Intergender wrestling, often showcased in independent promotions, has sparked curiosity about whether it could return to the spotlight on prominent stages like WWE or AEW. Standing out in professional wrestling is crucial for performers and promotions, as it attracts fans and generates revenue.
By bringing intergender wrestling to the forefront, WWE or AEW could differentiate themselves from their main competition. Although the professional wrestling industry is predominantly male-dominated, women worldwide continue to demonstrate their prowess, sometimes surpassing their male counterparts in performance.
All Elite Wrestling has avoided intergender wrestling, while WWE has previously experimented with it, albeit in a manner that reflected backstage misogyny. In contrast, Impact Wrestling had successfully integrated intergender wrestling, with Tessa Blanchard even becoming the Impact World Champion before her off-stage behavior derailed her career.
Promising Intergender Matchups
Intergender wrestling could find its place in major wrestling promotions, as both WWE and AEW rosters feature women experienced in this wrestling style. Notable examples include Candice LeRae, Mia Yim, Mercedes Martinez, and Athena, who have already impressed fans with their matches.
Additionally, athletes like Rhea Ripley, Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair, and Raquel Rodriguez possess the potential to excel in intergender wrestling. However, both promotions are responsible for developing creative narratives for their female wrestlers.
This has been a longstanding issue for WWE and AEW, as neither has fostered an environment encouraging the growth of engaging storylines for their women's divisions. Overused narratives, tropes, and inconsistent focus overshadow occasional glimpses of potential.
Crafting stories for intergender wrestling would require even more thought, as the subject has its critics. To successfully incorporate intergender wrestling, both promotions should invest time in research and bring in female writers to help convey the correct stories.
Intergender wrestling has proven successful in smaller, independent promotions, but can it thrive in larger companies like AEW and WWE? The answer is yes, provided both organizations are committed to making the necessary strides in promoting women's wrestling, which they have yet to demonstrate fully.