Highlights
- In 2023, the state of women's wrestling in WWE and AEW has taken a disheartening decline, with WWE's women's division maintaining an edge over AEW's.
- AEW's women's division has faced persistent scrutiny for its treatment of female talent, including disparities in TV time and opportunities compared to male wrestlers.
- WWE's women's division has a unique place in wrestling history, sparking a cultural shift and retaining top-tier talent, while also appealing to a global audience.
In the world of sports entertainment, it's the women who have been rewriting the rules, shattering barriers, and carving their legacy in the squared circle. As we delve into 2023, the status of women's wrestling in two major promotions, WWE and AEW, presents a captivating narrative. For years, these exceptional female athletes have dazzled audiences, proving time and again that their in-ring prowess knows no gender bias. Yet, in the early months of 2023, the spotlight seems to flicker, casting shadows upon their remarkable achievements. AEW, notorious for its missteps in the women's division, finds itself at a crossroads, while WWE, under the watchful eye of Triple H, ventures into uncharted territory. It becomes increasingly apparent that one women's division stands head and shoulders above the other, poised to continue its reign as the dominating force in women's wrestling.
Analyzing The State Of Women's Wrestling In 2023
The state of women's wrestling in 2023 has seen an interesting shift. Both WWE and AEW have contributed significantly to the growth and popularity of women's wrestling in recent years. Not too long ago, women's wrestling was the hottest ticket in town. Just a year or so ago, the world of professional wrestling was buzzing with the remarkable performances of female athletes, and it seemed that the trajectory was upward for the women's divisions of both WWE and AEW. However, as 2023 unfolded, it became evident that the once-soaring momentum had given way to a disheartening decline.
The decline of women's wrestling in 2023, both in WWE and AEW, serves as a poignant reminder that maintaining the momentum of a cultural shift is not an easy task. Yet the WWE's women's division still seems to have an edge over AEWs.
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The AEW Women's Division Dilemma
Despite its rapid rise in the world of professional wrestling, All Elite Wrestling has faced consistent scrutiny for its handling of the women's division. While the promotion has garnered praise for its groundbreaking moments and contributions to the industry, the treatment of female talent remains a persistent concern. AEW has managed to assemble a roster of women with immense potential, featuring a mix of established stars and emerging talent. Names like Saraya, Toni Storm, Britt Baker, Jamie Hayter, Hikaru Shida, and Kris Statlander should form a formidable women's division, but the reality doesn't align with the potential. One of the most glaring issues is the disparity in TV time and opportunities afforded to female competitors compared to their male counterparts. AEW's men are frequently featured in marquee matchups, given extensive promo time, and generally promoted more effectively. Meanwhile, the women often find themselves marginalized, with limited opportunities to showcase their in-ring abilities and character development. This unequal representation inevitably affects the perception of AEW's women's division and their ability to shine.
A prime example of AEW's struggles in handling its female talent can be seen in the case of its own organic star Jade Cargill. Jade's undefeated reign as the TBS Champion should have been a marquee attraction, but she was rarely represented in the way she deserved. In 2023, Cargill's tenure as champion lacked the marquee matchups and storytelling that could have elevated her to the next level. This ultimately led to her departure from AEW, a significant loss for the company as she's now in WWE. It's a testament to the promotion's inability to maximize the potential of its female stars. Moreover, it's not merely about in-ring action but also the storytelling and character development of the female talent. Women in AEW need more substantial storylines, feuds, and character arcs to engage the audience and establish themselves as major players in the promotion. While there have been improvements in this regard, there's still considerable work to be done.
RELATED: How Backstage Drama Has Killed Interest In AEW's Women's Division
WWE's Legacy As The Trailblazer For Women's Wrestling
WWE's women's division has a unique place in the history of professional wrestling. It was here that the women's revolution began, sparking a cultural shift in the industry. While other promotions had noteworthy women's divisions before WWE, it was WWE's transformation that truly changed the game. One of WWE's most significant advantages is its ability to retain top-tier female talent. Superstars like Becky Lynch, Bayley, and Charlotte Flair have stayed loyal to the company, and they seem to be lifers, ensuring the consistent quality and star power of its women's division. While Sasha Banks briefly explored opportunities elsewhere, it's safe to say even her showing up in AEW will be viral only for a few weeks. This commitment to retaining top talent also benefits emerging stars. Rhea Ripley, perhaps the most trendsetting woman in wrestling right now, has catapulted to the top of the women's division. WWE's established stars work hand in hand with emerging talents, allowing for a seamless transition and a healthy mix of experience and youth.
WWE's global audience is a crucial factor in the success of its women's division. The company's expansive reach spans continents, attracting fans from diverse backgrounds. This global appeal extends to its female superstars, who have become role models and inspirations for women and girls worldwide. It's true Triple H has handled the women's division poorly, but he seems to be changing that. Becky Lynch's NXT Championship reign is a testament to WWE's strategy. It not only elevates new talent but also draws attention to the development brand, creating a multi-tiered system that fosters the growth of female superstars. While AEW has carved out a niche for itself as an alternative to WWE, it faces an uphill battle in its approach to women's wrestling. Despite a roster filled with remarkable talent, the company has struggled to provide its female stars with equitable stardom, showcasing the discrepancy between AEW and WWE and why WWE's women's division is still unbeatable.
