The early years of women's wrestling
Women's wrestling dates back to the early 1900s, but it wasn't until the 1930s that it started to gain popularity. Mildred Burke was one of the first female wrestlers to gain mainstream success. She trained under her husband, Billy Wolfe, and went on to become one of the most dominant wrestlers of her time. Burke went on to win the world women's championship in 1937 and held the title for over 20 years. She paved the way for future generations of female wrestlers and helped establish women's wrestling as a legitimate sport.
Other notable female wrestlers from this era include June Byers, who was one of Burke's biggest rivals, and Penny Banner, who was a fan favorite in the 1950s. These women faced many obstacles, including discrimination and sexism, but they persevered and continued to fight for their place in the wrestling world.
The trailblazers who paved the way for women in wrestling
The 1960s and 70s were a time of change in the wrestling world. Women's wrestling was becoming more mainstream, and a new generation of female wrestlers emerged. The Fabulous Moolah was one of the most prominent wrestlers of this era. She started wrestling in the 1950s and quickly became one of the top female wrestlers in the industry. Moolah held the women's championship title for over 28 years and was known for her toughness and resilience.
Another trailblazer from this era was Wendi Richter. Richter was one of the first female wrestlers to receive mainstream attention and was a fan favorite in the 1980s. She famously defeated The Fabulous Moolah for the women's championship title in 1984, which was a significant moment for women's wrestling.
The rise of women's wrestling in the 80s and 90s
The 1980s and 90s were a golden age for professional wrestling, and women's wrestling was no exception. The WWE introduced the "Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection," which featured female wrestlers like The Jumping Bomb Angels and Leilani Kai. These women brought a new level of athleticism and excitement to women's wrestling and helped increase its popularity.
The WWE also introduced the Women's Tag Team Championship in the late 1980s, which allowed female wrestlers to showcase their skills in a different format. The team of The Glamour Girls (Judy Martin and Leilani Kai) held the title for over a year and helped establish women's tag team wrestling as a viable option.
The Attitude Era and the emergence of female superstars
The Attitude Era of the late 1990s and early 2000s was a time of edgier content and more adult themes in wrestling. Women's wrestling was no exception, and the WWE introduced a new generation of female wrestlers who were more than just eye candy. Women like Chyna and Lita were athletic and powerful, and they helped change the perception of women's wrestling.
Chyna was a trailblazer in her own right. She was the first woman to enter the Royal Rumble and the first woman to hold the Intercontinental Championship. She was a dominant force in the ring and helped break down barriers for future female wrestlers.
The women's revolution in WWE
The 2010s saw a resurgence in women's wrestling, and the WWE launched its "Diva's Revolution" in 2015. This was a pivotal moment for women's wrestling, as the WWE introduced a new generation of female wrestlers who were given the same opportunities as their male counterparts.
Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch were two of the most prominent wrestlers from this era. They helped elevate women's wrestling to new heights and were instrumental in the creation of the women's Royal Rumble and the women's main event at WrestleMania.
The impact of women's wrestling on pop culture
Women's wrestling has had a significant impact on pop culture. Female wrestlers like The Bella Twins and Paige have starred in their own reality shows, and movies like Fighting with My Family have helped bring women's wrestling to a wider audience.
The WWE has also launched its own women's division, NXT UK Women's Championship, which allows female wrestlers from the UK to showcase their skills on a global stage.
Women's wrestling outside of WWE
While the WWE is the biggest wrestling company in the world, there are other promotions that feature women's wrestling. Companies like Impact Wrestling and Ring of Honor have their own women's divisions, and female wrestlers like Tessa Blanchard and Deonna Purrazzo have gained recognition for their skills outside of WWE.
Women who are currently making history in wrestling
The current generation of female wrestlers is continuing to make history. Women like Sasha Banks, Bayley, and Asuka have helped elevate women's wrestling to new heights and have inspired a new generation of female wrestlers.
Sasha Banks and Bayley made history in 2020 by becoming the first female tag team champions to successfully defend their titles at WrestleMania. Asuka also had a historic year, winning the women's championship at both Money in the Bank and SummerSlam.
These women are just a few examples of the many female wrestlers who are making history and changing the face of wrestling. Their determination and passion for the sport are truly inspiring, and they are a testament to what can be accomplished when you dare to dream and break down barriers.
