A veteran of the Memphis territory and World Championship Wrestling, Jacqueline entered World Wrestling Entertainment in 1998 with a reputation for being a double-tough Texan, unafraid to mix it up with her male counterparts. She would prove it in 2004, defeating Chavo Guerrero to become the first, and only, WWE Cruiserweight champion. But Jacqueline was so much more important to the history of women's wrestling in Vince McMahon's company than she gets credit for. In 1998, as WWE focused on the likes of Sable and Debra, both of whom were more likely to flaunt their T&A than wrestle a stellar match, Jacqueline reintroduced fans to what it meant to be a wrestle. So much more advanced a worker than any of the women around her, she worked with the likes of Ivory, Tori and Luna Vachon to prove that women's wrestling had a place in the Attitude Era. By the time 2000 rolled around, and Lita was single-handedly changing perceptions of women in the industry, Jacqueline proved her toughness by battling the fiery redhead in numerous hardcore matches. Unfortunately, by the time WWE got completely behind women's wrestling, the decision was made to book the Texan as a referee rather than a competitor. A two-time WWE Women's champion, Jacqueline laid the groundwork for the Divas that achieved tremendous success after her. More importantly, she beat up a lot of women over the course of her six years with the company, forever cementing her legacy as one of the toughest and most respected female performers in the history of professional wrestling.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
