In professional wrestling, a diva is a recent term for a long-time phenomenon; 'beautiful women' employed in the capacity of eye candy.
As wrestling has been traditionally a male-oriented pastime, which originated in the spectacle of carnival, it is perhaps not surprising that such practices occur. This aspect of the industry draws widespread criticism for its misogynistic treatment of women as sex objects, who usually appear either scantily clad or 'glamorous' in the form of evening gowns and the like.
Occasionally, wrestling federations have maintained a woman's belt.
In recent years in the WWE, Divas have been also increasingly been wrestlers and are respected on an individual level considerably more. Fit Finlay has been largely credited for this change.
It is unclear as to whether 'bit parts' played by women, such as The Godfather's Hos, or relatives of WWE owner Vince McMahon such as his wife Linda McMahon and daughter Stephanie McMahon qualify as Divas. It is also not clear if the term applies retroactively to wrestling 'valets' such as Miss Elizabeth or Madusa .
See also: professional wrestling slang
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Last updated: 05-22-2005 07:52:36
