Chelsea Green is leading a “Diva Renaissance” in WWE, proudly embracing the label that was once used to diminish women’s wrestling and proving femininity and athletic excellence aren’t mutually exclusive.
The Women’s US Champion discussed how she was initially criticized for wanting to be a diva when she entered the wrestling business, but has since fully embraced the identity.
“When I first started wrestling, I was kind of poo pooed for wanting to be a diva and I realized like, no, I’m going to embrace it,” Green explained. “I got into this because I loved Kelly Kelly, who I think is the ultimate diva. I think Nikki Bella is a perfect example of, you know, she was the ultimate diva and she also embraced being a WWE superstar, period.”
Green emphasized that modern female wrestlers can embody traditionally feminine qualities while still being elite in-ring performers.
“I love Tiffany for that. I think Tiffany is a perfect example. Maxine and I talk about this. You can wear pink. You can be sparkly. You can be girly. You can care about your nails and your lashes and your tan and your hair and you can still kick ass and be the best wrestler in the world,” she said. “So why are we putting people in boxes? Stop caring that I label myself a diva.”
The champion also revealed the immense responsibility she felt when trusted with Nikki Bella’s first singles match in seven years.
“Someone and I think Nikki trusted me with her first singles match back,” Green said. “She is the epitome of women’s wrestling. She is the tippy top. You don’t get any higher than Nikki Bella. I’m sorry. You just don’t. And so many eyes were on her. So many eyes wanted her to succeed. So many eyes wanted her to fail. And so I just wanted to do her justice and her legacy justice. I didn’t want her to come back and feel ashamed or embarrassed. I wanted her to feel empowered in that moment.”
Green named her “Diva Mount Rushmore” as herself, Natalya, Kelly Kelly, and Nikki Bella, cementing her place among the women she believes defined the era.
In the same interview, Green discussed working with creative to elevate her championship and the truth about WWE’s women’s locker room.
