Jackie Moore: Recognizing a trailblazer for minorities and women alike

Jacqueline Moore built a path that was important to not only African American women, but any woman looking to step into a professional wrestling ring.

Women’s wrestling is alive and well not only in the WWE, but beyond as we see more promotions feature women wrestlers at the top of the card. In 2016, Jacqueline Moore, best known as Jackie during her WWE run, was inducted into the promotion’s Hall of Fame. Her performances in the ring, and backstage, make her a vital member of not only women’s wrestling history, but Black History as well.

Debuting back in 1988, Jackie would grow to be an important member of the WWE roster. But before that, her time performing across other organizations would help her become one of the most respected female competitors to step between the ropes.

She spent time in WCW and USWA before heading to the WWE (then WWF) due to an injury that kept her off camera. It was during her run in 1998 in which she would gain the notoriety that would lead to her Hall of Fame induction nearly 20 years later. Jackie embodied the physical female archetype long before the likes of Chyna, Beth Phoenix or Asuka.

“She was one of those pioneers that really helped the WWE evolve as far as women are concerned,” said Natalya Neidhart during Jackie’s Hall of Fame promotional video.

Jackie holds two special designations in history as she’s the first African American woman to hold what was known as the WWF Women’s Championship and the only woman to ever hold the WWF Cruiserweight title. She defeated Chavo Guerrero on May 4, 2004 and would hold the title for 12 days before dropping it back to him. To go along with these accolades, in 1993 she became the first woman to be ranked in the Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 when she came in ranked at number 249.

Jackie’s aggressive style in the ring helped her earn the respect of a keen worker from bell to bell. Her move set was so sophisticated that it still stands out when compared to many of the active women today. It was these abilities that led her to being tagged as the main trainer for Trish Stratus as she developed in the star leadership within the WWE hoped her to become. With the output and growth that was seen in Stratus’s abilities during that time, it’s clear that Jackie was successful in that role.

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With all of these successful career points under her belt, it’s important to recognize Jackie as a trailblazer for many of the minority athletes that are found in professional wrestling today.

“She recreated what a champion looks like and helped opened the door for women of all colors, sizes and shapes,” said Alicia Fox. “It’s a real honor to follow in her footsteps.”

It’s always hard to find many examples of African American wrestlers that are consistently at the top in professional wrestling, but Jackie’s presence and performance helped pave the way for a lot of what fans are enjoying from the women’s divisions today.