WWE has been at the forefront of women’s wrestling for years, but 2025 has brought both triumphs and challenges. On one hand, stars like Rhea Ripley, Becky Lynch, and Bianca Belair continue to dominate, showcasing top strength and star power. WWE’s women’s divisions on Raw and SmackDown remain a key part of weekly programming, and NXT continues to develop promising talent like Tiffany Stratton and Roxanne Perez.
However, concerns persist. Despite a deep roster, women still struggle to get equal representation on premium live events. Outside of WrestleMania, women’s matches are often limited in number and time.
Additionally, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship has lacked consistency, with frequent title changes and makeshift pairings diluting its prestige.
AEW: A Work in Progress
AEW has made strides in its women’s division, but it still lags behind WWE in terms of exposure and consistency. Toni Storm, Jamie Hayter, and Britt Baker have remained cornerstones of the division, while international talent like Marina Shafir and Riho bring diversity to the roster. However, despite Tony Khan’s promises to elevate women’s wrestling, AEW still struggles with a lack of screen time and storyline depth.
AEW has two women’s titles—the AEW Women’s Championship and the TBS Championship, currently held by strong contenders – but only one or two women’s segments per Dynamite or Rampage. Compared to WWE, AEW’s women still fight for meaningful TV time, though the company’s partnership with STARDOM and NJPW has opened new doors for cross-promotional opportunities.
The Rise of Women’s Wrestling in Other Promotions
Beyond WWE and AEW, independent promotions and international organizations have continued to elevate women’s wrestling. STARDOM remains a powerhouse, producing some of the best women’s matches globally, with performers like Giulia and Mayu Iwatani gaining worldwide recognition. Impact Wrestling has quietly maintained a strong Knockouts division, with wrestlers like Jordynne Grace and Deonna Purrazzo leading the way.
Meanwhile, promotions like WOW (Women of Wrestling) continue to push for an all-women’s wrestling product, proving that women’s wrestling has a dedicated audience. Indie circuits are also flourishing, with more female talent getting the opportunity to headline events.
What Needs to Change in 2025?
While women’s wrestling has come a long way, several key issues remain. Equal screen time across all major promotions should be a priority, ensuring that women’s matches aren’t treated as afterthoughts.
WWE and AEW must commit to long-term storytelling beyond just championship feuds. Additionally, proper tag team divisions and better character development would help elevate the overall product.
With women proving time and time again that they can deliver show-stealing performances, promotions must continue to invest in them. Fans have shown support, and the industry must respond by giving women the platforms they deserve.
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