WWE has spent the last year talking up its Women’s Evolution. Well now the company is putting its money where its mouth is and placing women’s wrestling center stage.

Following the success of its popular Cruiserweight Classic tournament last year, WWE will hold a similar tournament this summer featuring the best women’s wrestlers.

The 32 competitor field will include women from 17 countries.

Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events and Creative Paul “Triple H” Levesque and Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon made the announcement in Orlando during WrestleMania week. They were accompanied by RAW Women’s Champion Bayley, SmackDown Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss and NXT Women’s Champion Asuka.

“Building on our Women’s division, it gives us great pleasure to share in announcing what’s next for WWE,” said Bayley. “For the first time ever, this summer, WWE Network will feature a Women’s Tournament.”

This is a huge deal for women’s wrestling. When the Attitude Era ended, the women’s division lost credibility for awhile. There were great women during that time but they weren’t getting the respect they deserved.

Then fans got involved, started a hashtag and NXT happened.

All of sudden women’s wrestling is in the main event again and the women are no longer Divas, but full fledged Superstars. Something they always were.

It will be interesting which independent and international talent WWE has lined up for the tournament. However, the real question is what veteran will they bring back a la Brian Kendrick in the Cruiserweight Classic.

The Women’s Tournament Is scheduled to air on WWE Network later this summer.