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 seasons8
No. of episodes522 (as of July 29, 2023 (2023-07-29))
Production
Production locationsLos Angeles, California
Camera setupMulticamera setup
Running time60 minutes
Release
Original networkBroadcast syndication (2000–2001; 2022–present)
Streaming television (2015–2019)
AXS TV (2019–2020)
Pluto TV, CW Seed (past episodes; 2022–present)
Picture formatNTSC
HDTV 1080i
Original releaseSeptember 1, 2000 (2000-09-01) –
present

WOW – Women of Wrestling, 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]

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

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]

On October 6, 2021, it was announced that ViacomCBS (now Paramount Global) had entered into a multi-year distribution agreement for WOW that will see new episodes produced for weekend syndication on 160 U.S. TV stations (CBS or The CW affiliates) owned by ViacomCBS or Sinclair Broadcast Group, with new episodes airing starting in Fall 2022.[20][21][22] On October 7, WOW announced that April Mendez (formerly AJ Lee in WWE) joined the company as an executive producer and color commentator.[23]

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.[24] On August 1, 2022, it was announced that new episodes of the series will begin airing on September 17, 2022, via Paramount Global Content Distribution. The series is carried in the U.S. on CBS-owned-and-operated stations, Sinclair Communications, Nexstar Broadcasting, Hearst Television, TEGNA Media, Weigel Broadcasting, Gray Media and Cox Television. It has also been licensed for broadcast in Canada, Australia and Indonesia.[25] In December 2022, The New York Times reported that WOW was the highest rated wrestling television show produced outside of WWE and AEW, ahead of those produced by Impact Wrestling and NJPW.[26] This was attributed to the show being available in every cable home in the United States, as well as airings in Canada and Australia.[27]

Seasons

Main article: Women of Wrestling seasons

WOW Unleashed 2001

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.[28] 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.[29][30]

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) defeated 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 Nicki 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 defeated Slam Dunk by double disqualification Singles rematch 6:16
8 Riot defeated Wendi Wheels Singles match for the Hardcore match 9:40
9 Jungle Grrrl defeated Beckie the Farmers Daughter Singles match for the 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 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
Tag team match for the Hair vs. hair match, A surprise Handicap match 5:16
13 Thug (with Charlie Davidson and EZ Rider) defeated Selina Majors Singles match for the Steel cage match 15:01

WOW Unleashed 2023

WOW Unleashed
PromotionWomen of Wrestling
DateAugust 6, 2023
CityLos Angeles, California
VenueThe Belasco Theater

WOW Unleashed: LIVE August tapings Attend WOW Unleashed LIVE at The Belasco Theater in Los Angeles during the month of August. Six (6) spectacular events starring the WOW Superheroes! See the high-flying action, have fun with friends and, who knows, you may be on TV!

Personnel

See also: List of Women of Wrestling Personnel

Alumnae Rosters

Ring name Real name Season(s)
Abilene Maverick The Governor's Daughter Callee Wilkerson 2-6
Adrenaline Priscilla Zuniga 6-7
Amber O’Neal Kimberly Dawn Davis 2-4/6-7
Who later The Beverly Hills Babe
Azteca Gisele Shaw 5
Who later Reyna Reyes
Azúcar Vanessa Herrera 2
Beckie The Farmers Daughter Renee Intlekofer 1
The Beverly Hills Babe Kimberly Dawn Davis 4-5
Formerly known as Amber O'Neal
Boom Boom The Volcano Patty Bunya-Ananta 1
Bronco Billie Lisa Danielle Rachuba 1
Caliente Rachel Iverson 1
Cali Ray Kirsten Young 7
Candice LeRae Candice Dawson 2-3
Charlie Davidson Charlie Davidson 1
Christy Order 1
Cow Girl Casey Dakota Sarah Stallman 7
The Dagger Michelle Blanchard 4-7
Danger Elle Alexander 1
Former WOW World Champion
Delta Lotta Pain Jwaundace Candece 1-4
Desdemeana The Soldier Of Darkness Andrea VanEpps 2
The Disciplinarian Kristen Davidson 1
Eye Candy Willow Nightingale 5
EZ Rider Eleanor Kerrigan 1
Faith The Lioness Faith Jefferies 5-7
Farah The Persian Princess Telma Roshanravan 1
Fire Kiera Hogan 5-7
Fire Taylor Lewis 3
Frenchie Marie Gibeault 3
Frost The Olympian Janeshia Adams-Ginyard 2-3
Hammerin' Heather Steele Christina Tomaziesski Colby 1
Hazard Elizabeth Crist 6
Ice Cold Inga Waggoner 1
Jacklyn Hyde Vasilika Vanya Marinkovic 1
Jade Jennifer Lee Chan 1-3
Jane Blond Ella Carter 1
Jessicka Havok Jessica Cricks 5-6
Jolene Dixie Airial Le 5-7
Jolynn Dixie Cathy Le 5-7
Jungle Grrrl Erica Porter 1-7
Former WOW World Champion
Khloe Hurtz Katie Forbes 4-7
Kobra Moon Melissa Cervantes 5
Who later Serpentine
Krissy Vaine Kristin Eubanks 7
La Niña Melissa Santos 3
Lady London Georgina Rawlings 2
Lana Star Lana Kinnear 1-6
Former WOW World Champion
Loca Cher Ferreyra 1-4
Lotus Jeannie Kim 1
Misery Kristen Davidson 1
The secret identity of The Disciplinarian
Mystery Nicole Ochoa 1
The secret identity of Vendetta
Nicki Law 1
Nikki Krampus Ragnhild Bjoerge 5-6
Paradise Maria Nunez 1-3
Patti Pep 1
Who later Patti Pizzazz
Patti Pizzazz 1
Formerly known as Patti Pep
The Phantom Lynnette Thredgold 1
Poison Kina Van Vleet 1
Randi Rah Rah 1
Razor Christina Von Eerie 4
Reyna Reyes Gisele Shaw 6-7
Formerly known as Azteca
Riot April Kathryn Littlejohn 1/4
Roxy Powers Natalie T. Yeo 1
Sandy Tamie Sheffield 1
The Sassy Massy Alisha Edwards 6-7
Selina Majors Selina Majors 1-4
Serpentine Melissa Cervantes 6-7
Formerly known as Kobra Moon
Slam Dunk Famisha Jones-Millman 1
Spike Hudson Envy 2-4/7
Summer Bobbi Billard 1
Sunshine Jamila Griffith 2-3
Sunny Rebecca Gravell 1
Who later Wendi Wheels
Tanja The Warrior Woman Tanja Richter 1
Tatevik The Gamer Tatevik Hunanyan 2-3
The Temptress Katarina Leigh Waters 5-7
Terri Gold Heather Lee-Millard 1
WOW World Champion
Tessa Blanchard Tessa Blanchard 5-7
Former WOW World Champion
Thug Peggy Lee Leather 1-3
Vendetta Nicole Ochoa 1
Venomous Ruby Raze 7
Wendi Wheels Rebecca Gravell 1
Formerly known as Sunny

Alumnae Team Rosters

Ring name Team name Season(s)
Abilene Maverick The Governor's Daughter
Candice LeRae
2-3
Abilene Maverick The Governor's Daughter
The Disciplinarian
6
Adrenaline
Fire
2-3
Former WOW World Tag Team Champions
Amber O’Neal
Krissy Vaine
Team Blondage 7
Amber O’Neal
Santana Garrett
The All American Girls 2-4
Former WOW World Tag Team Champions
Azteca
Princess Aussie
5-6
Beckie The Farmers Daughter
Bronco Billie
1
Boom Boom The Volcano
Caliente
1
Chantilly Chella
The Sassy Massy
6-7
Charlie Davidson
EZ Rider
Thug
Harley's Angels 1
Christy Order
Nicki Law
Law & Order 1
The Dagger
The Temptress
The Vengeful Vixens 5-7
Danger
Riot
1
Delta Lotta Pain
Loca
Vendetta
Caged Heat 1-4
WOW World Tag Team Champions
Faith The Lioness
Lana Star
6
Farah The Persian Princess
Paradise
1
Hazard
Jessicka Havok
Monsters Of Madness 6
Ice Cold
Poison
1
Jade
Lotus
The Asian Invasion 1
Jessie Jones
Jolene Dixie
Jolynn Dixie
The Dixie Darlings 7
Jolene Dixie
Jolynn Dixie
The Dixie Darlings 5-7
La Niña
Paradise
Tropical Storm 3
Lana Star
Patti Pizzazz
1
Misery
Mystery
The Daughters Of Darkness 1
Patti Pep
Randi Rah Rah
Team Spirit 1
Razor
Riot
Spike
4
Reyna Reyes
Princess Aussie
6
Roxy Powers
Tanja The Warrior Woman
1
Sandy
Summer
The Beach Patrol 1
Sandy
Sunny
The Beach Patrol 1

Championships

As of July 31, 2023.

Championship Current champion(s) Reign Date won Days
held
Location Notes Ref.
WOW World Championship Penelope Pink 1 December 4, 2022 239+ Los Angeles, CA Won a 10-woman Gauntlet match for the vacant WOW World Champion at WOW Season 8: Episode 25 from acquired footage from LA Comic-Con
WOW World Tag Team Championship Miami's Sweet Heat (Laurie Carlson and Lindsey Carlson) 2 December 4, 2022 239+ Los Angeles, CA Won the titles from a rematch, managed of the fabulous Lana Star defeated Coach Campanelli and Randi Rah Rah at WOW Season 8: Episode 25 from acquired footage from LA Comic-Con

References

  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. ^ 'WOW' Women of Wrestling inks ViacomCBS deal
  23. ^ @wowsuperheroes (October 7, 2021). "BREAKING NEWS AJ Mendez is WOW Wrestling! Welcome to the team!" (Tweet). Retrieved 2021-10-07 – via Twitter.
  24. ^ "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.
  25. ^ "'WOW – Women Of Wrestling' Launching This September In Syndication". Wrestling News. August 1, 2022. Retrieved 2022-11-03.
  26. ^ 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.
  27. ^ "TV Ratings For Women Of Wrestling's First Two Episodes Revealed". Wrestling Inc. 2022-10-10. Retrieved 2023-05-30.
  28. ^ Steve Bryant (October 28, 2018). "Before There Was Evolution There Was Unleashed". SoCal Uncensored. Retrieved 19 December 2019.
  29. ^ Scott Keith (July 28, 2002). "The smark retro repost women of wrestling february 4 2001". 411Mania. Retrieved 19 December 2019.
  30. ^ Scott Keith (October 30, 2018). "The SmarK Rant for Women of Wrestling (WOW) Unleashed–02.01.01". Blog of Doom. Retrieved 19 December 2019.