Yesterday, Pro Wrestling Illustrated released its annual ranking of the top female professional wrestlers in the world for 2023. The publication expanded the list this year from 150 to 250 and announced via the cover of their January 2024 issue that WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley has been awarded the top spot. Ripley follows in the footsteps of Syuri, Bianca Belair, Bayley, Becky Lynch, and Ronda Rousey who were all bestowed the honor in recent years.
The ranking is a huge jump in comparison to Ripley’s position in last year’s list where she ranked at #43. The Judgement Day member beat out the likes of IWGP Women’s Champion Giulia, Bianca Belair, Jamie Hayter, and Tam Nakano in the top five to take the #1 spot. Shortly after the announcement, Ripley took to X to react to her 2023 ranking stating, “Mami’s ALWAYS on top.”
The 27-year-old has had a monumental 2023 kickstarted by winning the Women’s Royal Rumble and going on to dethrone Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Women’s Championship during the first night of WrestleMania 39. Ripley has held the belt for over six months, retaining it through its rebranding into the Women’s World title, with successful defenses over the likes of Raquel Rodriguez, Natalya, and Zelina Vega on Premium Live Events. Her next title defense is currently set for WWE Crown Jewel where she will defend the championship in a Fatal Five-Way match.
The top ten of the 2023 PWI Women’s 250 can be seen below. To see all 250 rankings, you can purchase a digital edition of the January 2024 issue now, or pre-order a print edition, at Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s website.
- Rhea Ripley
- Giulia
- Bianca Belair
- Jamie Hayter
- Tam Nakano
- Athena
- Deonna Purrazzo
- Willow Nightingale
- Kamille
- Jordynne Grace
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