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Get to Know Layla El - Poker and Wrestling Superstar

Newest Wrestling Diva Learned Poker in the Backseat of a Limo

Layla El learned everything in the backseat.

The winner of the 2006 World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) $250,000 Diva Search, Layla recently participated in Tampa Bay Lightning center Vincent Lecavalier's Texas Hold'em Celebrity Poker Tournament held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

As pure a rookie as one could find, Layla learned to play during the four-hour limousine ride from Miami to Tampa.

WWE publicity coordinator Chris Spagnuolo served as her instructor, going over the basics, playing one-on-one, running through simulated hands, and maybe most importantly, teaching his sultry student how to fold.

"It was kind of fun. We had a long day," Layla said. "I felt sorry for Chris, because he had to be patient with me. It was a funny moment."

The learning experience continued long after the intimate ride had ended.

"I didn't have a lot of time, from when I learned I was going to play, but I retained what I had to for that night," Layla said. "The most important thing I learned was that I could fold. Watching the other players also proved helpful. I had never played poker before the tournament, but I do enjoy it."

Despite her lack of seasoning, Layla, a member of the Miami Heat Dancers for two seasons, was much more than a gorgeous face and a killer body.

"I was fourth out of all of the celebrities," she said. "For someone who learned in a car, I was very impressed. They didn't expect me to do that well at the beginning, but by the end of the day, people warmed up to me. I guess they were shocked."

Her taste was brief, but Layla finds herself longing for more.

"I think it's the anticipation, you never know what the other person had," she said. "I like that you can lie, you can bluff and you can still win. Also, you can win a lot of money. But I'm not really that big of a gambler. I don't like risking that much money."

Not unlike a lot of people, Layla likes a nice pair.

"Yes, I do have a favorite hand," she exclaimed. "The only one I remember is a pair of tens. That was the best hand I had."

Flirtatious and frisky, Layla gave one lucky fellow more than he bargained for. "I did a lot of talking," she said. "At first, it was kind of scary, but eventually people came around. I was trying to make jokes. I grabbed the guy who knocked me out and gave him a big fat kiss."

The tournament featured one celebrity at each of the 22 tables. Lightning forward Martin St. Louis won the celebrity side, while pro Daniel Negreanu was also in attendance.

"There were some experienced guys," Layla, who once appeared on the Video Music Awards with Kanye West, said. "Some of them were getting a little mad at first, because we had a lot of new players. They weren't messing around. They were really out for a kill."

The owner of a one-year contract with WWE, Layla was crowned a Diva during a ceremony at New York's Hard Rock Caf�. She plans to spend at least part of that year at the poker table.

"I haven't played since, because of the time element," Layla offered. "But I'll possibly be playing very soon. I know I'd like to."