In the 1966 classic song "It's a Man's Man's Man's World," James Brown proudly declared that though the world may belong to the privileged gender, it still would be "nothing without a woman or a girl." The same sentiment could apply to the world of wrestling in 2025. Although stars like Jey Uso, Trick Williams, Oba Femi, "Hangman" Adam Page, and Mike Santana have made their mark this year, women have sustained a level of star power and excellence that could rival anyone of the men mentioned. It can be argued that though the female stars do not have equality of time and meaty storytelling that their male counterparts have, they make the absolute most of what they are given to make the fans invested in them.
From winning multiple titles at a time to making audiences scream to the top of their lungs with infatuation, women in wrestling are proving that the future belongs to them. Let's get into why women's wrestling is carrying all major promotions this year.
WWE: Raw, SmackDown, NXT and Evolve
WWE's women's division has been operating at its highest level since the beginning of the year. From the polarizing Royal Rumble win of the returning Charlotte Flair and her feud with young icon and WWE Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton to the destruction of the Big Three by a jealous-hearted Naomi, some of the most enthralling stories have revolved around the women who find ways to keep us at the edge of our seats.
One also cannot forget how Bianca Belair rose to face both Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley in a modern WrestleMania classic for the Women's World Championship. Then the additions of Stephanie Vaquer, Giulia, and Roxanne Perez shook the foundation of both Raw and SmackDown as they sought to conquer their divisions and win gold. The Women's United States and Intercontinental championships have greater potential to create moments for newer athletes and grizzled veterans to prove their worth as well.
But the sprawling promotion's crown jewel of women's wrestling excellence illuminates on Tuesday nights. NXT presents a master class in how to showcase female athletes in a fair and balanced way that makes their rivalries must watch television. With the unexpected rise of Jacy Jayne as the NXT Women's and TNA Knockouts Champion, there is a larger target on her back and two of the brightest stars in Lash Legend and Jaida Parker are seeking to dethrone the crafty one. Then there are the newer ladies of EVOLVE who make occasional appearances to test their ability to swim with the sharks. The present and future of WWE's women's division is in excellent hands.
WOW (Women of Wrestling) Superheroes
Another promotion that is being carried by women is one that highlights them for an hour. Since its reboot in 2022, Women of Wrestling (WOW) Superheroes gives women of various athletic backgrounds a chance to build their legacies in singles, tag team and trios' work. Though they tend to be underrated in the wrestling community due to their unconventional character work, the athleticism continues to deliver matches that fall in line with modern women's wrestling.
The show brings eyes to talent that is still blooming and veterans who are looking to become the best at their craft. For instance, women such as Ashley Blaze (also known as Camron Branae) and Tara Strike (also known as "The Little Blue Dragon" Tootie Lynn) have made appearances on the syndicated show and exposed themselves to audiences who otherwise would not have known their past reputations in promotions like WWE or NWA. The sole all-women's wrestling show on television has also given platforms to long-time athletes like Princess Aussie (Simone Williams), The Classmaster (Lois Grain), and Penelope Pink (Marina Tucker), all of whom have been WOW World Champion in the past three years.
The growth of the promotion holds a lot of excitement as well. With its fourth season on the horizon, WOW seeks to branch out with nationwide tryouts and a residency in Las Vegas, Nevada on the historic Fremont Street. With David McLane and Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss at the helm, the show could reach new audiences with their mission of making the show accessible to all audiences and inspiring generations of women for years to come.
All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite, Collision and Ring of Honor
The women of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and Ring of Honor (ROH) cannot be tamed. At all. And why should they be? They continue to raise the bar and show why their fanbase should place them at the center of attention.
Within the division, multiple stories are not just centered around the TBS or AEW Women's World Championship like the healing friendship of Willow Nightingale and Kris Statlander, and the discontent of Anna Jay, Tay Conti, and Queen Aminata have with the constant attacks from the newly signed Thekla, Penelope Ford, Megan Bayne, Skye Blue and Julia Hart.
There is also Ring of Honor that holds hidden treasure in the form of Trish Adora, Red Velvet, and Taya Valkyrie. Countless others want to create new legacies for themselves. It also helps that their "Forever" Women's World Champion Athena, continues to build a golden resume of title defenses that allows her to stand out as the star athlete she knew she could be. This has allowed her to finally crossover to Wednesday nights, where the Fallen Goddess seeks to challenge "Timeless" Toni Storm for the AEW Women's World Championship at Forbidden Door.
The jewel in All Elite Wrestling's women's wrestling crown lies within the CEO and multi-title holder Mercedes Moné. Over the course of her time in AEW, she has brought the best out of every woman she has faced. From her feuds with Kris Statlander, Jamie Hayter, and Hikaru Shida to her globetrotting quest for gold in international promotions, she has stayed true to her mission of giving women's wrestling a global revolution. Wherever Moné goes, the fandom follows, and due to that level of visibility, other talented women get to shine as well.
Women's wrestling has come such a long way. At various points in history, females in the ring were considered an afterthought. But now, the talent, intelligence, and power of women cannot be denied. As the talent pool continues to deepen with new ladies and veterans continue to sharpen their skills, the sky isn't even the limit for where they can go. Wrestling is no longer a man's world. It is a woman's unlimited universe.