A la TIME’s Person of the Year list, Diva Dirt has compiled a countdown of the women we feel have best embodied the zeitgeist of the year in women’s wrestling. To compile this list, the Diva Dirt team have tracked the headlines here at Diva Dirt over the past 12 months, followed the lively fan debate on social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook, considered the impact that the women have made within the industry, and taken into account personal achievements as well. More information on the Women of the Year list here.
THE BELLA TWINS
Twin Peaks
In 2011, the Bella Twins, Brie and Nikki, finally reached the top of the summit — the coveted Divas Title — and showed off an exciting new side to their characters, realizing their true potential as amazing bitchy heels. (And we mean that in the best way possible.)
Brie and Nikki’s character shift in 2011 was a breath of fresh air after several years as babyfaces. As heels, the twins, Nikki in particularly, showed off their sassy attitudes and given the opportunity, were incredibly entertaining.
When not stuck on backstage duty, which, okay, didn’t feel like a lot of the time, Brie and Nikki certainly had their highest point in WWE thus far when Brie won the Divas Championship from Eve Torres in April. The title win not only put the Divas in the spotlight on Raw, but also in the midst of intense fan debate over Brie’s merits as Divas Champion.
Perhaps the highlight of the year for the Bellas as a tandem was an incredibly strong promo on Kharma during a big segment in which the latter announced her pregnancy live on Raw. That promo showed us what the Bella Twins could be with a little more investment in and screen time for their characters.
Outside of the ring, the twins were part of a huge stir earlier in the year following the publication of an article about the Divas division on WWE.com. For a period, the Bellas — and their family members — had fans abuzz. Additionally, they were incredibly lucrative to the WWE machine this year, a factor which is strongly considered in the Women of the Year selection process. Brie and Nikki have been a constant presence representing the WWE and the Divas division in media interviews, at events and more. Even when not performing in front of the crowds at tapings and live events, the Bellas were still very much on the job throughout the year representing the company.
Love them or hate them — and the Bellas certainly divide opinion — Brie and Nikki showed staying power in 2011. With Divas such as Melina and Michelle McCool departing, while others such as Layla going out with injuries, the Bellas have lasted longer than some fans feel they should have. Brie’s Divas Title win was the icing on the cake.
PREVIOUSLY:
– The Women of the Year 2011: AJ and Rosita (#19)
