10 Biggest WWE Creative Mistakes Of 2020
8. Turning The Women Back Into Divas
The RAW Women's division is a total state, and now that the awesome Bayley Vs. Sasha Banks feud is over, SmackDown isn't far off.
This is a mistake in itself - there are several incredible talents woefully miscast - but it's the one, one element of WWE programming that should in theory embarrass AEW's. AEW has to rely on the greener reachers of a scene stifled by inherent sexism. WWE has a far more experienced and talented roster and features far more female talent across its three brands. But Jesus Christ, the roles they play.
Alexa Bliss is a childlike abuse victim seduced by Bray Wyatt in what is a multifariously reprehensible storyline, the more one ponders it. Asuka is far removed from an Ace figure, and is at present more concerned with holding Lana's hand than defending against all comers. Lana is the key focal point of the RAW Women's division, but she's playing an underdog role with very few - if any - babyface characteristics. She celebrates dumb luck and is a danger to herself. Nia Jax is protected constantly, yet she is a reckless botch machine who routinely stretches credibility.
Carmella echoes the superficial glamour of yore. Shayna Baszler, an in-theory killer, eats so much arbitrary offence and can now be put away with a single kick to the head.
Evolution II feels impossible now, and it was, top-to-bottom, one of the best and most rapturously-received shows of the modern era.
That it can't really happen is as much an indictment of WWE's apathy towards it.