The WWE Women’s division is not often in the focus of the fans, and more often then not in the focus of WWE creative, since WrestleMania 32, the division has been rebranded, and the “Divas” of WWE are no more. Over the years there have been some remarkable ladies that built quite impressive careers and have shaped the womens division when it was at its best and at its worst.
Initially, the WWE Womens Division was a proper wrestling division with a focus on what happens in the ring, but it slowly turned into a Divas showcase about looks and personality. However, it did have great impact, inspiring many young women around the world.
The Total Divas TV show brought the “Divas” and the women back into the spotlight. Following great popularity, divas expanded their roster, adding more storylines and making the Women’s division much more interesting for the wider audiences. With outside female influences such as Ronda Rousey and the US Womens Soccer team, a true female revolution enabled the division to return the focus to wrestling and athleticism, so much so, that WWE finally recognizes the women as Superstars akin to anyone else in the company.
In light of the recent passing of Joanie “Chyna” Laurer, and the great impact she had on women in wrestling, let’s look at the top 10 ladies who ever stepped into a WWE ring.
- Beth Phoenix
Unlike many Divas that get recruited from models, Beth was actually a wrestler. It gave her great advantage over other girls, as she was able to perform much better and participate in events such as Royal Rumble 2010. She won three Women’s Championships which makes her a mandatory entry in our top 10 list.
Related: Edge and Beth Phoenix Expecting Their Second Child
- Wendi Richter
Wendi didn’t have a particularly long wrestling career, but she did something no other Diva could. She ended the 28-year-long reign of the Fabulous Moolah, taking over the WWE Women’s Championship belt. Wendi had many issues with then WWF chairman Vince McMahon. One of the biggest snags was the ‘original screwjob’ when Wendi was the butt of an unscripted stunt by McMahon and Fabulous Moolah. Wendi did make it to the WWE Hall of Fame in 2010, however.
- Sherri Martel
Sherri’s nickname was the ‘Sensational’ and she lived up to it. In her first match, she beat the Fabulous Moolah. Martel went on to hold the title for quite long time, one of the longest periods in Women’s Division. Her career was cut short, however, as WWE discontinued the women’s division. She stayed in the biz as a manager. Sherri Martel was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006.
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
