In honor of Women’s History Month, WWE created the series WWE 50 Greatest Women Superstars—listing the 50 most influential and strongest female competitors of WWE’s modern era.
Airing on Peacock in the U.S. and the WWE Network internationally, the series started Monday with numbers 50 through 36, continuing until Friday, where they’ll finish by releasing the top 5.
WWE correspondent Sarah Schreiber hosts the countdown, highlighting each superstar’s legacy and achievements that stands as the basis for their ranking.
According to WWE, in order to qualify for the list, Superstars must belong to the “Modern Era”, which is recognized from 1993 until present day. Rankings are based on “in-ring accomplishments, championship victories, and creating legendary moments.”
WWE states that throughout the series, they will highlight “unforgettable Superstars from pre-1993”, also highlighting women who “primarily made their mark outside of the ring.”
Between the Monday and Tuesday airings, WWE has released numbers 21 through 50 of the ranking. Listed below is who made the ranking at those spots.
- Toni Storm
- Kaitlyn
- Kay Lee Ray
- Sonya Deville
- Shotzi Blackheart
- Kelly Kelly
- Candice LeRae
- Nikki Cross
- Layla
- Ember Moon
- Eve Torres
- Lacey Evans
- Jazz
- Maryse
- Nia Jax
- Bianca Belair
- Carmella
- Gail Kim
- Jacqueline
- Kairi Sane
- Naomi
- Bull Nakano
- Ivory
- Melina
- Nikki and Brie Bella
- Io Shirai
- Luna Vachon
- Stephanie McMahon
- Michelle McCool
- Rhea Ripley
Fans have criticized the list for having rankings seemingly skewed to kayfabe, favor, and push, rather than influence, measurable success, and objective standards.
The most glaring example is #39: Lacey Evans. Evans has held zero titles in the less than five years she’s been active in WWE, which raises eyebrows when compared to the other Superstars ranked.
Interesting to note, is that Nikki and Brie Bella were added to the list as one ranking, rather than splitting the women apart.
Something of interest, as well, is that of the 30 rankings released so far, 14 of them belong to current female roster members; 23.3% of the current women signed to WWE.
Notably who will be left off the list, if sticking to their parameters, will be Wendi Richter and Rockin’ Robin—neither of which competed in a ring for WWF in the recognized “Modern Era”. Technically, Fabulous Moolah would count, due to a handful of matches she participated in between 1999 and 2004.
WWE will release numbers 11 through 20 of the WWE 50 Greatest Women Superstars on Wednesday, numbers 6 through 10 on Thursday, and the top 5 on Friday.
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