On March 9, 1979, former fashion model and California native Melina Nava Perez, known simply by her pro wrestling moniker of "Melina," is born.

Despite failing to make the final cut for the third installment of World Wrestling Entertainment's (WWE) reality show Tough Enough back in 2002, Melina continued pursing "the business," first at Jesse Hernandez's School of Hard Knocks in San Bernardino before transitioning to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) in 2004.

From WWE.com:

"I was always told I was too short, too fat, too small, too ugly or not good enough. People would tell me every negative comment under the moon, and that I would never make it. I kept going. I knew in my heart that I could make it, and that I was meant for this. My love for wrestling and my determination got me through everything I had to endure."

Her WWE debut came via sporadic appearances later that year, but didn't get started full time until 2005 alongside fellow OVW alums John Morrison and Joey Mercury (as "MNM") complete with trademark "split" ring entrance.

Unfortunately most pro wrestling fans won't remember her for her in-ring prowess or reign as Diva's Champion, but rather her much-publicized relationship with Morrison and gratuitous fling with Dave Bautista.

Anyone disagree?