Table of contents for January 2022 in Pro Wrestling Illustrated

FOR THE BETTER part of a decade, I’ve been taking part in the annual PWI “500” meetings. But last year was my very first “Women’s 100” meeting. Since its inception in 2008, our women’s ranking was mostly the handiwork of a very dedicated Dan Murphy. Since Dan left PWI in 2019, women’s wrestling has been growing even more in popularity. Last year’s “Women’s 100” may have left off more (arguably) deserving names than any edition before it. And that’s really saying something! Guided by results from our annual “PWI Poll,” we decided this year to up the ante. Fifty additional slots allowed us to publish a list that was slightly more representative, not only of the major U.S. promotions, but of independent and international outfits. As with the “500,” we…

JUST AS THE names populating this year’s PWI “Women’s 150” broke gender barriers in wrestling, rock ’n’ roll history is also filled with female pioneers—names like Debbie Harry, Stevie Nicks, Pat Benatar, and Janis Joplin. I was lucky to be able to see one of those rock icons, Joan Jett, perform live a few years ago. (Granted, she was singing Ronda Rousey to the ring at WrestleMania 35, but it still counts.) Put another dime in the jukebox for this Quick Count tribute to some of the legendary women of rock. THE EDGE OF 17 For two decades, “WrestleMania X-7” has been held up as the gold standard for everything a wrestling pay-per-view should be. Now, it’s got some competition. Fans are still buzzing about AEW’s All Out—an event that…

PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING PERSONALITY Renee Paquette might be the busiest new mom you’ve ever met. While some in the business certainly leave their jobs at large promotions to start families, pivot to a new career, to improve their health, or enjoy retirement, Paquette left her position as analyst and interviewer with WWE for one simple purpose: the pursuit of happiness. Paquette, known in WWE as Renee Young, ultimately left the promotion after the cancelation of Fox’s WWE Backstage, a show she cohosted, symbolizing the end of an era for the broadcaster. While she felt that she had accomplished everything she possibly could within WWE, Paquette had more to cross off her to-do list, and the Toronto native wanted to hit the ground running. But life is what happens to us while we’re…

On the same weekend that the National Wrestling Alliance celebrated its 73 r d anniversary, Mickie James assembled a crew of talented wrestlers, producers, and officials with one shared goal: proving that women’s wrestling deserves the spotlight. UNDER THE WATCHFUL eye of a 22-year wrestling veteran, the National Wrestling Alliance recently produced its very first all-women’s pay-per-view to wide acclaim. However, the road to get there wasn’t easy. For decades, women have feverishly fought to break through glass ceilings, forbidden doors, and the norms of a male-dominated wrestling business. Women’s wrestling was considered an afterthought, or, at best, a novelty act. “It overall was not taken seriously, and the women were portrayed differently then,” said Mickie James. “They were portrayed as just, like, valets and girlfriends, or side pieces, or…

IN 2021, THE wrestling industry saw plenty of activity, despite the pandemic preventing widespread touring or international travel for much of the year. And our 2021 Achievement Awards will surely reflect all the shifts, signings, and new stars created over the last 12 months. You’ll likely notice that two categories appear on this year’s ballot that were not included last year. The first is the Woman of the Year award, which was phased out in 2020 as women fared well in numerous other categories. Due to popular demand from our readers, it returns this year. The other award is a new category altogether. In the 2021 “PWI Poll,” we asked our readers what category they would like to see added to our Achievement Awards. By a good measure, the most…

FOR PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 26, 2021 HEAVYWEIGHT 1 BIG E 285, Tampa, FL (–) WWE World champion 2 ROMAN REIGNS 265, Pensacola, FL  (5) WWE Universal champion 3 KENNY OMEGA  203, Winnipeg, MB  (1) AEW/AAA champ 4 SHINGO TAKAGI 212, Yamanashi, Japan  (2) IWGP World champion 5 BANDIDO 183, Torreon, Mexico  (7) ROH World champion 6 NAOMICHI MARUFUJI 198, Saitama, Japan (3) GHC heavyweight champion 7 CHRISTIAN CAGE 212, Toronto, ON (6) IMPACT World champion 8 MIRO 304, Plovdiv, Bulgaria (8) AEW TNT champion 9 DAMIAN PRIEST  249, New York, NY (–) WWE U.S. champion 10 TOMMASO CIAMPA  201, Milwaukee, WI (–) NXT champion WOMEN 1 BRITT BAKER 135, Pittsburgh, PA  (2) AEW Women’s champion 2 CHARLOTTE FLAIR 148, The Queen City  (10) Raw Women’s champion 3 BECKY LYNCH 135,…

MEDIA REVIEWS FALLS, BRAWLS, AND TOWN HALLS For much of its institutional existence, professional wrestling’s brightest spotlights have remained focused upon its largest markets, from the dynamic and diverse territories of the United States to the tradition-steeped promotions of Canada, Mexico, and Japan. But most every enclave and locality enjoys its own distinct history. And, as such, it’s worth writing those stories down for posterity. Nick Campbell’s new book, Falls, Brawls, and Town Halls: The History of Professional Wrestling In Northern Ireland, offers a timely example of such regional recordkeeping. Hailing from “The Emerald Isle”—and a local wrestler and promoter himself—Campbell presents the evolution of wrestling in Northern Ireland as a vivid tapestry that, beginning in the early-1930s, developed along a course comparable to pro wrestling in North America and…

FOR THE 14TH consecutive year, Pro Wrestling Illustrated has compiled a ranking of the top wrestlers from women’s divisions and promotions across the sport. This year’s list features competitors from myriad regions, hailing from every continent (except Antarctica), who are proficient in a wide range of styles from high-flying and technical wrestling to anything-goes melees. In what was likely our most competitive women’s ranking to date, one wrestler emerged as the bEST: 2021 Women’s Royal Rumble winner Bianca Belair. Belair, who remains humble away from the ring despite her many accomplishments, leads a top 10 that includes world-class talent from WWE, Stardom, IMPACT, and AEW. CRITERIA: In-Ring Achievement, Influence, Activity, Technical Ability, and Breadth/Quality of Competition. Emphasis was placed on success within women’s divisions and promotions. 1. Bianca Belair  YEARS…

FOCUS ON… AEW DYNAMITE DYNAMITE VIEWER NUMBERS [TNT] August 18: 975,000 August 25: 1,172,000 September 1: 1,047,000 September 8: 1,319,000 September 15: 1,175,000 September 22: 1,273,000 Analysis: Dynamite broke its own record for consecutive weeks with one-million-plus viewers, starting with the August 25 edition (featuring the first appearance of CM Punk), climaxing on September 8 (with the first appearances of Adam Cole and Bryan Danielson), and maintaining that momentum on its September 22 “Grand Slam” edition from Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York. The latter included a sensational opening-bout draw between Danielson and World champion Kenny Omega. Thatnight, Dynamite peaked with a Nielsen rating of .53 in the 18-49 demographic—an amazing increase from just .37 the previous week. This suggests Danielson and Cole are proving even more effective than Punk…

TRIPLE H IS remaining tight-lipped about suffering what was described as a “cardiac event” in early-September. While his exact heart condition hasn’t been revealed, we do know that he underwent a successful procedure at Yale New Haven Hospital. We also know Triple H’s situation was very serious, because he still hasn’t resumed normal workdays at NXT or his office at WWE headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut. Though the initial event was harrowing for Triple H, wife Stephanie McMahon, and the entire McMahon family, physicians discovered it was caused by a genetic heart issue, which was surgically corrected. “The Game” is expected to make a full recovery. According to The Wrestling Observer, the McMahons were concerned only with lifting Triple H’s spirits, welcoming talent and other WWE employees to offer their well-wishes,…

CM PUNK’S APPEARANCE on AEW Rampage after a seven-year absence from the industry will be remembered as one of the top stories of 2021 because of the level of anticipation, the sincerity of his promo, and the emotional reaction of the fans. The grown man crying uncontrollably in the crowd at Chicago’s United Center was an iconic moment. It reminds me of the Winter 1978 issue of Wrestling Yearbook. Dusty Rhodes’ life story was featured in that magazine, and the cover depicted an unshaven man wearing a plaid shirt and clutching a denim jacket, hugging the “American Dream,” who was holding the WWWF belt aloft, moments after he had defeated Superstar Graham at New York’s Madison Square Garden. Alas, the decision was by countout, and the belt would be returned…

THE RELEASE OF the annual “Women’s 100” (now 150) has traditionally been a joyous occasion for PWI. It is a time when we get to shine a spotlight on the accomplishments of the top ladies in the industry and celebrate women’s wrestling in general. Last year’s edition, however, did have a somber feature in the form of a tribute to joshi star Hana Kimura, who had sadly taken her own life on May 23, 2020. Despite our hopes that we would never have to run such a piece again, it is with heavy hearts that we pay tribute in this issue to Shannon Spruill—better known to wrestling fans as Daffney Unger—who passed away on September 1, 2021. Spruill first gained the attention of wrestling fans in 1999 when she debuted…

THE “FEMALE FIGHTING Phenom” Jazz is one of the greatest women’s professional wrestlers of all-time. This 23-year veteran has traveled the roads and skies of the world, perfecting her craft and cementing her legacy. In promotion after promotion, Jazz has gone toe to toe with some of the most celebrated women in wrestling history. Jazz is a former two-time WWE Women’s champion and got her start in the famed ECW. But it’s the things she did in promotions like the NWA, SHIMMER, and SHINE that really helped her leave her mark on the business. A pioneer—and one who was living the women’s evolution before it was even thought of—Jazz is a member of multiple halls of fame. It’s about time she has the opportunity to be a part of the…

LG/LK: We try to take dieting as serious as possible, even though we both love food! We fast on a daily basis, so we don’t start eating until after 2 p.m. Usually with a high protein intake and lots of veggies. We love to hit the gym together and push each other while pumping iron. We’re currently training at Pro Wrestling 2.0 with Alex Porteau. 2 WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS OUTSIDE WRESTLING? LG: I am looking to start my own line of apparel and swimsuits. I want to utilize all of my talents—more music, acting, and modeling projects. I also hear wedding bells in the future! LK: I’d like us to settle into a more permanent home, as we’ve been moving around constantly for the past few…