The Evolution of Women’s Wrestling in WWE: From Divas to Superstars – For years, the women’s division in WWE was relegated to a sideshow, a distraction from the male-dominated main event scene. Female wrestlers were dubbed “Divas,” glammed up and objectified for the male gaze. But over the past decade, the women of WWE have proven themselves to be some of the most talented, tenacious, and entertaining performers in the industry. In this article, we will chart the evolution of women’s wrestling in WWE, from the era of Divas to the rise of Superstars.
The Diva Era
From the 1990s to the early 2010s, the women’s division in WWE was dominated by the “Divas,” a term that represented a specific look and attitude more than actual athletic prowess. Divas were expected to be beautiful, sexy, and willing to participate in bra and panties matches and other demeaning displays of sexuality. While women like Trish Stratus and Lita were able to break out of this mold and showcase their in-ring skills, they were the exceptions, not the rule. The focus was on looks rather than talent.
The Women’s Revolution
In the early 2010s, a group of female wrestlers began to push back against the limitations of the Diva era. These women, including Paige, Sasha Banks, and Charlotte Flair, demanded to be treated as serious wrestlers rather than eye candy. Their demands were echoed by fans, who created the hashtag #GiveDivasAChance after a particularly short and unsatisfying women’s match. This movement eventually led to the Women’s Revolution, a rebranding of the division with an emphasis on athleticism, skill, and respect.
NXT and the Four Horsewomen
The Women’s Revolution really took off in WWE’s developmental brand, NXT. There, several female wrestlers began to put on matches that were as good as, if not better than, the men’s matches. These women, dubbed the Four Horsewomen – Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks, Bayley, and Becky Lynch – pushed the boundaries of what was possible for women’s wrestling in WWE, and eventually made their way to the main roster where their influence was felt immediately.
The Rise of Superstars
With the Four Horsewomen leading the way, the women’s division in WWE began to take on a new significance. Women’s matches were no longer bathroom breaks or excuses for misogynistic jokes, but essential parts of the show. Female wrestlers were given new monikers, ditching the term “Diva” in favor of “Superstar,” and new opportunities, such as main eventing pay-per-views and appearing on the cover of video games.
The Future of Women’s Wrestling
The evolution of women’s wrestling in WWE has been remarkable, but there is still work to be done. While women are now given more screen time and more respect, there are still moments when they are relegated to secondary roles or put in matches that play to sexist tropes.
But with the continued success of female wrestlers like Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Rhea Ripley, and new emerging stars expected to soon impact the WWE like Jade Cargill, it seems clear that the future of women’s wrestling is bright. Best sports betting odds for these athletes are also likely to increase over time as their popularity and skills grow.
Conclusion
The evolution of women’s wrestling in WWE from Divas to Superstars has been a long and sometimes painful journey, but it has also been an inspiring one. The female wrestlers of WWE have proven themselves to be more than just pretty faces or comic relief, but some of the most talented and exciting performers in the industry. From the early pioneers like Trish Stratus to the current Superstars like Bianca Belair, women’s wrestling in WWE has come a long way, but it still has so much further to go. The continued success of female wrestlers and the support of fans worldwide give hope that the future will be even brighter.
The Evolution of Women’s Wrestling in WWE: From Divas to Superstars
