Today’s WWE is Only Possible Because of the Women Behind It

By Matthew Klink (@klinkmatt on Twitter)

3/8/2018

A brawl in the Women's Division at WWE's Monday Night Raw. Courtesy of WWE and USA Today

On International Women’s Day I wanted to take a moment to thank the women of the WWE.

These women made the product what it is today. The entire product. This being for a company that has to apologize for some of its topics and segments, on the WWE Network, before every show starts. The company that used to have a “Diva’s Division” along with a “Diva’s Champion”. The company that used to have mud wrestling, Jerry “The King” Lawler saying ‘puppies’, bikini contests, and so much worse. However today is a different day.

This is now a company who holds multiple females at executive levels, boasts a large and talented WOMEN’S DIVISION, and rewarded their female athletes with equal event representation and main events. The WWE is truly taking a larger step forward than I would ever have imagined twenty years ago, but farther than most companies can say they are doing today.

While the WWE has made strides as a company, none of it would be possible without these powerful women. Not that I want to take the attention away from them, but I was inspired to start this podcast and blog because of their amazing product. I had watched the show for years, but not until these days have I become proud enough to boast being a wrestling fan. The strides of the division, the leadership of Stephanie McMahon and Michelle D. Wilson, and the struggles of generation’s past have made this the company that we know today. The company, the product, and its fans are better off because of it.

Past Generation

First and foremost, I want to thank the past generation of female superstars. While they may look at today’s product and wish their experience was similar, their performances (while belittled at the time) were the small incremental pushes that could lead to today’s product. The opportunities were slim, but we’ve seen how performances from Lita and Trish created super fans like AJ Lee. AJ made it her goal to be in the ring and wrestle alongside her heroes. Those efforts of AJ Lee have even inspired today’s generation. And I'm sure the domino effect will continue (thus underlining why those efforts of past generations were so important).

While I’m not always proud to describe the role of yesteryear’s women’s division, their sacrifice should not be forgotten. They fought their way to their opportunities and gave today’s generation something to want more of.

Today’s Roster

The current roster of female wrestlers is absolutely jaw dropping. This being the first group of female wrestlers to main event multiple shows (even making it a regular occurrence) and now attracts and boasts athletic mega stars like Ronda Rousey and other UFC fighters. They’re attracted because the talent level is so high. Because the product is so entertaining. Because…who wouldn’t want to be a part of this world???

I tune in to WWE shows to see Nia Jax, I proudly strut the streets with my Alexa Bliss shirt, and I’ve written about Rousey on a weekly basis, if not more (hey…she’s what I want to talk about). I fell head over heels for the Women’s Royal Rumble, roared with excitement at the end of the Elimination Chamber, and hope…so bad…that the main event of this year’s WrestleMania…is Asuka and Alexa Bliss (or Charlotte…I’m cool with that too).

This is a division that isn’t being handed these starring roles. The fans demanded it after seeing amazing performances on NXT. Seeing Charlotte’s battles with Natalya. Sasha’s rise in popularity. The four horsewomen. And most recently…the dominance of Asuka! And credit the WWE. They acted on it (oppose to some other companies and industries). This division took advantage of the past generation’s sacrifices and didn’t waste them. They came in kicking, punching, and tearing down walls. They grabbed the brass rings, that Vince loves to talk about so much, melted them all down, and equally distributed them to a division that is wrought with talent and ready to rule the industry!

Michelle D. Wilson

The behind the scenes WWE Executive (Current Co-President) is the mastermind behind what we know WrestleMania, the Royal Rumble, every Live Show, and every event in between TO BE. Michelle’s genius in leadership and putting the right people around her has helped this company blossom into an efficient, well oiled, traveling show. Michelle gave us face to face access with all of our favorite superstars, experiences of a lifetime, and memories to share with our kin…but she’s done so much more!

Michelle helped make the company, I devote so much time to, become a regular staple for partnerships and advertisements. In an industry littered with conflict (due to creative choices or legal issues) it becomes difficult to find other brands and companies that are willing to do business. Without Michelle…we could be looking a different product…maybe one that is much smaller. Maybe one that doesn’t boast record breaking attendance numbers. She’s ensured that as the company grows they can build on a brand and generate a revenue stream outside of ticket sales.

If you haven’t had a chance to thank Michelle D. Wilson or do research on her work. Do it! If you’re a wrestling fan you should know her name and when you see her…thank her!

Stephanie McMahon

The Chief Brand Officer and Global Brand Ambassador has completely uprooted the definition of the WWE as well as sports entertainment. Stephanie is one of the leading individuals who helped change the image of the WWE to being the family friendly programming it is today. Her help in creating associations like Be a STAR helped pave the way for the WWE’s brand to pivot, but also helped fans and children live in a friendlier atmosphere.

Stephanie has also redefined who a business person should be. She has a role on screen, but is one of the first WWE superstars to perfectly intertwine her personal life with the bad guy she plays on Mondays. She does so much more, but I want to recognize this because Stephanie is a business person who hasn’t forgotten that the on-air personality is so crucial to this business. We need to see her being evil and I can’t say I’ve seen a moment where she ever doubts that importance. But it’s her ability to still go beyond what that character is (like flipping a switch) and put a caring face on the company that does so much work for charities like Make-A-Wish, Susan G. Komen, and Connor’s Cure.

Stephanie has been recognized as one of the Most Powerful Women in Cable, but there is obviously one thing wrong with that title. The brand that is now being aligned with the likes of Fox and becoming one of the Fox Network’s key assets. This opportunity only comes with weight of WWE's current brand value, which correlated with the strategy Stephanie created. I think that type of effort makes Stephanie one of the most powerful People in cable!

These women have done so much to improve a hobby and pastime I love and one I’m sure they love too. They don’t need it, but I can’t thank them enough and am looking forward to what they do next!

Matthew Klink (@klinkmatt on Twitter)

@BODPodcast for Twitter and Facebook