Cassius Makes A Case For The Diva Era

In the 1990s women’s wrestling in WWE underwent a major transformation. The company had scrapped their Women’s Championship in 1995, following Alundra Blayze’s shock move to competitors WCW – historically throwing the WWE title in the trash on Monday Nitro.

With the title in the bin there was little room on the show for the women of WWE to show what they could do in the ring.

Instead, the division was reduced to short, often insignificant bouts, costume contests and bra and panties matches. Most of the time they were simply used as valets for male wrestlers.

The Divas era between 1996 and 2006 is an era that particularly divides opinion. The aforementioned gimmick matches the women were afforded were what people wanted to see at the time…

But looking back on the era now often sees fans and wrestlers alike gasp in horror at what some of the competitors were asked to do, purely for the entertainment of the fans.

Of course, that didn’t take away from the obvious talent women like Torrie Wilson, Sable, Trish Stratus, Mickie James, Candice Michelle and many more had. They just weren’t being showcased to their full potential.

However, there is one BritWres star for whom the Divas era is something special…

Cassius grew up watching the WWE Divas. Photo: Instagram @neoncassius

‘The Neon Explosion’ Cassius has been a fan of the Divas since first seeing them on his TV as a youngster.

While the matches may not have been stellar, they resonated with a young wrestling fan just trying to find their way in the world.

Speaking to Grapple Theory, Cassius said: “They were always so playful. I liked the Divas wrestling because it was playful, it was fun, they were bubbly. It wasn’t this hard hitting, depressing match.

“I know what people say, like ‘boo the gimmick matches’, but I enjoyed them, I’m not gonna lie, they were some of my favourite matches.

“If I had a bad day at school I knew I could put on a Halloween Divas Battle Royale, where everyone comes out dressed as cats and it would be quite funny. They always made me smile.

“When I was in art class I always used to draw Kelly Kelly and my teacher would be like ‘why are you always drawing this girl in a bra?’”

Cassius, by his own admission, was always destined to be a fan of the Divas. A self-proclaimed feminist who grew up with a mum and seven aunts, the ‘Neon Explosion’ says there was always a strong sense of ‘girl power’ around him growing up.

A young Cassius with Mickie James. Photo: Twitter @neoncassius1

And Cassius’ love of Diva spread way beyond wrestling, a look at his social media and the passion he shows for the likes of Miley Cyrus and Britney Spears - ask Twitter about that one - is proof of that.

“I think my [original love of Diva] came from Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” he said.

“When that finished the closest thing to the stereotypical ‘dumb blonde’ girl kicking everyone’s ass was WWE, with the blonde Divas.

“Anytime I watch a programme my favourite character was always the stereotypical dumb blonde, Legally Blonde is my favourite movie of all time.”

Women in wrestling, especially on the indies, were always seen as a driving force for WWE’s eventual ‘Diva’s Revolution’.

Wrestlers putting on top notch performances week-in and week-out showed what many people already knew, that gender had no role in how skilled a wrestler was.

Cassius repping Trish Stratus at WrestleMania. Photo: Instagram @neoncassius

And while Cassius is thrilled to see women in wrestling thriving, both at home and across the pond, his heart will also have room for the Divas as well.

“I love how far they’ve come, the fact that they actually get longer matches and time to have a good match.

“When it was a two-minute match that was annoying, you couldn’t enjoy any of it.

“I love what they’re doing now, but I wish the talent that was there back then had the time they have now.

“The Divas walking down the ring is my favourite part of the women’s rumbles, I cheer more for them than the ones that are out there now.”

You can follow Cassius on Twitter @NeonCassius1 and on Instagram @neoncassius