Highlights
- Rhea Ripley has been named the number-one ranked women’s wrestler of 2023 by Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI), a respected list in the wrestling community.
- Ripley’s dominance in the wrestling arena, long championship reign, and popularity make her well-deserving of the top spot.
- Her accomplishment reflects the evolving dynamics of women’s wrestling, and her impact paves the way for a new era of excellence, as seen by the absence of any Four Horsewomen members in the top 10.
In a groundbreaking achievement, Rhea Ripley has been crowned the number-one ranked women’s wrestler of 2023 by Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI). The often controversial, but magazine picks the top male and female superstar every year, and being named at the top of the list is quite the honor. The prestigious accolade places Ripley at the pinnacle of the 2023 Women’s PWI 250, a list widely respected in the wrestling community.
They said in their announcement on Wednesday, “Congratulations to @RheaRipley_WWE for being ranked #1 in the 2023 PWI #Womens250!” She responded, “Mami’s always on top.”
The recognition is well-deserved, considering Ripley’s exceptional talent and dominance in the wrestling arena. In fact, it’s hard to argue that anyone else should have even been considered based on how dominant Ripley has been this year. She’s held the championship longer than anyone, she’s become the arguable leader of a hugely popular and dominant faction in Judgment Day, and there are few women who can hang with her in terms of popularity based on her on-screen relationship with the WWE Superstar everyone loves to hate in Dominik Mysterio.
Ripley’s reign has been marked by her impressive 200+ days as a champion and her prominent presence on WWE television. The women’s division arguably revolves around her and she’s appeared all on three brands numerous times. Despite some discussions within the internet wrestling community regarding her feud count and title defenses, Ripley’s stature and her versatility as a performer have solidified her position as a five-tool player. She might not have wrestled as often as some because of her connection to the faction, but every match she does have is a big deal.
The Rest of The Top 10
The complete top 10 includes Giulia, Bianca Belair, Jamie Hayter, Tam Nakano, Athena, Deonna Purrazzo, Willow Nightingale, Kamille, and Jordynne Grace. Ripley’s accomplishment not only reflects her individual brilliance but also underscores the evolving dynamics of women’s wrestling in the industry. As she continues to thrive, her impact on the sport’s landscape becomes increasingly evident, paving the way for a new era of women’s wrestling excellence.
One notable aspect of this year’s ranking is the absence of any member from the renowned Four Horsewomen of WWE in the top 10, marking a significant shift in the industry’s landscape.