Jersey All Pro Wrestling returned for a Women’s Division show on Saturday January 8, “back where it all began.” The show included women’s wrestling favorites; Sassy Steph; Sumie Sakai; TNA’s Knockout Tag Champ Hamada; Portia Perez; Annie Social; Sara Del Rey; Cheerleader Melissa; Hailey Hatred; Brittany Force and more.

Here are the results…

JAPW Women’s Division
“Back Where It All Began”
January 9, 2010

1. Roxie Cotton defeated Niya
2. Kylie Pierce defeated Tina San Antonio
3. Ariel defeated Fate
4. Brittany Force & Angel Dust defeated Portia Perez & Mia Yim
5. Sassy Stephie defeated Allison Danger
6. Annie Social defeated Sumie Sakai
7. TNA Knockout Hamada defeated Rachel Summerlyn
8. Sara Del Rey defeated Cheerleader Melissa, and Hailey Hatred.

DVD REVIEW:
SHIMMER- WOMEN ATHLETES VOL.24

Taped: Saturday, May 2, 2009
http://www.rohwrestling.com/shoponline.asp…
$14.95

Featuring: Awesome Kong, Malia Hosaka, Lexie Fyfe, Amber O’Neal, Mercedes Martinez, Portia Perez, Rain, Sara Del Rey, Cheerleader Melissa, MsChif, Nikki Roxx, Ariel, Allison Danger, Madison Eagles, Daizee Haze, Jetta, LuFisto, Wesna Busic, Ashley Lane, Nevaeh, Jennifer Blake, Serena Deeb, Cat Power, Tenille, Rayna Von Tash, Kellie Skater and Jessie McKay.

Matches on this DVD:

1. Jessie McKay vs. Kellie Skater (4:42)
2. Lexie Fyfe & Malia Hosaka vs. Tenille & Rayna Von Tash (10:46)
3. Amber O’Neal vs. Jennifer Blake (8:45)
4. Mercedes Martinez vs. Madison Eagles(11:05)
5. Rain & Jetta (w/Lacey) vs. Nikki Roxx & Portuguese Princess Ariel (12:03)
6. Serena Deeb vs. Cat Power (8:25)
7. No Time Limit: Nicole Matthews vs. Daizee Haze (13:16)
8. No Disqualification Street Fight: Allison Danger vs. Portia Perez (11:36)
9. Wesna Busic vs. LuFisto (12:52)
10. MsChif & Cheerleader Melissa vs. Sara Del Rey & Amazing Kong (21:45)

(Photos By Wrestlin Wally)

To facilitate Lethalwow’s 2009 Women’s Wrestling End of Year Review (See: 2008 Year in Review), going over various DVDs from this year was in order. Shimmer Women Athletes Volume 24 was taped on May 2, 2009, during a weekend at the Eagles’ Club in Berwyn, Illinois, where Volumes 23, 25 and 26 were also taped.

The DVD began with a promo from veterans Lexie Fyfe & Malia Hosaka, berating “rookies” Tenille & Rayna Von Tash, who were their opponents for the night. We then go to the venue, where Kellie Skater made her entrance, followed by Jessie McKay.

Match Number 1:
Jessie McKay vs. Kellie Skater

This match was officiated by Laura Mattano, with Dave Prazak doing Play by Play Commentary and Portia Perez on Color Commentary. The match started with a tie up, and quickly transitioned into a fast pace bout. Jessie McKay (One-half of the The Pink Ladies) got the early advantage, connecting with some nice offense; however, Kellie Skater turned things around with a hotshot to Jessie on one of the top ropes. The ladies were pretty evenly matched throughout, with Jessie being the crowd favorite, and Kellie sticking to a heel tactics. The finish came when Kellie Skater kicked out of Jessie’s Finisher ( “School Girl Crush” aka Running Yakuza Kick)….Jessie brought Kellie to her feet to apply another move; however, Kellie countered by throwing Jessie into one of the corner turnbuckle. Kellie immediately followed with a roll-up, in which she grabbed Jessie’s tights for leverage. This was a nice opener for the DVD, a nice performance by lower card wrestlers.

Winner: Kellie Skater at 4:42

Up next was Amber Gertner interviewing Serena Deeb on her loss against MsChif in Volume 23. Serena cut on nice promo on wanting to be the best in Shimmer by winning the Shimmer Championship.

Match Number 2:
The Experience: Lexie Fyfe & Malia Hosaka vs. Tenille & Rayna Von Tash

Referee P.J. Drummond made his way to the ring, followed by Malia and Lexie Fyfe. The fan favorites Tenille and Rayna Von Tash made their way to the ring next, to Janet Jackson’s “Feedback.” This match started out with Tenille and Malia, who was reluctant to start the match. The beginning of the match was pretty back and fort with various tags between both teams. Rayna and Tenille held their own against the veterans up until midway through the match. Malia was able to get the upper hand on Rayna, which was followed by nice tag team psychology by The Experience. Lexie and Malia cut Rayna from getting the tag to her partner, which also included some nice double teaming, and illegal tactics unnoticed by the referee. Rayna was able to get out of her predicament by getting her knees up as Malia went for a splash. Tenille got the hot tag, during which she got some nice offense in on both Lexie and Malia. This flowed into the finish as order in the ring broke down. In the mix of the disorder, Lexie and Malia were able to hit a Double-inverted suplex slam on Rayna behind the referees back. Lexie then got the pin.

Winner: Lexie Fyfe & Malia Hosaka at 10:46

Up next, was a promo from The Canadian NINJAS (Portia Perez and Nicole Matthews). The ladies talked about their respective singles matches for later on the show… Nicole Matthews vs. Daizee Haze, and Allison Danger vs. Portia Perez.

Match Number 3:
Amber O’Neal vs. Jennifer Blake

Referee Andy Long got into the ring, followed by Amber O’Neal. This match started with Amber O’Neal charging towards Jennifer, who took her down with a drop toe-hold. After some quick offense by Jennifer, Amber was able to get the upper hand with underhanded tactics. Amber continued to dominate the majority of the match, with Jennifer getting very little offense. The finish came when Amber failed at a top rope move, giving Jennifer the opening to hit her with a super kick for the win. Despite being the heel in this match, Amber was clearly the fan favorite. Amber is gold as always.

Winner: Jennifer Blake at 8:45

Up next was a promo from Sara Del Rey and Awesome Kong. The ladies seemed more than ready for the main event later in the show against MsChif & Cheerleader Melissa.

Match Number 4:
Mercedes Martinez vs. Madison Eagles

Out next was Madison Eagles, followed by Mercedes Martinez, with Brian Gorie as the referee. The ladies shook hands before getting into it, which started very mat based. Madison Eagles did a nice job hanging in there with the technically sound Mercedes. Approaching the seven minute mark, the match was taking to the outside when Madison kicked Mercedes off the apron. Madison was then the victim of a nasty spot, going back first into on of the steal railings (Charging into Mercedes, who moved out of the way). Upon the reentry to the ring, this was a hard hitting match which multiple near falls. The finish came when Mercedes avoided Madison’s finisher, giving her the opportunity to hit her Fisherman brainbuster for the win.

Up until this point, this match was the best so-far, to a nice ovation by the audience. And who could go wrong with Martinez’s chops? Mercedes got on the microphone after the match, and complementing her opponent Madison Eagles on the great match.

Winner: Mercedes Martinez at 11:05

Match Number 5:
Rain & Jetta (w/ Lacey) vs. Nikki Roxx & Portuguese Princess Ariel

Referee Bryce Remsburg made his way to the ring, followed by Rain, Jetta and Lacey. Roxxi and Ariel were out next. Lacey did a nice job riling up the crowd before the match, which started out with Ariel and Nikki smashing Jetta and Rain’s heads together. Pretty Bitchin’ (Ariel and Nikki Roxx) dominated the first two minutes of the match. That soon changed when The International Home Wrecking Crew (Rain & Jetta), cut Ariel off from her partner. The next 6 1/2 minutes saw them get the better of Ariel. The ladies did a nice job working on Ariel’s shoulder. Ariel finally got a tag to Nikki who cleaned house. After a fall-away slam and scoop slam, Nikki tagged Ariel back in the match, who quickly found herself back into her previous predicament. Another hot tag to Nikki led to the finish, where Ariel and Nikki had the match won with simultaneous stunners on Jetta & Rain. Lacey quickly made her presence felt by getting on the apron to distract the referee. This gave Jetta and Rain the opportunity to get attacks from behind on Nikki and Ariel. Jetta was able to get a double knee backbreaker into a straight jacket submission for the win.

Winner: Rain & Jetta at 12:03

Up next was highlights from Allison Danger and Portia Perez’s encounter from Shimmer Volume 23.

Match Number 6:
Serena Deeb vs. Cat Power

Referee Brian Gorie was seen entering the ring, followed by Cat Power to “Pot” by Tool. Serena Deeb was out next. The ladies started the match with a tie up, followed by various reverses. This continued for the first couple of minutes as the ladies showcased their technical wrestling skills. Serena kept an advantage over Cat by keeping her subdued throughout the match with side headlock variations. Cat Power was able to return the favor later by working on Serena’s arm. This put Serena on the defense, in which she countered various attempts from Cat who was determined to work on continue working on her left arm. The finish came abruptly after Serena counted a bulldog from Cat, as it gave her the opening to hit her spear.

Winners: Serena Deeb at 8:25

Up next, highlights were shown from the Daizee Haze vs. Nicole Matthews match on Shimmer Volume 23, which ended in a 20-minute time limit draw. This was the set-up for the next match.

Match Number 7:
No Time Limit
Nicole Matthews vs. Daizee Haze

Referee P.J. Drummond was shown getting into the ring, followed by Nicole Matthews. Daizee Haze came out next. The match began with Nicole Matthews retreating by running out of the ring. A chase throughout the venue followed. Back in the ring, Daizee was able to get the starting advantage. Much like the beginning of the previous match, the beginning saw some nice technical wrestling, with reversals from both ladies. Towards the four minute mark of the match, Daziee began using risky aerial maneuvers in which didn’t pay off. Nicole Mathews controlled the pace of the match after a fall-away slam. Daizee attempted a few nice comebacks; however, Nicole’s devious tactics were consistently getting the better of Daizee. Daizee turned the match around with a nice Daizee cutter followed by some nice offense. Nicole mounted a comeback after a German suplex, followed by near falls after near falls. Portia Perez then made her presence felt by getting on the apron; however, her distraction was to no avail as Daizee knocked her off the apron, and followed by getting the Mind Trip (Snapmare driver).

Winner: Daizee Haze at 13:16

After the win, Daizee was attacked by Portia. Allison Danger then made her way to the ring attacking Portia. The bell was rung for their match…

Match Number 8:
No Disqualification Street Fight
Allison Danger vs. Portia Perez

This started with Allison getting early strikes on Portia. Portia retreated to the outside of the ring, where she got a cookie sheet and commenced to hit Allison in the head with it. The next weapon on Portia’s list was her belt, in which she used to continuously choke Allison, and as leverage in throwing maneuvers. The match spilled to ringside, with Danger getting an advantage, and retaliating with the belt. A hockey stick came into play, with Danger on the receiving end. Danger mounted a comeback, and hit Portia with a Russian leg sweep using the hockey stick. What followed were brutal chair spots. Nicole Mathews then made her presence felt in the match, serving as distraction for Portia to get a super kick on Danger. Portia then used a chain to choke out Danger, which caused her to pass out.

Winner: Portia Perez at 11:36

Post Match: Portia and Nicole continued to attack Danger; however, Daizee Haze with a chair, ran off Portia and Nicole.

Up next, was the Shimmer Tag Team Champions Nevaeh and Ashley Lane making their way to the ring. The ladies talked about their possible challengers for the Tag Team Titles, which would be determined in the Main Event: MsChif & Cheerleader Melissa vs. Sara Del Rey & Amazing Kong

Highlights were then shown from Wesna Busic vs. LuFisto on Shimmer volume 22.

Match Number 9:
Wesna Busic vs. LuFisto

Referee Andy Long was shown getting into the ring, followed by Wesna Busic who was accompanied by Annie Social. LuFisto was out next. This match started with a nice running big boot to an unsuspecting Lufisto during her introduction. Lufisto took offense with a nice spear. This started off hard-hitting, and quickly spilled to the outside. Soon, it turned in Wesna’s favor with a nice camel clutch. Wesna dominated in the minutes that followed. After the most hard-hitting kicks you will see in Women’s wrestling from Wesna to Lufisto, Lufisto was able to make a comeback with a German suplex. After continuous interference from Annie Social, Wesna was back in the drivers seat. After a clothesline to Wesna to the outside of the ring, the match continued with a brawl to the outside. Back in the ring, Lufisto kicked out of a Ki Krusher, and the match continued. After more distraction from Annie Social, Wesna was able to pick up the victory with the CB4 Driver.

Winner: Wesna Busic at 12:53

Up next, were highlights from Shimmer Volume 23, which led up to the main event match.

Match Number 10:
Tag Team #1 Contender Match
MsChif & Cheerleader Melissa vs. Sara Del Rey & Amazing Kong

Referee Bryce Remsburg was shown in the ring, followed by Sara Del Rey making her entrance. Out next was Amazing Kong, followed by MsChif and Melissa. The match started off with Sara and Melissa, which was hard-hitting as expected from those two. MsChif was in next against Sara, who found herself in trouble by being isolated from Kong. Upon Melissa’s return, Sara turned things in her favor temporarily. Melissa and Sara went fairly back and fort in the minutes that followed. Kong finally got tagged into the match, and followed with a nice giant swing to Melissa. Kong dominated Melissa in the moments that followed. Sara got back in the match, with Melissa needing to make a tag desperately. Kong and Sara alternated, as their psychology to isolate Melissa continued. Melissa finally got a tag to MsChif, who didn’t fare any better than Melissa against Kong and Sara. MsChif was able to get back on her game after Kong missed a splash. Soon, the match got out of control, with all four women in the ring. MsChif found herself in trouble once again; however, she was able to get a tag to Melissa after Kong inadvertently hit Sara with a missile drop kick. Melissa was able to get some amazing offense on Kong, which included a brutal curb stomp, a missile drop kick and hurricanrana. The finish came, with Sara close to tapping out from a submission from MsChif. Kong quickly took Melissa out of the match by driving her back first into one of the steal ring posts. Kong then broke up the submission, followed by powerbombing MsChif, and implant busting Sara onto MsChif, who got the pin.

Winner(s): Amazing Kong & Sara Del Rey at 21:45

After the match, Sara and Kong continued their attack on MsChif. Soon after, Wesna Busic joined in the beat down. The Shimmer Tag Team Champions Nevaeh and Ashley Lane made a failed run-in on Kong and Sara who overpowered them. The DVD ended with Wesna holding up the Shimmer Title, and Kong and Sara holding up the Tag Team Titles.

Match Of The DVD: MsChif & Cheerleader Melissa vs. Sara Del Rey & Amazing Kong
The main event was most definitely the match of the DVD. Four of Women’s Wrestling most celebrated athletes, in a Twenty minute match, how can you go wrong?

Overall, this is a great buy for any Women’s wrestling fan. The card was nicely put together from start to finish, with nice continuity from previous volumes, and build for future volumes.

1. Cheerleader Melissa defeated Hailey Hatred (Nikki Roxx’s Replacement) in a number 1 contender match
2. Sassy Stephie defeated Fate
3. Annie Social defeated Autumn Breeze
4. Annie Social defeated the Mia Yim
5. Allison Wonderland defeated Brittnay Force
6. Allison Danger defeated Ariel (Daizee Haze’s Replacement)
7. JAPW Womens Champion Sara Del Rey defeated Cheerleader Melissa by DQ

This show was met with mixed reactions from JAPW fans, however the consensus was that Cheerleader Melissa vs. Hailey Hatred was the stand out match of the show.

Here is some footage of Daizee Haze’s backstage beatdown from Allison Danger….

Women Superstars Uncensored was also in action this past weekend. Two WSU matches took place at the National Wrestling Superstars event in Basking Ridge, NJ.

—Angelina Love (Angel Williams) returned to WSU challenging the WSU World Champion “The Latina Sensation” Mercedes Martinez. Mercedes Martinez eventually took Angelina out with a brainbuster suplex.

Also in action for WSU was Alicia challenging WSU Spirit Champion Brittney Savage. Alicia won by countout, however, Brittney Savage retained the belt.

—The TNA Knockouts were also in action in a big way at this weekend’s live events, in as much as 3 knockouts matches in one event.

TNA Knockout tag team champions Taylor Wilde & Sarita successfully defended their titles against The Beautiful People (Velvet Sky & Madison Rayne). Also in action was Hamada vs. Daffney exchanging wins. In a special attraction match in Wayne, NJ, Sara Del Rey successfully defended her JAPW Women’s Title against Alissa Flash.

—The biggest rumor of the weekend hands down was talk of Jacqueline returning to TNA Wrestling. Sites are reporting that she may return at Turning Point.

The full list of the 2009 “PWI Female 50″ has been revealed…

“PWI Female 50″ Rankings
1. Mickie James
2. Angelina Love
3. Melina
4. MsChif
5. Tara
6. Awesome Kong
7. Beth Phoenix
8. Michelle McCool
9. Maryse
10. Taylor Wilde
11. Sara Del Rey
12. Cheerleader Melissa
13. Gail Kim
14. Mercedes Martinez
15. ODB
16. Daizee Haze
17. Sarita
18. Daffney
19. Madison Rayne
20. Katie Lea Burchill
21. Nikki Roxx
22. Angel Orsina
23. Velvet Sky
24. Sojo Bolt
25. Natalya
26. Rain
27. Amber O’Neal
28. Jillian Hall
29. Jetta
30. Lufisto
31. Madison Eagles
32. Nevaeh
33. Wesna Busic
34. Kelly Kelly
35. Portia Perez
36. Danyah
37. Ariel
38. Jennifer Blake
39. Nichole Matthews
40. Serena Deeb
41. Allison Danger
42. Malia Hosaka
43. Lexie Fyfe
44. Jamie D
45. Amy Lee
46. Annie Social
47. April Hunter
48. Cherry Bomb
49. Jessie McKay
50. Rosa Mendes

Rankings by affiliation

World Wrestling Entertainment
1. Mickie James (1)
2. Melina (3)
3. Beth Phoenix (7)
4. Michelle McCool (8)
5. Maryse (9)
6. Gail Kim (13)
7. Katie Kea Burchill (20)
8. Natalya (25)
9. Jillian Hall (28)
10. Kelly Kelly (34)
11. Serena Deeb (40)
12. Rosa Mendes (50)

WWE women’s wrestlers who failed to rank: Alicia Fox, Brie Bella, Eve Torres, Layla, Maria, Nikki Bella, Tiffany

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
1. Angelina Love (2)
2. Tara (5)
3. Awesome Kong (6)
4. Taylor Wilde (10)
5. Cheerleader Melissa (a.k.a. Alissa Flash, Raisha Saeed) (12)
6. ODB (15)
7. Sarita (17)
8. Daffney (18)
9. Madison Rayne (19)
10. Velvet Sky (23)
11. Sojo Bolt (24)

TNA women’s wrestlers who failed to rank: Rhaka Khan, Traci Brooks

Non-Affiliated
1. MsChif (4)
2. Sara Del Rey (11)
3. Mercedes Martinez (14)
4. Daizee Haze (16)
5. Nikki Roxx (21)
6. Angel Orsina (22)
7. Rain (26)
8. Amber O’Neal (27)
9. Jetta (29)
10. Lufisto (30)
11. Madison Eagles (31)
12. Nevaeh (32)
13. Wesna Busic (33)
14. Portia Perez (35)
15. Danyah (36)
16. Ariel (37)
17. Jennifer Blake (38)
18. Nichole Matthews (39)
19. Allison Danger (41)
20. Melia Hosaka (42)
21. Lexie Fyfe (43)
22. Jamie D (44)
23. Amy Lee (45)
24. Annie Social (46)
25. April Hunter (47)
26. Cherry Bomb (48)
27. Jessie McKay (49)

Nikki Roxx defeated Cat Power
Amber O’Neal Defeated Tenile
Daffney Defeated Melanie Cruise w/Annie Social
Sara Del Rey Defeated Madison Eagles
LuFisto Defeated Kellie Skater
Daizee Haze & Nicole Matthews went to a 20 minute draw
Amazing Kong Defeated Mercedes Martinez
Tag-Team Championship:
Ashley Lane (Madison Rayne) & Neveah beat Rain & Jetta
Wesna Defeated Cheerleader Melissa, Wesna w/by Annie Social
SHIMMER Championship: MsChif Retains over Serena Deeb

Click Here For More Photos Of The Show

Kellie Skater Defeated Jessie McKay
The Experience Defeated Rayna (Fyre) von Tosh & Tenile
Jennifer Blake Defeated Amber O’Neal
Mercedes Martinez Defeated Madison Eagles
IHWC Defeated Ariel & Nikki Roxx
Serena Deeb Defeated Cat Power
Daizee Haze Defeated Nicole Matthews
Portia Perez Defeated Allison Danger
Wesna w/Annie Social Defeated LuFisto
SHIMMER Tag Title #1 Contendership:
Sara Del Rey & Amazing Kong Defeated MelisChif

SPARKLE Match: Kimberly Kash Defeated Sassy Stephie

Tenile defeated Jetta
Cat Power Defeated Rachel Summerlyn, Ariel And Kellie Skater
Nikki Roxx Defeated Melanie Cruise
Rain Defeated Jennifer Blake
Cheerleader Melissa Defeated Jessie McKay
LuFisto Defeated Amber O’Neal
Daizee Haze & Allison Danger Defeated The Canadian Ninjas
Serena Deeb Defeated Mercedes Martinez
SHIMMER Tag Title Championship: Ohio Girls “Ashley Lane & Neveah” retain over Death Kongs (Amazing Kong & Sara Del Rey) by DQ
Shimmer World Title: MsChif retained against Wesna

Jetta Defeated Daffney
Daizee Haze Defeated Rayna “Fyre” von Tosh
Jessie McKay Defeated Kellie Skater, Jennifer Blake, and Melanie Cruise
Pretty Bitchin’ (Ariel & Nikki Roxx) Defeated The Experience (Lexie Fyfe & Malia Hosaka)
Death Kongs (SDR & Amazing Kong) Defeated Serena Deeb & Mercedes Martinez
Cheerleader Melissa Defeated Wesna by KO
SHIMMER Tag-Team Championship: Canadian Ninjas won the Defeating Ashley Lane & Neveah
Shimmer World Title: MsChif retained against LuFisto

DVD Taping One
1—Melissa Coates vs Miss April (No Contest)
2—Kylie Pierce & Lea Morrison d. (Team Wigwam) Alere Little Feather & Missy Sampson
3—Rain d. Rachel Summerlyn
4— Brooke Carter & Reyna Fire d. The Soul Sisters
WSU Tag Team Championships
5—Amy Lee & Taylor Wilde defeated (c) The Beatdown Betties (Annie Social & Roxxie Cotton)

DVD Taping TWO
1— Melissa Coates defeated Reyna Fire w/Brooke Carter
2— Rain defeated Rachel Summerlyn
3— Jana defeated Brooke Carter w/Reyna Fire
4— The Beatdown Betties defeated Amy Lee & Taylor Wilde, Team Wigwam, and Kylie Pierce & Lea Morrison
WSU Championship
STEEL CAGE MATCH
5— Angel Orsini(c) defeated Mercedes Martinez
Jacqueline Moore made a huge run-in after the match attacking Angel

—Amy Lee & Taylor Wilde defeated (c) The Beatdown Betties (Annie Social & Roxxie Cotton) to become the WSU (Women Superstars Unleashed) Tag Team Championships last night during the taping for a DVD. (Amy Lee was originally suppose to team up with Awesome Kong). In the second DVD taping that night, they lost the titles.

01. Awesome Kong

Rankings by affiliation

World Wrestling Entertainment
1. Beth Phoenix (2)
2. Mickie James (4)
3. Melina (8)
4. Michelle McCool (9)
5. Candice Michelle (10)
6. Victoria (12)
7. Natalya (19)
8. Katie Lea Burchill (26)
9. Maria Kanellis (29)
10. Kelly Kelly (32)
11. Jillian Hall (34)
12. Layla El (39)
13. Milena Roucka (43)

TNA Wrestling
1. Awesome Kong (1)
2. Roxxi Laveaux (7)
3. Taylor Wilde (13)
4. ODB (14)
5. Angelina Love (16)
6. Jacqueline (17)
7. Traci Brooks (22)
8. Velvet Sky (23)
9. Moose Knuckles (25)
10. Cheerleader Melisa (a.k.a. Raisha Saeed (28)
11. Christy Hemme (42)
12. Rhaka Khan (46)

Top Non-Affiliated Women’s Wrestlers
1. Gail Kim (3)
2. MsChif (5)
3. Sarah Del Ray (6)
4. Mercedes Martinez (11)
5. Daizee Haze (15)
6. April Hunter (18)
7. Sumie Sakai (20)
8. Allison Danger (21)
9. Sarah Stock (24)
10. Cherry (27)
11. Amber O’Neal (30)
12. Lexie Fyfe (31)
13. Cindy Rogers (32)
14. Malia Hosaka (35)
15. Christie Ricci (36)
16. Becky Bayless (37)
17. Alere Little Feather
18. Kelly Couture (40)
19. Jamie D (a.k.a. Sirelda) (41)
20. Annie Social (44)
21. Lufisto (45)
22. Danyah (47)
23. Jennifer Blake (48)
24. Daffney (49)
25. Portia Perez (50)

Pro Wrestling Illustrated has released an issue similar to the “PWI 500,” but based on the women of professional wrestling instead. They’re calling it the first annual “PWI Female 50,” which ranks the top 50 women’s wrestlers. PWI feels there is enough credible women’s wrestlers out there now to warrant a top 50 ranking. Michelle McCool, Beth Phoenix, Awesome Kong, with “The Beautiful People” – Angelina Love and Velvet Sky – in the front, grace the magazine cover.

It should be noted that PWI has opted to exclude Mexican and Japanese women’s wrestlers from the rankings – sans Sarah Stock. Regarding this. PWI wrote: “That isn’t intended to be a slight against international competitors. More so than with the male counterparts, women’s wrestling varies tremendously between the North American style, the Japanese joshi puroresu styles and the Mexican lucha libre style. With few notable exceptions (such as Sumie Sakai and Gail Kim), a wrestler who excels in one style may fare much more poorly in a different style. Besides, we wanted to shine the spotlight primarily on the U.S. and Canadians competitors first. If reader response to this special section is strong, perhaps we will consider ranking more women, including international competitors, in the future.”

On how they ranked the wrestlers, PWI wrote: “To determine this list and compile the rankings, we examined a variety of criteria. While placing special emphasis on a wrestler’s accomplishments over the past calender year, we also took note of each women’s career accomplishments as well. For example, a veteran like Malia Hosaka may not have wrestled as many matches or as many high-profile bouts as Cherry over the past 12 months, but based on her accomplishments throughout her 20-plus year career, we felt she deserved inclusion.”

PWI also went over possible controversy in regards to ranking the likes of Maria and Velvet Sky ahead of more “scientifically skilled technicians” such as Lexie Fyfe and Cindy Rogers. Prominence and marketability factored into the rankings as it’s not only based on technical ability and accomplishments. PWI wrote: “We evaluated each woman on championships held, quality of opposition faced, overall athletic ability, prominence, and marketability. To some critics, those last two criteria may be controversial. After all, some may argue that wrestlers like Maria Kanellis and Velvet Sky have no business being ranked ahead of more scientifically skilled technicians like Cindy Rogers and Lexie Fyfe. We would argue that marketability and prominence are an important aspect of pro wrestling, and that the success of these Divas and Knockouts have had on such a major stage has to be taken into consideration.”

Credit: pwpix.net