The WWE women's revolution marked a definitive chapter for many talented individuals within the company. Brief matches among other controversial aspects were wiped away in favor of exceptional showcases and more prestigious accolades. NXT has been mainly credited for pioneering this significant change, though the subject remains a frequently debated topic among fans and critics alike.
Newer women have emerged as top stars within the company, while veterans have taken on bigger and better feuds. Some have even found stardom in the recently established tag team division. Let's turn back the clock as we discuss the 10 greatest stars of the women's revolution.
10 Naomi
Naomi is one of the longest-tenured competitors on the current roster. She first participated in the all-female season of NXT, finishing as the runner-up. A spot on Brodus Clay's faction allowed her to gain several victories against Divas Champion AJ Lee.
The Women's Revolution presented newer opportunities for the young superstar, with her obtaining a lengthy reign with the SmackDown Women's Championship. Naomi remains a recurring figure in the title picture on the Raw brand. A veteran presence alongside dynamic wrestling abilities make her a force to be reckoned with.
9 Carmella
Carmella made her presence known on NXT as the feisty manager of Enzo Amore and Big Cass. She would also branch out on her own in pursuit of the women's championship. Her career saw a significant change following her arrival to the SmackDown brand in 2016.
The Princess of Staten Island racked up major victories over the next year, obtaining the Money In The Bank briefcase in the inaugural women's match. She would then conquer a brutalized Charlotte Flair to secure the SmackDown Women's Championship. Carmella continues to make a name for herself against some of the most dangerous opponents.
8 Nikki Cross
Nikki Cross was a standout performer on the yellow brand, destroying adversaries while assisting her SAnitY cohorts in their title exploits. She would also make history against Asuka in the first-ever Last Woman Standing match. Her move to the blue brand brought upon a drastic character change as she joined forces with Alexa Bliss.
Cross has remained a tag team star for most of her recent tenure, with her and Bliss becoming the first two-time Women's Tag Team Champions. She has also fought against Bayley in attempts to obtain top billing on the show. Her calm and collected disposition belies her frantic and vicious style in the ring.
7 Ronda Rousey
Long-time professional wrestling fan and dominant MMA fighter Ronda Rousey first debuted at the 2018 Royal Rumble, confronting Alexa Bliss, Charlotte, and Asuka. She then made her WrestleMania debut in an impressive performance against Stephanie McMahon and Triple H. Her swift dismantling of Bliss paved the way for an astounding reign as Raw Women's Champion.
In the final feuds of her first run, Rousey would seek revenge on Flair and Becky Lynch. This led to the first-ever women's main event at the Showcase of the Immortals. Many can assume that she will attempt to reclaim the crown in the near future.
6 Alexa Bliss
Alexa Bliss debuted as a bubbly character with exceptional athletic ability. She later allied with the chaotic Blake and Murphy and took on a more treacherous persona. While her NXT run proved to be unsuccessful on her own merits, she found greater success on the SmackDown roster.
Little Miss Bliss first participated in a competitive feud with Becky Lynch, becoming a two-time SmackDown Women's Champion. She then notched three reigns with the red brand's women's title. Currently working on the tag division, Alexa looks to continue her dominance.
5 Asuka
Asuka is often regarded as one of the greatest performers in WWE today. She brought the NXT women's division to new heights during her illustrious 510-day reign as champion. Her massive winning streak came to an end after WrestleMania 34, but her dominance would not cease for good.
The Empress of Tomorrow sought out a fresh start on the blue brand as she won the SmackDown Women's Championship in their first-ever TLC match. A transition to the tag division with Kairi Sane proved to be even more fruitful. Asuka currently seeks out any and all challengers in order to extend her vicious run.
4 Becky Lynch
Becky Lynch is a fiery superstar who refuses to play by the rules. She took the NXT women's division by storm in a quest for everlasting greatness. Her final match against Sasha Banks for the championship was widely praised before Lynch made her Raw debut alongside Charlotte and Paige.
The Man was forced to take matters into her own hands in later years, defeating the Queen and Ronda Rousey to become a dual champion. She continued to leave destruction in her wake as she held the Raw Women's Championship for 399 days. Her eventual return will certainly bring a substantial jolt to the division in the near future.
3 Sasha Banks
Better known as the "Boss", Sasha Banks has rapidly risen through the ranks to become one of WWE's most exceptional performers. She worked as a villain throughout most of her early tenure, participating in widely revered feuds. Her biggest moments on the Raw brand included a series of brutal matches for the Raw Women's Championship and becoming the inaugural Women's Tag Team Champions with Bayley.
Related: 10 Great Sasha Banks Rivalries You Probably Forgot About
Following a four-month hiatus, Banks returned with an arrogant persona and renewed determination. She has continued to make her mark on the division by reclaiming the tag titles. A brewing dispute with her long-time friend has many fans anticipating a hostile dissolution.
2 Bayley
Bayley burst onto the scene as an overjoyed yet dangerous competitor. She would raise her intensity to unimaginable levels to obtain the top prize. After a series of exceptional title defenses, her reign came to an end against the equally destructive Asuka.
The Role Model continues to impress with the longest individual reign as SmackDown Women's Champion. With the division as lively as ever, she seeks to remain champion for a very long time.
1 Charlotte Flair
Charlotte Flair boasts a prestigious pedigree in addition to skills in the ring that not many can match. She would spend a few years on NXT in several major encounters before establishing one of the greatest legacies in women's wrestling history. Previously holding the Divas Championship, Flair carried the WWE to a new dawn as the first Raw Women's Champion in 2016.
The Queen recently embarked on a return to her old stomping grounds, defeating Rhea Ripley to reclaim her former prize. She dropped the title months later to Io Shirai at NXT TakeOver: In Your House. Her time away will keep fans guessing her next move in the growing WWE world.