Though the crowd reaction in that moment was indicative of the admiration that the fans had for the payoff of an amazing story and two performers’ physical sacrifices, what happened next dwarfed that initial elation.
An emotional Bayley was met in the ring by Becky Lynch and Charlotte, who embraced her and lifted her into the air in celebration. It was then that the defeated champion – who just moments before was swearing Bayley’s incompetence- swiftly approached Bayley and hugged her with tears of her own pouring down her face. The four performers bowed their heads as friends and equals as they cried congratulations to all involved. They turned to face the audience brandishing four fingers in homage to the “Four Horsemen” of men’s wrestling: the iconic stable comprised of Ric Flair, Tully Blanchard, and Arn and Ole Anderson. Furthermore, the four fingers symbolized their unity as well as the role the four women played in inspiring and progressing the “Divas Revolution”.
The crowd erupted. Social networks erupted. The love was organic for the new champion. So organic, that some fans – this one included – were moved to tears.
It was a special thing to see four talented performers redefine their art and inspire others to embrace a new perspective of their contributions. This was no end of an era, in truth, but rather an ushering in of a new era within the “Divas Revolution”.
My friend, a woman and life-long wrestling fan put it best: “Those four are the reason why we care about women’s wrestling.”
Thus, my own story of how my perspective changed like that of so many others, concludes… and like the “Divas Revolution” itself, begins anew simultaneously…
… And that’s why Sasha Banks and Bayley should have ended last night’s card.
