstars: More Thursday night boredom|date=18 June 2009|last=Mackinder|first=Matt|access-date=20 June 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}

File:LayCool 2010 Tribute to the Troops.jpg as LayCool at Tribute to the Troops in December 2010]]

She then formed an alliance with Michelle McCool, later called LayCool. They began a scripted feud with Mickie James in October, mocking of her weight and vowing to make her leave SmackDown.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/11/14/11746246.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731003731/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/11/14/11746246.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=31 July 2012|title=Smackdown: The real total, nonstop action|date=14 November 2009|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/01/22/12581341.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714011212/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/01/22/12581341.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=14 July 2012|title=Smackdown: Mysterio calls out Undertaker|date=22 January 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} At the Survivor Series pay-per-view, McCool's team lost to James' team.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/11/23/11879686.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717080709/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/11/23/11879686.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=17 July 2012|title=Lots of wrestlers per match but no title changes at Survivor Series|date=23 November 2009|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|last2=Tylwalk|first2=Nick|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} At TLC, Layla interfered in the WWE Women's Championship match between McCool and James and helped McCool retain the title.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/12/14/12146261.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715130837/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/12/14/12146261.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=15 July 2012|title=New champs at strong WWE TLC show|date=14 December 2009|last=Kapur|first=Bob|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} In January 2010, at Royal Rumble, Layla came out in a fatsuit, mocking James prior to the title match between McCool and James; however, the mockery backfired, as James attacked Layla and used that as a distraction to quickly defeat McCool to win the championship.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/02/01/12692216.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630051046/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/02/01/12692216.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=30 June 2012|title=The 2010 Royal Rumble is Rated R in Atlanta|date=1 February 2010|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|last2=Tylwalk|first2=Nick|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} On the 12 February episode of SmackDown, Layla and McCool defeated James in a handicap match made by Official SmackDown Consultant Vickie Guerrero, who had been accidentally humiliated by James backstage.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/14/12878761.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719105116/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/14/12878761.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=19 July 2012|title=Smackdown Report for Feb 12|date=14 February 2010|last=Goodridge|first=Jeff|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} Guerrero then began managing LayCool, accompanying them to the ring and regularly interfering in their matches. At the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, Layla and McCool defeated Raw's Gail Kim and Maryse in an inter-brand Divas tag team match.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/02/22/12978356.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721135441/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/02/22/12978356.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=21 July 2012|title=Batista, Jericho and Michaels capitalize on Elimination Chamber opportunities|date=22 February 2010|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|last2=Tylwalk|first2=Nick|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} At WrestleMania XXVI she was on the winning team in a 10-Diva tag team match.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania26/2010/03/29/13391706.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630024236/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania26/2010/03/29/13391706.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=30 June 2012|title=Undertaker ends Shawn Michaels' career in thrilling rematch to cap off Wrestlemania XXVI|date=29 March 2010|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|last2=Tylwalk|first2=Nick|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}

LayCool faced the WWE Women's Champion Beth Phoenix in a two-on-one handicap match on the 14 May episode of SmackDown. Layla pinned Phoenix to win the Women's Championship for the first time, becoming the first British woman to hold the title.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/14/13957816.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713141108/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/14/13957816.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=13 July 2012|title=Smackdown!: Titles shuffle around in Buffalo|date=14 May 2010|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=15 May 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} She is also the first Diva Search winner to have won the championship.{{cn|date=January 2020}} Following her win, LayCool began calling themselves the co-Women's Champions.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/22/14046906.html|title=Smackdown!: Revving up for Over the Limit|date=22 May 2010|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=23 May 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|quote=Team Laycool is pronouncing themselves as Co-Women’s Champions|archive-date=15 July 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715090310/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/22/14046906.html|url-status=usurped}} On 18 July, Layla had her first title defense when she defeated Kelly Kelly at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/07/19/14753996.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730091137/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/07/19/14753996.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=30 July 2012|title=Kane, Miz make most of Money In The Bank|date=19 July 2010|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=2 April 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} On 30 July, SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long informed LayCool there was only one Women's Champion, and they had a week to decide who it would be.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/07/31/14886581.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718100938/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/07/31/14886581.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=18 July 2012|title=Smackdown: A "slick" episode to close July|date=31 July 2010|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=10 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} The following week, LayCool revealed that they had cut the title belt into two, turning it into a friendship charm and circumventing Long's orders.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/07/14953166.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719101838/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/07/14953166.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=19 July 2012|title=Smackdown: The search for vengeance and championships|date=7 August 2010|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=10 August 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} In September, Layla and McCool challenged WWE Divas Champion Melina to a championship unification match at Night of Champions. McCool participated in the match and won, with Layla's help, to unify both titles into the WWE Unified Divas Championship.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/09/20/15407301.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716063558/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/09/20/15407301.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=16 July 2012|title=Few gimmicks, more title changes at Night of Champions|date=20 September 2010|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|access-date=25 September 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/divas/15748578|title=History of the Unified Divas Championship: Michelle McCool|date=19 September 2010|access-date=25 September 2010|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-date=13 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130213183823/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/divas/15748578|url-status=dead}} Layla unofficially became the co-champion, and defended the title against Melina the following night on Raw.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/09/20/15419381.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717163736/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/09/20/15419381.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=17 July 2012|title=RAW: Orton, Sheamus face off; Cena runs the Nexus gauntlet|date=20 September 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=25 September 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} After both members of LayCool had successfully defended the title against Natalya, they faced her in a two-on-one handicap match at Survivor Series, which Natalya won to become the new Divas Champion.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/11/22/16256891.html|title=The fate of Cena is finally decided at so-so Survivor Series|date=22 November 2010|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|last2=Tylwalk|first2=Nick|access-date=22 November 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=15 July 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715095439/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/11/22/16256891.html|url-status=usurped}} Following Survivor Series, Natalya and Phoenix formed an alliance to continue the feud with LayCool, and at the TLC in December, LayCool lost to them in the first Diva's tag team tables match in WWE.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/12/20/16615521.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120525125119/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/12/20/16615521.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=25 May 2012|title=TLC delivers highs, lows and a new champ|date=20 December 2010|last=Sokol|first=Bryan|access-date=20 December 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2010/natalya-phoenix-layla-mccool|title=Divas Champion Natalya & Beth Phoenix def. Team Lay-Cool (Divas Tag Team Tables Match)|date=19 December 2010|access-date=10 May 2012|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|quote=first-ever Divas Tag Team Tables Match}} LayCool invoked their rematch clause in January 2011, prompting the scheduling of a two-on-one handicap match for the Royal Rumble. At the event however, the anonymous Raw General Manager altered the match to a fatal four-way, also involving Eve Torres who went on to win the title.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/01/31/17094896.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716045430/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/01/31/17094896.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=16 July 2012|title=Super-size Royal Rumble saves biggest surprise for last|date=31 January 2011|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|last2=Tylwalk|first2=Nick|access-date=13 February 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}

Dissension between Layla and McCool began to show following the loss of the Divas Championship, and the two appeared in a series of vignettes in which they were attending couples therapy.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/02/26/17418961.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721012450/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/02/26/17418961.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=21 July 2012|title=Smackdown: Some water is thicker than blood|date=26 February 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=23 April 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/04/09/17932436.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120724044441/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/04/09/17932436.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=24 July 2012|title=Smackdown: Wrestlemania lingers on|date=9 April 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=23 April 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/04/16/18017496.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716043106/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/04/16/18017496.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=16 July 2012|title=Smackdown: Okay, Edge, play the blues|date=16 April 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=23 April 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} On the 22 April episode of SmackDown, McCool attacked Layla during one of their storyline therapy sessions.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/04/23/18057351.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716042733/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/04/23/18057351.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=16 July 2012|title=Smackdown: Night of Champions comes early|date=23 April 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=23 April 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} During the 2011 WWE Draft on 25 April, Layla lost a match to Eve and was attacked afterward by McCool, but was able to fight her off.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/04/25/18064541.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714143120/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/04/25/18064541.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=14 July 2012|title=RAW: Draft tries to shock WWE Universe|date=25 April 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=28 April 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} On 29 April, the pair faced each other in a match, which ended in a double countout.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/04/30/18086861.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143631/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/04/30/18086861.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=29 June 2012|title=Smackdown: Look what the draft dragged in|date=30 April 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=30 April 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} As a result, the pair faced each other in a no countout, no disqualification, loser leaves WWE match at Extreme Rules on 1 May, which Layla won.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/05/01/18090841.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720042254/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/05/01/18090841.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=20 July 2012|title=Extreme Rules: Championship make-over edition|date=1 May 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=2 May 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}

Layla announced that she had suffered a knee injury at Extreme Rules on SmackDown on 13 May, and was interrupted and attacked by Kharma to write her off television.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/05/13/18147296.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715190657/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/05/13/18147296.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=15 July 2012|title=Smackdown: Old standards in Music City|date=13 May 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=10 December 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} Later that month, it was confirmed that Layla had legitimately torn both her Anterior cruciate and Medial collateral ligaments, and required surgery.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1306380589|title=WWE Diva scheduled for surgery|date=25 May 2011|last=Gerweck|first=Steve|access-date=10 December 2011|publisher=WrestleView}}

== Divas Champion, various feuds, and retirement (2012–2015) ==

File:Layla, Fandango, Rae.jpg being confronted by Summer Rae (right) in May 2014]]

Layla made her in-ring return at a Florida Championship Wrestling event on 22 March 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_59424.shtml|title=Layla returns to in-ring action|date=23 May 2012|access-date=8 April 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}} She made her return to the main WWE roster at the Extreme Rules pay-per-view on 29 April, replacing Beth Phoenix, who was not medically cleared to compete, in a match for the WWE Divas Championship. Despite interference from Brie Bella, Layla defeated Nikki Bella to win the WWE Divas Championship for the first time.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/divas/20120429-layla |title=History of the Divas Championship: Layla |date=29 April 2012 |access-date=30 April 2012 |publisher=WWE |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120528104419/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/divas/20120429-layla |archive-date=28 May 2012 }}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2012/04/29/19694541.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717014636/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2012/04/29/19694541.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=17 July 2012|title=Bloodied Cena shocks Lesnar to cap off outstanding Extreme Rules|date=29 April 2012|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=30 April 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} Her victory made her the first Diva Search winner to have won both the Divas and the Women's championship. The following night on Raw, she successfully defended the championship against both Bella Twins in a triple threat match, and retained twice against Beth Phoenix at the Over the Limit and No Way Out pay-per-views in May and June respectively.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/05/01/19700256.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716234422/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/05/01/19700256.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=16 July 2012|title=Raw: Triple H reads the riot act to Lesnar, but Laurinaitis gets the last laugh in Dayton|date=1 May 2012|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|access-date=1 May 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_61620.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Over The Limit PPV Report 5/20: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Cena-Johnny, Punk-Bryan|date=20 May 2012|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=21 May 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/06/17/19888861.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120727231658/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/06/17/19888861.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=27 July 2012|title=No Way Out: End of another era|date=17 June 2012|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=21 June 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} On the 20 August episode of Raw, Kaitlyn won a battle royal to become the number one contender to Layla's Divas Championship.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/08/21/20123046.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130901091915/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/08/21/20123046.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=1 September 2013|title=Raw: The king is dead, long live the king|date=21 August 2012|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=1 September 2013|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} At Night of Champions, Kaitlyn was removed from the championship match following a storyline injury and replaced with Eve Torres. Torres defeated Layla to win the championship, ending her reign at 140 days.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/09/17/20204671.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130901091816/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/09/17/20204671.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=1 September 2013|title=Night of Champions: Hustle, loyalty, and yes, respect|date=17 September 2012|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=1 September 2013|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}

Layla defeated Torres in a non-title match on Superstars to earn a title match.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_65600.shtml|title=James's WWE Superstars Results 9/27: Kofi vs. Ziggler in re-match from Monday's Raw, Divas champ in action, DiBiase|date=1 October 2012|last=James|first=Justin|access-date=1 September 2013|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}} She unsuccessfully challenged for the championship on 15 October, and failed again to regain the championship in a three-way match at Hell in a Cell, which also involved Kaitlyn.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/10/16/20285416.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130901091814/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/10/16/20285416.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=1 September 2013|title=Raw: Punk gets his big decision made for him in Nashville|date=16 October 2012|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|access-date=1 September 2013|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/10/29/20314921.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130424114717/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/10/29/20314921.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=24 April 2013|title=Punk gets Shell Shocked but escapes with his gold at Hell in a Cell |date=29 October 2013|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|last2=Tylwalk|first2=Nick|access-date=1 September 2013|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} On 12 November, on Raw, Layla was defeated by Kaitlyn in a number one contenders match for the championship.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/11/13/20351961.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130901093019/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/11/13/20351961.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=1 September 2013|title=Raw: The Survivor Series picture gets cleared up in Columbus|date=13 November 2012|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|access-date=1 September 2013|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} On 16 December at the Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view, Layla competed in a number one contender's "Santa's Little Helpers" battle royal to face Torres for the championship, but was unsuccessful.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_67280.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE TLC PPV Results 12/16: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of final 2012 PPV – Cena vs. Ziggler main event, Shield makes a statement|date=16 December 2012|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=16 December 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}} In early 2013, Layla briefly developed a feud with Tamina Snuka, losing to her in singles matches before defeating her in a tag team match.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2013/01/05/20474696.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130901093046/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2013/01/05/20474696.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=1 September 2013|title=Smackdown: Showcasing that pesky second W in WWE|date=5 January 2013|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=1 September 2013|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2013/02/16/20584276.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130901092952/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2013/02/16/20584276.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=1 September 2013|title=Smackdown: Signs, signs, everywhere are (Wrestlemania) signs|date=16 February 2013|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=1 September 2013|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2013/02/22/20601966.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130901093043/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2013/02/22/20601966.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=1 September 2013|title=Smackdown!: Orton wants Elimination Chamber revenge against Swagger|date=22 February 2013|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=1 September 2013|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} As part of the feud, Layla allied herself with Kaitlyn, and began accompanying her to ringside.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2013/03/08/20640976.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130901092952/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2013/03/08/20640976.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=1 September 2013|title=Smackdown! The Shield can't serve justice to The Big Show|date=8 March 2013|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=1 September 2013|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} On the 2 August episode of SmackDown, Layla stopped Kaitlyn from spearing AJ Lee, costing Kaitlyn both the match and the Divas Championship, and left with AJ, turning heel in the process.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2013/08/02/21020696.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130901093041/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2013/08/02/21020696.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=1 September 2013|title=Smackdown!: Del Rio's pick for SummerSlam overruled|date=2 August 2013|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=1 September 2013|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} Layla went on to defeat Kaitlyn in singles competition and in a tag team match with AJ as her partner.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2013/08/06/21025766.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130901092941/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2013/08/06/21025766.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=1 September 2013|title=Raw: Cena, Bryan and Orton are uneasy allies in Green Bay|date=6 August 2013|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|access-date=1 September 2013|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2013/08/16/21053671.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130901093044/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2013/08/16/21053671.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=1 September 2013|title=Smackdown!: Daniel Bryan sees a revolving door of referees|date=16 August 2013|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=1 September 2013|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} In late 2013, Layla took a hiatus from WWE. She returned at a non-televised event on 14 March 2014, and made her television return the following week on an episode of Main Event, where she and Alicia Fox lost to The Funkadactyls (Naomi and Cameron).{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/47363-layla-returns-to-the-ring-for-wwe-at-live-event|title=Layla returns to the ring for WWE at live event|date=15 March 2014|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=18 March 2014|publisher=WrestleView}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_77097.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Main Event Results 3/18: In-person coverage of Undertaker's Main Event debut on WWE Network, more|date=18 March 2014|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=19 March 2014|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}} Layla participated in the Divas Invitational match for the WWE Divas Championship at WrestleMania XXX which was won by AJ.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2014/04/06/21585306.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140409052414/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2014/04/06/21585306.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=9 April 2014|title=WrestleMania XXX brings the beginning and end of eras|date=6 April 2014|last=Howell|first=Nolan|access-date=9 April 2014|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}

The following week, she replaced Summer Rae as Fandango's dancer and valet, and quickly became embroiled in a feud with Emma and Santino Marella.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/47831-spoilers-wwe-smackdown-taping-results-for-april-11|title=Spoilers: WWE Smackdown taping results for April 11|date=8 April 2014|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=9 April 2014|publisher=WrestleView}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2014/04/14/21603951.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140422111239/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2014/04/14/21603951.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=22 April 2014|title=Raw: Celebrating Ultimate Warrior and witnessing a powerful reunion|date=14 April 2014|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|access-date=26 April 2014|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2014/04/22/21618721.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140422111015/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2014/04/22/21618721.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=22 April 2014|title=Raw: Bryan beatdown in Baltimore, IC finals set|date=22 April 2014|last=Asher|first=Matthew|access-date=26 April 2014|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} In May, Layla entered a tournament to determine the new NXT Women's Champion, but lost to Natalya in the first round.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_78123.shtml|title=James's WWE NXT Report 5/1 – Week 96: Neville defends NXT Title, Women's tournament begins, more; Overall Reax|date=1 May 2014|last=James|first=Justin|access-date=7 June 2014|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}} Rae returned on 19 May, attacking Layla.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2014/05/20/21682641.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140521155636/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2014/05/20/21682641.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=21 May 2014|title=Raw: Bray Wyatt has the whole world in his hands – including London|date=20 May 2014|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|access-date=21 May 2014|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} Competing over Fandango's affections, Layla and Rae repeatedly attacked each other, prompting a match at Money in the Bank with Fandango as the special guest referee; Layla won the match.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2014/06/25/21763801.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140702121556/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2014/06/25/21763801.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=2 July 2014|title=Main Event: Reigns makes a point before Money in the Bank|date=25 June 2014|last=Howell|first=Nolan|access-date=30 June 2014|work=Slam Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2014/06/29/21774111.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140701093349/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2014/06/29/21774111.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=1 July 2014|title=Cena takes authority of the WWE title at Money in the Bank|date=29 June 2014|last=Howell|first=Nolan|access-date=30 June 2014|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} During a rematch in July on SmackDown, Layla and Rae attacked Fandango, before dancing with each other.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2014/07/11/21800746.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140715134939/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2014/07/11/21800746.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=15 July 2014|title=Smackdown!: Rusev and Reigns face off in Ottawa|date=11 July 2014|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=14 July 2014|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} Starting at Battleground, the pair formed an alliance, distracting Fandango during his matches and causing him to lose.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_79700.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Battleground PPV Report 7/20 (Pre-Show): Fandango vs. Rose, Cameron vs. Naomi, more|date=20 July 2014|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=21 July 2014|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_79722.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/21: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Battleground fall-out|date=21 July 2014|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=21 July 2014|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}} In their first match as a team, Layla and Rae, now calling themselves the Slayers, lost to Paige and AJ Lee on the 18 July episode of SmackDown.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_79687.shtml|title=Parks's WWE SmackDown Report 7/18: Complete coverage of Friday night show, including Chris Jericho vs. Luke Harper, Kane vs. Dean Ambrose|date=18 July 2014|last=Parks|first=Greg|access-date=19 July 2014|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}} The Slayers won their first match as a team on Main Event on 2 September, where they defeated Rosa Mendes and Natalya.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_80548.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Main Event Results 9/2: Ziggler vs. Miz's stand-in, Goldust & Stardust, toilet scrubbing, more|date=2 September 2014|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=13 September 2014|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}} The Slayers were part of Team Paige at Survivor Series in November, but both were eliminated and their team lost the match.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2014/11/24/22091341.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141124103831/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2014/11/24/22091341.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=24 November 2014|title=WWE Survivor Series: The Authority feels the Sting of defeat|date=24 November 2014|last=Kapur|first=Bob|access-date=24 November 2014|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}

File:Layla WrestleMania Axxess 2015.jpg

In January 2015, El underwent surgery for unknown reasons.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/52707-wwe-diva-injured-and-pulled-from-all-live-events|title=WWE Diva injured and pulled from all live events|date=23 January 2015|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=24 January 2015|publisher=WrestleView}} Layla returned on the 14 April episode of Main Event, where she defeated Emma in a singles match.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/54029-spoilers-4-14-wwe-main-event-tapings-from-london|title=Spoilers: 4/14 WWE Main Event tapings from London|last=Namako|first=Jason|publisher=WrestleView|date=14 April 2015|access-date=18 April 2015}} This would turn out to be her retirement match, as on 29 July, WWE announced that Layla had decided to retire from professional wrestling.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/layla-retires-from-wwe|title=Layla retires from WWE|author=Tello, Craig|publisher=WWE|date=29 July 2015|access-date=3 August 2015}}

Modeling career

Since winning the Diva Search contest El has also done some modelling work. She has been featured in the magazines King, Smooth, and was the cover-girl for the first issue of Liquid.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/news/laylasmooth|title=Layla gets 'Smooth' and sexy|last=Medalis|first=Kara A.|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=15 August 2007}}{{cite web|url=http://king-mag.com/online/?p=2792|title=Layla El – King Magazine|access-date=15 April 2007|work=King|date=11 April 2007 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/laylaliquid|title=Layla is LIQUID's premiere cover girl|first=Kara A.|last=Medalis|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=5 December 2006}} She also posed for FHM with the other members of Extreme Exposé.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/divas/divadish/divadish0810|last2=Tello|first2=Craig|last3=Zeigler|first3=Zack|first1=Kara A.|last1=Medalis|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|title=Diva Dish: FHM goes Extreme|access-date=10 August 2007}} Layla, along with Beth Phoenix and Candice Michelle, appeared in the February 2009 issue of Flex Magazine.{{cite web|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/wrestling/story/1137153.html|title=WWE diva, former Heat dancer Layla returning to Miami; Tye Dye Guy as Raw guest GM in Orlando?|date=11 July 2009|last=Varsallone|first=Jim|access-date=12 July 2009|publisher=The Miami Herald|archive-date=12 July 2009|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5iCkIntOy?url=http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/wrestling/story/1137153.html|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/news/divasflex|title=Raw Divas 'Flex' some muscle|date=11 January 2009|last=Medalis|first=Kara A.|access-date=12 July 2009|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}

Other media

In April 2007, El and several other WWE Divas appeared in the music video for "Throw It On Me" by Timbaland and The Hives.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/4563070|first=Kara A.|last=Medalis|title=The Sexiest Women in L.A.|access-date=20 April 2007|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}} During the week of 5 November 2007, she appeared on five episodes of Family Feud with other WWE wrestlers. On 6 February 2008 she appeared on Project Runway with several WWE Divas as part of the week's challenge.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/divas/divadish/divadish0125?cid=WWEADP-83|title=Diva Dish: 'Runway' Divas|access-date=10 February 2008|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|first1=Kara A.|last1=Medalis|last2=Zeigler|first2=Zack}} El also appeared on the 13 April 2008 episode of Celebrity Fit Club Boot Camp as a trainer. She appeared as a guest judge on an episode of Cupcake Wars alongside Alicia Fox.{{cite web|url=https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/cupcake-wars/episodes/wwe-summerslam|title=WWE SummerSlam (season 9, episode 3)|access-date=19 April 2018|publisher=Food Network}}

In 2012, she ranked number 95 in Maxim's Hot 100.{{cite web|title=Divas sizzle on Maxim's Hot 100|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/divas-maxim-hot-100-2012|date=22 May 2012|publisher=WWE|access-date=22 May 2012}}{{cite web|title=95 Layla El|url=http://www.maxim.com/slideshow/hot-100/43451?slide=5#|work=Mazxim|access-date=11 November 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112012114/http://www.maxim.com/slideshow/hot-100/43451?slide=5|archive-date=12 November 2013|df=dmy-all}}

Layla has appeared in six WWE video games, making her in-game debut in SmackDown vs. Raw 2009.{{Cite web|title=Roster – WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 (Raw, SmackDown, ECW, Legends, DLC)|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/svr2009/roster/|access-date=2020-06-13|website=The SmackDown Hotel|language=en-gb}} Layla also appears in, SmackDown vs. Raw 2011{{Cite web|title=Roster – WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 (Raw, SmackDown, Legends, DLC)|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/svr2011/roster/|access-date=2020-06-13|website=The SmackDown Hotel|language=en-gb}} as DLC, WWE '12,{{Cite web|title=Roster – WWE '12 (Raw, SmackDown, Legends, DLC)|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wwe12/roster/|access-date=2020-06-13|website=The SmackDown Hotel|language=en-gb}} WWE '13{{Cite web|title=Roster – WWE '13 (Raw, SmackDown, Attitude Era, Divas, DLC)|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wwe13/roster/|access-date=2020-06-13|website=The SmackDown Hotel|language=en-gb}} as DLC, WWE 2K14{{Cite web|title=Roster – WWE 2K14 (Raw, SmackDown, Legends, Divas, DLC)|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wwe2k14/roster/|access-date=2020-06-13|website=The SmackDown Hotel|language=en-gb}} and WWE 2K16.{{Cite web|title=Roster – WWE 2K16 Full Roster Profiles (WWE Superstars, NXT, Legends, Divas, DLC)|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wwe2k16/roster/|access-date=2020-06-13|website=The SmackDown Hotel|language=en-gb}}

Personal life

El resides in Phoenix, Arizona,{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/mslayel|title=Layla Young|website=Twitter|access-date=14 May 2015}} having previously lived in London, England, Miami, Florida, and Los Angeles, California.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/divas/divadish/divadish1114|title=Diva Dish: Divas thrill Europe|date=14 November 2008|last=Medalis|first=Kara A.|access-date=14 August 2010|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}} She announced her engagement to professional wrestler Richard Young on 28 July 2015,{{cite web | url=https://twitter.com/mslayel/status/625917087756627968|title=Aawwwww who woulda thought .... @iamrichyoung2 richandlay #love #engagement #future #young 💖💕|publisher=Twitter|date=28 July 2015|access-date=28 July 2015|author=El, Layla}} and the two were married on 27 November 2015.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/mslayel/status/681773806256455680|title=Layla Young on Twitter|publisher=Twitter|date=29 December 2015|access-date=29 December 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/layla-ricky-ortiz-married-28355271|title=Former WWE Diva and Superstar tie the knot|publisher=WWE|date=11 December 2015|access-date=29 December 2015}}

El's mother died in August 2008, at the age of 48, due to breast cancer.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/divas/divadish/divadish1010|title=Diva Dish: Neidhart family reunion|date=10 October 2008|last=Medalis|first=Kara A.|access-date=14 August 2010|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090601234751/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/divas/divadish/divadish1010|archive-date=1 June 2009}} She had battled cancer three times in two decades. In October 2012, El appeared in a commercial from the WWE and Susan G. Komen for the Cure to promote awareness for finding a cure for breast cancer.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/layla-talks-about-her-mothers-struggle-with-breast-cancer-26060156|title=Layla talk about her mother's struggle with breast cancer|publisher=WWE|access-date=18 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218115437/http://www.wwe.com/videos/layla-talks-about-her-mothers-struggle-with-breast-cancer-26060156|archive-date=18 February 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} She incorporated infinity symbols on her wrestling attire as a tribute to her mother.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t3HMBgAAQBAJ&q=layla+infinity+symbol+wwe&pg=PT121|title=WWE Ultimate Superstar Guide|author=Pantaleo, Steve|date=24 March 2015|publisher=WWE|isbn=9780241235010|access-date=6 August 2015}}

Filmography

class="wikitable sortable"
Year

!Title

!Role

!class="unsortable"|Notes

!class="unsortable"|Source

2007

|Family Feud

|Herself

|"WWE Superstars vs Divas" (5 episodes)

|

2008

|Project Runway

|Herself

|"Raw Talent" (season 4, episode 10)

|

2008

|Celebrity Fit Club Boot Camp

|Herself

|Season 6; trainer

|

2013

|Cupcake Wars

|Herself

|Season 9, episode 3; special guest judge

|

2015

|Total Divas

|Herself

|Season 3, episode 12; guest

|

class="wikitable sortable"

|+ List of music video performances

Year

!Artist

!Title

!Source

2007

|Timbaland ft. The Hives

|"Throw It On Me"

|

Championships and accomplishments

File:Layla WWE Women's Champion 2010.jpg in 2010]]

= Cheerleading =

= Professional wrestling =

  • Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • Ranked No. 6 of the top 50 female wrestlers in the PWI Female 50 in 2012{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-female-50/2012.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) Female 50 for 2012|work=The Internet Wrestling Database|access-date=29 December 2012}}
  • World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE
  • WWE Divas Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/titlehistory/divas-championship|title=WWE Divas championship|publisher=WWE|access-date=May 16, 2019}}
  • WWE Women's Championship (1 time, final){{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/women/201004251 |title=History of the Women's Championship: Layla |date=14 May 2010 |access-date=15 May 2010 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100518080708/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/women/201004251 |archive-date=18 May 2010 }}
  • WWE Diva Search (2006)
  • Slammy Award ( 1 time)
  • Knucklehead Moment of the Year (2010) – {{small|Lay-Cool loses to Mae Young}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_46025.shtml|title=WWE News: Full list of 2010 Slammy Awards – 12 announced on Raw, 10 announced on WWE's website|date=13 December 2010|access-date=17 December 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}} — with Michelle McCool

{{clear}}

References

{{reflist}}

External links

{{Commons category|Layla El}}

  • {{IMDb name}}
  • {{WWE superstar}}
  • {{Professional wrestling profiles}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:El, Layla}}

Category:1977 births

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