Women’s wrestling today in the WWE has set a benchmark for what women in pro wrestling can do. Despite the occasional fumble with the matches and stars, there is no denying that WWE has produced some exceptional female wrestling content in recent years. Stars like Rhea Ripley, Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Bayley, etc, are lauded for their work in women’s wrestling, and all thanks to the WWE. However, the women’s division did not always enjoy the same prestige in the WWE.
A former WWE creative head recently denied anything to do with a particular era in the women’s division. This era is hailed as one of the worst in the WWE’s history. Moreover, this person was responsible for Dwayne Johnson’s original push in the WWE.
Vince Russo pushed Dwayne Johnson to stardom but did not book bra and panties matches
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When it comes to the Attitude Era and the women’s division, most fans remember stars like Trish Stratus and Lita. However, many fans also remember the bra and panties matches that plagued the division. Moreover, the infamous bra and panties matches became a staple during that era. This was also the era of The Rock who got a massive push on the level of Steve Austin. Many credit Russo for believing in Johnson and pushing for him to get his first big push in the WWE. Nevertheless, the former WWE creative figure distanced himself from the lowest period of women’s wrestling. Taking to X, Vince Russo said, “For the record, I NEVER BOOKED a “Bra and Panties ” Match in my Career. That came AFTER I left the @WWE.”
For the record, I NEVER BOOKED a "Bra and Panties " Match in my Career. That came AFTER I left the @WWE. For the record I did book an "Evening Gown" Match with Luna and Sable, but that was a DIRECT DESCENDANT of the Men's "Tuxedo" Match—thank you Fink!!!
— Vince Russo (@THEVinceRusso) March 24, 2024
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This is because fans called out the former WWE and WCW Creative Head for his supposed involvement in this period concerning the women’s division. Russo was infamous for prioritizing entertainment over wrestling and character progression. However, Russo claims these matches came after his time in the WWE. While the timeline makes a little bit of sense, this contradicts what he said when Sasha Banks bashed the infamous match type during a promo.
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During a motivational promo on September 5, 2016, Sasha Banks claimed that the dark days of women’s wrestling were over. She used the bra and panties matches as an example of those days. This irked Russo, who took to social media and said, “The GREAT women wrestlers before Sasha didn’t book the bra-n-panties matches–Ed and I did to HELP WIN A WAR. A WAR that saved the company.” In the comment section, he argued with all those who had an issue with this statement. This showed that Russo was proud of the match type, claiming it saved the WWE. What do you think about the bra and panties matches looking back today? Do you think Russo was right? Tell us in the comments.
