I'm a wrestling fan. I think that that's pretty obvious, given the title and the forum that I'm writing. I also know that it's theatre in its most pure form (or soap opera for guys, either one will do). And as an 18 year old straight guy my main concern in the wrestling community isn't what you'd think. It isn't Orton's overdevelopment; it isn't the general lack of character in most major federations, it isn't the lack of interesting tag teams or story lines. It isn't even a concern for one of the one hundred and sixty eight wrestling feds (rough number). My concern at the moment is the wrestling division for ladies. Now I know what my fellow fan boys are thinking, "Dan, the only thing you're concerned about in the women's division is whether or not they'll have a "wardrobe malfunction". Well, you're not completely wrong, but there's more to it then that. Let me tell you a little story; I live in Centerville Ohio which basically translates to the single most white bread football (ugh) town ever. Like many people I can't afford PPV so I do the next best thing. I go to Hooters, which has the PPV, along with "food" (if you can call it that) and........atmosphere (hint, hint). One day I was watching a PPV and talking to a lady friend of mine that works there. Then Dave Batista came on and she went NUTS. She said she loves wrestling because of all the "hot guys". After that match Trish came on and she reacted in disgust. Naturally curious I asked what would cause such a reaction. She claimed that the women's division just didn't interest her. She thought it was degrading to women that they had to wear skimpy tights and wrestling!

My point is this; most (straight) guys don't just watch wrestling to see half naked guys. They watch because they love seeing great matches, good story lines, and characters being developed. Right now most women watching wrestling either tune in for the guys or because their significant other made them. The women's division isn't catering to anybody but horny fan boys, lesbians, and bat-wielding feminists that are secretly lesbians. If women's wrestling was modelled more like that of it's male counterpart they'd draw in a whole new crowd of people that view female wrestling as entertainment and not a titillating time killer. Unfortunately, the prime example of this is the WWE. The "E" is always on the receiving end of anger from the population of wrestling fans, so me writing about them doesn't help my chances of getting this article posted. But in fairness, it's the only major federation with a women's title. It's hard to get on TNA or ROH about their women's division when there's nothing to criticize.

For starters, treat the women's title like what it is: A FREAKING TITLE!!!! Quit having it change hands in lingerie pillow fights and erotic oil rumbles! Imagine if Benoit had lost the world title in a BRA and PANTY match!!! If you're going to ad stipulations, make them stipulations you'd use in a regular title defense. The Trish/Victoria hardcore match was pretty good and the Lita/Victoria cage match was a unique first. There are so many firsts that could happen in the women's division that would bring in some great ratings. The Lita/Trish RAW main event already proved that. Hell, if a women wants to blade herself to enhance the match let her! Change up the marketing. This isn't directed at the WWE so much as it's a general statement. Quit the "Trish Stratus Thong" package or the "Trinity Halter Top" products. And don't make Playboy such a big deal. I'd personally cut Playboy altogether, unless your going to put JBL in Playgirl ("are those bull horns in your pants or are you happy to see me"").

Back to the WWE. As any fan with a functioning frontal lobe has probably figured out, the only women that are current wrestlers are Lita, Trish, Holly, and Victoria. That's four competitors for a single division (three if you consider the fact that Lita is injured).The WWE should have female wrestlers that aren't currently wrestling get back in the ring (Stacy and Ivory). Stacy holds room for improvement and may one day evolve past the 'piece of meat' character she's been pigeon-holed into. If not, at least someone else can job instead of Holly. Plus, Ivory has an experience advantage that could definitely come into play (I also think she's hot, but then again I have a thing for older women too).

Use the draft lottery to your advantage (Vince!). Transfer Jackie, Torrie, Dawn. And Hiroko over to RAW. Admittedly Jackie and Wilson aren't exactly mat technicians but at the moment they're warm bodies and that helps. Besides if push comes to shove they can join Stacy and form a blonde jobber squad. Dawn Marie is long overdue for a decent story line, if not a title shot. Hiroko is a mystery on whether or not she can wrestle but she has the most interesting character I've seen in a while. If Kenzo comes with her he can interfere with matches to put them both over as bigger heels. If you're listening Vince, this will turn your women's division numbers from four to ten. I'd call that an improvement.

Now moving onto the WWE's biggest competitor; no I'm not talking about the squirrels wrestling in my back yard for the World Nut Gathering Championship (although those suckers can go). I'm talking about TNA. With the way they currently treat their roster you'd think that TNA stands for something other then Total Nonstop Action. Yeah, I know that their trying to add their "knockouts" into the plots more by making them managers/secretaries/valets. But please, is anybody really going to believe a plot where Trinity and Traci are feuding over Dusty Rhodes" To really put them over they may have to use some of Vince's sloppy seconds (pardon my French). Jazz, Jacqueline, and (ugh) Terri Runnels could job to them as well as several other "distinguished" (old) divas. Plus Nidia, Shaniqua, and Gail Kim all still have some years on them. BUT AVOID SABLE LIKE THE PLAGUE!!!

This isn't directed towards anybody so much as a general statement but please, SOMEONE MAKE USE OF ALL THE INDY TALENT!!! There are some many qualified women on the indy circuit that could make a big impact. Simply Luscious (a.k.a. Veronica Stevens) graduated the Shawn Michaels Academy. Alexis Laree has been in OVW forever. April Hunter's been at 3PW tag title holder. Plus people like Christine Ricci, Kassidy, Alison Danger, Dazee Haze, Arele Littlefeather, ODB, and countless others could greatly help the wrestling world. And what ever happened to Riot from WOW anyway" That spinning elbow was cool. All I know is that there's a whole lot of talent that nobody is taking advantage of.

Well there it is; my two cents. I'd like to end on a somewhat positive note and thank those people who took the time and effort to read this disorganized rant called an article. I'm more than open to input on what the rest of the wrestling community thinks and I'm looking forward to some form of response. I hope to hear from you all soon, and as the Coach says; Halle, call me.

by Dan B...