3 Reasons Beth Phoenix is WWE Hall of Fame Worthy

This year’s female Hall of Fame inductee may be controversial, but it’s all about the matter of timing, not Beth Phoenix’s career.

On Monday it was announced that Beth Phoenix will be the female inductee to the WWE Hall of Fame for 2017.  It was met with both praise and criticism, as fans felt it was too early for her to be included in the Hall of Fame.  In addition, there are other female wrestlers who have yet to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, which makes this news controversial.

But what fans can agree on, though, is that despite the early induction, Phoenix is definitely Hall of Fame worthy.  Phoenix debuted in a time where models and Diva Search contestants were starting to take over the Divas Division.  Trish Stratus and Lita were on their way out, which set the course for the next few years.  That fact alone made the self-proclaimed Glamazon stand out in the Divas Division.  While there were many missed opportunities when it came to Phoenix, the opportunities she did have she made it count.  She was involved in some big moments that are a part of her career forever and WWE history.

Debuting in 2006, Phoenix wrestled for the company until 2012, when she retired from wrestling.  She transitioned with the Women’s Division in the six years she was with the company.  Phoenix would be one of the few women who would hold both the Women’s and Divas Championship on multiple occasions.  Even though she was mostly competing during the PG era she would find success with several feuds, a lengthy Divas Championship reign and take part in a comedic storyline with Santino Marella.  The infamous “Glamarella” is one of the highlights of the PG era that worked despite the odd pairing.

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Phoenix is also one of WWE’s toughest women.  Within the month of her debut, Phoenix proved her toughness when she suffered a broken jaw during a match and was able to finish it.  Her power was displayed as she made work of the Divas Division, finishing them off with the devastating Glam Slam.  She was no stranger to wrestling men, and participated in the Royal Rumble one year.  Oh, and she also participated in the first Women’s “I Quit” match in 2008.

While 2008 was successful for Phoenix, 2010 and 2011 were her most successful years.  During that time Phoenix made history with a Royal Rumble entry, the Divas Championship and taking part in a first Divas Tables Match.  Phoenix had the fourth lengthiest Divas Championship reign at 204 days.  Phoenix and Natalya formed an alliance at one point dubbing themselves the “Divas of Doom”.  The two women took part in the first ever Divas Tables match at TLC against LayCool.

Related Story: WWE Hall of Fame 2017: Beth Phoenix to be Inducted

With this induction, Phoenix is the youngest Hall of Fame inductee at 36.  While that is fairly young, she had some pretty standout moments regardless.  With the opportunities Phoenix was presented with, she made the most of them.  Phoenix hasn’t closed the door on a comeback, as stated in her interview with USA Today.

While this is a hot subject and highly debatable, let’s talk about the great things Phoenix has done in her career.