From its bold beginnings at the dawn of the millennium to its modern-day resurgence, WOW – Women of Wrestling has carved an audacious, vibrant, and vital space in professional wrestling’s history books. At a time when women’s wrestling was often relegated to the sidelines or stripped of seriousness, WOW blazed a trail defined by empowerment, storytelling, and unapologetic spectacle. Today, it stands as both a celebration and a proving ground for women in wrestling, creating a legacy that echoes across promotions like WWE, AEW, and TNA.

WOW was created by David McLane, the visionary who also founded GLOW (Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling) in the 1980s. Inspired by the theatricality and energy of GLOW but eager to evolve the presentation, McLane launched WOW in 2000, hoping to provide a platform where women’s athleticism, character work, and presence could shine with no compromises.

The show debuted in syndication across the United States, offering fans a colorful cast of characters like Terri Gold, Jungle Grrrl, Thug, Slam Dunk, and Selina Majors (Bambi). Matches were paired with larger-than-life personas, backstage drama, and comic book‑style storytelling—a formula that felt refreshing in the male‑dominated wrestling landscape of the early 2000s.

Despite gaining a cult following, the original run of WOW was short‑lived. The promotion ceased tapings in 2001 due to financial challenges. Still, it laid the groundwork: it proved an all‑women’s wrestling promotion could be viable, entertaining, and marketable.

Stars like Terri Gold, the inaugural WOW World Champion, and Jungle Grrrl, a powerhouse who became a defining figure in the promotion’s lore, were instrumental in that early run. Their in‑ring work and commitment to character‑driven storytelling helped build WOW’s unique identity.

WOW returned in 2012 with a renewed vision, fueled by shifting tides in women’s wrestling. With WWE’s Women’s Evolution gaining momentum, McLane and longtime partner Jeanie Buss reignited WOW as a serious enterprise.

New stars such as The Beast, Tessa Blanchard, Jessie Jones, Princess Aussie, and Keta Rush became the faces of the revived WOW. The in‑ring product improved dramatically with more athletic matches and deeper storylines. The promotion secured national TV deals—first on AXS TV (alongside NJPW and Impact Wrestling), and most recently through syndicated CBS Media Group coverage—ensuring broader visibility.

The WOW World Championship remains the promotion’s crown jewel. Terri Gold held the title from 2000 into 2001, her rivalries with Thug and Jungle Grrrl providing WOW with early credibility. Jungle Grrrl later became a central figure in the 2010s relaunch, enjoying a lengthy undefeated streak and feuding with talents like The Beast and Santana Garrett. Tessa Blanchard’s 2019 reign, though controversial, generated mainstream attention during her time in Impact. One of the most dominant reigns belongs to The Beast, who held the WOW World Title for over 900 days before being sidelined by injury.

Other titles include the Tag Team Championships and the newly introduced Trios Tag Team Championships—both divisions have seen memorable champions and compelling rivalries.

As of July 2025, the WOW World Champion is Tormenta. She won the title on August 16, 2024 (taped earlier, aired on July 19, 2025), defeating The Classmaster to begin her first reign. Since then, Tormenta has brought a fierce, high‑impact lucha libre style to the forefront, reaffirming the title’s global visibility.

The WOW World Tag Team Champions are Penelope Pink and Holly Swag. They captured the belts on August 9, 2024 (taped earlier, aired on April 5, 2025, Season 10 Episode 30) in a Fatal Four‑Way match. Since then, they’ve carried the gold with strong chemistry and charisma, revitalizing the tag division.

WOW also introduced the Trios Tag Team Championships; the inaugural champions are Top Tier—Coach Campanelli, Gloria Glitter, and Kandi Krush. They were crowned on December 12, 2023 (taped earlier, aired on March 16, 2024, Season 9 Episode 27) and have held the titles ever since, establishing dominance through cohesion, strategy, and heel tactics.

WOW’s influence goes far beyond championships and TV ratings. For many women, it served as a launching pad into larger promotions. Tessa Blanchard brought cross‑promotional attention to WOW during her time in Impact Wrestling. Santana Garrett, a standout during WOW’s revival, later appeared in NXT, WWE, and Impact. Kiera Hogan, who worked with WOW, went on to capture tag gold in Impact and joined AEW. Amber O’Neal, Katie Forbes, and Reina Del Rey also came through WOW’s pipeline.

AJ Mendez (formerly AJ Lee) joined WOW in October 2021 as executive producer and color commentator, helping shape the promotion’s relaunch. However, her contract expired in August 2023, and she is no longer involved with WOW as of the 2023‑24 season.

WOW is more than a wrestling promotion—it’s a platform, a battleground, and a beacon. It stands for the ongoing fight for recognition, respect, and elevation of women’s wrestling. By blending athleticism with storytelling and investing in its own identity, WOW has become a vital part of wrestling’s evolution.

At this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, WOW’s growing pop culture momentum was solidified with the official announcement of Season 4 of WOW on Paramount Global. The news broke during a special panel hosted by celebrity broadcaster Sibley Scoles, offering fans an exciting glimpse into the promotion’s future. The announcement not only reaffirmed WOW’s place in mainstream media, but also hinted at new rivalries, fresh talent, and continued growth across platforms and demographics.

As of 2025, with growing syndication, a loyal fanbase, and a deepening roster, WOW is no longer the underdog—it’s foundational. Whether launching careers, reviving legacies, or pushing the industry forward, WOW’s impact continues to resonate across screens, arenas, and the future of women’s wrestling.

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