The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is currently in the midst of a significant transformation for its women's division, boasting a record number of titles, yet simultaneously facing criticism for its storytelling approach. The organization features individual World Championships for both Raw and SmackDown, alongside a new Women’s Intercontinental and United States Championships, as well as women’s tag team titles. However, despite this wealth of opportunities for its female superstars, there remains a striking absence of substantial non-title storylines, leading to many women being sidelined on television.
Recently, on March 17, 2025, Rhea Ripley made headlines by inserting herself into the World Championship storyline on Monday Night Raw, following an impressive return from injury that saw her chasing the title since SummerSlam 2024. Ripley captured the WWE Women’s World Championship from Liv Morgan on January 6, 2025, during a Netflix premiere, managing to hold the title until March 3, 2025, when she lost it to Iyo Sky. Despite the high stakes surrounding Ripley’s character, WWE has yet to explore non-title feuds for her, leaving fans questioning why such a popular performer remains trapped in title pursuits.
The situation appears starkly different for male wrestlers in the WWE, who often manage to maintain relevance and high-profile matches outside of championship hunts. For instance, Drew McIntyre and Damian Priest continue to engage in captivating storylines without any championships at stake. Conversely, prominent female wrestlers like Natalya, who is often regarded as one of WWE’s top technical talents, have been noticeably absent from major storylines, which raises concerns about the depth of WWE's commitment to its women’s division.
WWE struggles to book women's storylines that don't revolve around titles, creating an unfortunate environment where women are sidelined if they're not involved in championship pursuits. Notably, Mia Yim and Alba Fyre found themselves off-screen after their respective feuds ended, a pattern that is all too familiar in the current landscape. Instances of this nature exemplify a broader issue: the perception that female talent can only remain relevant if they are contending for belts.
Ripley’s persistent involvement in title feuds, while undeniably impressive given her popularity, signals a larger challenge within the booking philosophy of WWE. Past wrestlers like Stone Cold Steve Austin effectively navigated the space between championships, engaging in memorable storylines with figures such as Vince McMahon and Triple H. WWE's failure to give Ripley the same creative latitude to explore non-title narratives may risk alienating fans who appreciate character development, not merely title-chasing angles.
A small example of non-title storytelling exists in the current feud between Jade Cargill and Naomi, which showcases a storyline not directly tied to a championship yet elevates both characters. While the spotlight is on talent like Cargill, who showcased her abilities to shine in a unique feud, these examples are fleeting in contrast to the men’s division, where storylines can exist independently of championships.
Moreover, WWE's third brand, NXT, has set a commendable benchmark by allowing its female wrestlers to engage in non-title storylines with great success. For instance, Jaida Parker’s blood feud against Lola Vice captivated audiences in 2024, culminating in a notable Underground match. This success starkly contrasts WWE's main roster, where opportunities for individual star development appear scarce in the absence of title-related angles.
In addition to Parker, wrestlers like Roxanne Perez have managed to captivate audiences through meaningful rivalries outside of championship pursuits, and even amidst changes in the women's tag team titles, there remains an essential narrative flexibility. The commendable storytelling within NXT serves as a potential blueprint for the main roster to embrace and model, allowing for a sweep in storytelling dynamics that showcases talent beyond their championship status.
As we approach WrestleMania 41, the season of unexpected twists and turns, WWE appears to be missing a golden opportunity to enrich its women’s division by incorporating deep, engaging storylines that don’t solely revolve around title belts. WWE has proven its ability to craft captivating narratives in the past—non-title feuds can provide not only a fresh perspective on the roster but also capture the interest of a fanbase hungry for varied storytelling.
In conclusion, the WWE has an opportunity to embrace change before WrestleMania 41 by committing to the art of non-title storytelling in its women’s division. By steering away from the notion that women must compete for championships to be relevant, WWE can showcase the depth and talent within its roster. Creatively reimagining the narratives could breathe new life into the division, ensuring that each female star is viewed as a valuable asset in their own right, capable of captivating audiences beyond championship gold.
