10 Biggest WWE Creative Mistakes Of 2020

8. Turning The Women Back Into Divas

Alexa Bliss Bray Wyatt
WWE.com

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.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and surefire Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!