Top 15 Female Wrestlers, Ranked

Women’s wrestling has grown across generations and promotions, with trailblazers and current champions raising the bar year after year. These athletes have headlined major events, held historic titles, and set new standards for performance and influence. Here is a countdown that highlights major accomplishments, signature moments, and lasting impact across the world of wrestling. Each entry focuses on verified milestones and career-defining achievements that shaped the sport.

15. Awesome Kong

Awesome Kong made her name in TNA with multiple Knockouts Championship reigns and a dominant power style. She competed internationally and worked in Japan early in her career before gaining a big audience in the United States. Her rivalry with Gail Kim helped define the Knockouts Division during its breakout years. She later appeared in AEW and expanded her television presence with roles outside the ring.

14. Bull Nakano

Bull Nakano became a headline star in All Japan Women’s Pro Wrestling with a fierce in-ring presence and creative offense. She won the top singles championship in AJW and wrestled at the Tokyo Dome on major cards. In 1994 she captured the WWF Women’s Championship and defended it in high profile matches. Her hair vs title and cage bouts remain historical benchmarks for women’s wrestling in Japan and abroad.

13. Gail Kim

Gail Kim won the WWE Women’s Championship in her televised debut and later became a cornerstone of TNA’s Knockouts Division. She held the Knockouts title multiple times and served as a central figure during the division’s formative years. Her matches with Awesome Kong drew strong attention to women’s wrestling on weekly television. She was inducted into the Impact Wrestling Hall of Fame in recognition of her contributions.

12. Aja Kong

Aja Kong rose to prominence in AJW with a hard hitting style and multiple world title runs. She competed in the United States for WWE in the mid 1990s and appeared at Survivor Series. Her spinning backfist and avalanche style offense became trademarks that influenced generations. She later wrestled for various promotions while remaining a respected presence in major cross promotional events.

11. Meiko Satomura

Meiko Satomura debuted as a teenager in GAEA Japan and later co founded Sendai Girls’ Pro Wrestling. She won titles in Japan and Europe and earned recognition for long title defenses. In WWE she captured the NXT UK Women’s Championship and mentored younger talent on the brand. Her longevity and training role have produced a wide network of successful protégés.

10. IYO SKY

IYO SKY built an international résumé in Stardom with multiple championships before signing with WWE. She won the NXT Women’s Championship and delivered standout TakeOver matches. On the main roster she secured Money in the Bank and successfully cashed in to win a world title. She also held WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship gold as part of a featured stable.

9. Trish Stratus

Trish Stratus transitioned from a fitness modeling background to become a seven time WWE Women’s Champion. She headlined major television segments at a time when women’s matches received limited placement. Her rivalry with Lita pushed main event visibility for the division. She was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, reflecting her mainstream impact on the company.

8. Bayley

Bayley completed the WWE women’s Triple Crown and later achieved Grand Slam status by winning all active women’s titles across NXT, Raw or SmackDown, and tag team competition. She was one half of the inaugural WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions with Sasha Banks. Her NXT title run included acclaimed matches that elevated the brand. She won the Women’s Royal Rumble and headlined premium live events as a faction leader.

7. Bianca Belair

Bianca Belair won the Women’s Royal Rumble and then captured a world title at WrestleMania. She later recorded one of the longest modern reigns for a women’s singles championship in WWE. Her main event with Sasha Banks at WrestleMania marked a significant milestone for representation on the grand stage. She has also held multiple singles titles while remaining active in marquee matches.

6. Rhea Ripley

Rhea Ripley became the inaugural NXT UK Women’s Champion and later captured the NXT Women’s Championship. She won the Women’s Royal Rumble and claimed a world title on the main roster at WrestleMania. Her tenure included leadership roles in a featured stable and high profile defenses. She has also held tag team gold and competed across brands in title programs.

5. Mercedes Moné

As Sasha Banks in WWE she became a multi time women’s singles champion and the first WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion alongside Bayley. She later wrestled in Japan and won the IWGP Women’s Championship. In AEW she debuted on a major show and captured the TBS Championship in a featured program. She has also starred in mainstream television which expanded her audience beyond wrestling.

4. Asuka

Asuka recorded an undefeated streak in NXT that extended into the main roster and won the first Women’s Royal Rumble. She has held multiple world championships and added Money in the Bank to her accolades. Her career includes tag team title wins and consistent participation in top tier matches. She is recognized for a versatile style that blends striking and submissions such as the Asuka Lock.

3. Becky Lynch

Becky Lynch won the Women’s Royal Rumble and then captured both Raw and SmackDown women’s titles in the main event of WrestleMania 35. She recorded lengthy singles title reigns and worked as a central figure on weekly television. She also held the NXT Women’s Championship to complete a unique cross brand résumé. Her bestselling autobiography and media appearances broadened her profile outside wrestling.

2. Charlotte Flair

Charlotte Flair is a multiple time women’s world champion across brands with several WrestleMania title matches. She won the Women’s Royal Rumble and has also held tag team gold. Her early career included NXT Women’s Championship success that led to main roster prominence. She has consistently featured in title programs and premium live event main events.

1. Manami Toyota

Manami Toyota is widely cited for a prolific run in All Japan Women’s Pro Wrestling with multiple world title reigns. She competed in numerous acclaimed matches throughout the 1990s and popularized advanced suplex variations like the Japanese Ocean Cyclone Suplex. Her bouts at major venues and interpromotional cards drew critical attention to joshi wrestling. She later worked special appearances and commemorative matches that celebrated her legacy.

Got your own top picks or historical favorites that deserve a spotlight? Share your thoughts in the comments and keep the discussion going.