WWE To Launch Divas Search Successor
Reality show will look for "next great female competitor."
WWE have announced that they are working with regular production partners Bunim-Murray Productions to develop a brand new reality series in a similar albeit more respectable vein to the much-maligned 'Divas Search'.
According to WWE.com, the programme will "document the search for the next great female competitor."
The format echoes that of the infamous 'Divas Search', which ran for four seasons from 2004 to 2007. The talent contest - which largely favoured superficial factors over wrestling acumen - offered a place in the company for the winner (except in the case of inaugural victor Jaime Koeppe). Layla El, Ashley Massaro and Christy Hemme all earned WWE contracts as a result of the pageant, whilst other contestants including Michelle McCool and Maria Kanellis were hired out of the competition.
Today, Maria is one of just a handful of Divas Search survivors, alongside Maryse and the Bellas, as the company has pushed to eliminate the often objectifying 'Divas' branding.
The as-yet-unnamed new show is likely to take the form of a female-only version of Tough Enough (though you can probably expect gratuitous workout shots).
Bunim-Murray Productions have previously collaborated with WWE on Total Bellas and Total Divas, and are also responsible for bringing the world Keeping up with The Kardashians.
Casting is already underway for the series, although transmission details have yet to be announced.