Total Bellas

WWE’s most recognizable twins have continued elevating the women’s division in sports entertainment with their actions in and out of the ring. Here’s a look at what these sister- preneurs have in store and how they’re training to keep up.

- Eric Velazquez

EYE CANDY. FLUFF. For decades many of the women in various sports- entertainment companies—Fabulous Moolah and Mae Young not withstanding— were relegated to supporting roles that included barely there outfits and action that made most diehard fans grimace. WWE continues to change that depiction. In addition to WWE Hall of Famers Lita, Trish Stratus, and Jacqueline revising perceptions, Stephanie McMahon, the company’s Chief Brand Officer, was also mixing it up in the ring and leading by example.

Fast-forward to April 2016 at WrestleMania 32, which was another evolution in sports entertainment. A new generation of highly capable, hyperathletic women—led by entertaining duo Brie and Nikki Bella—gave WWE the perfect excuse to do away with the categorization of a “Divas” championship and introduce a more appropriate “Women’s” title, lending even more (and certainly well deserved) credibility to a growing division. 

The Bella Twins, 32, have become the standard bearers of this rebranding, and for good reason. The two have been featured on all five seasons of Total Divas on E! and were selected for a spin-off, Total Bellas, which debuts in October. Brie was WWE Divas champ in 2011, and Nikki—who is 16 minutes older than her twin—is a two-time titleholder; Nikki’s second reign (301 days) was the longest on record. “The evolution of the WWE women’s division has come so far,” Brie says. “Not only our generation of women, but so many before us have worked so hard for what happened at WrestleMania 32. Nikki and I got to be a part of the Divas revolution and helped pave the road for history being made for women in WWE. It is such a surreal feeling and an incredible honor.”