World Wrestling Entertainment diva Layla returns to her old stepping grounds, the AmericanAirlines Arena, when WWE SmackDown and ECW are taped there on July 14.
Layla El, a former Miami Heat dancer, won the $250,000 WWE Diva Search contest in 2006 and has been with the group since.
From dancing to acting and wrestling, Layla has enjoyed her foray into the scripted world of sports entertainment, especially performing in front of the hometown crowd.
''I've been back to compete twice now,'' says Layla, a Miami resident. 'This is where I've sweat through the good times and bad with the Heat in wins and losses. . . . I love coming back home, and I appreciate [fans'] support.''
These days on WWE SmackDown, which airs at 8 p.m. Fridays on MyNetwork TV, the London-born beauty is doing a lot more wrestling than dancing.
Since joining WWE, she has branched out, featured in magazines like FHM and on reality shows Project Runway and Celebrity Fit Club Boot Camp as a trainer. She also danced in Timbaland's music video Throw It On Me featuring The Hives.
Herewith, a few questions:
Who is your favorite dancer?
``Actually, Michael Jackson, the Thriller video inspired me, started me in dance. I'd also say Madonna, Janet Jackson, J.Lo and Paula Abdul.''
Who from the boys in WWE is a good dancer?
``[The Animal] Batista is good. I've seen him dance. He's got some moves. And Miz has the biggest head. He always thinks he's good.''
Whom would you like to dance with?
`` R-Truth, to his rap theme song What's Up!''
Former WWE diva Stacy Keibler did very well on ABC's Dancing With the Stars. Any chance of you competing on the show?
``She was amazing. I would love to be part of it. I don't know how I would do because maybe they would expect more from me. Ballroom dancing is not my style, but I would really, really give it a good effort.''
Anything upcoming for you?
``It's looking good that I will be a celebrity judge when the Miami Heat dancers have tryouts on July 19. I remember I was nervous when I auditioned. The Heat dancers are the best in the NBA, and I know what they're looking for because I've been there before.''
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