The Transformative Power
In the history of professional wrestling, many matches were not just about showing athletic competition. These matches have a transformative power in revitalizing the sport, reshaping fan perceptions, and elevating divisions. In WWE, many matches have proven capable of changing the course of the organization, encouraging progress, and even saving the company from decline. NJPW saw a surge in global popularity after the feud between Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada at Wrestle Kingdom 11. In WWE, this development occurred in its developmental territory, NXT. A single match can catalyze and awaken collective awareness of wrestling’s limitless potential. While the fan base outside of WWE has been aware of its potential for a long time, there are also die-hard fans who are hesitant to accept the company’s way of treating women’s wrestling. The shift occurred with the feud between Sasha Banks and Bayley.
The feud influenced the rise of the women’s division at the world’s leading wrestling entity in NXT. Nearly a decade later, the match NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn in 2015 between Banks and Bayley remains the crown jewel of women’s wrestling in WWE. It stands as one of the most influential matches in the company’s history.
From the early 2000s to the mid-2010s, the “Diva” era greatly influenced the depiction of women in WWE. This period prioritized aesthetics, appeal, and fabricated rivalries over athletic prowess. The appropriate term would be “eye candy.” The focus on entertainment always limited opportunities for female wrestlers to showcase their skills in the ring and advance in the promotion. Usually, women’s matches have a shorter duration than men’s matches. Dramatic narrative pressure drives the outcomes rather than showcasing the athletes’ technical abilities. Additionally, female wrestlers were often one-dimensional; they relied on tropes such as jealous ex-girlfriends or the “fiery Latina” stereotype. As a result, the representation hinders the creative and athletic development of female wrestlers; it also limits the potential audience for women’s wrestling because it fails to cater to fans who desire story-based presentations.
The Women’s Revolution
Indeed, WWE’s NXT brand served as an incubator for developing new talent and became the driving force behind a significant change in professional wrestling known as the Women’s Revolution. As a developmental territory different from the Raw and SmackDown brands, NXT provides a platform for young female wrestlers to hone their skills in a less pressured environment. The emphasis on in-ring athleticism surpassed the stereotypical “Diva” roles by promoting a focus on technical proficiency and strategic acumen. On the other hand, NXT fostered creative freedom, allowing rising stars to explore various wrestling styles and develop their characters. This approach generated a fan base that appreciated storytelling and character development regardless of gender.
For months, the creative team laid the narrative foundation. Banks’ arrogant personality as “The Boss” clashed with Bayley’s underdog character. It created a sense of rivalry, adding emotional weight to the championship match beyond the title itself. Their friendship added complexity as the conflict explored the tension between loyalty and ambition: universal themes that always relate to real life.
Emotional Storytelling
The brilliance of the match did not lie solely in technical skill. Both wrestlers showcased extraordinary athleticism, with Banks’ high-flying maneuvers contrasting Bayley’s resilience and fighting spirit. However, the emotional rollercoaster caused by setbacks, desperate comebacks, and moments of vulnerability heightened the feud. The match became a touching story of friendship under pressure and personal dreams.
The pay-per-view became a pivotal moment in women’s wrestling. The pay-per-view broke down previously imposed barriers on female wrestlers; it demonstrated their ability to deliver main event-worthy matches through captivating storytelling and impressive athleticism. Besides paving the way for female wrestlers’ future generation, it also provides another significant opportunity and pushes them towards more prominent positions.
Unforgettable Moments
Moment by moment and spot by spot became iconic; it showcased the wrestlers’ skills in both athleticism and psychology. Bayley’s reverse Frankensteiner from the top rope was a testament to their commitment to high-octane action. Every maneuver had a purpose, advancing the emotional arc and pushing the story forward. This meticulous construction solidified the match as an unforgettable masterpiece, embraced by fans and marking a significant achievement in the “Women’s Revolution.”
This match transcended the boundaries of professional wrestling, capturing the spirit of cultural change. It occurred just a month after WWE acknowledged the need for change with the arrival of Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, and Sasha Banks on the main roster. NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn served as an exclamation point, reinforcing the evolving landscape of women’s wrestling and marking a new era full of opportunities and respect.
The Banks-Bayley contest became a pivotal moment. It showcased technical proficiency, athleticism, and emotional storytelling rarely seen in WWE’s women’s division. This extraordinary spectacle, marked by intricate maneuvers and deep-seated rivalry, shattered preconceived notions of what women’s wrestling could be. By exceeding expectations and receiving widespread acclaim, the match forced WWE to reevaluate its approach. The resounding “This is Awesome!” chants from the Barclays Center audience echoed a demand for change, pressuring the company to provide more prominent roles and longer matches for female wrestlers.
A Catalyst for Progress
In addition to its direct impact on presentation, this match also empowered female wrestlers within the company. The confidence and ambition instilled by the innovative performances of Banks and Bayley sparked a movement within WWE. The “Women’s Revolution” can be seen as a catalyst, marking a period with longer and more compelling storylines, a renewed emphasis on athleticism, and a focus on showcasing the true potential of female performers. The shift empowers Banks, Bayley, and other female wrestlers in the division. The match served as a symbolic torch, igniting the flame of change that would lead to increased opportunities and broader representation for female wrestlers.
The cultural impact of the Banks-Bayley match transcended the world of wrestling. A broader audience, especially young girls, embraced it, witnessing strong and athletic women competing at the highest level. It shattered traditional gender stereotypes in professional wrestling, demonstrating that athleticism and fierce competition are not exclusive to the male domain. The match paved the way for a more inclusive wrestling world, appreciating female competitors of diverse backgrounds and body types for their skills and unique stories.
Although WWE’s commitment to progress in women’s wrestling has been a subject of debate, the impact of the Banks-Bayley match remains undeniable. It catalyzed the “Women’s Revolution” and forced the company to recognize the talent and dedication of its female performers. It leaves a legacy of change, inspiration, and acknowledgment of women’s athleticism in the professional wrestling world, a long-awaited development. Even years later, such a moment remains significant for its stunning action and the cultural change it helped create.
Bibliography
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- Dilbert, R. (2015). Analyzing the History of Women’s Wrestling at WrestleMania. Bleacher Report.
- Fiorvanti, T. (2016). NXT development system preparing WWE for the future. ESPN.
- Greene, D. (2020). No. 10: Sasha Banks vs. Bayley. And also.
- Westwood, M. (2021). 5 Things WWE Did During The Divas Era That They Stopped Doing. TheSportster.
