The AWA World Women’s Championship was the primary women's title in the American Wrestling Association (AWA), one of the major wrestling promotions in the United States from the 1960s through the early 1990s. The championship showcased some of the top female wrestlers of its era, adding a women's division to the AWA's mix of talent and competition.
Origins and Early History (1961-1969):
Creation of the AWA World Women’s Championship (1961):
The AWA World Women’s Championship was established in 1961 after promoter Verne Gagne decided to include a women’s division in the AWA's lineup.
The title was created shortly after the AWA broke away from the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in 1960. To bolster the new division, Gagne recognized several established women wrestlers and sought to develop women’s wrestling in the Midwest region.
Penny Banner - The First Champion:
Penny Banner, a highly respected wrestler from the 1950s and 1960s, was recognized as the first AWA World Women’s Champion in 1961. Banner had previously been a top contender in the NWA and was considered a significant name to launch the new title.
Banner held the title for several years, defending it against various competitors across the AWA's territory. Her athleticism and skills helped legitimize the championship in its early days.
The Title Gains Prestige (1960s-1970s):
Kay Noble and the Rise of New Contenders:
After Penny Banner, the title saw other prominent female wrestlers hold the championship. One of the most notable was Kay Noble, a talented and tough competitor who captured the AWA World Women’s Championship in the 1960s.
Noble was known for her technical wrestling ability and resilience. Her reigns helped elevate the status of the championship, with successful defenses and feuds that drew interest in the women's division.
Beverly Shade and Other Champions:
The 1960s and early 1970s saw the title change hands among various wrestlers, including Beverly Shade, a popular heel known for her rough and aggressive style.
During this period, the AWA women’s division had relatively fewer televised matches compared to the men's division, but it maintained a loyal fan base in the Midwest. Title matches often occurred as special attractions at live events.
Decline and Inactivity of the Title (Mid-1970s-1980s):
Marginalization of the Women's Division:
By the mid-1970s, the AWA began to focus more on its men’s divisions, and the women’s championship became less of a focal point. The frequency of women’s matches on AWA programming decreased significantly.
This period marked a general decline in women's wrestling in North America, as several major promotions, including the AWA, reduced their investment in women's divisions.
Hiatus of the Championship (Mid-1970s-1984):
The AWA World Women’s Championship was essentially inactive for several years, with no officially recognized champion. During this time, the AWA focused on expanding its television presence and men's divisions, leaving women's wrestling in a period of inactivity.
Revival and the Reign of Sherri Martel (1984-1987):
Revival Under Sherri Martel (1984):
In 1984, the AWA sought to revive its women’s division by reintroducing the AWA World Women’s Championship. This revival coincided with a brief resurgence in interest in women’s wrestling in the mid-1980s, partly fueled by the popularity of the WWF’s women’s division.
Sherri Martel, a rising star in professional wrestling, was crowned the new AWA World Women’s Champion. Martel quickly became a dominant force in the division, known for her in-ring skill, charisma, and heel persona.
Sherri Martel’s Dominant Reign (1985-1987):
Sherri Martel became the face of the AWA women’s division and held the title from 1985 to 1987, elevating its profile. During her reign, she engaged in feuds with wrestlers such as Candi Devine and Medusa Miceli (Madusa).
Martel’s in-ring ability and strong character work helped to rejuvenate interest in the title and the AWA women’s division. Her reign was considered one of the most significant in the championship's history. She eventually lost the title to Candi Devine in 1987 before moving on to greater fame in the WWF, where she managed high-profile wrestlers and continued her in-ring career.
Final Years and Closure of the AWA (1987-1991):
Candi Devine and Madusa Miceli’s Reigns:
Candi Devine became a prominent figure in the late 1980s, winning the championship multiple times. Her feuds with Medusa Miceli (Madusa) and others were some of the last major storylines involving the AWA World Women’s Championship.
Medusa Miceli (later known as Madusa or Alundra Blayze in WWF/WCW) captured the title in the late 1980s and brought a level of athleticism and credibility to the division. Her matches, particularly against Devine, were a highlight for fans of women's wrestling in the AWA's final years.
Decline and Closure (1990-1991):
By the early 1990s, the AWA was struggling with declining attendance, TV ratings, and financial troubles. The promotion's decline had a direct impact on all its championships, including the AWA World Women’s Championship.
The title was last held by Magnificent Mimi in 1990 before the AWA officially closed its doors in 1991. With the AWA's closure, the championship was deactivated, and its lineage ended.
Legacy of the AWA World Women’s Championship:
Showcasing Women’s Talent: Despite periods of inactivity and marginalization, the AWA World Women’s Championship served as a platform for showcasing the talents of several important female wrestlers. It helped bring attention to women’s wrestling during a time when it was often overshadowed by men's divisions.
Launchpad for Stars: The championship was held by several notable wrestlers who went on to greater fame, including Sherri Martel and Medusa Miceli. Their contributions helped pave the way for future generations of women in wrestling.
Historical Significance: The AWA World Women’s Championship is remembered as a title that, despite its ups and downs, played a crucial role in maintaining the visibility of women’s wrestling in the Midwest and beyond during the territory era.
While it may not have achieved the same level of prominence as its male counterparts, the AWA World Women’s Championship left an enduring mark on women's professional wrestling history.
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