In a sport long dominated by men, female wrestlers emerged to change the game. These incredible athletes defied gender expectations and proved that strength, skill, and charisma know no bounds. Here’s a look at the best female wrestlers who excelled in the ring and reshaped the sport for future generations.
Trish Stratus
Trish Stratus is a Canadian wrestling legend who transformed the WWE women’s division. She dominated with a record-setting 448-day reign as WWE Women’s Champion, one of the longest reigns of the 21st century. After nearly seven years of incredible matches and moments, she retired in 2006 with a record seventh title to her name.
Becky Lynch
When Becky Lynch started wrestling in 2002, she quickly became a popular name. In 2005, she was even crowned SuperGirls Champion. A severe head injury in 2006 paused her career, but she made a strong comeback and signed with WWE in 2013. By September 2023, she had built her legacy as WWE’s Sixth Women’s Grand Slam Champion.
Alexa Bliss
Debuting on WWE SmackDown in 2016, she became a two-time SmackDown Women’s Champion and the first woman to hold the title twice. Her move to Raw in 2017 saw her add three Raw Women’s Championships to her resume and make history as the first to win both titles. Currently on maternity leave, Bliss also made waves as a star on “Total Divas.”
Charlotte Flair
Charlotte Flair, the daughter of wrestler Ric Flair, first stepped into the ring alongside her father in World Championship Wrestling in 1993. She began her formal training with WWE in 2012 and made her NXT debut in 2013. By 2016, Flair was recognized as PWI’s Woman of the Year, which marked her status in the wrestling world.
Chyna
Famously dubbed as “The Ninth Wonder of the World,” she burst onto the WWF scene in 1997. Chyna excelled as a fitness model, bodybuilder, author, actress, and TV personality. However, her life was cut short when she passed away in 2016 at the age of 46. She even battled against men in the ring and was honored posthumously in 2019 when she was added to the WWE Hall of Fame as part of D-Generation X.
Amy Dumas
Popular amongst fans as Lita, Amy made her mark in WWE with high-flying moves. In her remarkable performances, Amy Dumas, born April 14, 1975, captivated audiences all over the world. Her legacy is fixed in the WWE Hall of Fame, where she’s considered one of the greatest female performers ever in the history of the sport.
Asuka
This Japanese wrestling sensation began her career in 2004 with the AtoZ promotion, where she quickly made a name for herself before retiring in 2006. In 2015, she made history by signing a deal with WWE, becoming the first Japanese female wrestler with the company in over 20 years. Before joining the main roster, she had a 510-day reign as NXT Women’s Champion, the longest reign in the title’s history.
AJ Lee
Getting onto the WWE scene in 2012 with her unforgettable “mentally unstable” persona, AJ quickly became a fan favorite. From steamy storylines and a memorable stint as Raw’s General Manager to tying the record with three Divas Championships and keeping the title for a record 406 days, AJ Lee left a lasting impact. Now retired, she’s channeling her creativity into writing and screenwriting.
Sasha Banks
This star on the list made waves in WWE from 2012 to 2022 under the ring name Sasha Banks. Born Mercedes Justine Kaestner-Varnado, she was celebrated as “Wrestler of the Year” by Sports Illustrated in 2020. She presented her exceptional skills and charisma both in and out of the ring, and currently, she is signed with the AEW as a wrestler.
Paige
As the youngest female champion in WWE history, she dominated the ring with her fierce energy and style. Born Saraya Jade Bevis, Paige made her mark as a two-time WWE Divas Champion and the inaugural NXT Women’s Champion, holding both titles simultaneously—a feat no other woman in history has achieved.
Mickie James
Now serving as Creative Director and Head of Female Talent at Ohio Valley Wrestling, Mickie is still making waves behind the scenes. At WrestleMania 22, she won her first Women’s Championship, and she’s held it five times. She also claimed the Divas Championship in 2009 by defeating Maryse Ouellet at Night of Champions.
Rhea Ripley
A powerhouse in WWE since 2017, she has redefined what it means to be a champion. Rhea is not just known for her commanding presence but also for her record-tying 380-day reign as Women’s World Champion alongside Bayley. With impressive credentials, including a Raw Women’s Championship and a WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship, Ripley has proven herself to be a top competitor in the ring.
Bayley
Bayley made history by winning the 2019 Money in the Bank ladder match. She was the first woman to defend a WWE title in Saudi Arabia. In 2024, she set a new record lasting 1 hour and 3 minutes in the Royal Rumble match. As a performer on WWE’s SmackDown brand, she continues to be a dynamic force in the ring.
Gail Kim
This Canadian wrestling sensation has set records as a seven-time Knockouts Champion in Impact Wrestling. Her WWE debut was unforgettable, winning the Women’s Championship in her very first match. TNA Wrestling’s Hall of Fame proclaimed her the first female inductee in 2016.
Beth Phoenix
Last on this list is Beth Phoenix, who snagged the Divas Championship and held the WWE Women’s Championship three times. Before hitting the big leagues, she dominated in high school amateur wrestling. Beth first appeared on WWE’s Raw in 2006 but had a tough start with a broken jaw and multiple surgeries. She bounced back, winning the OVW Women’s Championship twice before making a grand return to WWE.
15 Greatest Female Wrestlers Who Defied Expectations