Women’s wrestling has come a long way since its inception in the early 20th century, and no organization has played a more significant role in its evolution than World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Once seen as nothing more than a sideshow, women’s wrestling has transformed into a legitimate part of the wrestling world, thanks in large part to WWE’s commitment to empowering its female superstars.
In the early days of professional wrestling, women were primarily used as eye candy, serving as valets or engaging in matches that were more about spectacle than athleticism. However, in the late 1990s and early 2000s, a shift began to occur. WWE started to recognize the untapped potential of their female talent and began giving them more prominent roles in the company.
The groundbreaking moment came in 1998 when WWE introduced the Women’s Championship, which elevated women’s wrestling from the realm of novelty to a respected division within the company. Suddenly, female superstars were given the same opportunity as their male counterparts to compete for a prestigious title, showcasing their talent and skill in the squared circle.
This move set the stage for a new era of women’s wrestling in WWE, one that focused on empowering its female superstars. Names like Trish Stratus, Lita, and Chyna became household names, proving that women could be just as entertaining and talented as the men. These women broke barriers, performing moves and maneuvers that were once believed to be reserved solely for male wrestlers.
However, it was not until the mid-2000s that the tides truly started to turn. In 2006, WWE launched its third brand, ECW (Extreme Championship Wrestling), and with it came the introduction of a new title, the ECW Women’s Championship. This marked the first time in WWE history that women had their own title on each brand.
The following years saw an influx of new female talent, as WWE scoured the globe for women who could not only wrestle but also bring a unique perspective to the industry. This global search led to the signing of incredible talents such as Natalya, Beth Phoenix, Mickie James, and later, a group of women collectively known as the Four Horsewomen – Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks, Bayley, and Becky Lynch.
The Four Horsewomen played an integral role in revolutionizing women’s wrestling in WWE. Their exceptional talent and dedication to their craft helped them break down the barriers that had previously hindered women in the industry. They were no longer viewed as divas but as legitimate athletes who could put on matches that rivaled their male counterparts.
The watershed moment for women’s wrestling arguably came in 2015. WWE held its first-ever all-female pay-per-view event, aptly named “Evolution.” This event showcased the immense talent of the women’s division and proved that not only were they on par with men, but in many cases, they surpassed them. The event received critical acclaim, further solidifying the growing importance of women’s wrestling in WWE.
Fast forward to the present day, and women’s wrestling has become a central focus of WWE. The company debuted the Women’s Tag Team Championships in 2019, providing female superstars with even more opportunities to showcase their skills. They have also been given main event spots at major WWE pay-per-views, competing in matches that are now the highlight of the night.
Through it all, WWE’s commitment to empowering its female superstars remains steadfast. The company continues to hire and promote women who are not only incredible athletes but also embrace their roles as ambassadors for women’s wrestling, both inside and outside the ring. WWE has also expanded its developmental system, introducing the WWE Performance Center, where female superstars can train in state-of-the-art facilities and receive the best coaching available.
The evolution of women’s wrestling in WWE demonstrates the incredible progress that has been made in the world of professional wrestling. What was once considered an afterthought has become a crucial part of the industry, thanks to WWE’s dedication to showcasing the talents of its female superstars. As the promotion continues to push boundaries and empower these women, the future of women’s wrestling is undoubtedly bright, and we can only expect more groundbreaking moments to come.