How WWE’s Women Division Has Evolved Throughout the Past Years
I have been an avid fan of WWE since my childhood. I routinely watched Raw, Smackdown, and ECW, attended live events, collected action figures, and attempted wrestling moves that were explicitly said not to be tried at home. The larger than life characters, high -risk moves, eccentric matches, and storylines all contributed to creating my love for WWE. Though despite my undying love, I have never been fond of their treatment of women in the past. Not too long ago the women’s division lacked equal opportunity, booking, exposure, and diversity. Furthermore, women were constantly subjected to super short matches, minimal storylines, and objectification. There was no such thing as a women’s Royal Rumble, Money in the Bank match, Elimination Chamber, Iron- Woman match, women’s tag team titles, or main-eventing pay-per-views as there is now. In February 2015, WWE fans started a hashtag on Twitter called #givedivasachance which was what the women were previously called, before being recognized as superstars. The hashtag trended worldwide for three days which prompted WWE to listen. Since then, the women’s division has evolved beautifully. The women have since been given better storylines, longer matches, main-event slots, more titles, and their exclusive pay-per-view. In addition to that, the division has become more diverse and inclusive. It is unfortunate that WWE embarked on this revolution so late. I would’ve loved to see female superstars of the past with the same opportunities women have now. However, I am extremely proud and thankful of the progress WWE has made. I cannot wait to see what the women’s division will continue to evolve into and the legacy it leaves.