As 2009 winds to a close, so does the first decade of noughties. Over the past ten years, we’ve seen women come and ago in the big two [WWE and TNA]; they’ve captured titles, they’ve fought blood, sweat and tears and they’ve earned our respect. So as the decade, as well as the year, comes to a close, we are pleased to announce the first ever Woman of the Decade Award to be voted for by you.
The Diva Dirt team has shortlisted 16 women who have competed for either WWE or TNA over the past ten years, who we feel have made the biggest impact. Criteria includes title wins, fanbase, work in the ring, mainstream success and more. These 16 women, we feel, have defined the WWE women’s division and TNA Knockouts division for some part of this decade.
Over the next four weeks, their fate is in your hands — 16 women will be cut down to just one when we crown our winner on January 1st. Every week for the next four weeks, we’re going to be cutting half of the women until one is left standing. We begin with 16, cut that down to 8, then 4, then 2 and then crown our winner.
Find out who they are and how to vote after the cut:
Angelina Love
Company: TNA
Dates: October 2007 – September 2009
In two short years Angelina Love became one of the hottest properties in the Knockouts division and was arguably, one of the best heels in the entire company — not just amongst the women. Love realised her dream of becoming Knockouts Champion in April 2009.
Awesome Kong
Company: TNA
Dates: October 2007 – present
A woman like no other, Kong has brought a new and distinct style to women’s wrestling on national television. A monster heel in the vein of the ‘big men’ of the industry, Kong is a TNA mainstay and has held the Knockouts Title two times.
Beth Phoenix
Company: WWE
Dates: May 2006 – present
The Glamazon is one of the newer breeds of Diva, but her ability harkens back to the days of Victoria and Jazz. One of the brightest talents of the past few years and foil to the WWE’s current top babyfaces, Melina and Mickie James. A two time Women’s Champion.
Candice Michelle
Company: WWE
Dates: Late 2004 – May 2009
The Go Daddy Girl was a shoe-in to be WWE’s next great Diva following the departure of Trish Stratus. Her momentous rise from eye candy to wrestler saw her win the Women’s Championship in 2007. Candice will always be known as the first Diva Search contestant to make a big impact on the women’s division.
Gail Kim
Company: WWE, TNA
Dates: June 2003 – November 2004 (WWE), September 2005 – August 2008 (TNA), March 2009 – present (WWE)
The first ever TNA Knockouts Champion, Gail Kim was a pioneer for TNA’s women’s division and had one of the best women’s feuds of the decade with Awesome Kong. Kim is also the first woman to have held the WWE Women’s and TNA Knockouts Championship.
Lilian Garcia
Company: WWE
Dates: August 1999 – September 2009
The voice of the WWE, Lilian Garcia became WWE’s first Decade Diva and retired earlier this year.
Lita
Company: WWE
Dates: February 2000 – November 2006
The antithesis of the word ‘Diva’, Lita was a unique female wrestler and role model to young women. Lita was best known for her career-long rivalry with Trish Stratus and retired a four time Women’s Champion at Survivor Series in 2006.
Melina
Company: WWE
Dates: April 2005 – present
Starting out as a bitchy heel manager, Melina has transformed into one of the WWE’s top Divas and is a three time Women’s Champion and current Divas Champion. Known for her unique moveset and banshee-like scream.
Michelle McCool
Company: WWE
Dates: November 2004 – present
A former Diva Search contestant, Michelle McCool has become one of the company’s most senior Divas. Crowned the first ever Divas Champion, Michelle went onto make history again by winning the Women’s Championship in June 2009, making her the first Diva to hold both belts.
Mickie James
Company: WWE
Dates: October 2005 – present
The most popular WWE Diva of current times, Mickie James is a four time Women’s Champion and a former Divas Champion. Her unique and much celebrated debut feud with Trish Stratus solidified her as a top Diva and now she is the foremost Diva in the WWE.
Molly Holly
Company: WWE
Dates: November 2000 – April 2005
Molly Holly is one of the most celebrated female wrestlers of our time. Her incredible work is now used as training footage to teach upcoming WWE Divas. She’s a two time Women’s Champion.
Stacy Keibler
Company: WWE
Dates: June 2001 – early 2006
As one of the most popular Divas in WWE, the leggy Stacy Keibler wowed fans. Though not known entirely for her wrestling skills, her popularity is still present today. Breaking away from WWE, Stacy was the runner up on the second season of Dancing with the Stars.
Stephanie McMahon
Company: WWE
Dates: 1999 – present
Stephanie McMahon’s iconic on-screen character has done it all; become Women’s Champion, married Triple H, feuded with Trish Stratus, been a General Manager — the lot.
Tara
Company: WWE, TNA
Dates: July 2002 – January 2009 (WWE), May 2009 – present (TNA)
The former Victoria is one of the hardest working women in pro wrestling today. A true veteran and living legend, Tara has been a two time Women’s Champion in WWE. In 2009, her career was rejuvenated by joining TNA where she has already won the Knockouts Title.
Torrie Wilson
Company: WWE
Dates: June 2001 – May 2008
Along with Stacy Keibler, Torrie Wilson is recognised as one of the most popular Divas in recent years. Wilson’s girl next door looks made her the female face of SmackDown, where she had a memorable feud with Dawn Marie and later Sable. She also represented WWE in Playboy and FHM.
Trish Stratus
Company: WWE
Dates: March 2000 – September 2006
Where to begin? The most popular Diva in history, 7 time Women’s Champion and three time WWE Babe of the Year. Trish Stratus is notable for her feuds with Lita, Victoria and Mickie James. Since leaving WWE, Trish has made cameos — she hosted Raw earlier this year.
So now you’ve read up on all the women, there’s only one thing left to do… VOTE!
Company: TNA
Dates: October 2007 – September 2009
In two short years Angelina Love became one of the hottest properties in the Knockouts division and was arguably, one of the best heels in the entire company — not just amongst the women. Love realised her dream of becoming Knockouts Champion in April 2009.
