Women’s wrestling has seen an incredible transformation over the years. What was once a division centered around short matches and “diva” status has now evolved into a showcase of athleticism and skill, with female wrestlers headlining major events like WrestleMania. In this article, we’ll explore the evolution of women’s wrestling in WWE, highlighting key moments, trailblazers, and the future of the division.
The Early Days: Eye Candy and Short Matches
In the early days of WWE, female wrestlers were often treated as secondary attractions, with matches rarely lasting more than a few minutes. Women like Sable and Trish Stratus brought attention to the division, but their matches were often overshadowed by storylines focused more on looks than talent. Coachman recalls his time witnessing the treatment of women’s wrestling during this era and how it contrasted with what was happening behind the scenes.
The Rise of Trailblazers: Trish Stratus and Lita
Despite the limitations of the early days, stars like Trish Stratus and Lita began to elevate women’s wrestling to new heights. Their matches became more than just filler—they were events that fans looked forward to. Their epic rivalries and unforgettable moments, such as Lita’s moonsaults and Trish’s technical prowess, paved the way for future generations. Coach shares personal stories of how these two women changed the perception of what female wrestlers could achieve in WWE.
The Women’s Revolution
Fast forward to 2015, and the women’s division experienced a seismic shift. The “Divas” were rebranded as “Superstars,” signaling a new era of equality in WWE. Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch, and Bayley—known as the Four Horsewomen—led the charge in what came to be known as the Women’s Revolution. Their hard-hitting matches and high-profile storylines finally gave women the respect they deserved. Coachman reflects on the impact of this movement and how it inspired a new generation of female athletes.
Breaking Barriers: Main Eventing WrestleMania
The culmination of the Women’s Revolution came at WrestleMania 35 in 2019 when women headlined the biggest event of the year for the first time. Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Ronda Rousey’s triple threat match wasn’t just historic—it was a testament to how far the women’s division had come. Coachman gives his take on why this moment was more than just a main event; it was the fulfillment of years of hard work and perseverance by the women of WWE.
The Future of Women’s Wrestling
As WWE continues to push boundaries, the future of women’s wrestling looks brighter than ever. With rising stars like Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley leading the way, the division shows no signs of slowing down. Coachman offers insights on the next wave of talent and how women’s wrestling will continue to evolve in the years to come.
The journey of women’s wrestling in WWE has been long and hard-fought, but the transformation from Divas to Superstars is a testament to the dedication and talent of the women who refused to be sidelined. From trailblazers like Lita and Trish Stratus to the revolutionary stars of today, WWE’s women’s division has become a centerpiece of the company, and its future holds limitless potential.
