Who Started Women’s Wrestling?By Coder| August 30, 2023 Wrestling Women’s wrestling has a rich history that dates back several centuries. Throughout the years, numerous individuals have played a pivotal role in shaping and popularizing this form of entertainment. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key figures who started women’s wrestling and contributed to its growth. The Fabulous Moolah The Fabulous Moolah is often regarded as one of the pioneers of women’s wrestling. Born Mary Lillian Ellison in 1923, she began her professional wrestling career in the 1940s. Moolah was an exceptional wrestler and held the Women’s World Championship for an astonishing 28 years from 1956 to 1984. In addition to her in-ring skills, The Fabulous Moolah also played a crucial role in training and mentoring future generations of female wrestlers. She helped establish the first all-women’s wrestling promotion, The Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW), which gained significant popularity during the 1980s. Mildred Burke Mildred Burke was another influential figure in women’s wrestling history. Born in 1915, she became one of the first women to compete professionally against male opponents. Burke won the NWA World Women’s Championship in 1937 and went on to hold it for nearly two decades. Beyond her achievements as a wrestler, Mildred Burke also founded the World Women’s Wrestling Association (WWWA) in 1948, which further elevated the status of women’s wrestling and provided opportunities for aspiring female wrestlers. The Jumping Bomb Angels In more recent times, The Jumping Bomb Angels made a significant impact on women’s wrestling. This tag team consisted of Noriyo Tateno and Itsuki Yamazaki, both hailing from Japan. Their high-flying and fast-paced style revolutionized women’s wrestling in the 1980s. The Jumping Bomb Angels competed in various promotions, including the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE), where they won the Women’s Tag Team Championship. Their performances showcased the athleticism and skill that women wrestlers possessed, paving the way for future generations. The Women’s Evolution In recent years, women’s wrestling has experienced a revolution known as the Women’s Evolution. This movement has seen female wrestlers receive more prominent storylines, longer matches, and equal opportunities to showcase their abilities. WWE played a crucial role in this evolution by introducing groundbreaking events such as the all-women’s pay-per-view called Evolution. This event highlighted the incredible talent of female wrestlers from WWE and beyond. The Four Horsewomen One of the most influential groups within this movement is known as the Four Horsewomen. Consisting of Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, Sasha Banks, and Bayley, these four wrestlers have been at the forefront of reshaping women’s wrestling in mainstream promotions. Charlotte Flair: Daughter of legendary wrestler Ric Flair, Charlotte has become one of WWE’s top female performers. She has held multiple championships and headlined several major events. Becky Lynch: Known as “The Man,” Becky Lynch became one of the most popular wrestlers in recent years. Her charisma and in-ring skills propelled her to main event WrestleMania 35. Sasha Banks: Sasha Banks is known for her high-risk moves and intense in-ring style. She has consistently delivered show-stealing performances and has been a role model for aspiring female wrestlers. Bayley: Bayley is known for her lovable and relatable character. She has held multiple championships and has been instrumental in inspiring young fans, especially girls, to pursue wrestling. The Four Horsewomen, along with many other talented female wrestlers, have played a significant role in bringing women’s wrestling into the mainstream consciousness and challenging stereotypes associated with the industry. In Conclusion Women’s wrestling has come a long way since its inception. The contributions of individuals like The Fabulous Moolah, Mildred Burke, The Jumping Bomb Angels, and the Four Horsewomen have shaped the sport into what it is today. As we celebrate their achievements, let us also acknowledge the countless other women who continue to break barriers and redefine what it means to be a professional wrestler.
