10 Most Influential People In Women's Wrestling History

3. Lita

The year 2000 was an interesting one for women's wrestling, particularly in WWE. At that point in time, the company was still very much focused on presenting women in a way that focused almost exclusively on their looks and sexuality. There was little-to-no opportunity for performers like Jacqueline to advance past a certain position on the card, thanks to The Kats and Terris of the world earning more television time. In February, a fiery redheaded newcomer made her debut and instantly captured the attention of fans and management alike. Sure, she was attractive but it was her willingness to take risks, emulating the maneuvers of her male counterparts, that endeared her to the audience. She was fearless and presented herself in a way that made her one of the boys. She was cool and totally fit the Hardy Boyz's "extreme" lifestyle, making her a perfect fit for the team following a few initial months with Essa Rios. Her ability to fly through the air struck management and changed opinions on what women were capable of from an in-ring perspective. It would take two years before WWE finally delivered a women's division capable of consistently delivering quality in-ring competition, but none of it would have been possible without Lita revolutionizing women's wrestling and proving that so-called "Divas" could be so much more that mindless T&A.