By I. Hansana, Jadetimes News
WWE is reportedly considering expanding its Women’s Division with the introduction of new championships. Chief Content Officer Paul 'Triple H' Levesque and his creative team are said to be mulling over the addition of two new titles, though specific details on their branding and design remain unconfirmed.
Speculation suggests that these new titles will mirror NXT's recent Women's North American Championship, potentially leading to a Women’s Intercontinental Championship for Monday Night Raw and a Women’s United States Championship for SmackDown.
The potential introduction of new titles has sparked mixed feelings among fans and industry insiders alike. While WWE’s commitment to expanding opportunities for its female talent is commendable, there are concerns about whether the current programming can effectively accommodate additional championships. WWE already boasts a surplus of female talent, and with key stars like Charlotte Flair and Asuka sidelined due to injuries, and Becky Lynch currently a free agent, the timing of these new titles raises several questions.
Charlotte Flair and Asuka, two of WWE’s most prominent female wrestlers, are currently out with injuries, and there is no clear timeline for their return. Meanwhile, Becky Lynch, who has hinted at retirement on social media, remains a free agent. Lynch's recent posts have sparked speculation about her future, but many believe she might be teasing her followers, as she has done in the past. Known as 'The Man,' Lynch has previously made comebacks that defied expectations, much like Michael Jordan’s return to basketball after a brief stint in baseball. Could her recent social media activity be a hint at another major return?
While the potential addition of new titles is intriguing, WWE’s current roster management poses challenges. Alexa Bliss is training for her return, and there is hope that Carmella will also be back in action soon. The company continues to strengthen its roster with new talent. Recently, former NJPW Women’s Strong Champion Stephanie Vaquer debuted at a SuperShow in Monterrey, Mexico, and former Stardom Champion Giulia is set to join soon. These additions could prompt further promotions from NXT to the main roster.
The main roster has already seen an influx of talent. Ahead of WrestleMania, WWE added Nia Jax, Liv Morgan, Naomi, and Tiffany Stratton, followed by the call ups of Lyra Valkyria, Blair Davenport, and Kiana James from NXT. Sonya Deville recently returned from injury and has now aligned herself with Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark, two women who are also vying for more screen time on Monday nights.
The critical issue remains whether WWE has sufficient television time to adequately feature two new women’s titles. SmackDown, with its two hour format, already struggles to give ample screen time to current champions. For instance, Bayley, the reigning WWE Women’s Champion, has wrestled on television only twice since early June, including her title defense against Piper Niven at Clash at the Castle.
To make the addition of new titles successful, WWE needs to follow a strategic approach to booking. Becky Lynch’s brief run with the NXT Championship last fall offers a perfect blueprint. During her 42 day reign, Lynch elevated new talent through high profile matches and open challenges, helping to establish Tiffany Stratton and Lyra Valkyria as credible contenders. This model of using a secondary championship to spotlight underutilized talent and provide them with marquee screen time could be the key to managing an expanded title roster.
However, the success of new championships hinges on more than just strategic booking. Timing and execution are crucial. WWE must ensure that these new titles do not become overlooked due to the already crowded championship landscape. Currently, the main roster features nine championships, ten if you include the NXT exclusive Speed Championship held by Andrade. Adding two more titles without a clear plan to feature them adequately could dilute their significance and undermine the division's overall value.
As WWE continues to navigate the complexities of roster management and championship significance, the potential introduction of new titles for the Women’s Division remains a topic of significant interest and debate. While the company undoubtedly has the talent to support additional championships, it must carefully balance screen time and storytelling to ensure that every title, and every competitor, receives the attention they deserve.
