Maria Kanellis says she’s come around to appreciate the WWE Divas era. Many fans often criticized the era due to its sex appeal over performance.
Speaking at a recent “For The Love of Wrestling” convention, the Ring of Honor talent commented on the era inspiring other women, why she’s changed her views on the era, and more.
You can check out some highlights from the Q&A session below:
On the era inspiring other women: “I’ve had so many women today that are in AEW, that are wrestling in AEW, that are sometimes in black and white on AEW, that are sometimes working in Japan and also in AEW, that are these incredible wrestlers, that have come up and said ‘I got into wrestling because of the Divas.”
On her own view about the era changing: “My views have changed over the years. They really have. There was a time where I was like ‘Ugh, Divas. I don’t like that word, I don’t want to be a part of it.’ But now, I have this appreciation, because it’s almost like looking through the eyes of your children and seeing things for the first time. And saying ‘Oh my gosh, I really did influence women back then.’”
Maria Kanellis, a former WWE Diva and current Ring of Honor talent, recently spoke about her changing views on the WWE Divas era. The era, which was known for its focus on sex appeal rather than in-ring performance, has often been criticized by fans and wrestling purists. However, Kanellis now says that she has come to appreciate the era and its impact on inspiring other women in the wrestling industry.
During a Q&A session at the “For The Love of Wrestling” convention, Kanellis expressed her surprise at how many women in the wrestling industry today have cited the Divas era as their inspiration. She mentioned that several women currently wrestling in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and even in Japan have approached her and said that they got into wrestling because of the Divas.
This revelation seems to have played a role in changing Kanellis’ own perspective on the era. She admitted that there was a time when she disliked the term “Divas” and didn’t want to be associated with it. However, she now has a newfound appreciation for the era, comparing it to seeing things through the eyes of her children for the first time. Kanellis recognizes that she had a significant influence on women during that time and acknowledges the positive impact she had on aspiring female wrestlers.
The WWE Divas era, which spanned from approximately 2008 to 2016, was characterized by a focus on glamour, beauty, and sex appeal. The term “Diva” was used to describe female wrestlers during this period, emphasizing their femininity and marketability. While this approach drew criticism for prioritizing looks over wrestling ability, it also helped bring more mainstream attention to women’s wrestling.
In recent years, the wrestling industry has undergone a significant shift towards promoting women’s wrestling based on skill and athleticism rather than solely on appearance. Organizations like AEW have placed a strong emphasis on showcasing the talent and abilities of their female roster members. This shift has been welcomed by many fans who appreciate the focus on in-ring performance and storytelling.
Maria Kanellis’ change of heart regarding the WWE Divas era reflects a broader evolution in the perception of women’s wrestling. While the era may have had its flaws, it undeniably played a crucial role in inspiring a new generation of female wrestlers. As the industry continues to evolve, it is important to recognize and appreciate the contributions made by those who came before, even if their approach differed from the current standards.
In conclusion, Maria Kanellis’ newfound appreciation for the WWE Divas era highlights the impact it had on inspiring women in the wrestling industry. Despite its focus on sex appeal, the era played a significant role in attracting new fans and creating opportunities for female wrestlers. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential to acknowledge and learn from the past while striving for progress and inclusivity in women’s wrestling.