20 Greatest WWE Women's Matches Since 2000

Regardless of what revisionist history may tell us, the women's revolution in NXT began on July 24, 2013, well before there was a WWE Network for Charlotte, Becky Lynch, Sasha Banks and Bayley to compete on.

On that episode of the developmental brand's weekly television show, Paige battled Emma for the right to become the first women's champion in NXT history. With tremendous pressure on them to deliver, what with the faith Triple H and WWE management had shown them, the women were determined to deliver.

And they did, in spades.

Emma frustrated Paige early, the goofy comedy act completely outclassing the Anti-Diva in the opening moments of the bout. Both women took control of the match, the Aussie competitor showing more aggression than she had to that point in her career.

That element of her performance helped put over the importance of the match and title, elevating it in the eyes of the audience as a result.

The women traded submission attempts, only for Paige to sucker Emma in to the flurry of knees to the head. Moments later, the Paige Turner finished Emma off and gave the brand its first female champion.

The first battle between the international competitors gave fans a taste of what they would come to expect from the NXT women's division. It was a battle that looked like the intensely competitive title bouts the men would have and completely shattered preconceptions of women under the WWE umbrella. A beautiful match.