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CHICAGO – After being absent from WWE for nearly a year, Layla stunned Nikki Bella and the entire WWE Universe with a surprise appearance at Extreme Rules to capture the Divas Championship inside the sold-out Allstate Arena. ( PHOTOS)
The win came via a vicious neckbreaker from Layla to Brie, who entered the fray when the twins switched places in the match. Despite past successes with such tactics, this time, Twin Magic failed.
Although Beth Phoenix was originally scheduled to compete against Nikki, she was not medically cleared to compete, as first reported earlier in the day on WWE’s Breaking News Alert service. “As soon as I’m medically cleared, this (the Divas Title) is coming home with me,” the unfazed Glamazon said regarding the news.
Before the match, Eve announced a mystery opponent would take The Glamazon’s place. However, no one could have expected it would be the British-born beauty, Layla!
The win marks the second Divas Championship for Layla. However, her first reign came amidst controversy when she and Michelle McCool were self-professed co-champions in 2010.
As part of her championship resume, Layla is also recognized as the final holder of WWE Women's Championship when the title was retired in 2010. She won the coveted prize with McCool at her side in a 2-on-1 Handicap Match against Phoenix on the May 14, 2010 edition of SmackDown.
Layla’s surprise appearance at Extreme Rules 2012 was her first in the ring since the May 13, 2011 edition of SmackDown, when Kharma brutally assaulted her. The attack aggravated an already injured knee Layla sustained in an emotionally-charged Loser Leaves WWE Match at Extreme Rules 2011 when she beat Michelle McCool.
With Layla back and better than ever, who will be the first to challenge her? Tune in to Monday’s Raw SuperShow at 9/8 CT on USA Network.