This week, World Wrestling Entertainment has celebrated SmackDown's 15th birthday by looking back at its greatest matches, moments, feuds and Superstars. While names such as Kurt Angle, Edge, The Undertaker, Big Show, Brock Lesnar and Batista have been thrown around regularly, and rightfully so. Those competitors dominated the brand for a great portion of its decade-plus long existence and cemented their legacies as the greatest stars in the show's history. But SmackDown has never exclusively been a boy's club. On the contrary; SmackDown was meant to be a showcase for the WWE Divas, who were a major part of the success of the Attitude Era and key to the popularity of Vince McMahon's company with the ever-important 18-35 male demographic. And since its inception in August 1999, it has been home to some of the most popular and successful female performers in WWE history. From Playboy covergirls like Torrie Wilson, Sable, Maria Kanellis and Ashley Massaro to in-ring greats such as Natalya, Mickie James and Melina, the blue brand has managed to blend fine professional wrestling with titillating stories and gimmick matches. The brand even featured Stephanie McMahon in the general manager's role and promoted her as somewhat of a sex symbol, which she was. It was Vince Russo who really championed the heavy involvement of women on WWE programming while it was Paul Heyman who put them at the forefront of SmackDown, developing stories that allowed them to shine, even if they were not the most gifted wrestlers. With nearly two decades worth of shows to pull from, and several immensely talented young women to celebrate, relive the 10 women who left the greatest impression on the blue brand.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
