WWE's women's division has undergone a remarkable transformation. For years, female performers were often presented primarily for their appearance, while their wrestling ability received less attention than that of their male counterparts. By 2016, however, that approach was changing rapidly.
The rise of NXT helped showcase a new generation of talented female wrestlers who could deliver memorable matches, compelling characters and strong performances inside the ring. The rivalry between Sasha Banks and Bayley, including their historic main event at NXT TakeOver: Respect, became an important moment in the evolution of women's wrestling.
At the same time, WWE's roster featured plenty of charismatic personalities, accomplished performers, managers, announcers and emerging stars. From established names to rising NXT talents, these women brought plenty of personality and star power to WWE programming.
Looking back at the WWE and NXT landscape of 2016, here are 15 of the most talked-about and visually striking female personalities from that era.
15. Bayley
Known for her infectious personality and signature hugs, Bayley quickly became one of NXT's most popular stars. Her positive attitude, expressive character and determination helped her connect with fans while her performances against Sasha Banks established her as one of the division's leading wrestlers. Bayley's popularity demonstrated how a strong personality and excellent in-ring ability could create a genuine connection with the WWE Universe.
14. Alexa Bliss
Alexa Bliss had already begun making a name for herself in NXT by 2016. Small in stature but full of confidence, Bliss developed a memorable heel persona and quickly became comfortable on the microphone. Her ability to combine athletic performances with a strong character made her one of the division's most promising young talents.
13. Eden
Eden, known outside WWE as Brandi Rhodes, brought experience from modeling, acting and television to her work with WWE. She became familiar to fans as a ring announcer and backstage interviewer and developed a polished presence in front of the camera. Her connection to WWE star Cody Rhodes also made her a recognizable figure among wrestling fans during this period.
12. Stephanie McMahon
Stephanie McMahon was one of WWE's most recognizable female figures in 2016. As a member of the McMahon family and a prominent on-screen authority figure, she brought a commanding presence to WWE programming. Her confident character, athletic background and involvement in major storylines made her a constant presence around the women's division.
11. Lilian Garcia
Lilian Garcia became one of the most familiar voices in WWE history. As a ring announcer and talented singer, she added energy and emotion to WWE events for many years. Her powerful voice, professional presentation and long association with WWE made her one of the most recognizable women connected with the company.
10. Brie Bella
Brie Bella became a major name in WWE alongside her sister Nikki Bella. Beyond her wrestling career, Brie gained additional recognition through Total Divas, which gave audiences a closer look at her life outside the ring. She also became a WWE Divas Champion and remained an important part of WWE's women's programming during this era.
9. Alicia Fox
Alicia Fox had already built an impressive WWE career by 2016. She became the first African-American woman to win the WWE Divas Championship in 2010 and continued to compete regularly on WWE programming. Her unpredictable personality and athletic style helped her stand out, while her appearances on Total Divas introduced her to an even wider audience.
8. Carmella
Carmella was one of NXT's rising personalities in 2016. Before entering WWE, she had experience as a cheerleader and professional dancer, giving her a strong athletic foundation. Her confidence and distinctive character helped her attract attention in an increasingly competitive NXT Women's division.
7. Paige
Paige was already an established star by the time she reached the middle of the decade. She became the first NXT Women's Champion and famously won the WWE Divas Championship on her main-roster debut. Her unique personality, British charisma and aggressive wrestling style made her one of WWE's most recognizable female performers.
6. Nikki Bella
Nikki Bella established herself as one of WWE's biggest female stars during the Divas era. Alongside Brie, she became a central figure on Total Divas and developed a successful wrestling career. In 2015, Nikki set the record for the longest WWE Divas Championship reign at 301 days, further cementing her place in WWE history.
5. Emma
Australian wrestler Emma was one of the talented women whose WWE career developed through NXT. After an initial run on the main roster, she returned to NXT and continued developing her wrestling character. Her technical ability, charisma and confidence made her a standout performer who deserved a bigger spotlight.
4. Becky Lynch
Becky Lynch emerged as one of the defining personalities of WWE's women's revolution. Her distinctive orange hair, energetic personality and technical wrestling style helped her stand apart from the rest of the roster. By early 2016, Lynch was competing at the highest level and preparing for major championship opportunities.
3. Lana
Lana became one of WWE's most recognizable managers after making her main-roster debut alongside Rusev. Her confident presentation, distinctive character and strong connection with the audience helped make her a memorable part of WWE programming. Her popularity demonstrated that a non-wrestling role could still create a major impact within WWE.
2. Eva Marie
Eva Marie became a highly recognizable WWE personality after joining the company in 2013 and appearing on Total Divas. Her early wrestling performances received mixed reactions, but she continued training and worked to improve her skills. By 2016, her return to NXT gave her another opportunity to establish herself as a serious competitor.
1. Sasha Banks
Sasha Banks takes the top spot thanks to her combination of wrestling ability, charisma and star power. As "The Boss," Banks became one of NXT's most compelling performers and played a major role in elevating the women's division. Her classic matches with Bayley helped demonstrate what women's wrestling could become in WWE.
In 2015, Banks and Bayley delivered one of the most celebrated women's matches of the NXT era at NXT TakeOver: Respect. Their rivalry helped establish Banks as one of the defining talents of WWE's women's revolution. With her distinctive character and exceptional in-ring performances, Sasha Banks looked destined for an even bigger future.
The WWE Women's Revolution Was Just Beginning
The WWE women's division of 2016 represented a major turning point. Talents such as Sasha Banks, Bayley, Becky Lynch, Charlotte, Paige and others were helping shift the focus toward athletic competition and storytelling.
While this list reflects the WWE and NXT landscape of the original 2016 article, its biggest takeaway is the changing role of women in professional wrestling. The performers were increasingly being recognized not simply for their appearance, but for their athleticism, character work, charisma and ability to headline major events.