The Rise of Women’s Wrestling: How WWE Women’s Championship Belts Changed the Game

WWE Women Championship Belts held by top superstars like Becky Lynch, Sasha Banks, Charlotte Flair, and Bayley during historic matches

For decades, women’s wrestling in WWE was treated as an afterthought. Matches were short, storylines were sidelined, and championship belts rarely carried the prestige of the men’s titles. But over the past decade, a revolution has unfolded, transforming women’s wrestling into one of the most exciting, competitive, and respected divisions in all of sports entertainment.

At the center of this transformation are the WWE Women Championship Belts, symbols of not just victory, but equality, recognition, and legacy.

When Did Women’s Wrestling Start Getting Recognition in WWE?

For years, WWE’s women’s division (once branded as the Divas division) was criticized for focusing more on glamour than athleticism. The turning point came in the mid-2010s during the #GiveDivasAChance movement, when fans demanded longer matches and better storytelling for women.

The response? WWE listened. NXT began spotlighting women like Sasha Banks, Bayley, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch, delivering matches that rivaled, and sometimes outshined, the men’s division.

By 2016, WWE retired the Divas Championship and introduced the WWE Women’s Championship, giving female athletes a belt equal in prestige and design to the men’s.

Historic Matches That Redefined Women’s Wrestling

Charlotte Flair vs. Sasha Banks – A Rivalry for the Ages

Charlotte and Sasha’s battles on Raw and Pay-Per-Views didn’t just entertain, they shattered barriers. In 2016, they became the first women to main-event Raw in decades, with Sasha winning the Women’s Championship in a dramatic match that had the crowd on its feet.

Bayley vs. Sasha Banks – NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn

Still hailed as one of the best women’s matches ever, Bayley’s victory over Sasha proved that the NXT Women’s Championship Belt carried just as much prestige as the top men’s titles. Their rematch at TakeOver: Respect in a 30-minute Iron Man match only cemented their place in history.

Becky Lynch – "The Man" at WrestleMania 35

When Becky Lynch defeated Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair in the first-ever women’s main event of WrestleMania, she made history. Raising both the Raw and SmackDown Women’s Championship Belts, Becky became “Becky Two Belts”, and proved women could headline the biggest show of them all.

Bianca Belair – The EST of WWE

At WrestleMania 37, Bianca Belair defeated Sasha Banks in a groundbreaking SmackDown Women’s Championship match. Her power, athleticism, and charisma made her victory not just historic, but inspirational for a new generation of fans.

The Legacy of WWE Women Championship Belts Today

These belts are more than titles, they represent a movement. From Trish Stratus and Lita paving the way, to today’s stars like Bianca Belair, Rhea Ripley, and Asuka carrying the torch, the WWE Women’s Championships continue to highlight the strength, skill, and storytelling that fans crave.

Even now in 2025, the division is stronger than ever, with rivalries that headline shows, matches that steal the spotlight, and belts that symbolize equality and prestige. If you want proof, check out WWE’s list of the top 5 female superstars to watch in 2025.

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