The women’s division in WWE has made tremendous strides in recent years, with female superstars now headlining pay-per-view events and receiving the same level of attention as their male counterparts. However, this wasn’t always the case. According to Trish Stratus, a WWE Hall of Famer and one of the pioneers of the women’s division, working alongside top male stars was a crucial turning point in changing the role of women in the company.
A Game-Changing Partnership
In an exclusive interview, Stratus reflected on her time in WWE, highlighting the significance of being paired with top male stars. She believes that this collaboration not only raised the profile of the women’s division but also paved the way for future generations of female wrestlers.
“I think one of the biggest turning points for women in WWE was when we started being paired with the top male stars,” Stratus said. “It was a game-changer for us. Suddenly, we were no longer just relegated to a separate division or a women’s match. We were part of the main event, and we were being treated like the stars that we were.”
Stratus pointed to her own partnership with Lita as a prime example of how working with top male stars could elevate the women’s division. The duo’s chemistry in the ring and their charismatic personas helped to captivate audiences and paved the way for future tag teams like The Bella Twins and The IIconics.
Breaking Down Barriers
Stratus’s comments echo those of other WWE insiders, who have long argued that the key to success lies in breaking down barriers between the men’s and women’s divisions. According to a WWE insider, this is precisely what happened when top male stars began working alongside women.
“When guys like John Cena and Randy Orton started working with women, it sent a message that we were all on the same level,” said the insider. “It wasn’t just about the guys being the main event and the women being the supporting act. We were all in this together, and that’s when the magic happened.”
This insider cited the example of The Bella Twins, who rose to fame after being paired with top male stars like John Cena and Daniel Bryan. Their success not only helped to establish them as mainstream stars but also paved the way for other female wrestlers to follow in their footsteps.
A New Era for Women in WWE
Fast-forward to the present day, and the women’s division in WWE has never been stronger. With the likes of Ronda Rousey, Sasha Banks, and Charlotte Flair headlining pay-per-view events, it’s clear that the company has finally recognized the value of its female talent.
According to a source close to WWE, the company is committed to continuing this momentum and providing opportunities for women to shine. This includes a renewed focus on developing new female talent and creating more opportunities for women to compete in high-profile matches.
“WWE is committed to showcasing the best of the best in the women’s division, and we’re constantly looking for ways to elevate the talent,” said the source. “We’re not just talking about the established stars like Ronda and Sasha; we’re also looking to give opportunities to the next generation of female wrestlers.”
A Final Message
As Trish Stratus looks back on her time in WWE, she’s proud of the progress that’s been made in the women’s division. However, she’s also aware that there’s still work to be done.
“We’ve come a long way, but we still have a way to go,” Stratus said. “I’m proud of the women who have come before me and the women who are coming up now. We’re not just fighting for ourselves; we’re fighting for every woman who wants to step into that ring and prove themselves.”
As the women’s division continues to evolve and grow, one thing is clear: the partnership between top male stars and female wrestlers has been a game-changer. It’s a partnership that has not only elevated the women’s division but also paved the way for a new era of female stars in WWE.