Women in WWE

For broader coverage of this topic, seeWomen's professional wrestling.

For the list of current female WWE wrestlers, seeList of WWE personnel.

Throughout its history, women have served in various onscreen roles in the Americanprofessional wrestling promotionWWE.In the 1990s, WWE (then known as the World Wrestling Federation) introduced the termDivato refer to its female performers, including wrestlers,managers or valets,backstage interviewers, orring announcers.

A picture of the 1993 to 1995 championship design of theWWF Women's Championship.

AtWrestleMania 32in 2016, WWE announced their discontinuation of the "Diva" branding for its female performers, as part of a move to present them in an athletic manner more in line with their male counterparts, rather than in a means based aroundsex appeal.The promotion began to refer to them using the "Superstar" title it uses for male performers, and established a newWWE Women's Championshipto replace theWWE Divas Championship.Subsequently, women's matches were featured more prominently across their programming, which included more frequentmain eventpositions.WrestleMania 35featured a women's match as its main event for the first time in WrestleMania history.

History

Early history (1980s–1990s)

The Fabulous Moolah,recognized by WWE as having held theWWF Women's Championshipfor 28 years and first woman to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

WWE Hall of FamerWendi Richter,famously known for ending The Fabulous Moolah's 28-year title reign

Miss Elizabethwas considered the "First Lady of Wrestling" in her WWF career from 1985 to 1992 and played a central role in the storyline between theWrestleMania IVandWrestleMania Vevents.

In 1983,The Fabulous Moolah,who was theNWA World Women's Championand legal owner of the title, joined the WWF and sold them the rights to the title after they disaffiliated from theNational Wrestling Alliance(NWA) and recognized her as the firstWWF Women's Champion.Additionally, the WWF also recognized Moolah as having been champion ever since first winning the title fromJudy Grablein 1956 and disregarded other reigns or title losses that occurred during the title's existence in the NWA. Thus, The Fabulous Moolah's reign was considered to have lasted 28 years by the promotion.WWF also introduced theWWF Women's Tag Team ChampionshipwithVelvet McIntyreandPrincess Victoriarecognized as the first champions after also defecting from the NWA.

The following year, music artistCyndi Lauperbegan a verbal feud with her manager"Captain" Lou Albano;this brought professional wrestling into mainstream culture in a storyline that became known as the "Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection".When it was finally time for Lauper and Albano to settle their differences in the ring, a match-up was scheduled with Albano's represented wrestler Moolah against the challenge of Lauper's protégé,Wendi Richter.Moolah lost the title atThe Brawl to End It All,broadcast live onMTV.Richter then lost the title toLeilani Kaithe following year, but won it back atWrestleMania Ion March 31, 1985. It was during the Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection that the WWF introduced its first female referee,Rita Chatterton.

In the summer of 1985, the WWF did a storyline where all established managers in the promotion competed to offer their services toRandy Savage.Savage revealed his new manager to beMiss Elizabethon the August 24, 1985, edition ofWWF Prime Time Wrestling.In real life, Savage and Miss Elizabeth were married, but this was not mentioned on television. Miss Elizabeth's first major angle was during Savage's feud withGeorge "The Animal" Steelein 1986. In the angle, Steele fell in love with Miss Elizabeth, angering Savage and leading to a series of grudge matches between him and Steele. She also figured prominently in Savage's 1986 feuds withHulk HoganandRicky "the Dragon" Steamboatand his 1987–1989 feuds with wrestlers such asThe Honky Tonk Man,Andre the Giant,Bad News Brown,Big Boss ManandAkeem.In 1988, Miss Elizabeth was given the title "First Lady of the World Wrestling Federation" due to her being the first woman in World Wrestling Federation history to manage the World Wrestling Federation champion. When Savage—who had formed an alliance with Hogan—turned on Hogan in early 1989, Miss Elizabeth was a major factor, and she eventually sided with Hogan. Meanwhile, Savage became allied with"Sensational" Sherri,who had success as a wrestler from 1987 to 1989 and was phased into a role as an ill-tempered, venomous manager.

WWE Hall of FamerSherri Martel,1-time WWF Women's Champion and a notable manager of numerous WWE wrestlers.

Sherri initially debuted on July 24, 1987, by defeating The Fabulous Moolah for the WWF Women's Championship.Renaming herself 'Sensational' Sherri, she reigned as champion for fifteen months before losing it toRockin' Robin;after losing several rematches, Martel took a short leave of absence in early 1989 before being repackaged as Savage's manager. Also in 1987Mike McGuirkwas introduced as the first female ring announcer of the promotion, arriving afterJesse Venturareferred her to the WWF.In the fall of 1987, McGuirk provided color commentary for several arena show tapings in the Houston, Texas area, which aired onPrime Time Wrestling.

The firstSurvivor Seriespay-per-view saw the first female elimination match. In February 1989, the WWF Women's Tag Team Championship was deactivated andThe Glamour Girls(Leilani Kai andJudy Martin) were the final title holders.Sapphiredebuted in November 1989 onSaturday Night's Main Event XXVas a 'fan' cheering onDusty Rhodesat ringside in his match against Big Boss Man.Sapphire began to manage Rhodes, who adapted Rhodes' gimmick as she adorned black outfits with yellow polka dots. Sapphire and Rhodes later feuded with Randy Savage and Sensational Sherri and wrestled in a tag team match atWrestleMania VI.Rockin' Robin was the last WWF Women's Champion in the late 1980s.

In 1990, Sensational Sherri remained with Randy Savage, while Sapphire worked with Dusty Rhodes. Sapphire later departed from the company in mid-1990. Miss Elizabeth worked primarily with Dusty Rhodes and Sapphire between WrestleMania VI andSummerSlam (1990).Miss Elizabeth returned in 1991 and was a key player in Randy Savage's retirement match withThe Ultimate WarrioratWrestleMania VII;Miss Elizabeth left the company for good in April 1992; shortly after her departure, Savage and Miss Elizabeth divorced in real life. AtWrestleMania IX,Luna Vachondebuted and initially aligned herself withShawn Michaels.Later, she aligned herself withBam Bam Bigelowto feud with Sherri andTatanka.Martel left the company in 1993.

Japanese involvement and Diva beginnings (1993–1997)

WWE Hall of FamerTammy Sytch,popularly known as Sunny, considered to be the first WWE Diva.

In 1993, the WWF reinstated its Women's Championship, a title that had been vacant since 1990,andMadusa Miceliwas brought in by the company to revive the women's division.She debuted under the ring name Alundra Blayze,because WWF ownerVince McMahondid not want to pay Miceli to use the name Madusa, which she had trademarked.She wrestled in a six-woman tournament to crown a new Women's Champion, and in the finals, she pinnedHeidi Lee Morganon the December 13, 1993, episode ofAll American Wrestlingto win the title.

After the tournament, Miceli asked WWF management to bring in new women for her to wrestleand WWF brought Leilani Kai,Bull NakanoandBertha Faye.Later on as part of a short talent exchange with All Japan Women's Pro Wrestling, various Japanese female wrestlers includingAja Kongdebuted leading to the second elimination match at theSurvivor Series 1995event.In December, due to financial troubles the WWF was having at the time,Blayze was released from her contract and was stripped of the title following her jump back to rival companyWorld Championship Wrestling,and the WWF Women's Championship remained vacant until 1998.

In 1994, WWF signedSunnyas a manager forChris Candido,becoming considered as the first WWF Diva.Between 1996 and 1998, several valets debuted in WWF:Marlena,SableandDebra.Following Blayze's controversial exit from the company, the women's division became inactive during this time. At first, the characters were a continuation of the WWE female manager, but became more sexualized as time progressed. In 1996,Sunnywas awarded as the manager of the year and her immense popularity expanded beyond professional wrestling when she was regarded asAOL's most downloaded woman, solidifying herself as one of the preeminent figures within WWF.In February 1997,Chynajoined WWF as an antithesis to the rest of the women, a masculine bodybuilder whose sexual identity was the subject of early storylines. Sunny, Marlena, Sable, and Debra were further marketed as sex symbols through WWF'sRaw Magazine,which featured monthly spreads of the women in suggestive poses either semi-nude or wearing provocative clothing.

Attitude Era (1997–2002)

In 1997,Chynadebuted in the WWF as atomboyfemale competitor wrestling male talents.

Sable's eclipsed popularity and her feud withMarc Meroand his new manager,Jacquelineled to the reinstatement of the Women's Championship as well as the promotion's hiring of more female wrestlers. Jacqueline won the title and became the first African-American Women's Champion. Meanwhile, Sable's popularity led her to be aPlayboycover girl, although unlike other women, it was written in her contract that she was not allowed to takebumps.In July 1998,Sunnywas released from her contract.

Sable became the first WWF female talent to refer to herself as a "Diva" during the April 19 episode ofRaw Is Warin 1999; the term shortly thereafter became the official title for WWF's female performers. During the August 9, 1999, episode ofRaw Is War,Chyna became the first woman to main event a pro-wrestling prime time show when she defeatedTriple Hand The Undertaker in a triple threat match to become the number one contender for the WWF Championship, the only woman to ever do so. Veteran wrestlers The Fabulous Moolah andMae Youngreturned to WWF, mostly used as comedic roles. AtNo Mercyon October 17, 1999, 76-year-old Moolah defeatedIvoryto win the Women's Championship, becoming the oldest WWF Women's Champion ever. The late 1990s also brought in new women, such as B.B and The Kat, who won the women's championship.

In 1999, Chyna became the first woman to win the WWF Intercontinental Championship when she defeated Jeff Jarrett. She would win the title one more time in 2000 when she defeated Val Venis and Trish Stratus in a mixed tag team match. She also became the first woman to participate in aRoyal Rumble match,entering in the 1999 and 2000 editions, as well as participating in the 1999 edition of the King of the Ring tournament. She also was on the cover forPlayboy.According to her manager, Vince McMahon offered Chyna to win the WWF Championship if she rejected the offer.

The year 2000 saw the debuts ofLita,Trish Stratus,andMolly Hollysince the start of February. Lita performedhigher-risk movesthan the divas before her, such asmoonsaultsanddiving hurricanranas.Shortly thereafter, Trish Stratus debuted as an overtly sexualized valet. Also, later that year, Molly Holly was added to the roster. She was a contrast to most of the other Divas as she was given a more wholesomegimmickand more modest ring attire.On the August 21 episode ofRaw Is Wardefending championStephanie McMahon-Helmsleywrestled Lita in the main event.

Finally, the spring of 2001 saw the WWF's purchase of its chief competitors,World Championship Wrestling(WCW) andExtreme Championship Wrestling(ECW), and the consequent entry of former WCW and ECW female talent, such asStacy Keibler,Torrie Wilson,Jazz,andSharmell.WWF Women's Champion Chyna left the WWF towards the end of November due to real-life issues between herself, Triple H, and Stephanie McMahon. In the autumn of 2001, Trish Stratus was trained byFit Finlay,who was the road agent responsible for the women's matches, and drastically improved her in-ring ability. She worked her way up to the top of the division and eventually won the Women's Championship atSurvivor Series.Stratus then entered in a prominent feud with Jazz who debuted at Survivor Series.

Ruthless Aggression Era (2002–2008)

Trish Stratuscelebrating her victory as a 7-timeWWE Women's Championin her retirement match inToronto.

Litaas WWE Women's Champion.

Trish StratusandLitawere one of the most popular out of most WWE Divas and had teamed with each other and feuded with each other on and off throughout years 2000 to 2006.

Much of the year of 2002 centered around Trish Stratus and her feuds withJazz,Molly Holly,and a re-debutingVictoriaincluding over the Women's Championship.In April, while filming a small acting role forDark Angel,Lita suffered a neck injury and was the first female talent to have neck fusion surgery.She was out of action for almost a year and a half.As she rehabilitated, she kept herself visible by co-hostingSunday Night Heaton MTV.

Since May 5, 2002, the women's division saw an expansion including a departure and a return of a former talent when the WWF officially changed its name to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) as the company first began to hire more female talents than ever before, including female winners of the reality television show Tough Enough, which featured contestants aspiring to be professional wrestlers (Nidiain 2001,Linda MilesandJackie Gaydain 2002). Debra departed the company in June along with her then-husbandStone Cold Steve Austin.Sable returned to WWE on the April 3, 2003, episode ofSmackDown!for the first time since controversially departing from the company in late 1999; her first storyline returning to the company for several months was with newPlayboycovergirlTorrie Wilson.The WWE women's division competed in more match-ups previously contested only by men (including for the Women's Championship), such as street fights andhardcorematches. The debutingGail Kimwould go on to become the first woman of Asian descent to have held theWWE Women's Championshipafter winning a battle royal. Numerous Divas competed in contests ranging from "Pillow Fights"and"Bra and Panties"match-ups to" Bikini Contests ", which were based more on the sexual appeal of the women involved. Women's trainerFit Finlaysaid he was embarrassed to explain to the women how to strip during bra and panties match. According to him, "It was degrading to them" and tried to teach them how to wrestle, but WWE told him they do not want women to wrestle like men.

Victoria and Lita competed in the first Women'ssteel cage matchtowards the end of the year on November 24.

Torrie Wilson

Stacy Keibler

Maria Kanellis

Kelly Kelly

Torrie WilsonandStacy Keiblerwere extremely popular during years 2002–2005; 2007.Maria KanellisandKelly Kellywere loved as babyfaces during years 2005; 2006–2010; 2013.

WWE eventually re-introduced theDiva Search,in whichChristy Hemmebecame the inaugural winner. In December 2004, Lita and Trish Stratus main-eventedRawfor the Women's Championship, making it the second time in history for female talents to main event one of WWE's main shows. Moreover, Lita became the only female talent to main eventRawon three occasions including winning the Women's Championship.

Since mid-2004 and through various periods over the years until the year of 2011, most of the original female roster departed from the company, most notably in 2006, when Trish Stratus retired atUnforgivenand Lita retired atSurvivor Series.

During this period, several women made their debut, likeMelina,Mickie James,Beth Phoenix,andLayla.

On the March 5, 2007, episode ofRaw,Mickie JamesandMelinacompeted in the firstFalls Count Anywhere matchto be contested between Divas. It was also the first time that the Women's Championship was contested in this type of match. AtVengeance: Night of Championsin 2007,Candice Michellebecame the first woman from the WWE Diva Search contest to become the WWE Women's Champion.In December 2007,Trish Stratus,Lita,Molly Holly,andSunnyreturned to WWE for a one-night special appearance on an episode ofRawdue to the show's 15th anniversary.AtOne Night Stand 2008,Beth Phoenix and Melina competed in the first"I Quit" matchto be contested between Divas.

PG Era and Divas Championship (2008–2012)

Mickie Jamesfive time winner ofWWE Women's Championship

Michelle McCool,the inaugural and two-timeWWE Divas Champion

WWE Hall of FamerBeth Phoenix,three time WWE Women's Champion.

Melina Perezis a three-time WWE Women's Champion and a two-time WWE Divas Champion.

In 2008, WWE entered itsPG Eraand adapted afamily-friendlyformat.WWE distanced itself from the sexual content that was pervasive throughout previous eras.However, the role of women within WWE during this time was criticized because their matches were not as integral to the show as male wrestler's matches were.

In March 2008,Mae Youngbecame the third woman to be inducted into theWWE Hall of Fame.AtThe Great American Bash 2008,Michelle McCooldefeatedNatalyato become the inaugural holder of theWWE Divas Championship,a championship exclusive to the SmackDown brand. In January 2009,Victorialost toMichelle McCoolin her last match, leaving WWE shortly after.AtWrestlemania 25,several female WWE legends includingSunny,Molly Holly,VictoriaandTorrie Wilson,alongside former DivasJoy GiovanniandJackie Gaydamade a one-night return to participate in the 25-Diva Battle Royal, which was won by'Santina' Marella.The match was heavily criticized by several wrestling news outlets for its degrading booking of Divas in WWE.During the2009 WWE draft,the championships switched brands after Women's Champion Melina was drafted to the SmackDown brand and Divas ChampionMarysewas drafted to Raw.Beth Phoenixmade history by becoming the second woman to compete at theRoyal Rumbleevent that year and managed to eliminateThe Great Khali.In March 2010,Wendi Richterwas inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of the 2010 class, making her first appearance on the promotion in over 20 years.The Women's Championship wasunifiedwith the Divas Championship atNight of Champions 2010,as then Divas Champion Melina faced then-self-professed co-Women's Champion Michelle McCool (as part ofLayCoolwith Layla) in a lumberjill match, which McCool won. This also made the Women's Championship defunct after 54 years, making Layla the final holder and only woman of Arab descent to have held the championship.During that year,Alicia Foxbecame the first and only African-AmericanWWE Divas Champion.

NXTreplacedECWprogramming in 2010. Originally existing as aseasonal showwhich was presented as a hybrid betweenreality televisionand WWE's scripted live event shows, selected wrestlers from WWE's then-developmental territoryFlorida Championship Wrestling(FCW) participated in a competition to become WWE's next "breakout star". Thethird season,which aired in late 2010, featured only female contestants and was won byKaitlyn.

In April 2011,Sunnywas inducted into theHall of Fame,becoming the fifth woman to receive the honor.

Kharmamade her debut atExtreme Rules 2011by attacking Michelle McCool, and attacked other divas over the next couple weeks onRawandSmackDown,however this was cut short as she was granted a maternity leave due to her real-life pregnancy.2011 saw the departures of Maryse and Michelle McCool, the latter of whom retired from WWE on May 1, after losing to Layla in a Loser Leaves WWE match; Melina, who was released in early August; andGail Kimresigned from the company due to frustration with their lack of focus on the women's division.

AtRoyal Rumble 2012,Kharmareturned and entered the Royal Rumble, becoming the third woman to enter the match.On the April 23, 2012, episode ofRaw,Nikki Belladefeated Beth Phoenix in a lumberjill match for the Divas Championship, ending Phoenix's reign as champion at 204 days.Layla returned from her injury on April 29, 2012, atExtreme Rulesand defeated Nikki Bella to become the fifth woman to have held both titles.The Bella Twins' contracts expired the following night, where they were fired by Eve Torres in the storyline.

On July 9, 2012, Eve Torres andAJ Leebecame the first Divas to main eventRawsince Trish Stratus and Lita in 2004, in a tag team match alongsideCM PunkandDaniel Bryan.During mid-2012, AJ became involved in various relationship storylines with several male wrestlers such as CM Punk, Daniel Bryan,Kane,John CenaandDolph Ziggler,including a stint as theGeneral ManagerofRaw.The later part of 2012 saw the departures of Kharma, Kelly Kelly, and Beth Phoenix.A month after Phoenix's October departure, WWE published an article on their website claiming that there was a new era for the Divas division.

In the summer of 2012, the WWE hired veteran independent wrestler Sara Amato as a trainer for the women. Under Amato's guidance, catfights and hair-pulling were eliminated and were replaced by strikes, forearms, punches, and kicking just like the male wrestlers were taught to do.

Beginning ofTotal Divas(2013–2015)

AJ Leetied Eve Torres at three in September 2014. She is the second longest reigningWWE Divas Championat 295 Days. She was also the first and only woman to defend & retain the WWE Divas Championship at WrestleMania.

Paigewas the youngest Divas Champion and inauguralNXT Women's Champion,and briefly held the titles concurrently

Summer Raewas the first Diva fromNXTto be called up to the main roster.

The 20th anniversary ofRawon January 14, 2013, sawKaitlyndefeat Eve Torres for the Divas Championship. Eve departed the company later that night after her contract expired.The Bella Twins returned to WWE on the March 11, 2013, episode ofRaw.Kaitlyn lost her Divas Championship to her former tag team partner AJ Lee onPayback,ending her reign at 153 days. The first in-ring Divas contract signing took place on the July 12, 2013, episode ofSmackDownbetween AJ Lee and Kaitlyn, as part of buildup for a rematch of the Divas Championship atMoney In the Bank.AJ defeated Kaitlyn to retain the title at the event.

In August 2012, WWE ceased operating FCW, its developmental promotion in Tampa, Florida, deactivating FCW titles, and began running all of its developmental events and operations atFull Sail Universityunder the "WWE NXT"banner. In October 2012, WWE hiredRenee Young,and in September 2013, Young made her commentary debut onNXT,making her the first female on-air commentator in the company in over a decade.

In April 2013,Summer Raemade her main roster debut, becoming the first Diva to be called up from the rebrandedNXT.In July 2013, the first season of theTotal Divasreality television show starring WWE Divas premiered.On the August 26 episode ofRaw,AJ Lee cut aworked shootpromoon the cast ofTotal Divas,stemming again, but partially from the controversial issue of what makes a "true" WWE Diva and the theme of the show leading towards a feud between Lee and the cast. At the2013 Slammy Awardsshow, the Diva of the Year award was won byBrieand Nikki Bella. On January 8, 2014, Kaitlyn decided to depart from WWE to pursue other endeavors, losing her last match against her former friend and rival Divas Champion AJ Lee.Later on towards the end of the month, AJ Lee became the longest reigning Divas Champion in history, surpassing Maryse's reign of 216 days.On the March 12 episode ofMain Event,Lee successfully defended the Divas Championship against Natalya, in a match that lasted fourteen minutes—the longest women's championship match since 1987.On the March 24 episode ofRaw,it was announced byVickie Guerrerothat Lee would defend her Divas Championship against the entire Divas roster atWrestleMania XXX,making it the first time the title was defended atWrestleMania.At the event, AJ Lee retained her championship by forcingNaomito submit.

On the post-WrestleMania episode ofRawon April 7, 2014,Paigemade her debut on the main roster and defeated AJ Lee for the Divas Championship ending her record reign at 295 days. At the time, Paige was also the reigning (and first)NXT Women's Champion,having won the belt on June 20, 2013, after defeating Emma in the tournament finals to crown the inaugural champion.With her Divas Championship win, Paige became the first wrestler to simultaneously hold both titles, as well as becoming the youngest Divas Champion in WWE history at the age of 21.Lanaalso made her debut as the manager ofRusev,aiding him his first victory on the main roster againstZack Ryder.Shortly after, the duo adopted aRussophillic,anti-Americangimmick.

Brie Bella entered a storyline with Stephanie McMahon atPayback— as part of her husbandDaniel Bryan's storyline with McMahon — McMahon threatened to fire Bella if, an injured, Bryan did not relinquish theWWE World Heavyweight Championship,which forced Brie to "quit" before slapping McMahon in the face.In mid-June, Vickie Guerrero departed mutually from WWE, after losing to Stephanie McMahon in apudding match.AJ Lee returned after a two-month hiatus, defeating Paige in an impromptu match to regain the Divas Championship as both then traded the championship until atSummerSlam,thenNight of Champions.At SummerSlam, Stephanie McMahon defeated Brie Bella in her first match in ten years, after Nikki Bella attacked her sister.This led to a match between the twins atHell in a Cell,where the loser was forced to become the winner's personal assistant for 30 days, where Nikki defeated Brie.AJ Lee won the Divas Championship for a record-tying third time at Night of Champions against Paige and Nikki Bella.With this win, AJ Lee tied with Eve Torres for the most reigns ever at three.

Nikki Bella received her title match against AJ Lee on November 23 atSurvivor Series,which she won, with Brie's help, to become a two-time Divas Champion.The duo had reconciled at this point.

Divas Revolution (2015–2016)

Nikki Bellais the longest-reigning Divas Champion at 301 days and is the only member ofTotal Divasto hold the title while on the cast.

On the February 23, 2015, episode ofRaw,The Bella Twins faced Paige andEmmain a widely criticized match that lasted around 30 seconds. After the match, a hashtag on Twitter trended worldwide for around a day and a half, called #GiveDivasAChance. This hashtag brought attention to various multi-media outlets over the long-tenured controversy over the company's treatment of their women's division, including AJ Lee who publicly criticized Stephanie McMahon over the issue.On April 3, five days after Lee and Paige defeated the Bella Twins atWrestleMania 31,WWE announced that Lee decided to retire from in-ring competition and departed from the company.In June, Paige started serving as a judge on the sixth season ofTough Enough,while Renee Young appeared as co-host of the show and Lita served as a coach.

On the July 13 episode ofRaw,Nikki Bella claimed that there were no challengers for her championship. As a result, Stephanie McMahon proclaimed a revolution in the women's division and introducedCharlotte,Becky Lynch,and the NXT Women's ChampionSasha Banksas the newest additions to the main roster.In the following weeks, a three-way feud began betweenTeam B.A.D.(Naomi,Taminaand Sasha Banks),Team Bella(Alicia Foxand The Bella Twins) and Team PCB (Paige, Charlotte, and Becky Lynch), with the latter team being renamed from Submission Sorority due to links to adult content.The three teams faced off atSummerSlamin athree team elimination match,where Becky pinned Brie to win the match for Team PCB.

On July 29, WWE announced that Layla would depart from the company and retire.On the August 31 episode ofRaw,Nikki introduced the Bellatron timer which counted down the remaining time until she surpassed the record for the longest-reigning Divas champion of all time. Charlotte won the firstBeat the Clock Challengefor a title shot.Her title match with Nikki was initially advertised forNight of Champions,but instead took place theRawpreceding the pay-per-view, after Charlotte issued a petition, granted later byThe Authority,to face Nikki before she surpassed the record to become the longest-reigning Divas Champion.Charlotte won the match by disqualification when Brie and Nikki switched places and Charlotte pinned Brie. However, since the title could not change hands by disqualification, Nikki retained the championship, and in the process, became the longest-reigning Divas Champion in history, surpassing AJ Lee's previous record of 295 days.Several days later, on September 20 at Night of Champions, Nikki lost the championship to Charlotte, ending her reign at 301 days.Shortly after, Nikki went on a hiatus from television due to a neck injury which would require surgery,but returned for one night on December 21, to accept theSlammy AwardforDiva of the Year.

Women's Evolution (2016–present)

Litapresenting theWWE Women's Championship (2016–present version)onRawin April 2016

Charlotte Flair,the forerunner of the Women's Evolution, making her entrance in 2018

Asuka,the inaugural winner of the Women'sRoyal Rumbleand is considered to have the longest undefeated streak in WWE history

AtWrestleMania 32in April 2016, WWE announced a major re-launch of its women's division: the "Divas" moniker was dropped, with the company now promoting its female talent as "Superstars" as with their male counterparts. Lita made an appearance to unveil a newWWE Women's Championshipbelt; the title, which replaced the WWE Divas Championship, shares its name with the original Women's Championship, but does not share the same title history as the original. WWE acknowledges the original championship as its predecessor. Later in the show, Divas champion Charlotte won the new championship by defeating Lynch and Banks.

WWE had faced criticism from critics and performers for having portrayed female wrestlers as a source ofsex appeal,rather than showcasing their athletic prowess.Stephanie McMahonexplained that the changes were part of a move towardsgender equalitywithin the company by dropping the "derogatory" Divas title, and thereby placing its entire roster on a "level playing field" as "Superstars". In the years that followed the relaunch, the increased prominence of the women's division in WWE programming, events, and reality series had helped to, in turn, attract more female viewers to WWE programming; McMahon stated that "Women love action, but I think they also really love the stories. They love the characters, they love the drama. Women need a reason to watch, more so than men I think, so the more you can get your female audience engaged in the character and in the story, then they care. They care about who's going to win, they care about who's going to lose." It was also at the same time that WWE's hiring policy regarding female talents changed as independent wrestlers (particularly from the likes of Shimmer, Shine and WSU), mixed-martial artists and athletes have gradually been replacing fitness and swimsuit models due to Triple H replacing John Laurinaitis as WWE's Head of Talent.In addition, women began to receive more multi-dimensional characters as well.

In April 2016 at a show in Dubai,Alicia Foxbecame the first female performer in WWE history to appear in front of a live crowd in theMiddle East.After the secondbrand splitand the2016 WWE drafton July 19, 2016, the WWE Women's Championship became exclusive to Raw. TheSmackDown Women's Championshipwas subsequently unveiled during the August 23, 2016, episode ofSmackDown,and won by Becky Lynch in asix-way elimination matchatBacklashthe following month.Throughout 2016, Charlotte Flair (who addedher father'sring surname to her own ring name) and Sasha Banks feuded over the Raw Women's Championship. They main-eventedRawon two occasions that year, they competed in the first women'sHell in a Cellmatch in WWE historythat same year,marking the first time that a women's match had headlined a WWE pay-per-view event.

In 2017 and 2018, WWE also began to promote women'sRoyal Rumble,Money in the Bank,Tables, Ladders, and Chairs,andElimination Chambermatches for the first time. The inaugural winners of these events wereAsuka,Carmella,Asuka once again andAlexa Bliss.On January 28, 2017, WWE announced that Nikki Bella would serve as an executive producer forTotal Divasstarting in the second half of the sixth season in April. Nikki would become the first female talent within the company to become a producer of a WWE-related show.On October 22, 2017,Asukamade her main roster debut atTLC,defeatingEmma.Shortly after, WWE announced that Emma andSummer Raewere both released from their respective contracts.On November 20,Paigereturned toRAWafter a year of inactivity, alongside the debutingMandy RoseandSonya Deville,attackingMickie James,Sasha BanksandBayley.That year, WWE also held an inaugural women's tournament, theMae Young Classic,and signedJessika Carras the first woman to be a full-time WWE referee.

Since then, there are generally at least two or more women's matches on RAW, SmackDown and NXT while it is increasingly rare for some episodes not to have a women's match on the show. In addition, promos and fights involving women have gotten more intense and violent compared to the Divas Era.Also, women's storylines began to move away from cattiness and romantic relationships with male wrestlers into more personal feuds as well as animosity between the two wrestlers as they closely begin to mirror men's storylines. On August 26, 2018,Rhea RipleydefeatedToni Stormin theUnited Kingdom Championship Tournamentto win the inauguralNXT UK Women's Championship,which became the top women's championship of theNXT UKbrand.On September 11, 2018,Marysemade her first match in over 7 years, facingBrie Bellain a no contest.On October 8, the returning Brie Bella andNikki Bellaattacked the then-Raw Women's ChampionRonda Rouseyafter defeatingRuby Riott,Liv MorganandSarah Logan,turning heel in the process and setting up a match for WWE Evolution.Hall of FamersTrish StratusandLitaalso made their return to faceMickie JamesandAlexa Blissat the event.In October 2018, WWE hostedEvolution,its first-ever pay-per-view to consist only of women's matches.Executive vice president of talent, live events and creativeTriple Hstated that it "was simply the right time for this to happen", countering allegations that the event was a counterbalance for the subsequentCrown Jewelin Saudi Arabia(where WWE had not held women's matches due to the country'swomen's rightspolicies).In December 2018, a newWWE Women's Tag Team Championshipwas unveiled; it was contested for the first time atElimination Chamberin February 2019, and won in a tag team Elimination Chamber match by Sasha Banks andBayley.

Sasha Banks(top) performing the frog splash toCharlotte Flair(withRic Flair) andBecky Lynch(left) atWrestlemania 32

Lynch defeated both Ronda and Charlotte in the first WrestleMania Women's Main Event and is the only woman to hold theWWE RawandWWE SmackDown Women's Championshipsconcurrently

Amid a feud withCharlotte FlairafterSummerSlamin 2018, Lynch began to refer to herself as "The Man" —adopting a persona of a poorly-treated underdog.The storyline coincided with a major increase in Lynch's popularity,and culminated with Lynch defeating the Raw and SmackDown's Women's ChampionsRonda Rouseyand Charlotte Flair in awinner takes alltriple threat matchatWrestleMania 35—marking the first women's main event in WrestleMania history.After 14 years with WWE, veteran wrestler Alicia Fox retired, returning to participate only atRoyal Rumbleevents in the future.AtCrown Jewel,NatalyaandLacey Evanscompeted in WWE's first women's match inSaudi Arabia.Later that year,Survivor Seriesheld its first ever women's main event featuringRaw Women's ChampionBecky Lynch,SmackDown Women's ChampionBayleyandNXT Women's ChampionShayna Baszler,with the latter winning the match. In 2021,Sasha BanksandBianca Belairbecame the first black women to jointly headlineWrestleMania.

On January 6, 2021 atNXT New Year's Evilthe first everWomen's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Tournamentwas announced by NXT general managerWilliam Regaland on February 14, 2024 in the tournament finals atNXT TakeOver: Vengeance Daythe tournament was won byRaquel GonzálezandDakota Kaias they defeatedEmber MoonandShotzi Blackheart.On March 10, 2021 after the tournament victory Raquel González and Dakota Kai were awarded the first everNXT Women's Tag Team Championship's by NXT general manager William Regal making them the inaugural championship holders.

During the late year of 2021 the first everWWE Queen's Crown tournamentwas announced, The tournament is afemaleversion of the company'sKing of the Ring tournament.On October 21, 2021,Zelina VegadefeatedDoudropto become the inaugural Queen's Crown atCrown Jewelin Saudi Arabia.

Also while the name "Diva" largely fell into disuse, the term was then reused in 2022 for NXT wrestler Quincy Eliott's moniker, "Super Diva".

On June 9, 2023, on an episode ofSmackDown,the WWE Raw Women's Championship was reverted as theWWE Women's Championshipas to when Lita introduced it at WrestleMania 32, and then-current champion Asuka was awarded with a new title belt.On the June 12 episode ofRaw,the WWE Smackdown Women's Championship renamed as theWomen's World Championship,and then-current champion Rhea Ripley was awarded with the new title belt.

On June 23, 2023 theWWE Women's Tag Team Championship'swere unified with theNXT Women's Tag Team Championship'sas Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler (WWE Women's Tag Team Champions) defeatedAlba FyreandIsla Dawn(NXT Women's Tag Team Champions) retiring the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship's on a episode ofSmackDown.

On July 17, 2023,Chelsea GreenandSonya Devillebecame the first WWE Tough Enough women contestants to win the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships in WWE history.

On April 6, 2024, atNXT Stand & Deliver,NXT general managerAvaannounced the creation of theNXT Women's North American Championship.This is the first-ever secondary women's championship in WWE.On April 7, 2024 atWrestleMania XL,the WWE Queen's Crown tournament was renamed as the WWE Queen of the Ring tournament. The finals of the tournament took place atKing and Queen of the Ringin Saudi Arabia which was won byNia Jax,earning her a title shot at the WWE Women's Championship atSummerSlam.

On June 9, 2024 atNXT BattlegroundKelani Jordanbecame the inaugural NXT Women's North American Champion as she defeatedSol Ruca,Lash Legend,Fallon Henley,Jaida ParkerandMichinin a 6-WomenLadder match.

On May 1, 2024, WWE Chief Content OfficerPaul "Triple H" Levesqueconfirmed that WWE TV showWWE Speedthat was established April 3, 2024 which air's onTwitterwould also feature women's matches; this led to an official announcement on August 9, 2024, where he announced that the tournament for the first everWWE Speed Women's Championshipwill begin on September 4, 2024.The title is a women's version of theWWE Speed Championshipwhich was inauguracely won byRicochet.In the tournament final that occurred during theSpeedtapings on October 4, 2024, SmackDown'sCandice LeRaedefeated Raw'sIyo Skyto become the inaugural champion.

Reception

While Stephanie McMahon credited Triple H and Vince McMahon as the creators of the Women's Revolution,wrestlerGail Kimcountered thatTotal Nonstop Action Wrestlingwas the promotion where the Women's Revolution began.Former WWE wrestlerMaria Kanelliswas critical of how WWE portrays women, stating that it feels more like a "promotional tactic".After being released in 2021, Mickie James said that one WWE executive told her: "Women's wrestling doesn't make money" in response to her push for a second all-female pay-per-view or an all-female branded show.

Promotional pushes

The popularity of the women of WWE has resulted in various cross-promotions.Various female talent in WWE have posed inPlayboy,others have appeared in commercials for WWE and non-WWE products as well as men's interest magazines.

Women in WWE would participate in annual photoshoots every year, travelling to a foreign destination. The photoshoot would be followed by a magazine, featuring photos from the shoot as well as a television special or video release of highlights from the shoot. The first initial annual photoshoot was in 1999 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, which was promoted through video release by WWE entitledCome Get Some: The Women of the WWF.Debra, Chyna, Sable, Tori, Jacqueline, Terri Runnels, Ivory, Luna Vachon, and Ryan Shamrock were part of the photoshoot and promotional material.

Videography

Annual photoshoots:

• 1999:Come Get Some: The Women of the WWF
• 2000:Postcard From The Caribbean
• 2001:Divas in Hedonism
• 2002:Tropical PleasureandUndressed
• 2003:Desert Heat
• 2004:South of the Border
• 2005:Viva Las Divas
• 2006:Divas Do New York
• 2007:Los Angeles
• 2008:Summer Skin

Other:

• 1998:Sable Unleashed
• 1999:Chyna & Triple H: It's Our Time
• 2000:Chyna Fitness: More Than Meets the Eye
• 2001:Lita: It Just Feels Right
• 2003:Trish Stratus: 100% Stratusfaction Guaranteed
• 2005:$250,000 Raw Diva Search
• 2014:Stephanie McMahon: Fit Series
• 2018:Then, Now, Forever: The Evolution of WWE's Women's Division
• 2019:Trish & Lita: Best Friends, Better Rivals

Playboy

Chynaautographing her issue ofPlayboyin 2007.

Maria Kanellisis the lastWWEdiva to pose forPlayboy.

Since 1999, seven women in WWE have appeared on the cover ofPlayboy:

• 1999:Sable (2) - April & September
• 2000:Chyna- November
• 2002:Chyna (2) - January
• 2003:Torrie Wilson- March
• 2004:Torrie Wilson (2) and Sable (3) - March
• 2005:Christy Hemme- April
• 2006:Candice Michelle- April
• 2007:Ashley Massaro- April
• 2008:Maria Kanellis- April

Playboyplaymates, such asCarmella DeCesareandKaren McDougalhave also appeared in the 2004 Diva Search contest. Former WWE female talentTaryn Terrelland current female talent Maryse have also posed nude for the magazine. Female talents such as Trish Stratus, Lita, Debra, Sharmell, Stacy Keibler, Michelle McCool, and Melina Perez have said that posing forPlayboymagazine is out of the question for them. Trish Stratus appeared on Canadian sports talk showOff The Recordand said that she did not pose because she wanted to be known as "multiple time Women's Champion Trish Stratus" rather than "the girl who posed inPlayboy".Stratus also claims that she refused the shoot because she says she can still be sexy without taking her clothes off.Lita has said that she did not pose because she felt it was wrong for her as a role model for young girls to pose for the magazine.

Shortly following Maria's pictorial, WWE transitioned to a TV-PG rating and ended its connection toPlayboyas part of the move.

Reality shows

Diva Search(2003–2007, 2013) andTough Enough(2001–2002, 2011, 2015)

Main articles:WWE Diva SearchandWWE Tough Enough

The Diva Search was an annual competition that occurred every summer. The purpose of theDiva Searchwas to find new women to be wrestlers, interviewers, and/or valets for WWE.

Tough Enoughis a professional wrestling reality television series produced by WWE, wherein participants undergo professional wrestling training and compete for a contract with WWE. Female winners includeNidia,Jackie Gayda,Linda Miles,andSara Lee.The series also featured women who would go on to appear across WWE television, includingMandy Rose,Sonya Deville,Kharma, andChelsea Greenamong others.

Total Divasand spinoffs (2013–present)

Main article:Total Divas

See also:Total BellasandMiz & Mrs.

On April 22, 2013, it was announced several Divas would be featured on a newE! Networkreality series titledTotal Divas,following their lives outside of the ring. Natalya, Naomi,Cameron,The Bella Twins (Brieand Nikki), and alsoEva MarieandJoJo Offermanfrom the developmental territoryWWE NXTwere announced as the inaugural cast for the show. The show premiered on July 28, proving to be an instant hit, and was renewed for a second season.Additionally, theE!Network announced on April 18, 2016, that The Bella Twins (Brie and Nikki) would be getting their own spinoff show titledTotal Bellasfollowing the lives of the twins.

On June 13, 2021, Essentially Sports reported thatTotal DivasandTotal Bellashad been cancelled by the E! Network, citing a decline in ratings and lack of interest from those involved.

On January 8, 2018, it was announced that Maryse and her husbandThe Mizwould be getting their own reality television series titledMiz & Mrs.The show premiered on July 24, 2018, on theUSA Network.

On February 26, 2022, it was announced that Carmella andCorey Graveswill be part of a spin-off seriesCorey & Carmellawhich will premiere on WWE's YouTube channel.

Other shows

Animated versions of the Fabulous Moolah and Wendi Richter were included on aCBSSaturday morning cartoonHulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling.

In 1996,Sunnywas named asAOL's most downloaded celebrity, thus expanding her popularity outside professional wrestling. She was heavily featured on mainstream TV shows such asMTV'sSingled OutandEntertainment Tonight.

WWE Sunday Dhamaal,an Indian show produced by WWE, aired a special WWE Evolution episode hosted byShenaz Treasuryfocusing on Women in WWE in 2018.

In 2019, WWE announced a reality series forQuibi,Fight Like a Girl,in which Stephanie McMahon paired WWE superstars with a young girl in each episode.The series was later moved toThe Roku Channelfollowing the closure of Quibi.

Episodes focusing on heel careers of Sasha Banks and Stephanie McMahon were part of the 2022Peacock original series,WWE EVIL.

The ninth episode ofA&Edocumentary series,WWE Rivals,"Stephanie McMahon vs. Brie Bella", focused on McMahon and Bella's on-screen rivalry.

In November 2022, WWE co-CEO Nick Khan announced during an investors call thatBianca Belairand her husbandMontez Fordwould be the subject of a new reality series that will debut onHuluin 2023.WWE announced on November 2, 2023, that the first eight episodes of the series, now titled "Love & WWE: Bianca & Montez", would be released on Hulu on February 2, 2024.

WWE Network shows

A behind-the-scenes look at various WWE female superstars and Events was featured in WWE Network's documentary seriesWWE 24.The episodes entitled "Women's Evolution" and "Empowered" focused on the history of women in WWE, while episodes "Becky Lynch: The Man", "The Years of Ronda Rousey", and "Trish Stratus" focused on individual careers of Lynch, Rousey and Stratus respectively.Another documentary series,WWE 365,aired a special on Alexa Bliss on June 23, 2019.Paige, Charlotte Flair and Sasha Banks specials were part of another WWE Network's documentary seriesWWE Chronicle.

Several episodes ofTable for 3like "Diva Legends","Millennium Divas","Divas Champions Club","Future Empowered","Women's Championship Evolution","Restaurant Riott"and "Ladies' Luncheon"featured current and former WWE female superstars discussing various aspects of their personal and professional life.

Animated version of various female WWE superstars like Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch, Bella Twins, Charlotte Flair, Paige and Stephanie McMahon were included inCamp WWE.

Other media

Fabulous Moolah and Wendi Richter appeared in two of Cyndi Lauper's music videos, "The Goonies 'R' Good Enough"and"She Bop".

From 1999 to 2000, Sable appeared as a guest star on an episode ofPacific Bluein 1999,and the following year, Chyna appeared as a guest star onMad TVand3rd Rock from the Sunas Janice, a police officer, as well as several Stacker 2 commercials and was a presenter at theMTV Video Music Awards.In November 2001, Trish Stratus, Lita, and Stephanie McMahon appeared as contestants onThe Weakest Link's"WWF Superstars Edition".Lita, Molly Holly, andJacquelineappeared as contestants onFear Factorin February 2002.In February 2, 2002, Lita was a presenter at theMTV Asia Awards 2002,and appeared in a small role onDark Angelon April 6 of that same year.In March 2004, she appeared on an episode ofHeadbangers Ball.

In 2007, Ashley Massaro, Torrie Wilson, Maryse, Brooke, Layla, and Kelly Kelly appeared a music video for music producer and rapperTimbalandfor the track "Throw It on Me".In the same year, Torrie Wilson, Candice Michelle, Michelle McCool, Maria, Layla, and Kristal appeared in an episode of the U.S. reality showProject Runway,in which designers were asked to design in-ring attire for their designated Diva. In 2008, Layla, Mickie James, Kelly Kelly, and Melina appeared in the U.S. reality showCelebrity Fit Club: Boot Campto get the celebrities in shape.

Fighting with My Family,a 2019 film co-produced byWWE Studiosdepicts the WWE career of Paige portrayed byFlorence Pugh.

The Fabulous Moolahwas the subject of the sixth and season finale episode of the professional wrestling documentary seriesDark Side of the Ring.It covered various events of Moolah's life likeRock 'n' Wrestling Connection,The Brawl to End It All,The Original Screwjob,theWrestleMania 34 name controversy,and various other WWE related incidents.

In 2019, the video gameWWE 2K20featured a 2K Showcase named "Four Horsewomen",which chronicled the careers of Bayley, Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks, and Becky Lynch.

Championships and accomplishments

Main article:Women's championships in WWE

Pro Wrestling Illustrated

PWI Female 50 / Women's 100 / Women's 150 / Women's 250

Year	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
PWI Female 50
2008	-	Beth Phoenix	Gail Kim	Mickie James	-	-	-	Melina	Michelle McCool	Candice Michelle
2009	Mickie James	-	Melina	-	-	-	Beth Phoenix	Michelle McCool	Maryse	-
2010	Michelle McCool	-	-	-	Eve Torres	-	Beth Phoenix	Mickie James	-	Maryse
2011	-	-	-	Natalya	-	-	Beth Phoenix	-	-	-
2012	-	Beth Phoenix	-	-	-	Layla	-	-	-	-
2013	-	-	-	-	Kaitlyn	-	-	-	AJ Lee	-
2014	Paige	AJ Lee	-	-	-	-	-	-	Natalya	Charlotte
2015	Nikki Bella	Paige	Sasha Banks	-	-	Charlotte	Naomi	-	-	-
2016	Charlotte Flair	Sasha Banks	Asuka	Becky Lynch	Bayley	-	Natalya	-	-	-
2017	Asuka	Charlotte Flair	Alexa Bliss	Sasha Banks	Bayley	-	Natalya	-	Naomi	-
PWI Women's 100
2018	Ronda Rousey	Alexa Bliss	Charlotte Flair	-	Asuka	-	Carmella	-	Nia Jax	-
2019	Becky Lynch	Charlotte Flair	Ronda Rousey	-	-	Bayley	Natalya	-	-	-
2020	Bayley	Becky Lynch	Asuka	Charlotte Flair	Sasha Banks	-	-	-	-	-
PWI Women's 150
2021	Bianca Belair	-	-	-	-	Sasha Banks	-	-	-	-
2022	-	Bianca Belair	-	Becky Lynch	-	-	-	Charlotte Flair	-
PWI Women's 250
2023	Rhea Ripley	-	Bianca Belair	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

PWI Year–End Awards

Year Won	Award	Wrestler
1999	Manager of the Year	Debra
	Woman of the Year	Debra
2000	Woman of the Year	Stephanie McMahon
2001	Woman of the Year	Lita
2002	Woman of the Year	Trish Stratus
2003	Woman of the Year	Trish Stratus
2004	Woman of the Year	Victoria
2005	Woman of the Year	Trish Stratus
2006	Woman of the Year	Trish Stratus
2007	Most Improved Wrestler of the Year	Candice Michelle
	Woman of the Year	Candice Michelle
2009	Woman of the Year	Mickie James
2010	Woman of the Year	Michelle McCool
2012	Woman of the Year	AJ Lee
2013	Woman of the Year	AJ Lee
2014	Rookie of the Year	Charlotte
	Woman of the Year	AJ Lee
2015	Inspirational Wrestler of the Year	Bayley
	Match of the Year	Bayley vs.Sasha Banks October 8 atNXT TakeOver: Respect
	Woman of the Year	Sasha Banks
2016	Feud of the Year	Charlotte Flairvs. Sasha Banks
	Rookie of the Year	Nia Jax
	Woman of the Year	Charlotte Flair
2017	Woman of the Year	Asuka
2018	Rookie of the Year	Ronda Rousey
	Woman of the Year	Becky Lynch
2019	Most Popular Wrestler of the Year	Becky Lynch
	Woman of the Year	Becky Lynch
2020	Feud of the Year	Bayley vs. Sasha Banks
Tag Team of the Year	Golden Role Models (Bayley and Sasha Banks)
2022	Most Improved Wrestler of the Year	Mandy Rose
	Woman of the Year	Bianca Belair
2023	Comeback of the Year	Trinity
	Rookie of the Year	Sol Ruca
	Faction of the Year	Rhea Ripley (The Judgment Day)
	Match of the Year	Rhea Ripley vs Charlotte Flair April 1 atWrestleMania 39
	Woman of the Year	Rhea Ripley

Sports Illustrated

Women's Wrestler of the Year

Year	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
2018	Becky Lynch	Charlotte Flair	-	Ronda Rousey	Asuka	Alexa Bliss	Toni Storm	Kairi Sane and Shayna Baszler	Bianca Belair	-
2019		-	Charlotte Flair	Shayna Baszler	-	-	Rhea Ripley	Bayley and Sasha Banks	-	-

Wrestler of the Year

Year	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
2017	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
2020	Sasha Banks					Bayley	Io Shirai
2021	-		Bianca Belair			-	-
2022
2023		Rhea Ripley	-							Becky Lynch

Hall of Famers

The following list shows the femaleWWE Hall of Famers(excluding Warrior Award recipients) and the years that they were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Number	Year inducted	Inductee
1	1995	The Fabulous Moolah
2	2006	Sherri Martel
3	2008	Mae Young
4	2010	Wendi Richter
5	2011	Sunny
6	2013	Trish Stratus
7	2014	Lita
8	2015	Alundra Blayze
9	2016	Jacqueline
10	2017	Beth Phoenix
11	2018	Ivory
12	2019	Chynaas a member ofD-Generation X
13	2019	Torrie Wilson
14	2020	The Bella Twins
15	2021	Molly Holly
16	2022	Sharmell
17	2023	Stacy Keibler
18	2024	Bull Nakano
19	2024	Lia Maivia
Legacy Wing
1	2016	Mildred Burke
2	2017	June Byers
3		Judy Grable
4	2018	Cora Combs
5	2019	Luna Vachon
6	2021	Ethel Johnson

Current WWE Women's division

For Information on WWE's current Women's division seeList of WWE personnelon section's Main Roster;RawWomen's division &SmackDownWomen's division, Nonexclusive for the inactive current WWE Women's division and the Development roster section for theNXT(their rookie) Women's division.

Bibliography

• Olson, Cristopher; Reinhard, Carrie Lynn D. (2021). "Wrestling with Eating Disorders: Transmedia Depictions of Body Issues in WWE's Women's Professional Wrestling". In Johnson, Malynnda; Olson, Cristopher (eds.).Normalizing Mental Illness and Neurodiversity in Entertainment Media(1st E-book ed.). London: Routledge.doi:10.4324/9781003011668-15.ISBN9781003011668.S2CID233598773.

External links

• Official WWE website
• Official WWE Roster website
• Official WWE Total Divas website