Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s fifth annual “PWI Female 50″ has been revealed. Current TNA Knockout Gail Kim (Profile) tops the list, in a ranking that evaluated the accomplishments of female talent, during the period of September 1, 2011, through August 30, 2012.
Here is the full Rank (1 to 50):
1. Gail Kim
2. Beth Phoenix
3. Cheerleader Melissa
4. Sara Del Rey
5. Jessicka Havok
6. Layla
7. Miss Tessmacher
8. Saraya Knight
9. Mercedes Martinez
10. Tara
11. Hailey Hatred
12. Natalya
13. Jazz
14. Velvet Sky
15. Madison Rayne
16. Mickie James
17. LuFisto
18. Winter
19. Tamina Snuka
20. MsChif
21. ODB
22. Eve Torres
23. Kelly Kelly
24. Brittney Savage
25. Melanie Cruise
26. Kellie Skater
27. Sarita
28. Athena
29. Nicole Matthews
30. Paige
31. Angelina Love
32. Portia Perez
33. Rosita
34. Jessie McKay
35. Kalamity
36. Alicia Fox
37. Tasha Simone
38. Taeler Hendrix
39. Rachel Summerlyn
40. Kacee Carlisle
41. Sassy Stephie
42. Cherry Bomb
43. Allysin Kay
44. Alicia
45. Brittany Force
46. Lexxus
47. Marti Belle
48. Amber O’Neal
49. Leva Bates
50. Veda Scott
Thoughts: Last year, in my evaluation of the PWI Female 50 for 2011 (PWI Female 50 of 2011… Madison Eagles Ranks #1), Pro Wrestling Illustrated was criticized harshly. I posed the question “How many times does Pro Wrestling Illustrated get to publish a questionable top ten, before the list is meaningless?” This year, however, PWI has put together the best Top 10 they have—in four year, and without a doubt, the right woman took the #1 spot.
Based on the September 1, 2011, through August 30, 2012, time frame of the list, there is no question why Gail Kim took the top spot. After Kim’s return to TNA on the October 20 episode of Impact Wrestling, she regained her position as the centerpiece of the Division. Going on to reign as the TNA Women’s Knockout Championship for 210 days. During this time, she also reigned as 1-half of the TNA Knockouts Tag-Team Champions, for 125 days (with Madison Rayne—who ranks #15 on the list).
Another great pick was Beth Phoenix at #2. Beth Phoenix won the WWE Divas Championship on October 2, 2011, and went on to reign for 204 days—becoming the second longest reigning Divas Champion in history.
Cheerleader Melissa placed the highest she has, at #3. Of course, Shimmer Wrestling has become a hallmark in Women’s Wrestling… Melissa reigned as Champion between October 2, 2011 through March 18, 2012—168 days. Saraya Knight, who defeated Cheerleader for the belt, ranks at #8, who has been champ for over 200 days.
Jessicka Havok—current WSU Champion (Who could have easily ranked higher), Mercedes Martinez, Layla, Brooke Tessmacher, and Sara Del Rey were also valid, and well deserved Top 10 picks, Tara not so much. Velvet Sky could have easily took Tara’s #10 spot—Velvet, in spite of constant criticism of her in-ring work, she really was pushed by TNA going into 2012. Even winning the Knockouts Championship on TNA biggest Pay-Per-View–Bound for Glory, on October 16, 2011. Not certain by Natalya at #12—the Divas resident jobber, outranking Velvet or Madison Rayne for a matter, or numerous other talent.
Overall, good job by PWI, although, Kaitlyn, Mia Yim, Christina Von Eerie, and Maria Kanellis are noticeably missing from the rank.
Congratulations!! to all the talent that made Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s list this year.
