Why Did WWE Get Rid of Divas?By Coder| September 27, 2023 Wrestling Blogs Why Did WWE Get Rid of Divas? In recent years, the WWE underwent a significant change in its women’s division. The term “Divas” became a thing of the past, and the company started referring to its female wrestlers as “Superstars” just like their male counterparts. This shift was not merely a rebranding exercise; it signified a shift in focus towards empowering women in professional wrestling. So, why did WWE get rid of Divas? Let’s delve into the reasons behind this decision. The Divas Era The Divas era in WWE began in 2008 when the company introduced the term for its female performers. While it aimed to showcase women’s wrestling, it often fell short due to questionable storylines and an emphasis on looks over talent. The term “Diva” itself carried connotations of glamour and entertainment rather than athleticism and skill. During this era, female wrestlers were often involved in matches that were shorter and less technically demanding compared to their male counterparts. The focus was on beauty contests, bikini competitions, and storylines revolving around romantic relationships rather than showcasing their wrestling abilities. The Rise of Women’s Wrestling In recent years, there has been a global movement towards empowering women in various industries, including sports. This wave of change reached the world of professional wrestling as well. Female wrestlers across different promotions started demanding equal opportunities and recognition for their skills. WWE responded to this demand by launching the “Women’s Evolution” in 2015. This initiative aimed to give female wrestlers more prominent roles and better storylines that focused on their athleticism and abilities inside the ring rather than their appearance or personal lives. Rebranding as Superstars As part of this evolution, WWE decided to eliminate the term “Divas” and started referring to its female wrestlers as “Superstars.” This change signified that women in WWE were no longer separate or different from male wrestlers. They were equals, deserving of the same respect and recognition. The rebranding was more than just a name change. It represented a shift in mindset and a commitment to providing female wrestlers with opportunities to shine on equal footing with their male counterparts. The focus now shifted towards their in-ring abilities, rivalries, and accomplishments rather than their appearances or personal lives. The Women’s Revolution The Women’s Evolution within WWE paved the way for what is now known as the Women’s Revolution. Female wrestlers started receiving longer and more competitive matches, main eventing pay-per-view events, and breaking barriers that had previously limited their opportunities. Today, women in WWE are given storylines that showcase their skills and athleticism. They are seen as legitimate competitors who can deliver outstanding matches on par with any male wrestler. This shift has not only elevated the status of women within the company but has also inspired a new generation of female wrestling fans around the world. Conclusion The decision by WWE to get rid of Divas was driven by the need for change and progress within the industry. The term “Divas” no longer reflected the aspirations of female wrestlers who wanted to be recognized for their talent and athleticism rather than just their looks. By rebranding them as Superstars and focusing on their abilities inside the ring, WWE has played a crucial role in empowering women in professional wrestling. The Women’s Evolution and subsequent Women’s Revolution have transformed how women are perceived in this male-dominated industry, making it clear that they deserve equal opportunities and recognition as their male counterparts.
