NWA: Top 3 Moments from EMPOWERRR

This past Saturday night was the all-women pay-per-view, EMPOWERRR. The brainchild of women’s wrestling legend, Mickie James, featured a diverse card of women that were represented by women of color and from the LGBTQIA community.

The show was agented by other legends in women’s wrestling: Gail Kim, Jazz, and Medusa. NWA Powerrr commentator and former wrestler, Velvet Sky were on commentary. The referees were Beckie Phillips, Yali Sapphire, and Claudia Reiff.

Back in June, when the nine-time women’s champion announced EMPOWERRR, it was to prove that women are a draw. During her announcement, she said “this is different. We have a real opportunity here, with so much history (…) and now we have a chance to really show that women’s wrestling, not only will women’s wrestling make money, but it deserves that prime real estate right at the top of the marquee, just beside the men’s wrestling every single night. And I’m here to show you why women’s wrestling matters. It’s not just a hashtag. It’s not just a money grab. This is real and I want the best of the best.”

Some of the history made during EMPOWERRR was Pollo Del Mar becoming the first drag queen to perform in NWA history. Del Mar was the manager for Jamie Senegal, the first openly transgender woman to compete in NWA.

Before we get to the top three moments, there was a major moment in women’s wrestling and wrestling as a whole, Awesome Kong arrived with the surprise announcement of her retirement. She did it with her most famous foe by her side–Gail Kim. It was such a moving moment. What an incredible way to go out.

And now, here are the top 3 moments from EMPOWERRR.

3. Chelsea Green wins the EMPOWERRR Women’s Invitational

EMPOWERRR’s main event was the inaugural Women’s Invitational with the winner getting a shot at The Burke the following night at NWA 73. The invitational included 10 women. The match started off with the first two women wrestling for two minutes with other participants entering every 30 seconds.

Green was the first woman to enter followed by “The Hottest Flame” Kiera Hogan. Green lasted nearly 25 minutes and pinned hometown favorite, Tootie Lynn to face NWA Women’s Champion Kamille.

2. The Hex win the NWA World’s Women’s Tag Team titles

The second match of the night was a semi-final match for the NWA World’s Women’s Tag Team titles featuring The Hex (Allysin Kay and Marti Belle) vs. Hell on Heels (Renee Michelle and Sahara 7). In a seven-minute bout, The Hex was victorious after hitting The Hexecution.

The next match featured AEW wrestlers Red Velvet & KiLynn King versus The Freebabes (Miranda Gordy and Jazzy Yang). King hit her Kingdom finisher to earn the victory and to move to the finals to face The Hex.

In one of the best matches of the night, The Hex faced off against two-thirds of RSK. Madusa was on commentary during the match to present the vacant tag team titles to the winner. In a nearly 10 minute battle, The Hex won with the AK-47. The Hex became the first NWA World’s Women’s Tag Team Champions since 1984.

1. Kamille vs. Leyla Hirsch for the NWA World’s Women’s Championship

After winning a match on AEW Dynamite, Legit Leyla Hirsch won an opportunity to face Kamille at EMPOWERRR. This was the penultimate match of the night and by many accounts the match of the weekend.

Battling a size disadvantage, Hirsch found creative ways to make Kamille her equal. She impressed many fans with her sheer power and sometimes outright dominance of the champion. Hirsch nearly bested her opponent several times, but ultimately fell short after Kamille hit her with a spear to retain the NWA World’s Women’s Championship.

While these are just three of the top moments, the night was full of excellent moments. James set out to do what she intended: women’s wrestling is a draw. They deserve to have their names on the marquee right next to the men.

EMPOWERRR can’t be a novelty or a cash grab. It has to use this momentum to move women’s wrestling and thus pro wrestling forward. The event should happen annually and continue to showcase the best women’s wrestling in the world.