From jaw-dropping Royal Rumbles to epic storytelling, women are jumping into the world of pro wrestling like never before – and it’s about time…
By Jess Muise
If you’ve been seeing more wrestling content in your feed lately or noticed a few friends suddenly getting into it, you’re not alone. Pro wrestling is experiencing a major resurgence, and women are at the forefront.
I grew up in the height of WWE’s “Attitude Era,” when my older brother would have rights to the television on Monday nights. Illuminated on the now retro tube television, women in scandalous lingerie would dive into pools of sticky, mysterious goo, fighting their battles – most of which seemed to revolve around men – while being degraded by both the audience and their male co-stars. These women, or “girls” as they were referred to, were written as objects, to be used and discarded as saw fit by the company. Meanwhile, women who dared to have any muscle were trotted out as side-show attractions, their strength framed as something monstrous. The ‘low-brow’ attribution to the whole sport made me worried for the future as a woman. It’s hard enough navigating the trials and tribulations of puberty without now having to worry about whether I needed to slither through mud to be desirable. All this to say, wrestling wasn’t my thing.
So, what shifted? Why has a sport historically so dismissive of women suddenly become a cultural juggernaut, with women now taking centre stage? Let’s dive in.
The Women’s Revolution: Championing Change
In the mid-2010s, we saw a shift in that the “Divas Era” of wrestling gave way to the “Women’s Revolution.” This era saw women headlining major events, including pay-per-views like the first-ever all-female Royal Rumble match in 2018 and the first women’s match to headline WrestleMania in 2019. Today, WWE superstars like Rhea Ripley, AEW talent like Timeless Toni Storm and Independent wrestlers such as Tara Zepp are being celebrated not only for their athletic prowess but also for their empowering personas.
Bianca Belair, known as “The EST of WWE” – strongEST, fastEST, roughEST – embodies strength, confidence and style. Her self-designed ring gear and iconic braid have made her a fashion figure in her own right. Jade Cargill, a living, breathing action figure, inspires women to embrace their strongest selves. Becky Lynch, the self-proclaimed “The Man,” has redefined what it means to be a tough, unapologetic competitor and become a role model for countless young women.
In 2025, WWE reached a historic milestone with the crowning of the first-ever USA Women’s Champion and the first-ever Intercontinental Women’s Champion. (I cried during both belt presentations.) These titles, once reserved exclusively for men, marked a pivotal moment in history.
No longer relegated to supporting roles or reduced to caricatures – like barking like dogs (yes, I’m not joking) – these women, alongside countless others, have proven that wrestling is no longer just a man’s game. It’s a platform where female talent can shine just as brightly, if not brighter. These women are multifaceted – they fight fiercely, not just for titles, but for respect. And they do it all while celebrating the power of their femininity.
Ringside Couture
Wrestling isn’t just about the fighting, it’s also about the drama, and the fashion is a huge part of it. Gone are the outdated leotards and infamous ‘jorts.’ Today’s wrestlers are bringing high fashion to the ring: from the sleek, custom-made suits to the vibrant, avant-garde attire, wrestling fashion has become an art form in itself. Stylists like King Troi Anthoni have made wrestlers like Seth Rollins and Austin Theory as much style icons as athletes. Wrestling fashion has become a statement – showing the world that these athletes are here to be noticed, both in the ring and beyond it.
Stars and Smackdown
The marriage of wrestling and pop culture has also played a significant role in the sport’s resurgence. WWE has increasingly embraced the influence of music and style, collaborating with high-profile artists to create unforgettable moments.
Celebrities like Cardi B, Charli XCX and Vanessa Hudgens are openly embracing their love for the sport, adding to its credibility and reach. Bad Bunny and Logan Paul aren’t just celebrity guests – they’re active, passionate participants. Wrestling’s collaboration with artists and stars is helping break down old stereotypes and making it feel more inclusive and accessible than ever before.
Empowerment and Representation
Professional wrestling offers a unique form of escapism, but for many, it’s also a space where they can see diversity reflected in the ring. The storylines in wrestling often centre around overcoming obstacles, achieving greatness, and fighting for personal and professional respect. For female fans, the representation of women in powerful roles – whether as the protagonist or antagonist – resonates deeply.
The diversity in wrestling plays an important role in inspiring a wide range of fans. Superstars come from various backgrounds, ethnicities, weight classes and experiences, making the sport accessible to all, regardless of gender, race or physicality. From body positivity championed by Nia Jax to Filipino-Canadian Gisele Shaw’s journey as a trans wrestler, the ring is a place where everyone can find themselves.
In addition to representation in the ring, women’s involvement in professional wrestling extends behind the scenes. Female wrestlers, producers, commentators and executives are taking on more influential roles in shaping the sport. Women such as WWE’s Stephanie McMahon and AEW’s Nyla Rose have become key figures in wrestling’s evolution, further demonstrating the shift to inclusivity.
Building Bonds
Wrestling is more than just a sport; it’s a community. I never really understood the “Hey there sports fans” mentality – in fact, I was a bit critical of those who celebrated sports like they themselves had won the trophy. It wasn’t until I caught myself watching an event where my superstar crush betrayed his long-time partner in a shocking upset that I worked myself up into unfollowing him on social media. While I’m sure he was devastated at the loss, it gave me time to reflect on exactly what I was becoming: a devoted fan.
Being a fan has never been easier or more insightful in the golden age of social media. Through platforms like X, Instagram and TikTok, fans are able to interact with their favourite wrestlers like never before. These connections build a sense of belonging, making it easy to become fully invested and providing that daily dose of drama.
For many women, wrestling has become a powerful source of empowerment. It’s about embracing strength, confidence and unapologetic individuality. The rise of female stars, the inclusive representation and the fan-driven culture are all part of a bigger movement that’s redefining what it means to be a woman in the spotlight.
Wrestling has enabled me to embrace the things about myself I had always felt were “too much” or “too strong” in the past. It has inspired me to be fierce, to stand my ground, to be unapologetic in the way I love, work and live.
As wrestling continues to break boundaries and push old norms, it’s showing women everywhere that we can be fierce, confident and unapologetically ourselves. Wrestling is no longer just about watching – it’s about celebrating our power, our stories and our strength.
