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Women's wrestling, especially in WWE, is bigger and better than it has ever been. There have been some iconic female professional wrestlers who have competed in WWE throughout the history of the promotion.
But one could argue that the company needs even more talent in order to take the women's evolution to the next level. RAW and SmackDown would surely benefit from having more depth in the women's division.
This issue could be resolved by bringing back a few former WWE Superstars in order to help elevate today's stars.
From former WWE Women's Champions to former WWE Divas Champions, let's take a closer look at five former stars who could boost the current WWE women's division.
#5 Former WWE Women's Champion Melina
Melina is one of the most successful female wrestlers in WWE history. She has held the Women's Championship on three separate occasions, and she's also a two-time Divas Champion.
Since she left WWE in 2011, Melina has made sporadic appearances on the independent professional wrestling circuit. She also became a regular performer for the National Wrestling Alliance during their weekly episodic television series, "NWA Powerrr."
In 2020, several rumors suggested that Melina had signed a new contract with WWE. Many fans expected her to return to Monday Night RAW, but other reports stated that she'd show up on NXT.
Melina eventually denied these reports, and she took to social media to inform her fans that she had not signed a new deal with WWE.
She acknowledged the fact that she had discussed a potential return to the company, so many fans began to hope that Melina would indeed come back to WWE at some point. Melina finally appeared on WWE programming during RAW Legends Night earlier this year.
With a considerable amount of credibility to her name, Melina would more than help bolster the current women's division on any brand. Clashes with the likes of Charlotte Flair, Asuka, Bayley and Sasha Banks would be considered dream matches.
Perhaps fans could see Melina compete in a WWE ring in the near future.
#4 Former WWE Divas Champion Michelle McCool
Michelle McCool had an incredibly successful WWE career, and she's considered to be a trailblazer in the women's evolution in WWE. McCool was the inaugural WWE Divas Champion, as she defeated Natalya to win the title at The Great American Bash in 2008.
McCool went on to capture the WWE Women's Championship on two separate occasions, and she also won the Divas Championship for a second time.
Plus, at WWE Night of Champions 2010, McCool defeated Melina to unify the Women's Championship and Divas Championship.
McCool retired from WWE in 2011 after losing a "Loser Leaves WWE match" against her former best friend Layla at Extreme Rules. McCool later cited injuries, including a torn MCL, and the desire to start a family as factors in her retirement. She also expressed that she was frustrated with the perception of her marriage to The Undertaker.
Still, in recent years, the WWE Universe has seen McCool make several in-ring appearances for WWE. The former Women's Champion was a surprise entrant in the inaugural Women's Royal Rumble match in 2018. Later that same year, McCool was also an entrant in the women's battle royal at the first ever all-female WWE pay-per-view, Evolution.
There is no doubt that McCool can still compete at a high level. If she returned to the company, even for a short run, she would benefit the entire women's division.
#3 Former WWE Women's Champion Victoria
Victoria is one of the most widely respected female WWE Superstars of all time. She had historic rivalries against several WWE icons, such as Trish Stratus, Molly Holly and Mickie James.
During her seven-year career with the promotion, Victoria captured the WWE Women's Championship on two separate occasions. But her in-ring ability during a time where female wrestling wasn't a high priority in WWE, is still renowned to this day.
Victoria made history by competing in hardcore matches that are still fondly remembered by members of the WWE Universe.
After she requested her release from WWE in 2009, Victoria performed on the independent wrestling circuit, and she eventually competed in IMPACT Wrestling. There, she became a five-time TNA Knockouts Champion and a TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champion.
Earlier this year, Victoria made her first WWE appearance in nearly 12 years during the 2021 Women's Royal Rumble Match. Though she only lasted a few minutes in the match, many fans were happy to see Victoria return to the WWE.
Perhaps this one-night return could be the beginning of a final run for Victoria. With possible matches against Shayna Baszler, Sasha Banks and Asuka, she would certainly be a welcome addition to the promotion.
#2 Former WWE Divas Champion Eve Torres
Eve Torres certainly had an historic WWE career. Despite only appearing on WWE television for five years (2008-2013), Eve won several championships during her time with the company.
During her WWE career, Torres won the Divas Championship on three separate occasions.
Torres also held an authority position on WWE television when she served as the Executive Administrator for Monday Night RAW and SmackDown under the guidance of General Manager John Laurinaitis.
She also had memorable storylines with the likes of Zack Ryder, John Cena and Kaitlyn during her WWE career.
Torres decided to depart WWE in 2013 to focus on her upcoming wedding to renowned jiu-jitsu instructor Rener Gracie. She also wanted to prioritize more her role as the instructor for the Gracie Women Empowered self-defense program.
Since 2013, Torres has made sporadic appearances for the company as an ambassador for the company. She has appeared during the Slammy Awards and various WWE Network shows and panels.
Because Torres is only 36 years old, there is still plenty of time for the former Divas Champion to return to the ring. Throughout her career, she was always a compelling on-screen performer. Many fans would like to see her compete in a WWE ring one last time. She could face top stars like Charlotte Flair and Sasha Banks, and these matches would offer a clash between two generations.
#1 Former WWE Divas Champion AJ Lee
When discussing the Women's Evolution in WWE, one must mention the name of AJ Lee. As a champion during a time when women's wrestling in WWE wasn't taken very seriously, Lee was a pioneer for women's wrestling.
At one period of time, Lee held the record for the longest WWE Divas Championship reign in WWE history. Lee is still cited today by many female talents as an inspiration and role model that they pattern themselves after.
Lee had memorable feuds with Paige, The Bella Twins and Kaitlyn during her career. She also had memorable on-screen partnerships with stars like Dolph Ziggler, Daniel Bryan, John Cena and CM Punk.
Lee left WWE and retired from professional wrestling in April 2015. Lee cited the fulfillment of her goals and permanent damage to her spine as two reasons for her departure. She also explained that she felt caught in the middle of the animosity between her husband, CM Punk and the WWE.
Nevertheless, many fans still hope to see Lee return to a WWE ring one day. Possible matches against the likes of Asuka, Bayley, Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch would electrify the WWE Universe.
