The Mount Rushmore of Women’s Wrestling
Brendan Mizgala’s Women’s Wrestling Mount Rushmore
Mae Young
There is a reason why the Mae Young Classic has its name. Mae was a trailblazer for women’s wrestling. She kicked in doors when no other performer would. Her time in the business spanned seven decades. Whether she was the NWA United States Women’s Champion or just appearing in a cameo on RAW, Mae Young is a legend in women’s wrestling.
Alundra Blayze
Alundra Blayze had the tough task of being a female wrestler in the WWF during the early/mid 90’s. Granted her time was well before when the women’s segments were just bras and panties, but it wasn’t much better then. In that time, the WWF women’s division was merely a handful of talent. Blayze however had a level of technical ability and skill that fans had not seen at that time from the women. Blazye is most infamous for her return to WCW as Madusa, where she would drop the WWF Women’s Championship in a trashcan on Monday Nitro.
Chyna
Chyna made her debut as a muscular bodyguard for Triple H. Soon she would become one of the most iconic women to step foot into the business. Like Blayze and Young, Chyna wasn’t afraid to break down barriers. She would become the first woman to enter the Royal Rumble as well as win men’s championships in the WWF.
Trish Stratus
Trish Stratus, much like Chyna, got her start in wrestling as a valet. However that wasn’t good enough for Stratus. She would become one of the most dominant and prolific wrestlers in the WWE’s Women’s Division. Trish would be the face of women’s wrestling in North America during her tenure in WWE. Stratus cemented herself as a 7 time Women’s Champion.
Honorable Mention: Manami Toyota
Manami Toyota is THE legend in Japan when it comes to women’s wrestling. Toyota made her debut in 1987 and would have a career that any wrestler would envy. During her time in the ring she would have: 17 5-star matches, 2 Match of the Years, and be voted Most Outstanding Wrestler. The tireless effort Toyota put into her work laid the foundation for companies such as Shine and Shimmer to be able to have all female rosters. Many of Toyota’s matches are still fantastic to this very day.