WWE announced on Thursday that the Women’s Battle Royal match scheduled for WrestleMania 34 will no longer be known as the Fabulous Moolah Memorial Battle Royal.
Following a strong backlash about Moolah’s name being used to celebrate women’s empowerment, the company ultimately decided against honoring the controversial former Women’s champion. The company issued the following statement addressing the change:
“After further consideration, we believe it’s best to proceed with the name ‘WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal.’
What remains most important is that this historic match is part of WWE’s unwavering commitment to the Women’s Division.”
WWE’s Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon commented:
Thank you @WWEUniverse for using your voice. What remains most important is that the “@WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal” will be a historic match and is part of @WWE’s unwavering commitment to our Women’s Division. #WomensEvolution #ChangeTheName
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) March 15, 2018
For more on why the Fabulous Moolah was a profoundly poor representative for WWE’s women’s movement, check out this article by David Bixenspan over at Deadspin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4upD8cJtsZ8