Two former WWE Women’s Champions, Beth Phoenix and Mickie James took to their Twitter pages last night to comment on WWE’s decision to retire the historic 50+ year old Women’s Championship.
Beth, a three-time champion, wrote:
It saddens me to see the historic Women’s Title moved into retirement, but I am so grateful to have had the honor of holding it.My sights remain on the Unified Diva’s Championship.
Meanwhile, five-time champion Mickie, who was released earlier in the year, posted a more emotional message. She added:
The retirement of the Women’s Championship breaks my heart. The nostalgia and the legacy built off the backs of every woman who paved the way for women like me… Who gave it credibility… Honor… Prestige… & Truth! For every woman who’s carried the championship through the generations… Who know the power & history you feel in holding it high above your head.. That can never be replaced by anything in my mind… In my heart… I am truly honored and forever grateful to be among the women who have graced its presence… Thank you…
Mickie’s message really hit home for me. This is a woman who was unceremoniously cut by WWE herself — she could be bitter and not care — but she obviously does. Regardless of whether the former champions who’ve held the belt were released or left on their own accord, they were still champions and helped bring that belt to glory. It’s sad to see such a rich, historied belt laid to rest.
Diva Dirt will be interviewing another former Women’s Champion later this week and hope to get her thoughts on the retirement of the belt also, so stay tuned.
