Total Divas
Total Divas is an American reality television series that aired on E! from July 28, 2013, to December 10, 2019, spanning nine seasons and chronicling the personal and professional lives of female professional wrestlers from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).[1][2][3] Produced in partnership between E!, WWE, and Bunim-Murray Productions, the show offered viewers an inside look at the WWE Divas' high-stakes careers in the ring, their training regimens, and intimate personal stories involving relationships, family dynamics, and personal milestones.[1] The original cast featured prominent WWE performers including The Bella Twins (Brie Bella and Nikki Bella), Natalya, Cameron, Naomi, Eva Marie, and JoJo.[1] Over the course of its run, the ensemble evolved with additions such as Paige, Alicia Fox, Rosa Mendes, Nia Jax, Lana, Sonya Deville, Carmella, Liv Morgan, and Ronda Rousey, reflecting changes in WWE's women's roster and storylines.[4][5] The series captured key moments like WrestleMania preparations, title pursuits, and real-life events, including Nikki Bella's record-breaking WWE Divas Championship reign and the cast's advocacy for greater opportunities for women in wrestling.[5] Total Divas significantly boosted the visibility of WWE's women's division during a transformative era, contributing to the shift away from the "Diva" branding toward the "Women's Evolution" in 2016.[6] It also spawned the spin-off Total Bellas, focusing on the Bella Twins' lives post-WWE, which premiered in 2016 and ran for six seasons until 2021.[7] The show's blend of glamour, drama, and athleticism attracted a broad audience, averaging strong viewership ratings and earning praise for humanizing the performers behind the personas.[8]Production
Development
The series Total Divas was officially announced on April 22, 2013, as a collaborative project between WWE and the E! network, aimed at bringing a reality television format to the world of professional wrestling.[9] This partnership sought to expand WWE's reach by highlighting the multifaceted lives of its female performers beyond the ring.[10] Production was handled by Bunim-Murray Productions, the company behind influential reality series such as The Real World and Keeping Up with the Kardashians, which brought expertise in unscripted storytelling to the project.[11] The initial concept focused on revealing the personal and professional challenges faced by WWE's women wrestlers, including training regimens, relationships, and career aspirations, to attract a wider audience unfamiliar with wrestling.[12] This approach was designed to humanize the performers and emphasize their athleticism and personalities in a format appealing to reality TV enthusiasts.[13] The original cast was selected based on popularity, marketability, and narrative potential within WWE, with the Bella Twins—Nikki and Brie Bella—positioned as central anchors due to their established fanbase and twin dynamic.[9] Joining them were fellow Divas Natalya, Eva Marie, Naomi, Cameron (collectively known as The Funkadactyls), and JoJo, chosen to represent a mix of veterans and rising stars.[13] Leading up to its July 28, 2013 premiere, marketing efforts included promotional videos featuring the cast shared across WWE's digital platforms and E! channels, as well as tie-in events like a meet-and-greet with fans at WWE SummerSlam in August 2013.[14] These initiatives integrated the series with WWE's live programming to build anticipation among both wrestling and general entertainment audiences.[15]Filming and format
Total Divas is a reality television series produced by WWE and Bunim-Murray Productions, blending behind-the-scenes footage from WWE events with personal narratives of the female superstars' lives outside the ring.[11][16] The format incorporates confessional interviews where cast members provide direct commentary on events, alongside segments capturing everyday activities such as training sessions, family interactions, and social outings, often emphasizing interpersonal drama and relationships.[16] This style draws from established reality TV conventions, prioritizing emotional conflicts and personal growth while integrating authentic WWE elements like ring performances and travel schedules.[17] Filming occurs across diverse locations to reflect the cast's dynamic lifestyles, including WWE arenas for professional segments, cast members' personal homes for intimate moments, and on-tour travel during live events.[16] Additional shoots take place in non-WWE settings such as vacations in destinations like Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and Tulum, Mexico, allowing for storylines involving relaxation and group dynamics away from work.[18][19] WWE provides extensive access to enhance authenticity, capturing real-time elements like injury recoveries and contract discussions, which are woven into the narrative to bridge professional and personal spheres.[11] Episodes typically run approximately 42 minutes and follow a multi-threaded structure, tracking several cast members' storylines simultaneously to build tension through cliffhangers and resolutions across personal challenges.[20] This approach often includes crossovers with WWE programming, such as referencing ongoing feuds or matches, to create continuity between the show and the wrestlers' in-ring careers.[16] Over the series' run, the format evolved, particularly after 2016, with an increased emphasis on life beyond wrestling amid the WWE Women's Evolution initiative.[21] Later seasons, such as season 8, highlighted post-retirement transitions, including Paige's career-ending injury and the Bella Twins' explorations of business ventures and family life, shifting focus from active competition to long-term personal development.[21][17]Cast
Main cast
The main cast of Total Divas consisted of WWE performers who appeared regularly across multiple seasons, blending their in-ring personas with personal storylines to showcase the dual lives of professional wrestlers. Central to the series were the Bella Twins, Nikki Bella (Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace) and Brie Bella (Brianna Monique Danielson), who featured in seasons 1 through 6 and 8 through 9, serving as the show's driving forces through interpersonal drama, sibling dynamics, and entrepreneurial pursuits outside the ring.[6] As WWE Superstars known for their tag team work and individual title reigns, the twins highlighted real-life milestones such as Brie's marriage to wrestler Daniel Bryan in 2014 and subsequent pregnancies, alongside Nikki's engagement to John Cena and her record-setting 301-day reign as WWE Divas Champion from April 2015 to November 2015.[22] Natalya (Natalie Katherine Neidhart), a veteran wrestler from the Hart wrestling family, appeared in all nine seasons, providing comic relief, technical expertise, and insights into the rigors of WWE life as the longest-tenured cast member.[23] Her segments often explored her marriage to fellow wrestler TJ Wilson (Tyson Kidd) and her role mentoring newer talent, emphasizing the physical and emotional demands of the industry.[24] Trinity Fatu, known in WWE as Naomi, was a core member in seasons 1 through 3 and 6 through 9, portraying the energetic dancer and multi-time champion whose "Feel the Glow" persona infused the show with high-energy moments.[25] Her real-life marriage to wrestler Jimmy Uso and explorations of family life added depth to episodes focusing on balancing WWE travel with personal relationships.[6] Paige (Saraya-Jade Bevis) joined as a main cast member from seasons 2 through 6 and 8, bringing her edgy, anti-Diva persona as the youngest Divas Champion at the time of her 2014 debut, with storylines delving into her transition from independent wrestling to WWE stardom.[26] Eva Marie (Natalie Eva Marie Nelson) appeared in seasons 1 through 6, often positioned as the ambitious newcomer whose modeling background and training struggles sparked conflicts, while showcasing her marriage to Jonathan Coyle.[27] Summer Rae (Danielle Moinet) rounded out the early core in seasons 1 through 3, contributing as a fashion-savvy heel whose alliances and rivalries, including with Natalya, highlighted backstage tensions.[28] CJ Perry, known in WWE as Lana, joined as a main cast member in seasons 6 through 8, focusing on her acting aspirations, marriage to wrestler Rusev (Miro), and efforts to establish herself beyond her valet role. Savelina Fanene, performing as Nia Jax, was a main cast member from seasons 7 through 9, showcasing her powerhouse style, family ties to The Rock, and challenges with injuries and body image in WWE.Recurring cast
The recurring cast of Total Divas featured WWE performers who appeared in supporting roles across multiple seasons, often highlighting personal challenges, career transitions, and interactions within the Divas' ensemble. These members typically contributed to 5-20 episodes per season, adding layers of conflict, support, and humor to the main narratives without anchoring full seasons.[29] Ariane Andrew, performing as Cameron, was a key recurring figure in seasons 1-2 and returned briefly in season 7, where she participated in group settings that explored Divas' camaraderie and rivalries.[30][6] Melissa Perez, known as Rosa Mendes, appeared recurrently in seasons 1-3 and continued into season 5, with her storyline prominently focusing on single motherhood after giving birth to her daughter in 2016, which showcased the balance between WWE demands and family life.[31][32] Amanda Saccomanno, performing as Mandy Rose, was a main cast member in season 5 following her appearance on WWE Tough Enough, with arcs emphasizing her modeling background and rigorous WWE training.[33][34] Other notable recurring performers included Joanna Jernigan (JoJo) in season 1, where she brought youthful energy to early group dynamics; Alicia Fox in seasons 4-6, often involved in friendship tensions and romantic subplots; and Maryse (Maryse Ouellet) in seasons 5-6, contributing to ensemble scenes centered on veteran advice and marital life.[6][35][36] Later recurring cast included Leah Van Dale (Carmella) in seasons 7-9, highlighting her Staten Island princess persona and relationship with Corey Graves; Daria Berenato (Sonya Deville) in season 9, focusing on her MMA background and coming out story; Ronda Rousey in season 9, exploring her transition from UFC to WWE; and Liv Morgan (Gionna Daddio) in season 9, showcasing her energetic personality and family dynamics.[37]| Performer | Ring Name | Seasons | Notable Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ariane Andrew | Cameron | 1-2, 7 | Group interactions and rivalries |
| Melissa Perez | Rosa Mendes | 1-3, 5 | Single motherhood arc |
| Amanda Saccomanno | Mandy Rose | 5 | Modeling and training storylines |
| Joanna Jernigan | JoJo | 1 | Youthful ensemble dynamics |
| Alicia Fox | Alicia Fox | 4-6 | Friendship and romance conflicts |
| Maryse Ouellet | Maryse | 5-6 | Veteran guidance in group settings |
| Leah Van Dale | Carmella | 7-9 | Relationship and persona development |
| Daria Berenato | Sonya Deville | 9 | MMA transition and personal story |
| Ronda Rousey | Ronda Rousey | 9 | UFC to WWE adjustment |
| Gionna Daddio | Liv Morgan | 9 | Family and energetic dynamics |
Episodes
Season summaries
The first season of Total Divas, premiering in July 2013, introduced audiences to the core cast including the Bella Twins, the Funkadactyls (Naomi and Cameron), and Natalya, emphasizing the intersection of professional WWE rivalries and personal relationships among the women. Spanning 14 episodes, the season explored how on-screen tensions and backstage dynamics influenced their off-duty lives and friendships.[38][39] Season 2, airing from March to June 2014, marked the debut of Paige as a main cast member, while elevating the prominence of the Bella Twins amid ongoing group conflicts and individual storylines; it consisted of 11 episodes. The season built on the established format by incorporating new rivalries and personal milestones, such as wedding preparations and career pressures.[40][41] Seasons 3 through 6, broadcast between September 2014 and April 2017, captured a period of heightened drama, delving into cast members' injuries, romantic engagements, family challenges, and occasional crossovers with related reality programming like Total Bellas. These seasons featured evolving cast dynamics, including the addition and departures of wrestlers such as Rosa Mendes and Alicia Fox, with episode counts ranging from 13 to 20 per season. Key themes included career setbacks like Daniel Bryan's injury recovery and Nikki Bella's egg-freezing decision, alongside relational strains for Natalya and Paige.[42][43][44] From season 7 onward, airing between October 2017 and December 2019, the series shifted toward the cast's post-wrestling transitions, retirements, and family-oriented narratives, reflecting broader life changes beyond the ring. Season 7 with 12 episodes and Season 8 with 10 episodes highlighted rivalries like Natalya versus Naomi, Nia Jax's dating struggles, and Alexa Bliss's personal adjustments, while incorporating newer talents such as Carmella and Sonya Deville. Season 9, comprising 10 episodes and concluding on December 10, 2019, featured Ronda Rousey's integration into the group, alongside themes of grief for Natalya following her father's passing and career reflections for veterans like Naomi.[45][46][47] Over its nine-season run, Total Divas evolved from a primary emphasis on in-ring competitions and immediate WWE backstage interactions to deeper explorations of life after professional wrestling, including entrepreneurial ventures, motherhood, and emotional recoveries.[48]List of episodes
Total Divas comprises 120 episodes across 9 seasons, broadcast from July 28, 2013, to December 10, 2019. Episodes generally run approximately 42 minutes, excluding commercials. The series includes no standalone specials or unaired episodes. The following tables provide a complete inventory of episodes, organized by season, with episode numbers, titles, and original air dates. Production codes, directors, and writers are not consistently credited in available records.[2][20]Season 1 (2013)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Welcome to the WWE | July 28, 2013 |
| 2 | 2 | A Tango with Fandango | August 4, 2013 |
| 3 | 3 | Planet Funk Is Funked Up | August 11, 2013 |
| 4 | 4 | The "Fat" Twin | August 18, 2013 |
| 5 | 5 | Feuding Funkadactyls | August 25, 2013 |
| 6 | 6 | Diva Las Vegas | September 1, 2013 |
| 7 | 7 | The Diva Life | September 8, 2013 |
| 8 | 8 | No Longer the Bridesmaid | October 7, 2013 |
| 9 | 9 | The Royal Rumble | October 14, 2013 |
| 10 | 10 | Nurse Nikki | November 10, 2013 |
| 11 | 11 | The Big O | November 17, 2013 |
| 12 | 12 | Backstage Brawl | December 1, 2013 |
| 13 | 13 | The Divas' Night Out | December 8, 2013 |
| 14 | 14 | Ready to Ride | December 15, 2013 |
Season 2 (2014)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 1 | New Diva on the Block | March 16, 2014 |
| 16 | 2 | The Braniel Bus | March 23, 2014 |
| 17 | 3 | On Brie's Bad Side | March 30, 2014 |
| 18 | 4 | The Battle of the Bellas | April 6, 2014 |
| 19 | 5 | The Dirt Sheet | April 13, 2014 |
| 20 | 6 | Brie and Daniel's Off-Season | April 20, 2014 |
| 21 | 7 | The PA That Drives You Crazy | April 27, 2014 |
| 22 | 8 | It's a Girl's World | May 4, 2014 |
| 23 | 9 | The Set-Up | May 11, 2014 |
| 24 | 10 | Digging a Hole | May 25, 2014 |
| 25 | 11 | Wedding Mania | June 1, 2014 |
Season 3 (2014–2015)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 1 | Rowdy with the Homies | September 7, 2014 |
| 27 | 2 | I Don't Want to Tag with Her | September 7, 2014 |
| 28 | 3 | The WWE Divas Get Shirty | September 14, 2014 |
| 29 | 4 | The Diva's Got Baby Fever | September 21, 2014 |
| 30 | 5 | The All the Way Tour | September 28, 2014 |
| 31 | 6 | The Brutal Truth | October 5, 2014 |
| 32 | 7 | Gone Country | October 12, 2014 |
| 33 | 8 | The Diva Strikes Back | October 19, 2014 |
| 34 | 9 | The Divas Make Lemonade | November 2, 2014 |
| 35 | 10 | Bella Baby Blues | November 9, 2014 |
| 36 | 11 | Fear of Flying | November 16, 2014 |
| 37 | 12 | 99 Problems | November 23, 2014 |
| 38 | 13 | The Great Survivor | November 30, 2014 |
| 39 | 14 | The Triple F Me | December 7, 2014 |
| 40 | 15 | The Divas Do Hollywood | January 4, 2015 |
| 41 | 16 | Baby Not Baby | January 11, 2015 |
| 42 | 17 | The B Word | January 18, 2015 |
| 43 | 18 | Divas Unhinged | January 25, 2015 |
| 44 | 19 | Total Superstars | February 1, 2015 |
| 45 | 20 | For Those About to Rock | February 8, 2015 |
Season 4 (2015–2016)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46 | 1 | Diva Divide | December 15, 2015 |
| 47 | 2 | She Said, She Said | December 22, 2015 |
| 48 | 3 | Eat Your Heart Out | January 5, 2016 |
| 49 | 4 | Divas on Overdrive | January 12, 2016 |
| 50 | 5 | Tea Mode | January 19, 2016 |
| 51 | 6 | 24 Hours in L.A. | January 26, 2016 |
| 52 | 7 | Jiggly Titties | February 2, 2016 |
| 53 | 8 | Baby Baby Bella | February 9, 2016 |
| 54 | 9 | The Diva's Curse | February 16, 2016 |
| 55 | 10 | The Glow | February 23, 2016 |
| 56 | 11 | Total Bella | March 1, 2016 |
| 57 | 12 | Momma's Gotta Go | March 8, 2016 |
| 58 | 13 | The Return | March 15, 2016 |
Season 5 (2016)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 59 | 1 | The Double Cross | November 15, 2016 |
| 60 | 2 | This Is My Life | November 22, 2016 |
| 61 | 3 | The Enemy of My Frenemy | November 29, 2016 |
| 62 | 4 | Baby Crazy | December 6, 2016 |
| 63 | 5 | The Diva's on Fire | December 13, 2016 |
| 64 | 6 | The Man in the Middle | December 20, 2016 |
| 65 | 7 | The Big Announcement | January 3, 2017 |
| 66 | 8 | The Diva Strikes Back | January 10, 2017 |
| 67 | 9 | The Ex Takes It All | January 17, 2017 |
| 68 | 10 | The Book | January 24, 2017 |
| 69 | 11 | The Glam Squad | January 31, 2017 |
| 70 | 12 | Baby Steps | February 7, 2017 |
| 71 | 13 | For Better or For Worse | February 14, 2017 |
| 72 | 14 | The Divas' Last Dance | February 21, 2017 |
Season 6 (2016–2017)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 73 | 1 | A Win-Wine Situation | November 16, 2016 |
| 74 | 2 | Pain in the Neck | November 23, 2016 |
| 75 | 3 | What Happens in Vegas | November 30, 2016 |
| 76 | 4 | The New Diva in Town | December 7, 2016 |
| 77 | 5 | Baby Mama Bella | December 14, 2016 |
| 78 | 6 | The Divas Take LA | December 21, 2016 |
| 79 | 7 | The Bella Comeback | January 4, 2017 |
| 80 | 8 | Sister Act | January 11, 2017 |
| 81 | 9 | The Big Easy | January 18, 2017 |
| 82 | 10 | The Unbreakable | January 25, 2017 |
| 83 | 11 | A New Diva | February 1, 2017 |
| 84 | 12 | The Divas' Last Ride | February 8, 2017 |
| 85 | 13 | The Twin Switch | February 15, 2017 |
| 86 | 14 | The Ronda Rousey Effect | February 22, 2017 |
| 87 | 15 | The Big Nattie Comeback | March 1, 2017 |
| 88 | 16 | Total Summerslam | May 10, 2017 |
Season 7 (2017–2018)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 89 | 1 | This Is Make or Break | November 1, 2017 |
| 90 | 2 | Dressed Like a Champ | November 8, 2017 |
| 91 | 3 | Breaking All the Rules | November 15, 2017 |
| 92 | 4 | The Diva Divide | November 29, 2017 |
| 93 | 5 | The Bella Rush | December 6, 2017 |
| 94 | 6 | Divas Gone Wild | December 13, 2017 |
| 95 | 7 | Fake It 'Til You Make It | December 20, 2017 |
| 96 | 8 | Single in the City | January 3, 2018 |
| 97 | 9 | Three Alarm Fire | January 10, 2018 |
| 98 | 10 | Shall We Dance? | January 17, 2018 |
| 99 | 11 | Let's Get Naked! | January 24, 2018 |
| 100 | 12 | Breaking the News | January 31, 2018 |
Season 8 (2018)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | 1 | Good Girls Don't Make History | September 19, 2018 |
| 102 | 2 | This Is My House | September 26, 2018 |
| 103 | 3 | The Real Nicole / Risky Behavior | October 3, 2018 |
| 104 | 4 | Paige's Secret | October 10, 2018 |
| 105 | 5 | Pink Hair Don't Care | October 17, 2018 |
| 106 | 6 | Welcome to Miami | October 24, 2018 |
| 107 | 7 | Chase Your Dreams | October 31, 2018 |
| 108 | 8 | Hate Is a Strong Word | November 7, 2018 |
| 109 | 9 | A Sisterhood Beyond Blood | November 14, 2018 |
| 110 | 10 | Unbreakable Force | November 28, 2018 |
Season 9 (2019)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 111 | 1 | The Baddest Women on the Planet | October 1, 2019 |
| 112 | 2 | All Is Fair in Love and War | October 8, 2019 |
| 113 | 3 | Rowdy Ronda | October 15, 2019 |
| 114 | 4 | Damage Control | October 22, 2019 |
| 115 | 5 | The Real Ronda | October 29, 2019 |
| 116 | 6 | MountainMania | November 5, 2019 |
| 117 | 7 | I Will Prevail | November 12, 2019 |
| 118 | 8 | 35 Years in the Making | November 19, 2019 |
| 119 | 9 | Hawaiian Punch | December 3, 2019 |
| 120 | 10 | The Next Wave | December 10, 2019 |
Broadcast
Premiere and scheduling
Total Divas premiered on July 28, 2013, airing on E! at 10:00 PM ET/PT on Sunday nights, offering viewers an inside look at the lives of WWE's female wrestlers.[49] The series debuted with its first season running from July 28 to December 15, 2013, consisting of 14 episodes that introduced the core cast and their professional and personal challenges.[2] Over its run, the show's scheduling evolved to accommodate network programming and the cast's commitments. Starting with season 4 on July 7, 2015, Total Divas shifted to Tuesday nights at 9:00 PM ET/PT, a change announced by E! to align with their summer lineup.[50] Starting with season 6 (2016–17), it moved to Wednesdays at 8:00 PM ET/PT, with later seasons adjusting times to 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM; season 9 aired on Tuesdays at 10:00 PM ET/PT from October 1 to December 10, 2019.[51] The series incorporated periodic hiatuses, such as the break following the mid-season finale before WrestleMania 33, to align with major WWE events and tours that impacted cast availability.[52] The show concluded after its ninth season finale on December 10, 2019, with E! and WWE not announcing any renewals thereafter, marking the end of the original run.[53] In April 2025, Nikki Bella expressed interest in a reboot featuring the original cast and two new additions, but as of November 2025, no official announcement has been made.[54]Viewership
The second season premiere of Total Divas in 2014 drew 1.07 million viewers, establishing a solid audience foundation for the series on E!.[55] Overall, episodes in the early seasons typically averaged between 0.8 and 1.2 million viewers, according to Nielsen measurements, reflecting consistent performance among E! reality programming.[56][57] Viewership peaked during season 3, with select episodes surpassing 1.4 million viewers, largely driven by the rising popularity of the Bella Twins as central figures.[58] This surge highlighted the show's appeal during its mid-run, positioning it as one of E!'s top original Wednesday night programs at the time.[53] The series significantly expanded WWE's demographic reach, contributing to a notable increase in female viewership from around 32% of the overall audience pre-Total Divas to over 40%, while drawing in non-traditional fans aged 18-34.[59][60] However, viewership trends declined in later seasons; for instance, season 7 averaged 583,000 viewers, with seasons 7 through 9 generally falling under 1 million due to key cast retirements and heightened competition in the reality TV landscape.[53][61] All metrics were tracked via Nielsen ratings, providing standardized comparisons across E! offerings.Reception
Critical response
Total Divas received mixed reviews from critics and audiences, often praised for its glimpse into the personal and professional lives of female WWE wrestlers while criticized for relying on conventional reality TV elements. The series holds an average user rating of 6.5/10 on IMDb, based on 1,908 reviews, reflecting a generally positive but not exceptional response from viewers familiar with the genre.[62] Critics highlighted the show's strengths in dramatic storytelling and behind-the-scenes access, which provided entertainment value for WWE fans by exploring the wrestlers' challenges and relationships. For instance, a review noted that the series effectively leverages WWE's narrative style to offer insights into the athletes' lives outside the ring, making it a compelling "guilty pleasure."[63] It was also commended for showcasing the athletic demands and limited opportunities faced by women in professional wrestling, emphasizing their strength and theatrical skills.[64] Cast member Natalya described the content as "real and raw," contributing to perceptions of authenticity in portraying interpersonal dynamics.[65] On the other hand, the series faced criticism for accusations of scripting and exaggeration, with some moments appearing manufactured to fit reality TV conventions, such as heightened conflicts that prioritized drama over depth.[66] Reviewers pointed out its use of formulaic tropes common to the genre, including interpersonal rivalries and predictable personal arcs, which limited exploration of wrestling techniques and sometimes reduced the focus to voyeuristic elements.[67] The lack of broader critic consensus stems from its niche appeal within wrestling and reality programming audiences.[64] Early seasons were particularly lauded for their freshness, introducing core cast members like the Bella Twins and Natalya through engaging personal storylines, such as relationships and career pursuits, which ranked Seasons 1 through 3 as the strongest.[68] Later seasons drew more critique for repetitive personal drama and inconsistent character focus, with elements like unresolved rivalries and underutilized newcomers contributing to lower rankings for Seasons 5 through 9.[68] This evolution mirrored the show's growing emphasis on evolving cast dynamics amid sustained popularity among viewers.Cultural impact
Total Divas played a pivotal role in WWE's Women's Revolution by significantly boosting female viewership and advocating for enhanced storylines for female wrestlers. According to WWE executive Stephanie McMahon, the series, along with its spin-off Total Bellas, caused female viewership to "go through the roof" on platforms like YouTube and social media, with approximately 40% of new female viewers retained for WWE's core programming.[59] This surge pressured WWE to elevate women's divisions, contributing to more substantive narratives and opportunities for female talent during the mid-2010s.[60] The show's success led to notable spin-offs and expansions within WWE's content ecosystem. It directly inspired Total Bellas, a series focusing on the Bella Twins that aired from 2016 to 2019 on E!, extending the reality format to delve deeper into their personal and professional lives.[69] Furthermore, Total Divas influenced WWE Network offerings by increasing the visibility of women's stories, paving the way for more reality-style programming centered on female superstars.[70] In terms of cultural legacy, Total Divas was instrumental in WWE's 2016 decision to retire the term "Diva" in favor of "Superstar," symbolizing a shift toward greater respect and equality for female performers. The series' portrayal of wrestlers' lives amplified mainstream visibility, particularly for figures like the Bella Twins, who leveraged their exposure to launch entrepreneurial ventures such as wine brands and apparel lines.[71][72] This helped normalize female wrestlers as multifaceted role models, fostering broader discussions on empowerment in sports entertainment. Post-2019, the series maintains relevance through ongoing conversations about a potential revival, fueled by nostalgia for the Divas Era and the enduring impact on female representation. In 2025, Nikki and Brie Bella expressed interest in rebooting Total Divas, suggesting it could adapt to current WWE women's dynamics while highlighting empowerment themes.[73] However, its success also sparked internal WWE tensions, with reports of jealousy from some performers and executives who felt it diverted attention from traditional scripted programming.[74]Awards and nominations
Awards won
In 2014, Total Divas won the Best Reality Show award at the PopSugar Best of 2014 Awards, recognized for its innovative crossover of WWE programming with reality television formats that captured strong fan engagement, securing 76 percent of the vote.[75] The series and its cast also received accolades at the 2017 Women's Image Network Awards, where Nikki Bella and Brie Bella were honored with the Outstanding Actress in a Reality Series award for their roles in portraying themes of female empowerment and personal resilience within the wrestling industry.[76] WWE's internal Slammy Awards further highlighted the cast's prominence, with Nikki Bella and Brie Bella collectively winning the Diva of the Year award in 2013,[77] an honor attributed in part to the increased visibility from Total Divas that boosted their mainstream appeal. Nikki Bella individually claimed the Diva of the Year Slammy in 2015, reflecting the show's contribution to elevating female wrestlers' profiles through fan-voted recognition.[78] These wins underscored Total Divas' impact on advancing female representation in sports entertainment media, by showcasing wrestlers' multifaceted lives and challenging stereotypes in a male-dominated field.[76]Nominations
Total Divas received several nominations throughout its run, primarily in reality television categories that highlighted its appeal to younger audiences and its blend of sports entertainment and personal drama. These recognitions underscored the series' growing fanbase within the WWE community and broader reality TV landscape, though it did not secure wins in these instances.[79] The show earned two nominations at the Teen Choice Awards for Choice Reality TV Show: in 2014, recognizing its early popularity among teens; and in 2018, during its later seasons focusing on evolving Divas narratives.[79][80] Additionally, Total Divas was nominated for Best Reality Series at the 2016 Women's Image Network (WIN) Awards, acknowledging its portrayal of women's experiences in professional wrestling. The series also received a nod in the Location Team of the Year - Reality Television category at the 2018 California on Location Awards for its production logistics. Cast members, such as The Bella Twins, garnered related recognition, including a 2015 Teen Choice nomination for Choice Female Athlete, tied to their on-screen presence.[81][82][83] Overall, these approximately five nominations across its nine-season run reflected Total Divas' niche success in reality and sports entertainment genres, signaling rising popularity without achieving widespread mainstream award breakthroughs.[84]| Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Teen Choice Awards | Choice Reality TV Show | Total Divas | Nominated |
| 2015 | Teen Choice Awards | Choice Female Athlete | The Bella Twins | Nominated |
| 2016 | Women's Image Network Awards | Best Reality Series | Total Divas | Nominated |
| 2018 | Teen Choice Awards | Choice Reality TV Show | Total Divas | Nominated |
| 2018 | California on Location Awards | Location Team of the Year - Reality Television | Brooke Parsons, Meredith Ewinger (Total Divas production team) | Nominated |