Any WWE fan can tell you that there have been women over the years that became legends in the squared circle. The Fabulous Moolah, Mae Young, Chyna, Trish Stratus, Lita and the list goes on. All made significant contributions to the business, but at the end of the day, it was still a man’s world. Let’s take a look at the Women’s Revolution.
It wasn’t until July 13, 2015, when the women’s division on the main roster got the shake-up it was looking for. Stephanie McMahon hit the ring and introduced the WWE Universe to up-and-coming trailblazers Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Sasha Banks to join the likes of Paige, The Bella Twins, Alicia Fox, Naomi, and Tamina. From there, the Divas Revolution had begun!
Women’s Revolution
During the following months, we began to see small changes as the women became more of a presence in all aspects of the main roster. Let’s fast forward to WrestleMania 32 the following year! The Divas Revolution became the Women’s Revolution as the WWE Divas would be referred to a superstars going forward. One of the featured matches of the event was the epic Triple Threat match between Lynch, Banks, and then Divas Champion Flair.
They proved that night that the women of the WWE can tear the house down just like the men. The revolution was full steam ahead.
The female superstars began to experience more opportunities over the next few years. Main events, specialty matches (Hell in a Cell, Steel Cage, Money in the Bank, Last Women Standing, and Royal Rumbles); and performing in Abu Dhabi, and their own pay-per-view entitled Evolution.
More women from around the world were coming to the WWE to be part of history. The height of their success, to date, was witnessed this past April when Ronda Rousey, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch were the main event in the biggest show of the year. This marked a huge milestone for the Women’s Revolution!
So …What happened?
You know the saying, “One step forward, two steps back?” The signs of this began after WrestleMania 35. First, the division was hit with injuries and superstars leaves. The women did have their Money in the Bank match in May. The booking for the women over the past few months have been limited and inconsistent.
Match opportunities for weekly shows and pay-per-views have only been available to a handful of the women (both rosters combined). The majority of the storylines have only been centered around title matches.
#GiveWWEWomenAChance
Another setback has been with Women’s Tag Team Championships. Every since the IIconics won the titles at WrestleMania 35, there have been no opportunities for the belts on any pay-per-views.
After the news broke that a planned feud with The Bella Twins fell through, it appeared that WWE Creative dropped the ball on keeping the titles relevant.
Along with the lack of match opportunities, the usage rate for the women has been all over the map with high percentage one night and very little another night.
The final straw came this week when there was only one match between Raw and Smackdown Live, and it lasted less than a minute. Fans flew to social media in disbelief and the hashtag #GiveWWEWomenAChance began to trend!
How does WWE Fix This?
It’s all about the booking! The change has to start with the champs. The build-up for SummerSlam has been good so far with Becky and Bayley. The champions are matched up with women who have not had the chance to shine in recent months.
Repetitive booking for title matches becomes outdated and predictable which can take the fans right out of the action. Keep the title matches fresh and intriguing!
As for the tag titles, get them back in the spotlight A.S.A.P! There are multiple ways they can be challenged for on RAW, SmackDown Live, and NXT.
Not all opportunities have to be centered around title matches! The women’s division is loaded with talented superstars. If any kind of significant change is going to happen, every woman on both rosters needs to have involvement. WWE needs to give these women equal opportunity to shine!
So, back to my original question – “Is the Women’s Revolution over?”
I say, “Not a chance!”
My only question now is this – “Who is going to step up to reignite it?”
