Following the first instalments of reality show 'Total Divas', a significant number of fans have voiced their concern that women's professional wrestling no longer plays a relevant part in the wider WWE product. Instead of compelling Diva rivalries developed in the ring, the WWE Creative Team have instead opted to give fans a Diva's division that parallels reality based television shows such as 'The Kardashians.' This has resulted in a systematic diluting of women's professional wrestling within the wider WWE franchise. While a reality show might cater for a predominately niche 'lukewarm wrestler fan' female audience, many true wrestling fans of both genders have rightly raised the issue that the current creative direction employed by the WWE with regards to its female division is potentially undoing the pioneering efforts of previous female wrestlers to elevate women's professional wrestling to a legitimate and equal status with its male counterpart. However in recent weeks it would seem that the WWE has had a change of creative direction, this change has come in the form of Paige. After defeating AJ Lee for the Diva's Championship, Paige has systematically defeated Divas over a period of weeks in comprehensive fashion. By prioritising Paige 'the wrestler' over reality inspired Divas segments, the WWE Universe might be witnessing the resurgence of women's professional wrestling not seen since the days of Trish Stratus, Mickie James and Lita. This resurgence could continue at Extreme Rules as Paige faces the skilled wrestler in Tamina Snuka. Whilst this match has not received masses of promotion, it is a title bout that has the potential to be a modern example of how great women's wrestling could be once again if the WWE Creative Team invested more effort into developing a Diva's roster with more wrestlers than Divas! In addition it is acutely evident that Paige is currently enjoying a WWE 'push' and so it is unlikely that it will end prematurely with Tamina Snuka walking out of Extreme Rules the Diva's Champion. Paige is odds on favourite to retain her title but the real winners of this contest will be the wider WWE Universe and indeed underused female athletes like Natalya, as it will symbolise the long overdue return of women's wrestling to the WWE ring.
