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On October 21, 2021 PWI representative Kristen Ashly finally revealed the PWI 150 top five. Speaking on Renee Paquette's Oral Sessions podcast, Kristen, who had a hand in the selections, provided the news that professional wrestling fans around the world were waiting for.
The PWI 150 was started 14 years ago by Pro Wrestling Illustrated, alongside the PWI 500 which is also released annually. Some past stars who have appeared No.1 on the PWI 150 include Mickie James, Nikki Bella, Charlotte Flair and last year's winner Bayley.
That being said, let's take a look at the top 5 women who ranked this year.
#5 Thunder Rosa - PWI 150
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She's captured the hearts of wrestling fans all over the world, and now Thunder Rosa has been placed #5 in the latest PWI 150. One of the hardest working wrestlers in the business continues to make waves. She is now officially part of the AEW roster after months of appearing without being an official member of the team.
Not only does make waves inside the ring, she also makes waves outside the ring for her exemplary community work. She also runs her own independent promotion, Mission Pro Wrestling, which features just an all-women's cast. How can you not love her?
In a recent interview with Fightful, Thunder Rosa spoke about her love of working for All Elite Wrestling and the support that the company shows her:
"I am feeling great. I love working for AEW. This company has given me such a humongous platform that has not only been helping me get more eyes to my brand but get more eyes onto the product that I’m creating, which is Mission Pro Wrestling. It’s been an amazing journey and honestly, I just love coming to every city and love feeling that this is not a job. This is living my dream every time I’m here." (h/t Wrestling Headlines)
One amazing thing about her deal with AEW is that she still gets to wrestle for independent promotions. When you get the chance, get out there and support her either at GCW, Mission Pro Wrestling, Warrior Wrestling or many others that she appears for.
She's the jewel in the crown of this modern era of professional wrestling and there's still plenty more to come from her. Maybe that PWI 150 top spot will come Thunder Rosa's way next year.
#4 Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. - PWI 150
AEW's favorite dentist came in at #4 in the PWI 150 rankings. Baker, who became the AEW Women's Champion in May 2021, has had an exceptional run that has seen her become the top woman on the AEW roster.
Even before becoming champion, she beat all-comers including rising stars such as Skye Blue, Tesha Price, and Alex Gracia. Following winning the AEW Women's Title she has defeated Red Velvet, Kris Statlander, Nyla Rose, and Ruby Soho. She has been booked as a winner and a dominant force in the women's division. The tooth puller is now reaping the rewards.
#3 Deonna Purrazzo - PWI 150
Since Deonna Purrazzo was released by WWE in April 2020, there has been no stopping her. She has become IMPACT Wrestling's most decorated star in recent memory in such a short space of time. She has held the Knockouts Championship twice, and was also named IMPACT Wrestler of the Year and Knockout of the Year for 2020.
Purrazzo is untouchable at the top of the IMPACT perch, and has defeated everyone that has challenged her. She rightly claims her spot in the Top 5. Deonna will no doubt be in a similar position come next year with the exceptional work she delivers every single time she steps into the ring.
#2 Utami Hayashishita - PWI 150
Reading the PWI 150 Top 5, many wrestling fans may not be familiar with the name Utami Hayashishita. Utami performs in Japan for Stardom and at the age of just 23 years old, she has made a big name for herself.
The current World of Stardom Champion won the 5*Star GP in 2020, and also won the 5*Star GP award and Best Match in the same tournament. Utami won the Best Match of the Year award in all of Stardom when she faced Mayu Iwatani in November 2020. Also earlier this year, she got to perform in the Tokyo Dome in a dark match on the second night of Wrestle Kingdom 15.
The Amami-born sensation is one to keep an eye on over the next year to see how her career continues to blossom.
#1 Bianca Belair - PWI 150
The EST of WWE ranked No.1 on the PWI 150 and it is fully deserved. Bianca Belair has had an incredible twelve months. She won the Women's Royal Rumble match in January this year. She then went on to main-event WrestleMania 36 with Sasha Banks on night one, winning the SmackDown Women's Championship. Bianca has also been one of the shining lights on SmackDown and the WWE Universe has gotten fully behind her.
Her stock continues to rise week after week. She will now look to become one of the main attractions of Monday Night RAW after being drafted to the red brand. The EST's journey in WWE has just begun.
Who was your #1 women's wrestler of the last 12 months? Let us know in the comments below!
Major rumor about recently released stars HERE
