WWE Divas with Black Belts: A Look at Martial Arts Influence in Professional Wrestling
In the world of WWE, athleticism, strength, and toughness are all key components to success, but many WWE Divas have gone above and beyond by adding martial arts expertise to their repertoire. Some of the most successful women in WWE have achieved black belts in various martial arts disciplines, using these skills to enhance their wrestling styles, intimidate opponents, and create memorable moments in the ring. Here are some of the most prominent WWE Superstars with black belts.
1. Ronda Rousey – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
Ronda Rousey is undoubtedly one of the biggest names to cross over from MMA to WWE, and her martial arts credentials are well-established. Rousey holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), awarded to her by legendary coach Edmond Tarverdyan. This black belt is a testament to her skill in grappling, submission holds, and controlling her opponents on the ground.
Before entering WWE, Rousey was a dominant force in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), becoming the first female UFC bantamweight champion. Her UFC career helped popularize women's combat sports, as she was known for finishing most of her opponents with armbar submissions. This submission-based style translated seamlessly into WWE, where Rousey made her debut at WrestleMania 34 in 2018, quickly establishing herself as a top contender.
Her martial arts background gave her an edge over many other wrestlers, especially in terms of realism in her matches. In the ring, Rousey combines her BJJ skills with her explosive wrestling style, making her one of the most feared women in WWE history.
2. Shayna Baszler – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
Shayna Baszler, like Ronda Rousey, is another former MMA fighter who made the transition to WWE. With a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Baszler has been a dominant force in the women's division, both in NXT and on the main roster.
Baszler's combat sports background began long before she joined WWE. She was a professional MMA fighter with an impressive record and was a regular in the Invicta Fighting Championships. In MMA, she was known for her technical submissions, ground control, and ruthless approach to defeating her opponents. As a black belt in BJJ, her submission skills are some of the best in the business.
When she entered WWE, she quickly became known as "The Queen of Spades" because of her tough, no-nonsense persona and her ability to control opponents through her submission game. In WWE, Baszler often uses real-life techniques from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and other grappling arts, enhancing her matches with realistic submission holds like the Kirifuda Clutch, a choke hold that she perfected in MMA.
3. Charlotte Flair – Black Belt in Karate
Charlotte Flair is one of the most decorated female wrestlers in WWE history, but many fans might not realize that her background extends beyond the wrestling ring. Charlotte Flair holds a black belt in karate, which is a key part of her athletic foundation.
Growing up in a family of wrestlers, Charlotte's early exposure to athletics wasn’t just limited to WWE, as she was also involved in competitive karate during her youth. This gave her a unique striking style that has become one of the key components of her in-ring abilities. Charlotte has been able to blend her expertise in karate with the traditional wrestling techniques taught to her by her father, Ric Flair.
Her background in karate has helped Charlotte with her agility, precision, and flexibility in the ring, which is evident in her flawless performances during her matches. Techniques like powerful kicks, punches, and striking combinations have been incorporated into her wrestling style, allowing her to stand out in an already stacked women's division.
4. Becky Lynch – Black Belt in Judo
Becky Lynch is another WWE Superstar with a martial arts background, holding a black belt in judo. Before becoming “The Man” in WWE, Becky spent years training in the art of judo, which helped shape her style as a well-rounded wrestler. While judo may not be as commonly seen in professional wrestling, it contributed to Becky’s overall agility, balance, and control, giving her an edge over her opponents.
In judo, practitioners are trained to throw and manipulate their opponents, which translates to her wrestling style in WWE. Becky's ability to control opponents with her technique and throws makes her a formidable opponent. Her "Disarm-Her" submission hold, a variation of the armbar, is a direct reflection of her judo training.
Becky's background in martial arts helped her not only to perform high-impact moves but also to develop her resilience and mental toughness, which are essential qualities for succeeding in WWE. Whether it’s her judo-inspired submission techniques or her hard-hitting moves, Becky Lynch has used her martial arts training to become one of the top women in WWE.
Why Martial Arts Matter in WWE
Martial arts training brings a level of realism and credibility to professional wrestling, and for these WWE Divas, it has provided them with unique tools that set them apart from their peers. Whether it’s Ronda Rousey’s armbar, Shayna Baszler’s submission game, or Charlotte Flair’s precision strikes, these black belts provide an extra layer of legitimacy to their performances and make them more dynamic in the ring.
Moreover, their martial arts experience allows them to endure the intense physical demands of WWE, helping them recover quickly and stay competitive at the highest levels. In a sport where athleticism and innovation are key, these women have mastered the balance between technique and entertainment, which is why they continue to stand out as some of WWE's most formidable athletes.
Conclusion
The inclusion of martial arts training among WWE Superstars adds a layer of authenticity and intrigue to their in-ring performances. For Ronda Rousey, Shayna Baszler, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch, their black belts in various disciplines serve as a foundation for their success in WWE. These women prove that the power of martial arts can have a lasting impact on professional wrestling, and they continue to inspire the next generation of wrestlers to blend athleticism with technical prowess.
This more in-depth look into the martial arts backgrounds of these WWE stars showcases how their unique skills have contributed to their success in the ring and helped elevate their personas in the entertainment world of professional wrestling.
