Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) has released its highly anticipated list of the top female wrestlers for 2024. This ranking considers performances from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, evaluating wrestlers on their ring accomplishments, influence, skill, level of competition, and overall activity, necessitating at least 10 singles matches to qualify.
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This year’s list comes with a few surprises, particularly highlighting the strength of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) women’s division, which makes a strong showing in the Top 10, surpassing WWE’s numbers.
PWI has hailed Timeless Toni Storm as the top female wrestler in the world, marking a notable achievement as she becomes the first AEW competitor to earn this honor.
“To say that Toni Storm is a star would be an understatement,” PWI proclaimed. “Her charisma and presence have been vital to some of AEW’s most engaging storylines, while her in-ring performances could easily win awards.”
Storm is not alone in the Top 10; she is joined by Willow Nightingale (No. 8), rival Mariah May (No. 9), and the current Ring of Honor Women’s Champion Athena (No. 10). Furthermore, Stephanie Vaquer, who held the New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) Strong Women’s Championship and is now signed to WWE, ranks at No. 5 this year.
In the WWE camp, only two wrestlers made it into the Top 10: last year’s champion Rhea Ripley (No. 3) and Bayley (No. 7). However, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) star Jordynne Grace, who has made several WWE appearances, clinches the No. 2 spot.
Other Top 10 athletes include Maika (Stardom, No. 4) and Saree (Free Agent, No. 6), both showcasing the extensive talent pool beyond WWE.
While AEW has made significant strides in their women’s division, WWE still leads the pack when looking at the broader scope of the Top 20.
Ranked between No. 11-20 are several WWE Superstars, including NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez (No. 11), World Women’s Champion Liv Morgan (No. 12), Iyo Sky (No. 13), Becky Lynch (No. 17), and Lyra Valkyria (No. 20). Conversely, AEW features only one more wrestler in the Top 20: Mina Shirakawa at No. 16. Other notable names include Mayu Iwatani (NJPW, No. 14), Masha Slamovich (TNA, No. 15), Miu Watanabe (True Japan Pro-Wrestling, No. 18), and Miyu Yamashita (Major League Wrestling & TNA, No. 19).