The wrestling world continues to buzz with speculation about a potential revival of WWE’s beloved reality television series, and now Maxxine Dupri has thrown her hat into the ring with a bold vision for what a reboot could look like. The Judgment Day member believes that a Netflix revival of “Total Divas” could capture lightning in a bottle once again, combining fresh talent with familiar faces from the franchise’s storied past.[2]
The Legacy of Total Divas
Before diving into what a modern reboot might entail, it’s important to understand the cultural impact that “Total Divas” had on professional wrestling and the entertainment landscape at large. The reality series originally aired on E! Television from July 28, 2013, to December 10, 2019, giving fans an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the lives of WWE’s most prominent female wrestlers.[3] The show became a cultural phenomenon, spawning a sister series “Total Bellas” and establishing a blueprint for mainstream crossover success in professional wrestling.
The impact of “Total Divas” cannot be overstated. In a 2020 interview, WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon credited the show with dramatically expanding WWE’s female audience demographic. “We saw an increase in our female audience in different platforms and different channels,” McMahon explained at the time. “The 40 per cent stayed for our core programming, but Total Divas and Total Bellas, the female viewership went through the roof. On YouTube, on social media, our female viewership increased.”[3] This expansion of WWE’s audience helped establish the foundation for what would eventually become the Women’s Evolution and Women’s Revolution movements within the company.
Why the Show Ended
Despite its cultural significance and loyal fanbase, “Total Divas” was quietly cancelled by E! Network in June 2021, along with its sister show “Total Bellas,” as reported by Essentially Sports at the time.[3] The network cited low ratings and waning interest from those involved as primary factors in the decision. This marked the end of an era for WWE’s reality television ventures, leaving fans yearning for that intimate, behind-the-scenes content that made the franchise so special.
For nearly five years since its cancellation, the wrestling community has speculated about whether the show could ever make a comeback. The answer appears to be a resounding yes—at least according to several prominent WWE personalities who have recently voiced their enthusiasm for a revival.
The Case for a Netflix Reboot
Maxxine Dupri’s vision represents a modernized approach to the “Total Divas” concept, with the streaming giant Netflix serving as the platform rather than E! Television.[2] The shift in distribution platform makes strategic sense in today’s entertainment landscape, where streaming services have become the primary vehicle for reality television programming. Netflix’s global reach and massive subscriber base could introduce a new generation of wrestling fans to the behind-the-scenes world of WWE’s female superstars.
According to a WWE insider close to the project discussions, the company has been exploring various options for reviving reality television content featuring its roster. “There’s definitely interest internally at WWE in bringing back some form of reality programming,” the source revealed. “The question has always been finding the right partner and the right format that works for today’s audience. Netflix could provide that opportunity.”
A Mixed Cast Strategy
What makes Dupri’s proposal particularly intriguing is her suggestion that a reboot should feature both newcomers and veteran personalities from the original series. This balanced approach could work exceptionally well for several reasons. Returning cast members would provide continuity and bring established fan loyalty, while new talent would inject fresh perspectives and storylines that would appeal to contemporary audiences.
This formula mirrors what has worked in other successful reality television reboots across the entertainment industry. By blending nostalgia with novelty, a “Total Divas” revival could satisfy longtime fans while attracting viewers who may have missed the original run entirely.
Industry Support for the Reboot
Maxxine Dupri is far from alone in her enthusiasm for a “Total Divas” comeback. Other WWE personalities have similarly expressed their openness to participating in a reboot. Chelsea Green has been particularly vocal about the inevitability of a revival, stating that a “Total Divas” reboot “isn’t just likely, it’s inevitable.”[1] Green even went so far as to fantasy-cast current WWE stars who she believes would be perfect additions to a new iteration of the show.[7]
Nikki Bella, one of the original stars who helped build the franchise into a phenomenon, has also teased the potential for a reboot featuring both original cast members and fresh faces, demonstrating that the nostalgia factor remains strong among those who made the show successful.[4]
What a Modern Total Divas Could Look Like
A Netflix revival of “Total Divas” would have several distinct advantages over the original E! Network version. The streaming platform’s model would allow for longer episodes, more creative control over content, and the ability to reach international audiences in ways that cable television could never achieve. Additionally, WWE’s current roster features several compelling personalities whose compelling stories have never been captured in a reality television format.
The potential cast could include established stars like Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Liv Morgan, and Bianca Belair, whose charisma and complex personalities would translate beautifully to the reality television format. Mixing in returning favorites from the original series would create a natural narrative bridge between eras of WWE programming.
Current Status and Future Prospects
While WWE currently has no official plans to revive “Total Divas,” the consistent enthusiasm from its star roster suggests that it’s only a matter of time before something materializes.[5] The entertainment landscape has shifted dramatically since 2019, with streaming services aggressively investing in reality content and professional wrestling achieving unprecedented mainstream acceptance.
The fact that multiple WWE personalities are publicly championing a reboot demonstrates genuine interest in returning to this format. For many modern WWE fans who discovered the company through platforms like Netflix, a “Total Divas” revival would serve as an ideal gateway to understanding the personalities and dynamics within WWE’s women’s division.
Conclusion
Maxxine Dupri’s vision for a Netflix-powered “Total Divas” reboot featuring both new and returning talent represents an exciting possibility for WWE’s content strategy. With industry support from fellow wrestlers, a proven track record of success from the original series, and the perfect streaming partner in Netflix, all the pieces appear to be in place for a revival. Whether WWE acts on this momentum in the coming months remains to be seen, but the groundswell of support from its roster suggests that fans may soon get another chance to step into the personal lives of WWE’s most compelling female performers.