Women have been breaking barriers in sports entertainment for decades, taking on roles both in front of and behind the camera. From pioneering wrestlers to trailblazing commentators, women have made significant strides in a once male-dominated industry.
In the early days of wrestling, women typically played secondary roles as valets or managers, often portrayed as eye candy for male wrestlers. However, in the 1950s and 60s, women wrestlers like Mildred Burke and June Byers began to rise to prominence, paving the way for future generations. Burke, in particular, was a fierce competitor who held the women’s wrestling championship for over 20 years and trained many of the women who would follow in her footsteps.
The 1980s saw a surge in the popularity of wrestling, with the rise of the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) and its rock-star wrestlers like Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant. It was also during this time that women began to make their mark as wrestlers, with Superstars like Wendi Richter, The Fabulous Moolah, and Sherri Martel becoming household names.
The Attitude Era of wrestling in the late 1990s and early 2000s saw the introduction of edgier storylines and more female wrestlers being used as more than just eye candy. The “Divas” era of the WWE saw female wrestlers like Trish Stratus, Lita, and Chyna elevate the women’s division, with Stratus and Lita competing in the first-ever women’s main event on Monday Night Raw in 2004.
In recent years, women have continued to make history in sports entertainment. The WWE’s “Women’s Revolution” began in 2015, with female wrestlers like Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks, and Becky Lynch being featured more prominently in storylines and given equal billing to their male counterparts. In 2018, the WWE hosted the first-ever all-women’s pay-per-view event, Evolution, featuring every women’s championship on the line and significant matches like the first-ever Last Woman Standing match.
Outside of wrestling, women have also been making strides as commentators and analysts. Renee Young became the first female commentator in WWE history in 2014 and was joined by others like Beth Phoenix, Paige, and Natalya. In 2020, ESPN debuted an all-female talk show, First Take Her Take, featuring hosts Charly Arnolt, Kimberley A. Martin, and Chiney Ogwumike.
The rise of women in sports entertainment has not been without its challenges. Female wrestlers have faced criticism and discrimination, with some still being used primarily as eye candy rather than as skilled athletes. However, the progress that has been made is undeniable, and women continue to break down barriers and make history every day.
In conclusion, the rise of women in sports entertainment, particularly in wrestling, has been a long and hard-fought battle. From valets to wrestlers, commentators to analysts, women have continued to make strides and break down barriers in an industry that was once strictly male-dominated. As we move forward, we can only hope to see more female wrestlers being given equal billing, being featured in more prominent storylines, and given a seat at the table as equals to their male counterparts.
