Over the years, WWE has evolved from a male-dominated industry to one where women have taken center stage, captivating audiences with their athleticism, charisma, and trailblazing performances. The women’s division in WWE has produced some of the most iconic and influential wrestlers in the history of the sport. These women have broken barriers, shattered stereotypes, and set new standards for what it means to be a professional wrestler. Here is a detailed look at the top 10 WWE women wrestlers of all time, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry.
1. Trish Stratus
When discussing the greatest women in WWE history, Trish Stratus is often the first name that comes to mind. Debuting in 2000, Trish quickly transitioned from a fitness model to one of the most accomplished wrestlers in the history of WWE. She is a seven-time WWE Women’s Champion, a record that stood for many years, and is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the women’s division.
Trish’s in-ring abilities, combined with her charisma and ability to connect with the audience, made her a fan favorite. Her feuds with Lita, Victoria, and Mickie James are some of the most memorable in WWE history. Trish Stratus played a significant role in changing the perception of women’s wrestling, proving that female wrestlers could be just as skilled and compelling as their male counterparts. Her impact on the industry was recognized when she was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013.
Key Achievements:
- 7-time WWE Women’s Champion
- WWE Hall of Fame Inductee (2013)
- Pioneered the evolution of women’s wrestling in WWE
2. Lita
Lita, born Amy Dumas, is another trailblazer who helped redefine women’s wrestling in WWE. Known for her high-flying, risk-taking style, Lita brought a level of athleticism to the women’s division that had never been seen before. Her partnership with the Hardy Boyz and her involvement in Team Xtreme made her one of the most popular figures in WWE during the Attitude Era.
Lita’s rivalry with Trish Stratus is legendary and is often cited as one of the greatest feuds in WWE history, male or female. The two main-evented Raw in 2004, marking the first time that a women’s match closed the show. Lita is a four-time WWE Women’s Champion and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2014. Her influence on women’s wrestling is still felt today, as she inspired a generation of female wrestlers to push the boundaries of what is possible in the ring.
Key Achievements:
- 4-time WWE Women’s Champion
- WWE Hall of Fame Inductee (2014)
- Innovator of high-flying moves in women’s wrestling
3. Charlotte Flair
Charlotte Flair, the daughter of legendary wrestler Ric Flair, has carved out her own legacy in WWE, becoming one of the most decorated women’s wrestlers in the company’s history. Debuting in WWE in 2013 as part of the NXT brand, Charlotte quickly rose through the ranks with her incredible athleticism, technical prowess, and natural charisma.
Charlotte is a 14-time women’s champion, having held the Raw, SmackDown, and NXT Women’s Championships multiple times. She was also one of the main events of WrestleMania 35, the first time women headlined WWE’s biggest event of the year. Charlotte’s impact on the women’s division cannot be overstated—she has been at the forefront of the Women’s Revolution, pushing for more opportunities and respect for female wrestlers.
Key Achievements:
- 14-time WWE Women’s Champion
- WrestleMania 35 main-eventer
- Key figure in the WWE Women’s Revolution
4. Becky Lynch
Becky Lynch, also known as “The Man,” is one of the most popular and successful WWE superstars of the modern era. She began her WWE career in 2013, making a name for herself in NXT before moving to the main roster. Despite initial struggles to find her footing, Becky’s persistence and connection with the audience led to her becoming one of WWE’s biggest stars.
In 2018, Becky Lynch’s career skyrocketed when she adopted “The Man” persona, a no-nonsense, rebellious character that resonated with fans around the world. Her rise culminated in the historic main event of WrestleMania 35, where she defeated Charlotte Flair and Ronda Rousey to become the Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion. Becky’s success has broken down barriers and shown that women can be the top stars in WWE, regardless of gender.
Key Achievements:
- 6-time WWE Women’s Champion
- WrestleMania 35 main-eventer
- First woman to hold both the Raw and SmackDown Women’s Championships simultaneously
5. Chyna
Chyna, known as “The Ninth Wonder of the World,” was a true pioneer in WWE. Debuting in 1997, Chyna broke down gender barriers and redefined what it meant to be a female wrestler. With her imposing physique and incredible strength, Chyna competed not only in the women’s division but also in the men’s division, something unheard of at the time.
Chyna was the first woman to enter the Royal Rumble, the first woman to qualify for the King of the Ring tournament, and the first and only woman to win the Intercontinental Championship, a title she held twice. Her legacy as a trailblazer and barrier-breaker is unparalleled, and she paved the way for future generations of women in WWE. Chyna was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of D-Generation X in 2019.
Key Achievements:
- 2-time WWE Intercontinental Champion
- First woman to enter the Royal Rumble and King of the Ring
- WWE Hall of Fame Inductee (2019, as part of D-Generation X)
6. Sasha Banks
Sasha Banks, also known as “The Boss,” has been a driving force in the WWE Women’s Revolution. Since her debut in WWE’s developmental territory, NXT, Sasha has consistently delivered show-stealing performances and has been at the forefront of many historic moments in women’s wrestling.
Sasha is a multi-time WWE Women’s Champion and has competed in numerous first-ever women’s matches, including the first women’s Hell in a Cell match, the first women’s Iron Man match, and the first women’s Royal Rumble match. Her rivalry with Bayley in NXT is widely regarded as one of the best in WWE history, and her ability to captivate audiences with her in-ring skills and character work has made her one of the most respected wrestlers in the industry.
Key Achievements:
- Multi-time WWE Women’s Champion
- Competed in multiple historic first-ever women’s matches
- Pioneering figure in the WWE Women’s Revolution
7. Bayley
Bayley, known for her infectious enthusiasm and connection with the WWE Universe, is one of the most successful and beloved female wrestlers in WWE history. She first gained fame in NXT, where her underdog persona and incredible matches made her a fan favorite. Bayley’s rivalry with Sasha Banks, particularly their match at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn, is considered one of the greatest women’s matches of all time.
After moving to the main roster, Bayley continued to achieve success, becoming the first-ever WWE Women’s Grand Slam Champion, having held the Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. Her transformation from a bubbly fan-favorite to a villainous, ruthless character further showcased her versatility and depth as a performer.
Key Achievements:
- First-ever WWE Women’s Grand Slam Champion
- Multiple-time WWE Women’s Champion
- Historic rivalry with Sasha Banks
8. Asuka
Asuka, known as “The Empress of Tomorrow,” is one of the most dominant and respected female wrestlers in WWE history. Hailing from Japan, Asuka made her mark in WWE’s NXT brand, where she went undefeated for over two years, becoming the longest-reigning NXT Women’s Champion in history. Her combination of striking, submission, and high-flying abilities makes her one of the most well-rounded performers in the industry.
After her main roster debut, Asuka continued her dominance, winning the first-ever women’s Royal Rumble in 2018 and capturing multiple WWE Women’s Championships. Her unique style and larger-than-life persona have made her a fan favorite, and she remains a key figure in WWE’s women’s division.
Key Achievements:
- Longest-reigning NXT Women’s Champion
- Winner of the first-ever women’s Royal Rumble
- Multi-time WWE Women’s Champion
9. Mickie James
Mickie James is one of the most accomplished and respected female wrestlers in WWE history. Debuting in WWE in 2005, Mickie quickly made a name for herself with her intense rivalries and impressive in-ring abilities. Her feud with Trish Stratus, culminating at WrestleMania 22, is still remembered as one of the most compelling storylines in WWE’s women’s division.
Mickie is a six-time WWE Women’s Champion and has had a successful career outside of WWE as well, further cementing her legacy as one of the greatest women’s wrestlers of all time. Known for her versatility and passion for the business, Mickie continues to inspire the next generation of female wrestlers.
Key Achievements:
- 6-time WWE Women’s Champion
- Memorable rivalry with Trish Stratus
- Successful career in multiple wrestling promotions
10. Mae Young
Mae Young is a true pioneer of women’s wrestling, with a career that spanned over seven decades. She began wrestling in the 1940s and was one of the first women to compete in the male-dominated sport. Mae Young’s contributions to the industry go beyond her in-ring work; she was instrumental in paving the way for future generations of female wrestlers.
In her later years, Mae Young became a beloved figure in WWE, known for her humorous and fearless appearances. She was honored with the Mae Young Classic tournament, an all-women’s tournament that showcased the best female talent from around the world. Mae Young’s legacy is one of resilience, passion, and a deep love for the business, making her one of the most respected figures in wrestling history.
Key Achievements:
- Pioneer of women’s wrestling
- Competed in the ring for over 70 years
- Namesake of the Mae Young Classic tournament
Conclusion
The WWE women’s division has come a long way, from being a sideshow attraction to headlining major events like WrestleMania. The women on this list have played pivotal roles in this transformation, breaking barriers, setting new standards, and inspiring countless fans around the world. Their contributions to the sport of professional wrestling are immeasurable, and their legacies will continue to influence future generations of wrestlers.
Each of these women has left an indelible mark on WWE, not just through their championships and accolades but through their ability to captivate audiences, tell compelling stories, and push the boundaries of what women’s wrestling can be. As WWE continues to evolve, the influence of these trailblazers will remain a guiding force, ensuring that women’s wrestling continues to thrive and reach new heights.
In honoring these top 10 WWE women wrestlers of all time, we celebrate their achievements, their impact, and their enduring legacy in the world of professional wrestling.
