10 Most Influential People In Women's Wrestling History
8. Sunny
It seems like the popular thing to do in 2015 is poke fun at Sunny for her many run-ins with the law or the manner in which she makes her money. Lost in all of the criticisms thrown in her direction is the incredibly important role she played in forever changing what a woman in the industry could achieve. Was she an active in-ring competitor? Absolutely not, but without her altering Vince McMahon's ideology on women in the industry and becoming as popular and marketable as she proved to be, there would likely be no opportunity for Trish Stratus, Lita, Victoria or Molly Holly to bring to fans the extraordinary matches that they did. Sunny broke the mold, becoming a huge star for McMahon's company. She had her own line of merchandise and was 1996's Most Downloaded Woman, at least according to America Online. Fans migrated toward her because of her performance, because she had a definitive character and she was presented as strong and manipulative without needed a man to lean on. It was a revolutionary character and one that set the stage for what would become the WWE Divas.
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.
