Wikipedia

Women of Wrestling

Women of Wrestling (WOW) is an American women's professional wrestling promotion founded in 2000 by David McLane (who also founded Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW)). WOW is based in Los Angeles, California, and is owned by McLane and Los Angeles Lakers owner/president Jeanie Buss.[1]

Women of Wrestling
GenreProfessional wrestling
Women's professional wrestling
Created byDavid McLane
Developed byJeanie Buss
StarringWOW Superheroes roster
Narrated byDavid McLane
Stephen Dickey
Country of originUnited States
No. of seasons10
No. of episodes207
Production
Production locationsLos Angeles, California
Camera setupMulticamera setup
Running time60 minutes
Original release
NetworkBroadcast syndication (2000–2001; 2022–present)
AXS TV (2019–2020)
ReleaseSeptember 1, 2000 (2000-09-01) –
present

Initially broadcasting in syndication in the 2000–01 television season,[2] WOW is a sports entertainment–styled product where its talent portrays heavily dramatized characters.[3]

History

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Early years and relaunch

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Selina Majors entrance at a WOW! event

WOW has been recognized as one of the few nationally broadcast wrestling promotions featuring an all-female roster.[4] Only 24 television episodes and a pay-per-view event were produced during its initial run.[5] In 2002, McLane sought a partnership with Kiss frontman Gene Simmons to revive the promotion.[6] In July 2011, WOW TV reruns began airing on the ABC affiliate KTNV in Las Vegas.[7]

On May 29, 2012, McLane and Buss announced their intention to revive WOW and produce new episodes.[8][9] Later that year, WOW reruns began airing on The CW Las Vegas station KVCW starting on December 9.[10]

In December 2014, WOW announced that it would be producing content for digital media in 2015. Marketed as "WOW Superheroes", its roster of characters are portrayed as empowered women from all different backgrounds and professions.[11] A second season premiered on March 1, 2016, on YouTube.[12] Its fourth season premiered February 28, 2017.[13]

On April 20, 2017, MGM Television announced that Mark Burnett, MGM's President, Television Group & Digital, and Jeanie Buss formed a partnership to develop new WOW content across a range of unscripted programming and digital formats.[14] In June 2018, it was announced that tapings for a new weekly program on AXS TV titled WOW: Women of Wrestling would begin on October 10, 2018, at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles,[15] with episodes airing in early 2019.[16] WOW debuted that January 18 as part of AXS TV's "Friday Night Fights" lineup of shows.[15][17] The AXS TV premiere marked WOW's first television broadcast of new content in almost eighteen years.[18] WOW: Women of Wrestling ran for two seasons on AXS TV. In June 2020, it was reported that AXS had cancelled the series.[19]

Return to syndication

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On October 6, 2021, it was announced that CBS Media Ventures, the syndication arm of Paramount Global, had entered into a multi-year distribution agreement for WOW that will see new episodes produced for weekend syndication starting in Fall 2022.[20][21] On October 7, WOW announced that April Mendez (formerly AJ Lee in WWE) joined the company as an executive producer and color commentator.[22]

On January 21, 2022, WOW announced in a press release that "never-before-seen" episodes from "season 7" would debut on Pluto TV and The CW app starting January 22.[23] On August 1, 2022, it was announced that new episodes of the series will begin airing on September 17, 2022, internationally from Paramount Global Content Distribution, the international arm of its United States syndicator CBS Media Ventures. It has also been licensed for broadcast in Canada, Australia (where it airs on Paramount-owned 10 Play) and Indonesia.[24] In December 2022, The New York Times reported that WOW was the highest rated wrestling television show produced outside of WWE and All Elite Wrestling, ahead of those produced by TNA Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling.[25] This was attributed to the show being available in every cable home in the United States, as well as airings in Canada and Australia.[26]

Seasons

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Main article: Women of Wrestling seasons

WOW Unleashed 2001

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WOW Unleashed
PromotionWomen of Wrestling
DateFebruary 4, 2001
CityInglewood, California
VenueGreat Western Forum
Attendance~9,500
Pay-per-view chronology
← Previous
N/A 		Next →
N/A


WOW Unleashed was a professional wrestling pay-per-view from Women of Wrestling. It took place on February 4, 2001, from the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. The PPV suffered from technical difficulties and a low buyrate.[27] A second PPV, Spring Vengeance, was announced for April 8, 2001, during Unleashed, but never came to fruition. The announcers were Lee Marshall and former manager Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. Regular announcer David McLane, also the promotion's President, served as Master of Ceremonies.[28][29]

Event results
Match
No. 		Episode 18 (taped on February 2, 2001, aired on February 4, 2001) Stipulations Times
1 Randi Rah Rah defeated Jacklyn Hyde Singles match 2:15
2 The Beach Patrol (Sandy and Summer) vs. Farah the Persian Princess and Paradise ended in a draw Tag team match 2:30
3 Tanja the Warrior Woman defeated Jane Blond Singles match 2:47
4 Nicky Law (with Kristy Order) defeated Hammerin' Heather Steele Singles match 2:02
5 Boom Boom the Volcano and Caliente defeated The Asian Invasion (Jade and Lotus) Tag team match 4:43
6 Bronco Billie defeated The Disciplinarian Singles match 3:55
7 Roxy Powers vs. Slam Dunk ended in a double disqualification Singles match 6:16
8 Riot defeated Wendi Wheels Hardcore match 9:40
9 Jungle Grrrl defeated Beckie the Farmers Daughter Splash match 9:45
10 Caged Heat (Delta Lotta Pain and Loca) defeated Harley's Angels (Charlie Davidson and EZ Rider) (with Thug) Tag team tournament final match for the inaugural WOW World Tag Team Championship 5:42
11 Terri Gold defeated Danger (c) Singles rematch for the WOW World Championship 4:20
12 Lana Star and Patti Pizzazz vs. Ice Cold and Poison no contest
Lana Star defeated Ice Cold and Poison 		Handicap hair vs. hair match
(Since Ice Cold was pinned, she had her head shaved) 		5:16
13 Thug (with Charlie Davidson and EZ Rider) defeated Selina Majors Steel cage match 15:01

Personnel

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See also: List of Women of Wrestling Personnel

Alumnae

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Former Superheroes

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Ring name Real name Notes
Adrenaline Priscilla Zuniga Former WOW World Tag Team Champion
Amber O'Neal Kimberly Dawn Davis Formerly known as The Beverly Hills Babe
Former WOW World Tag Team Champion
Amber Rodriguez Amber Rodriguez Formerly known as Sahara Spars
Azúcar Vanessa Herrera
Beckie the Farmers Daughter Renee Intlekofer WOW Original
Boom Boom the Volcano Patty Bunya-Ananta WOW Original
Bronco Billie Lisa Danielle Rachuba WOW Original
Buggy Nova Natalie Laura Osman
Caliente Rachel Iverson WOW Original
Cali Ray Kirsten Young
Candice LeRae Candice Dawson
Casey Dakota Sarah Stallman
Charlie Davidson Charlie Davidson WOW Original
Christina Von Eerie Christina Von Eerie Also wrestled as Razor
The Dagger Michelle Blanchard
Danger Elle Alexander WOW Original
Former WOW World Champion
Delta Lotta Pain Jwaundace Candece WOW Original
Former WOW World Tag Team Champion
Desdemeana the Soldier of Darkness Andrea VanEpps
The Disciplinarian Kristen Davidson
Robyn Reid[30]		 WOW Original, also wrestled as Misery
Eye Candy Danielle Paultre
EZ Rider Eleanor Kerrigan WOW Original
Faith The Lioness Faith Jefferies
Farah The Persian Princess Telma Roshanravan WOW Original
Fire Kiera Hogan
Taylor Lewis		 Former WOW World Tag Team Champion
Frenchie Marie Gibeault
Frost the Olympian Janeshia Adams-Ginyard
GI Jane Quanice Jackson
Glitch the Gamer Alicia Bellamy
Hammerin' Heather Steele Christina Tomaziesski Colby WOW Original
Hazard Elizabeth Crist
Ice Cold Inga Waggoner WOW Original
Ivy Quinn unknown
Jacklyn Hyde Vasilika Vanya Marinkovic WOW Original
Jade Jennifer Lee Chan WOW Original
Jane Blond Ella Carter WOW Original
Jennifer Florez Jazmin Allure
Jessicka Havok Jessica Cricks
Jolene Dixie Airial Le
Jolynn Dixie Cathy Le
Jungle Grrrl Erica Porter WOW Original
Former WOW World Champion
Kaoz [31] Steffanie Manukainiu
Kitty Holly Michelle Meowy Former manager of Lana Star
Kona [32] Ashley Manukainiu
Kharma unknown
Khloe Hurtz Katie Forbes
Kiara Dillon Kiara Dillon
Krissy Vaine Kristin Eubanks
Kristy Order unknown WOW Original
La Niña Melissa Santos
Lady London Georgina Rawlings
Leia Makoa Reka Tehaka
Loca Cher Ferreyra WOW Original
Former WOW World Tag Team Champion
Lotus Jeannie Kim WOW Original
Malia Hosaka Malia Hosaka
Mezmeriah Arelys Rodriguez Silva
Misery Kristen Davidson WOW Original
Also wrestled as The Disciplinarian
Mystery Nicole Ochoa WOW Original
Also wrestled as Vendetta
Nicky Law unknown WOW Original
Nikki Krampus Ragnhild Bjoerge
Paradise Maria Nunez WOW Original
Patti Pizzazz unknown WOW Original
Formerly known as Patti Pep
The Phantom Lynnette Thredgold WOW Original
Poison Kina Van Vleet WOW Original
Randi Rah Rah unknown
Kelsey Hornack 		WOW Original
Former WOW World Tag Team Champion
Ray Lyn Rachel Kelvington
Razor Christina Von Eerie
Sarah Wolfe
Rebel Haze[33] Mandy O'Shaughness
Reyna Reyes Gisele Shaw Formerly known as Azteca
Riot April Kathryn Littlejohn WOW Original
Robbie Rocket Johnnie Robbie
Roxy Powers Natalie T. Yeo WOW Original
Sandy Tamie Sheffield WOW Original
The Sassy Massy Alisha Edwards
Selina Majors Selina Majors WOW Original
Serpentine Melissa Cervantes Formerly known as Kobra Moon
Slam Dunk Famisha Jones-Millman WOW Original
Spike Hudson Envy
Summer Bobbi Billard WOW Original
Sunshine Jamila Griffith
Tanja the Warrior Woman Tanja Richter WOW Original
Tatevik the Gamer Tatevik Hunanyan
The Temptress Katarina Waters
Terri Gold Heather Lee-Millard WOW Original
Former WOW World Champion
Tessa Blanchard Tessa Blanchard Former WOW World Champion
Thug Peggy Lee Leather WOW Original
Vendetta Nicole Ochoa WOW Original
Also wrestled as Mystery
Vickie Lynn McCoy[34] Kelsey De Journett
Vivian Rivera Everly Rivera
Wrecking Ball [35] Heidi Howitzer
Wendi Wheels Rebecca Gravell WOW Original
Formerly known as Sunny

Former Tag Teams & Stables

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Team name Notes
The All American Girls
(Amber O'Neal and Santana Garrett)
 Former WOW World Tag Team Champions
The Asian Invasion
(Jade and Lotus)
 WOW Originals
The Beach Patrol
(Sandy and Sunny)
(Sandy and Summer)
 WOW Originals
The Bully Busters
(Keta Rush and Stephy Slays)
Caged Heat
(Delta Lotta Pain, Loca and Vendetta)
 Former WOW World Tag Team Champions
(Delta Lotta Pain and Loca)
WOW Originals
The Daughters of Darkness
(Misery and Mystery)
 WOW Originals
The Dixie Darlings
(Jolene Dixie and Jolynn Dixie)
Exile
(Exodus, Genesis and Malia Hosaka)
(Exodus, Genesis, and Ice Cold)
Fire & Adrenaline
(Adrenaline and Fire)
 Former WOW World Tag Team Champions
Gritz and Glam
(Amber O'Neal and Jessie Jones)
Harley's Angels
(Charlie Davidson, EZ Rider and Thug)
 WOW Originals
The Heavy Metal Sisters
(Fury, Mezmeriah and Razor),
(Fury and Rebel Haze)
 Formerly known as The Psycho Sisters
The Island Dynasty
(Kaoz, Kona, and Tiki Chamorro)
Monsters of Madness
(Hazard and Jessica Havok)
The Psycho Sisters
(Razor, Riot, and Spike)
Team Blondage
(Amber O'Neal and Krissy Vaine)
Team IQ Superior
(The Disciplinarian, GI Jane, Ice Cold, and Samantha Smart),
(The Disciplinarian, The Classmaster, and Samantha Smart)
Law & Order
(Kristy Order and Nicky Law)
Southern Pride
(Jessie Jones and Selina Majors)
Team Spirit
(Patti Pep and Randi Rah Rah)
 WOW Originals
Team Spirit
(Coach Campanelli and Randi Rah Rah),
(Ariel Sky, Coach Campanelli, and Randi Rah Rah),
(Ariel Sky, Coach Campanelli, Pep Riley, and Sasha Sparks)
 Former WOW World Tag Team Champions
(Coach Campanelli and Randi Rah Rah)
The Tonga Twins
(Kaoz and Kona)
 Former WOW World Tag Team Champions
Tropical Storm
(La Niña and Paradise)
The Vengeful Vixens
(The Dagger and The Temptress)

Former Tag Teams & Alliances

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Team name Notes
Abilene Maverick and Candice LeRae
Abilene Maverick and The Disciplinarian
Beckie The Farmers Daughter and Bronco Billie WOW Originals
BK Rhythm and Glitch The Gamer
Boom Boom the Volcano and Caliente WOW Originals
Chantilly Chella and Sassy Massy
Danger and Riot WOW Originals
Faith The Lioness and} Lana Star
Farah the Persian Princess and Paradise WOW Originals
Ice Cold and Poison WOW Originals
Ivy Quinn and Ray Lyn
Lana Star and Patti Pizzazz WOW Originals
Reyna Reyes and Princess Aussie
Roxy Powers and Tanja The Warrior Woman WOW Originals

Championships

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As of November 16, 2024.

Championship Current champion(s) Reign Date won Days
held 		Location Notes Ref.
WOW World Championship The Beast 2 December 14, 2023 338+ Los Angeles, CA Defeated Abilene Maverick, to win the title. This episode aired on tape delay on June 1, 2024, at WOW Season 9: Episode 37
WOW World Tag Team Championship Miami's Sweet Heat (Laurie Carlson and Lindsey Carlson) 4 December 14, 2023 338+ Los Angeles, CA Won the titles from The Mother Truckers (Big Rig Betty and Holly Swag) for the WOW World championship tag team title match. This episode aired on tape delay on August 31, 2024, at WOW Season 9: Episode 51
WOW Trios Tag Team Championship Top Tier (Coach Campanelli, Gloria Glitter and Kandi Krush) 1 December 13, 2023 339+ Los Angeles, CA Coach Campanelli have a big surprise her own Team Spirit (Ariel Sky, Pep Riley and Sasha Sparks)...to out of this ring and replaced, Coach Campanelli, Gloria Glitter and Kandi Krush known as Top Tier to defeats Team Exile (Exodus, Genesis and Ice Cold) to become the inaugural trios champions. This episode aired on tape delay on March 16, 2024, at WOW Season 9: Episode 27

References

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  1. ^ "Why the Lakers' Jeanie Buss loves Jungle Grrrl and is putting her money into a female wrestling show". Los Angeles Times. September 14, 2016.
  2. ^ "Partners pin hopes on women wrestlers | Indianapolis Business Journal | Professional Journal archives from". AllBusiness.com. 2000-08-28. Retrieved 2012-01-24.[permanent dead link]
  3. ^ Vanes. "Women of Wrestling". Shootangle.com. Retrieved 2012-01-24.
  4. ^ TV.com. "Women of Wrestling". TV.com. Retrieved 2012-01-24.
  5. ^ Meltzer, Dave (July 2003). "WOW did 24 episodes of television that aired from October 2000 through March 2001...". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, California. p. 8. WOW did 24 episodes of television that aired from October 2000 through March 2001 on major stations in about 100 markets, buying tin [sic?] most markets. The money was supposed to be recouped by holding a PPV show. They did one from the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles, that ended up doing 12,000 buys, and the venture lost several million dollars in the process. In fact, they lost more money in their last three months than ECW did in its last year, and ECW had many wrestlers under six-figure contracts. WOW has been largely dormant ever since
  6. ^ "INTERACTIVE WRESTLING RADIO INTERVIEW - Terri Gold". Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  7. ^ "Women of Wrestling - WOWE - New Website Coming Soon". WOWE. Retrieved 2012-01-24.
  8. ^ "Jeanie Buss executive producer for women's wrestling reality show". Los Angeles Times. May 29, 2012.
  9. ^ "Women of Wrestling -- Don't Call It a Comeback!". TMZ.
  10. ^ "Women Of Wrestling". Women Of Wrestling.
  11. ^ "The1stMovement Pins WOW -Women of Wrestling - Yahoo Finance". Archived from the original on 2014-12-18. Retrieved 2017-01-17.
  12. ^ "Women of Wrestling Season 2 announcement". Facebook. Archived from the original on 2022-02-26. Retrieved 12 February 2016.
  13. ^ "WOW Superheroes". YouTube.
  14. ^ Calvario, Liz (April 20, 2017). "MGM Television Partners With 'Women Of Wrestling' To Create Content For TV And Digital Platforms".
  15. ^ a b Powell, Jason (2019-01-19). "1/18 WOW on AXS review: Tessa Blanchard appears, Santana Garrett vs. Jungle Grrrl for the WOW Championship, The Beast vs. Stephy Slays, Abilene Maverick vs. Fire, Khloe Hurtz vs. Eye Candy". Retrieved 2019-01-21.
  16. ^ "'WOW — Women Of Wrestling' Series Sells to AXS TV (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. 18 June 2018.
  17. ^ Pritchard, Bill (2019-01-19). "AXS TV Announces New Friday Night Fights Lineup Featuring Women Of Wrestling, New Japan Pro-Wrestling". Retrieved 2019-01-21.
  18. ^ Sapp, Sean Ross (2019-01-08). "Exclusive: How WOW And AXS' TV Deal Came Together With Two NBA Owners". Retrieved 2019-01-21.
  19. ^ "Report: AXS TV And Women Of Wrestling Part Ways". fightful.com. Retrieved June 22, 2020.
  20. ^ ViacomCBS Signs Distribution Deal With WOW — Women of Wrestling – The Hollywood Reporter
  21. ^ ViacomCBS Syndicating ‘WOW – Women Of Wrestling’ In 160 U.S. Markets – Deadline
  22. ^ @wowsuperheroes (October 7, 2021). "BREAKING NEWS AJ Mendez is WOW Wrestling! Welcome to the team!" (Tweet). Retrieved 2021-10-07 – via Twitter.
  23. ^ "WOW Wrestling never-before-seen episodes to premiere on Pluto TV and The CW App - Wrestling News". Wrestling News. January 21, 2022. Retrieved 2022-02-17.
  24. ^ "'WOW – Women Of Wrestling' Launching This September In Syndication". Wrestling News. August 1, 2022. Retrieved 2022-11-03.
  25. ^ Needelman, Joshua (2022-12-15). "In the World of Wrestling, a Heavy Hitter Steps Into the Ring". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-05-30.
  26. ^ "TV Ratings For Women Of Wrestling's First Two Episodes Revealed". Wrestling Inc. 2022-10-10. Retrieved 2023-05-30.
  27. ^ Steve Bryant (October 28, 2018). "Before There Was Evolution There Was Unleashed". SoCal Uncensored. Retrieved 19 December 2019.
  28. ^ Scott Keith (July 28, 2002). "The smark retro repost women of wrestling february 4 2001". 411Mania. Retrieved 19 December 2019.
  29. ^ Scott Keith (October 30, 2018). "The SmarK Rant for Women of Wrestling (WOW) Unleashed–02.01.01". Blog of Doom. Retrieved 19 December 2019.
  30. ^ "The Disciplinarian". Women of Wrestling.
  31. ^ "Kaoz". Women of Wrestling.
  32. ^ "Kona". Women of Wrestling.
  33. ^ "Reina Del Rey". Women of Wrestling.
  34. ^ "Vickie Lynn McCoy". Women of Wrestling.
  35. ^ "Wrecking Ball". Women of Wrestling.
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