In 2011, WWE surveyed fans about a potential reality show following six WWE Divas living together on a tour bus, complete with a 24/7 webcam fans could unlock with a password.

The show's original working title was 'Heels on Wheels', which WWE had trademarked in 2011; other proposed names put to a fan poll included 'WWE Divas Road Trip' and 'Hot Wheels'.

Total Divas was developed in partnership with E! and production company Bunim/Murray.

Cameron claimed in a 2021 interview that Vince McMahon personally handpicked the entire cast of the first season.

Natalya's husband TJ Wilson revealed in 2023 that she was almost cut from the first season over concerns about her traditional wrestling background, but Vince McMahon decided her background would benefit the audience and kept her on.

Eve Torres said Triple H offered her a spot on the original Total Divas cast, with her upcoming WWE departure planned as a storyline, but she turned it down for personal reasons.

Eva Marie was cast within 72 hours of auditioning and was immediately sent to WrestleMania 29 to begin filming.

AJ Lee revealed in a 2017 Q&A that she declined an offer to join the cast for season two, objecting to presenting an inauthentic version of herself despite being offered multiple storylines to choose from.

Lana said in a 2019 interview that she was written off the show because market research showed the E! demographic 'hated' her storylines.

Fans noticed in later seasons that the show incorporated scripted elements or manufactured conflicts between cast members to create drama.

The series is credited with helping drive WWE's Divas Revolution, contributing to increased TV time and deeper storylines for female wrestlers and the eventual retirement of the 'Divas' branding in favor of 'Superstars'.

Several wrestlers, including Bianca Belair, Maxxine Dupri, Jakara Jackson, and Fallon Henley, credited Total Divas with sparking their initial interest in wrestling.