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WWE Divas Belt: The Full Butterfly Belt History
July 20, 2026
8:18 pm
USE CODE: SPINNERBELT
Few championships in wrestling history spark as much nostalgia and debate as the WWE Divas Belt. Nicknamed “The Butterfly Belt” for its distinctive shape, this title represented the top of the women’s division for nearly eight years, becoming both a beloved symbol of an era and one of the most criticized designs in WWE history.
This guide covers the complete story of the WWE Divas Belt, from its introduction to its eventual retirement and lasting legacy.
What Is the WWE Divas Belt?
The WWE Divas Belt, officially known as the WWE Divas Championship, was a women’s title introduced by WWE in 2008. Unlike traditional championship designs, the belt featured a butterfly-shaped centerpiece finished in silver and pink tones, along with sparkling gemstone accents that set it apart from every other title in the company at the time.
How the Title Got Its Start
The WWE Divas Belt was officially established on June 6, 2008, introduced through a storyline on SmackDown involving general manager Vickie Guerrero, creating a second top women’s title alongside the existing Women’s Championship following the brand split between Raw and SmackDown. Michelle McCool became the inaugural champion, defeating Natalya to win the belt and kick off its nearly eight-year run at the top of the women’s division.
Design of This Iconic Title
It was instantly recognizable thanks to its butterfly-shaped centerpiece, a bold departure from the traditional circular or rectangular plates used on other WWE titles. The design featured genuine cowhide leather and zinc metal plates, finished with sparkling gemstone detailing and a soft pink color scheme intended to reflect a more glamorous, feminine presentation. Like other WWE championships, it also included a customizable nameplate, allowing champions to have their name engraved on it.
Notable Champions Who Held the Title
Over its nearly eight-year run, the WWE Divas Belt was held by many notable names in the women’s division, including Michelle McCool, Maryse, and Melina, each of whom held it twice, along with Eve Torres, AJ Lee, and Nikki Bella, whose 301-day reign remains one of the longest in the title’s history. Charlotte Flair, daughter of wrestling legend Ric Flair, became the final Divas Champion before the title’s retirement, symbolically bridging the belt’s history with the new era that followed.
The Controversy Surrounding This Design
Despite its popularity with some fans, the title faced significant criticism throughout its run. Many fans and wrestling commentators felt the butterfly design and pink color scheme leaned too heavily into stereotypical femininity rather than reflecting the athleticism of the women competing for it. Critics also pointed to the broader treatment of the women’s division during this period, including limited television time and shorter matches, arguing that the design symbolized how women’s wrestling was being presented at the time.
When and Why the Belt Was Retired
The WWE Divas Belt was officially retired on April 3, 2016, at WrestleMania 32, when WWE Hall of Famer Lita unveiled the brand-new WWE Women’s Championship, replacing the Butterfly Belt after nearly eight years. This moment coincided with WWE’s larger “Women’s Revolution,” a push to present the women’s division with the same credibility and athletic focus given to the men’s roster, and the retirement of the Divas title became a symbolic turning point in that shift.
Own a Piece of the WWE Divas Era
Explore our full WWE Championship Belts collection for authentic-style replicas, including butterfly-design pieces inspired by the Divas era, crafted with premium leather straps and detailed metal plating. Not sure whether a real or replica version is right for you? Check out our real vs replica WWE belt guide before you buy.
The Legacy of the WWE Divas Belt
Even though it’s no longer active, the WWE Divas Belt remains a nostalgic favorite among fans and collectors who fondly remember the era it represented. Its distinctive butterfly design, while divisive at the time, has become instantly recognizable and holds sentimental value for fans who grew up watching that generation of women’s wrestling. If you’re curious how this title fits into the bigger picture of WWE championship history, our complete history of WWE Championship belts covers every major design era, from 1963 to today.
FAQs
When was the WWE Divas Belt introduced?
The WWE Divas Belt, officially the WWE Divas Championship, was introduced on June 6, 2008, with Michelle McCool becoming the inaugural champion.
Why is the WWE Divas Belt called the Butterfly Belt?
The title earned its nickname because of its distinctive butterfly-shaped centerpiece, finished in silver and pink tones with sparkling gemstone detailing.
Who held the WWE Divas Belt the most times?
Maryse and Melina each held the title twice, while Charlotte Flair became the final champion before its retirement in 2016.
Why was the WWE Divas Belt criticized?
Many fans and commentators felt the design’s pink, butterfly-shaped look leaned too heavily into stereotypical femininity, arguing it didn’t reflect the athleticism of the women’s division at the time.
Conclusion
The WWE Divas Belt remains one of the most memorable and debated championships in wrestling history, representing both a beloved chapter of nostalgia and a symbol of how far women’s wrestling has come since 2008. From Michelle McCool’s inaugural reign to Charlotte Flair’s final run with the title before its retirement in 2016, the Butterfly Belt’s nearly eight-year legacy continues to spark conversation among fans and collectors, cementing its place as one of WWE’s most distinctive and talked-about designs.
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