Women’s wrestling in its early years faced significant challenges. In the mid-20th century, women wrestlers were often treated as sideshow attractions rather than legitimate competitors. Promotions would book women’s matches sparingly, focusing more on novelty than skill.
One of the early pioneers was Mildred Burke, who dominated women’s wrestling in the 1930s and 1940s. Despite her success, Burke and her contemporaries struggled to gain the same recognition as their male counterparts. The portrayal of women in wrestling during this era often leaned heavily on stereotypes, which limited opportunities for meaningful storytelling or character development.
The Attitude Era: Limited Progress and Gimmicks
The late 1990s and early 2000s, particularly during WWE’s Attitude Era, brought more visibility to women’s wrestling. However, this era often prioritized gimmicks and appearances over in-ring talent. Female wrestlers were frequently objectified, and matches like bikini contests and “bra and panties” matches overshadowed their athletic abilities.
Despite these challenges, stars like Trish Stratus, Lita, and Chyna broke through, showcasing their skills and proving that women could deliver compelling matches. Lita and Trish’s historic main event on WWE Raw in 2004 was a turning point, demonstrating that women could headline major shows when given the opportunity.
The Women’s Revolution: A New Era Begins
The landscape of women’s wrestling began to shift in the mid-2010s with what WWE branded as the Women’s Revolution. Fans played a significant role in this transformation, using social media campaigns like #GiveDivasAChance to demand better opportunities for female wrestlers.
In response, WWE dropped the term “Divas” and rebranded its women’s division, emphasizing athleticism and competition. Major milestones followed:
- In 2015, Sasha Banks, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch debuted on the main roster, bringing a new level of talent and storytelling.
- Women were given longer match times and more significant storylines, culminating in show-stealing performances at events like NXT TakeOver.
- In 2016, WWE introduced a new Women’s Championship, replacing the Diva’s Championship and symbolizing the division’s new era.
Breaking Barriers: Women Headline Major Events
One of the most significant moments in the history of women’s wrestling came at WrestleMania 35 in 2019 when Ronda Rousey, Becky Lynch, and Charlotte Flair headlined the event. This was the first time a women’s match had closed WWE’s biggest show of the year, cementing the legitimacy of female wrestlers as main-event stars.
Other promotions have also embraced women’s wrestling:
- Impact Wrestling has long supported its Knockouts Division, with stars like Gail Kim and Awesome Kong delivering classic matches.
- All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has prioritized building its women’s roster, featuring talents like Britt Baker and Hikaru Shida in prominent roles.
- Stardom in Japan continues to showcase the best female wrestlers globally, offering some of the most technically sound matches in the industry.
Women’s Wrestling Around the Globe
While the rise of women’s wrestling is often associated with North America, promotions around the world have contributed significantly to its growth.
- Japan: Japanese women’s wrestling, known as joshi puroresu, has long been respected for its high-quality matches and incredible talent. Wrestlers like Manami Toyota, Bull Nakano, and modern stars like Io Shirai and Kairi Sane have set the standard for excellence.
- Mexico: Lucha libre has also seen female wrestlers, or luchadoras, gain prominence. Stars like Faby Apache and Lady Shani continue to inspire fans with their performances.
- Europe and Beyond: Independent promotions in the UK, Germany, and Australia have played a crucial role in nurturing talent and providing platforms for women to shine.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Despite the progress, women’s wrestling still faces challenges. Pay disparities, limited opportunities in some promotions, and societal perceptions of women in sports remain issues that need to be addressed. However, the continued growth of women’s wrestling offers hope for a more inclusive future.
The rise of all-women’s events, such as WWE’s Evolution pay-per-view in 2018, and the increasing presence of women in creative and managerial roles within promotions, signal a positive trend.
Why Women’s Wrestling Matters
The rise of women’s wrestling is about more than just great matches; it’s about representation, breaking stereotypes, and inspiring the next generation. Women like Bianca Belair, Bayley, and Thunder Rosa are not just athletes; they are role models who show that determination and talent can overcome barriers.
As women continue to make history in wrestling, they are proving that the sport belongs to everyone, regardless of gender.
Conclusion
The rise of women’s wrestling in mainstream promotions has been nothing short of revolutionary. From marginalized roles to headlining major events, female wrestlers have fought tirelessly to earn their rightful place in the industry.
As the wrestling world continues to evolve, women’s wrestling will undoubtedly play a central role in shaping its future, inspiring fans and athletes alike with their stories of resilience, skill, and passion.
