THINK OF THIS section as a supplement to this year’s “Women’s 150” ranking.
As is the case with all of our ranked lists, the “150” is informed not only by the raw ability or popularity of a given talent. Where and how a wrestler is booked plays a large part in where said wrestler lands on this list. That’s why we felt it was important to look more closely at those crucial contexts—critiquing the presentation of women’s wrestling in various regions and promotions.
THE BIG THREE (U.S.)
THE JOSHI REVOLUTION
THE TERRITORIES
THE WILD CARDS
Through these four categories, we will examine what’s happening in the world’s leading promotions. We’ll begin with the more familiar North American divisions (WWE’s various brands, AEW, and IMPACT). Then, we’ll explore the major leagues in Japan (Stardom and TJPW) along with the country’s top independents. “The Territories” comprise various indie promotions across numerous countries, which do, indeed, bear more than a passing resemblance to the territory system of yore. Finally, we’ll look at the “Wild Card” promotions that straddle the line between major- and minor-league (NWA, MLW, ROH).
If this section encourages you to check out—or revisit—some grappling action that you might not otherwise, we will consider the effort a success.
SPOTLIGHT ON … WWE RAW
THIS DIVISION IS ONCE AGAIN MUST-SEE TELEVISION!
The WWE Raw Women’s division is hotter than ever. Coming out of the ThunderDome era with jaw-dropping television moments, the ladies of Raw continue to show the wrestling industry and world at large why they are must-see talent.
TOP PERFORMERS: Bianca Belair (#2), Becky Lynch (#4), Asuka (#61), Bayley, Alexa Bliss (#117)
RISING STARS: Dakota Kai (#119), Iyo Sky (#126), Candice LeRae, Doudrop (#97)
WHAT WE LIKE: Top-shelf positioning. The women have been featured more prominently as of late (to the joy of fans), with more TV time and competitive matches.
WHAT NEEDS IMPROVING: More compelling storylines. The April 18 Raw double-wedding certainly caused a stir among viewers—many of whom shared their displeasure on social media.
2022 HIGHLIGHTS:
“The EST” Belair once again emerged as world champion, upending Lynch at WrestleMania 38.
Glazia Magazine named Lynch one of the “Top Female Game-Changers In The 21st Century.”
Ripley joined The Judgment Day at WrestleMania Backlash.
Bayley, Kai, & Sky formed the Damage CTRL faction.
ANALYSIS: Belair kicked off the year impressively, lasting 47 minutes in the ring at the Royal Rumble before being eliminated by Charlotte Flair … “The EST” went on to win the Women’s Elimination Chamber match, feuding with Becky Lynch and besting her at night one of WrestleMania 38 to become the Raw Women’s champion … Lynch went from being “The Man” to “Big Time Becks” to big time angst with in-ring promos detailing her frustration following the loss of the RAW Women’s championship title … Nikki A.S.H. and Doudrop joined forces and became stronger as a tag team unit … After an extended break in 2021, Alexa Bliss returned in May 2022 to defeat Sonya Deville in a Raw singles match … In July, Bliss teamed up with Asuka and the 24/7 champion Dana Brooke to face Tamina, Doudrop, and Nikki A.S.H. … This led to a frenetic series of title changes, with the 24/7 belt bouncing from Akira Tozawa to Nikki A.S.H. to Bliss to Doudrop to Tamina and back to Brooke … Asuka made her return to WWE after nearly a year of injury-related inactivity and qualified for the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match … Then-Women’s tag team champs Sasha Banks and Naomi walked out of a Raw taping after a reported disagreement over booking … The loss of Banks and Naomi was felt, but there have since been some positives to report: the return of Bayley at SummerSlam, rising talent in Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky, and Candice LeRae, Bianca Belair’s reign as the WWE Raw Women’s champion, and the strength of other roster members (including Asuka, Becky Lynch, Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss, and Nikki A.S.H.) … It’s anyone’s guess as to what the future holds for the Raw Women’s division, but the next 12 months should be filled with more surprises and, perhaps, history-making moments.
–Candace Cordelia
SPOTLIGHT ON … WWE SMACKDOWN
THE WOMEN OF SMACKDOWN: STILL SWINGING FOR THE FENCES
The last several years have felt like a hot-potato game, of sorts, between WWE Raw and WWE Smackdown, with each show at turns feeling like the more popular. However, within the year, Smackdown has been in a league of its own, with the Women’s division playing a key, if evolving, role.
TOP PERFORMERS: Charlotte Flair (#8), Liv Morgan (#17), Ronda Rousey (#18), Natalya (#81)
RISING STARS: Aliyah, Raquel Rodriguez (#85), Shotzi (#137)
WHAT WE LIKE: Variety and diversity of talent. Even with the division in its current stage of rebuilding, there’s still a lot of potential (and charisma) in the locker room.
WHAT NEEDS IMPROVING: More variety at the top of the card. Morgan’s win showed a needed change, as fans began to grow tired of seeing rehashed feuds among familiar faces.
2022 HIGHLIGHTS:
In April, Smackdown roster members Sasha Banks & Naomi became
