The (WWE) Fake News Awards

8. 'Pioneer' - Nikki Bella

Social Commentary
WWE.com

Admittedly, a chunk of this award belongs to Stephanie McMahon, but few others can claim as big a part in laying the foundation for today's Women's Revolution than Nikki Bella.

Aiding the changeover between Bra and Panties battles and the brave new world, Nikki simply wasn't prepared to be arm candy for countless Guest Hosts during a down period for her division. She was determined to make women's wrestling about women, wrestling, and pushed forward her agenda by putting her body at risk in lengthy television matches against several inferior stars.

The NXT Women's Division that eventually fleshed the main roster out was assembled in her image - they were fearless, and the Full Sail fans could look but they couldn't touch (despite their best efforts). Even the company's terminology transition from 'Diva' to 'Superstar' was shepherded by Nikki's historic reign with the 'Butterfly Belt'. Smashing the previous longevity record set by some woman or other (it doesn't even matter), Bella transformed perceptions during her 301 days atop the mountain.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation over 7 years. He primarily produces written, audio and video content on WWE and AEW, but also provides knowledge and insights on all aspects of the wrestling industry thanks to a passion for it dating back over 30 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz", Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 50,000,000 total downloads. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, London and Cardiff. Michael's background in media stretches beyond wrestling coverage, with a degree in Journalism from the University Of Sunderland (2:1) and a series of published articles in sports, music and culture magazines The Crack, A Love Supreme and Pilot. When not offering his voice up for daily wrestling podcasts, he can be found losing it singing far too loud watching his favourite bands play live. Follow him on X/Twitter - @MichaelHamflett