WrestleMania 35: A Historic Night for Women’s Wrestling and the Shifting Tides of WWE

WrestleMania, WWE’s flagship event, has long been a spectacle of athleticism, storytelling, and larger-than-life characters. But WrestleMania 35, held on April 7, 2019, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, etched itself into history for reasons that extended far beyond pyrotechnics and piledrivers. This monumental event marked a turning point for women’s wrestling in WWE, paving the way for greater equality and recognition within the traditionally male-dominated sport.

The catalyst for this seismic shift was the first-ever WrestleMania main event featuring an all-female lineup: Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Ronda Rousey battling for the coveted Raw and SmackDown Women’s Championships.

Leading up to WrestleMania 35, WWE had been steadily elevating the prominence of its women’s division. The “Women’s Revolution,” a movement spearheaded by athletes like Stephanie McMahon (WWE’s Chief Brand Officer) and Triple H (WWE Executive Vice President of Global Talent Strategy & Development), sought to break down gender barriers and showcase the incredible athleticism and storytelling prowess of female wrestlers.

This push culminated in several groundbreaking milestones:

• The introduction of the Mae Young Classic, a tournament showcasing the best independent women’s wrestlers from around the globe.
• The creation of NXT UK Women’s Championship, further expanding opportunities for international talent.
• The implementation of dedicated storylines and rivalries centered around female athletes, moving away from the often tokenistic inclusion seen in past eras.

The fervor surrounding the WrestleMania 35 main event was palpable. Anticipation reached fever pitch as fans debated who would emerge victorious: Becky Lynch, “The Man” with her rebellious spirit and undeniable popularity; Charlotte Flair, a multi-generational champion carrying the legacy of her legendary father Ric Flair; or Ronda Rousey, the former UFC Bantamweight Champion whose raw athleticism and intensity shook the foundation of WWE.

The match itself was a masterclass in storytelling and in-ring psychology. All three women delivered captivating performances, showcasing their unique strengths and pushing each other to new heights.

Lynch ultimately emerged victorious, pinning Rousey to become both Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion. This moment resonated deeply with fans worldwide, signifying not just a victory for Becky Lynch but a triumph for the entire women’s division in WWE.

The ramifications of WrestleMania 35 were immediate and profound:

• Increased Visibility: The main event spotlight catapulted the women’s division into uncharted territory, exposing them to a global audience of millions.

Impact Area	Specific Outcome
Viewership	Increased viewership for WWE programming featuring women’s matches.
Merchandise Sales	A surge in merchandise sales for female superstars like Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair.
Social Media Engagement	Significantly higher engagement on social media platforms surrounding discussions about women’s wrestling.

• Empowerment: Seeing three incredibly talented women main event WrestleMania sent a powerful message to young girls and women everywhere, demonstrating that they too could achieve greatness in traditionally male-dominated fields.

• Narrative Shifts: The success of the match further challenged the narrative that men’s wrestling was inherently more exciting or captivating than women’s wrestling. It proved that compelling storytelling, athleticism, and emotional depth transcended gender boundaries.

The Legacy Continues

While WrestleMania 35 marked a pivotal moment in WWE history, the fight for equality and representation in professional wrestling continues. However, thanks to the trailblazers who fought tirelessly for recognition, the landscape of women’s wrestling has fundamentally transformed. Today, female athletes are headlining major events, captivating audiences with their skills and inspiring a new generation of wrestlers.

And at the heart of this revolution stands a name synonymous with perseverance, talent, and groundbreaking achievement: Becky Lynch, “The Man” who helped change the game forever.