WWE Divas: 10 Historic Women's Matches

The ladies of the WWE are the crown jewels of the McMahon empire.

Their division has taken many hits over the last few years but it will never be destroyed. As important as any male championship, it will be restored in time.

Beth Phoenix and her crew have their work cut out for them but there is no doubt they will succeed. They have the means and the skills to do it, all they need is time and opportunity.

This slideshow spans four decades to relive some incredible moments in Divas history.

Not for nothing are the Divas dubbed "smart, sexy and powerful." These ladies know the meaning of the word "talented" and will stop at nothing to prove it to the WWE Universe.

Will you be convinced?

Women's Championship Match: Fabulous Moolah (c) vs. Sherri Martel (1987)

This was the day Sherri became Sensational, as she dethroned long-time champion and legend Fabulous Moolah in Houston, TX.

It is said Fabulous Moolah held that title for close to 15 years. This is false, however. She held it for close to two years (never mind that six day reign by Velvet McIntyre in 1986).

Sherri Martel later became a legend in her own right as, she eventually turned away from the ring and started managing greats like Randy Savage, Ted DiBiase, Shawn Michaels and the Harlem Heat tag team.

Both are now in the WWE Hall of Fame. Watching this match clearly illustrates why all-pro-wrestling was at a golden age in the 1980s.

It is still a mystery why the company constantly hires models instead of real athletes. 

Women's Championship Match: Sensational Sherri (c) vs. Rockin' Robin (1988)

Again, Gorilla calls the match like a master. Bobby Heenan complements him so well—ah, the golden days of commentary.

Sensational Sherri defended the title quite often during her reign but, as Monsoon mentioned, the 30-day rule was alive and well back then and she was on her last day allowed.

What better way to show the entire world how great she was than by defending in a sensational and majestic city like Paris, France?

It seems not defending the title in a month made Sherri rusty, however, as she was completely dominated by the challenger.

Robin was rockin' the Sensational One from pillar to post and in the end, it was a surprise bulldog that ended it all—along with Sherri's one year reign.

Could it be that she had her sights on managing Randy Savage at that point in time? If true, then the distraction cost her big time.

Women's Championship Match: Alundra Blayze (c) vs. Bull Nakano (1994)

This one dates back to SummerSlam 1994, and is quite possibly the best WWE women's match in history.

One of the most extraordinary performers to grace the ladies' division, Alundra Blayze, a.k.a Madusa Miceli, was also one of the most controversial. Arriving on WCW Nitro at one point, she threw the WWE women's championship in a trash can!

Ouch! That is total blasphemy!

Her challenger in this bout is legendary Japanese sensation, Bull Nakano. Bull didn't win the title in this encounter. But she did manage to pin Blayze for it in November of 1994 at Big Egg Wrestling Universe in Tokyo, Japan.

There was a rumor recently that the WWE wants to lure Nakano back to the company to start feuding with the Divas of Doom. 

If true, Bull's return could very well revive the division.

Beth Phoenix vs. Bull Nakano = YES PLEASE!

Hardcore Match: Trish Stratus vs. Victoria (2002)

Let's take it up a notch here...HARDCORE!

Trish Stratus has become a legend in the pro-wrestling business. Despite her small size, no one should ever take her for granted—unless they wish to receive Stratusfaction guaranteed.

It is very unfortunate we do not get this kind of quality match anymore. Both Trish and Victoria are accomplished athletes and the current Divas roster should pay attention and try to recreate this kind of magic.

There are many who feel Victoria's talent is wasted both in WWE and TNA. She looks great and was involved in some ground-breaking matches as you will see here and in the next slide. 

Watch this excellent, action-packed match. The crowd eats it all up.

Steel Cage Match: Victoria vs. Lita (2003)

Another notch please...STEEL CAGE!

The other legendary piece in the Divas chess game was extreme supernova Lita.

As a former Women's champion who was well-beloved by the people, it was only fitting she was thrown into this match versus Victoria. Only a few could be that brave.

And knowing the skill possessed by both ladies, this match could never have been a disappointment.

It is so impressive to see women competing inside a steel cage. Anytime Lita is involved you better be ready for some intense action from beginning to end.

Here's hoping her appearance at last week's Slammy Awards wasn't a one-time thing. We need her to return, even if just for a short time.

Matt Hardy was only good when he was around Lita or his younger brother, Jeff. It's a good thing she broke away from them in the end.

She is a true legend.

Good Friends, Better Enemies Women's Version: Lita vs. Trish (2004)

A Women's championship match in the main event of Monday Night RAW? Magnifique!!

Trish Stratus, the Women's Champion, battles her then-longtime nemesis—and now ally—Lita in this awesome match to close the show.

Did you see that moonsault performed by Lita at the end? Wow!

We could have great moments like this again if the WWE could take the time to properly build up their ladies nowadays.

I know girls like Beth Phoenix and Eve Torres can do it. They had a great match this past summer but it wasn't of this caliber.

See how well both Trish and Lita go from heel to face and back. That is worthy of a legendary Diva. Winning the crowd over and then telling them to go to hell (in a way) is not an easy task to pull off.

Lita, Trish...the company and its Women's division will never be the same without you.

Women's Championship Match: Trish Stratus (c) vs. Mickie James (2006)

Watch part two here.

There could be no better Divas storyline in history than Trish Stratus and her stalker, Mickie James.

It was executed with such perfection you thought it was actually real.

Mickie James is the most successful female of all time in pro-wrestling, having won all major championships known to womankind. She is the only woman to have captured the Women's, Divas and Knockout titles.

Watch as this match starts with the fans cheering Stratus then quickly favoring the not-so-balanced Mickie. How could you not when James pulls out all the stops in her quest to pinch the title?

From crotch-grabbing to taunting to underwear-showing, Mickie tried everything and it worked.

People must have been tired of Trish holding the belt. She had been champion for over a year at that point.

Oh! Mickie you are so fine.

Phenomenal match. I absolutely love it.

Falls Count Anywhere, Women's Championship Match: Melina (c) vs. Mickie (2007)

Melina and Mickie's departure from the WWE was a near-fatal wound for the Divas division.

Here's hoping it will survive with superstars like Beth Phoenix and Kharma.

This "Falls Count Anywhere" match for the title between my two favorite ladies is a personal favorite of mine. I cannot laugh enough every time I watch them enter the Divas locker room and then the camera cuts off. It is hilarious.

It's not hard to have this kind of action today. Every one dislikes the Divas of Doom so why not try this on for size.

All the WWE has to do is book it. There is no doubt in my mind every female athlete would get involved.

A side note...Melina's theme music is still my phone ringer and it is awesome!

Women's Championship Match: Beth Phoenix (c) vs. Mickie James (2008)

How do you stop the unstoppable?

You outsmart her.

Beth Phoenix had reigned supreme as the WWE Women's Champion for over six months at that point. It was a match of such importance that both performers had to be introduced properly like the men at the beginning.

That is true respect.

They deserve respect just as much as the Superstars. If anything, more respect would definitely bring up the value of the match and the Divas championship.

Funny how Beth Phoenix still hasn't learned that a roll-up is an effective way to counter the Glam Slam.

Tsk-tsk my dear...you will lose the title that way. Watch out.

But do not despair...the Phoenix will always survive!

I Quit Match: Beth Phoenix vs. Melina (2008)

Has there been a Divas "I Quit" match since this one?

My thoughts exactly.

Should Natalya ever turn on Beth and go after the title, lets hope it will be in a match like this so we see just how far they can go.

The Divas are magnificent performers and they should be given the chance to impress us every week. They deserve more than five minutes in the ring. It is insulting to watch them misused like this right now.

Melina's flexibility alone makes the match worth watching. It's like she doesn't have any bones.

Beth Phoenix is a beast and don't think for one second Kharma will eat her up when they finally meet.

We are at a turning point in the Divas division. Melina, Beth Phoenix and others have paved the way for the future talent.

Thank you ladies.

***BONUS Women's Championship Match: Michelle McCool (c) vs. Melina (2009)

The most powerful Diva of all time: Michelle McCool.

Having won both the Women's and Divas title makes McCool a historic winner. She is also rumored to have held enormous power and influence backstage, which some attribute to the fact she is married to The Undertaker.

That is pure speculation and I call it jealousy.

She is a great performer and her feud with the beautiful and talented Melina was one of the reasons Smackdown was amazing back in 2009. 

Don't you just love the way Michelle slides and sends the paparazzi princess to the floor during her eye-catching entrance?

On January 2nd, 2012 we will finally know who is behind the mysterious promos. Could it be Michelle McCool and The Undertaker?

Be patient...the time has not yet come.

This match was well received by pro-wrestling critics such as Dave Meltzer. It really was one great Divas match and full of action.

Maybe the end was a little crappy though.

It Is Only a Matter of Time...

...before the Divas take control of the situation and come gunning for more attention.

It has been said many times. They are extraordinary performers and have given us great matches over the decades.

These few matches were but a handful of astonishing moments put on by the top females in this business. 

The Fabulous Moolah and Sensational Sherri will watch from above, and I know they will be made proud as Beth Phoenix and Kharma tear the house down in the future.

Long life to the Divas and their division. 

Here is one fan who will never turn away from them.