Gail Kim deserves all the respect for her impactful career

There are a lot of individuals who professional wrestling forgets. These are stars or top-level performers who were around during times when the industry was less welcoming to diversity, and especially harmful toward women. Many of these names didn’t get the opportunity to stand out in ways they could have achieved. Gail Kim is one of those performers. Looking at her run through wrestling, she’s one of those forgotten talents that never got their due at the top of a major promotion.

Gail Kim’s in-ring career lasted nearly 23 years. According to Cagematch, she started in December of 2000, before bringing things to an end in September of 2023. Along the way, Kim would reach various levels of success, but she was never positioned as a top player in the industry. Did she win several titles along the way? Yes, that she did. TNA gave her a strong platform as the top face of the women’s division, but that promotion didn’t carry the weight it has today.

Still, Kim deserves more widespread recognition for what she has contributed to the industry and what she could still contribute in various ways. For example, Scott D’Amore was recently released from TNA Wrestling and it looks like the reigns of leadership have transitioned to Kim’s hands.

“I’m not going to lie, this new management has empowered me so much like I’ve never been empowered before,” Kim said while speaking on Gabby AF with Gabby LaSpisa. “I thought that I was making strides in the wrestling world, I’ve never felt as uplifted as I have this year. Not only has this management talked the talk, they’ve walked the walk. Not only do they say they want me to grow within this company, they’ve given me that ball to run with it. And I’ve felt it, and I’m doing it, and I’ve just never felt so much growth within the wrestling business so quickly as I have this year, it’s been incredible. I feel very respected and valued for the first time in a long time.”

Those are amazing words to hear from someone who deserves it. Kim has long been outspoken against the ills that plague much of professional wrestling, so it’s a good thing to see her finally getting a position of power within the industry. She could truly push for change within TNA. Especially as that promotion sees a boom in engagement, some due to its growing partnership with WWE.

Gail Kim is a Hall of Famer in every sense of the word. She’s held 11 titles over her career and is an icon in women’s wrestling. The industry needs to put more respect and adulation on her name while still possible.