Victory seemed all but certain for Beth Phoenix. Given her considerable strength and size advantage over Candice, some critics believed capturing the Women’s Championship at Unforgiven was a mere formality for the Glamazon. But the reigning champion had other ideas.

The candy-coated Diva searched deep to overcome Phoenix and retain the Women’s Championship Sunday night. Candice no doubt hopes that her victory at Unforgiven will silence those hard-to-please critics who have dismissed her as nothing more than a pretty face.

Sunday night’s outcome was impossible for anyone to foresee, least of all, Phoenix. Last month, the Glamazon decisively defeated 11 opponents in the all-Diva Battle Royal at SummerSlam to win an opportunity at the Women’s Championship. As Phoenix tossed Diva after Diva over the top rope, Candice watched with a look of apprehension overcoming her striking face. 

To reinforce her dominance, Phoenix woman-handled Maria two weeks in a row, taunting her Unforgiven opponent in the process. The Glamazon simply looked too strong, too dominant, too determined to be defeated. But as Candice told WWE.com two weeks ago, she’s not one to give up without a fight.

“I’m never going to back down from anybody,” the Women’s Champion said of Phoenix. “I have the confidence to go out, be strong and stand up to people who think they can’t be stood up to.”

The words seemed like wishful thinking only two short weeks ago. But Candice found a way to outsmart Phoenix with her speed and agility and hold her powerful shoulders down for the three-count.

But with her stunning victory, Candice has proven that she is indeed worthy of the title Women’s Champion. As Candice held her title aloft for all our fans to see, Phoenix glared menacingly back at the champion. Has Candice seen the last of the Glamazon?