Right now, pro-wrestling is hot and the wrestling world is abuzz. Even with all the pro-wrestling hype, women wrestlers still struggle to gain the respect and spotlight they deserve. Pro-wrestling/sports entertainment is a male-dominated industry. Male wrestlers are paid more than female wrestlers. Male wrestlers are also featured more than female wrestlers on wrestling shows.
Even in 2021, some mainstream and independent wrestling companies, fail to give women wrestlers adequate ring time, promos, vignettes, and storylines. Companies fail to use their complete women’s division and only focus on a small number of women.
Women’s wrestling fans can celebrate. On August 28, 2021, the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) presents EmPowerrr. The show is taking place at the Khorassan Ballroom of the Chase Park Plaza in St. Louis, Missouri. EmPowerrr is NWA’s first-ever all-women’s pay-per-view and is being led and produced by wrestling legend Mickie James.
Here are three reasons why wrestling fans should watch NWA’s EmPowerrr.
Support Women’s Wrestling
Fans that love and respect women’s wrestling should definitely pay to watch EmPowerrr. Supporting EmPowerrr can send a message to wrestling companies; We love women’s wrestling and women’s wrestling matters. The success of EmPowerrr is also a win for women working behind the scenes, as James serves as the executive producer of the show. James has stated that she is working with other female veterans including Jazz, Lufisto, Gail Kim, and Madusa. Most importantly, supporting EmPowerrr not only sends the message that fans care about women’s wrestling but women’s wrestling is a financial draw. Wrestling is a business and money matters. If companies put time and effort into their women’s divisions, fans will pay to watch.
A Diverse and Inclusive Card
The EmPowerrr show card is stacked from top to bottom. Nine matches have been announced. The show features more than 20 women wrestlers and several women’s referees. Here are the matches that have been announced:
- Kamille (c) vs. Leyla Hirsch for the NWA World Women’s Championship
- The Hex (Allysin Kay and Marti Belle) vs. Hell on Heels (Renee Michelle and Sahara 7) NWA World Women’s Tag Team Championship tournament semi-final
- Red Velvet and KiLynn King vs. The Freebabes (Jazzy Yang, Hollyhood Haley J, and Miranda Gordy) NWA World Women’s Tag Team Championship tournament semi-final
- NWA World Women’s Tag Team Championship tournament final
- Deonna Purrazzo (c) vs. Melina Perez for the Impact Knockouts Championship
- Bianca Carelli vs. Chelsea Green vs. Debbie Malenko vs. Lady Frost vs. Jamie Senegal (with Pollo Del Mar) vs. Jennacide (with Taryn Terrell) vs. Kiera Hogan vs. Masha Slamovich vs. Tootie Lynn vs. Thunder Kitty in the NWA Women’s Invitational Cup Gauntlet
- Chik Tormenta vs. Diamante vs. Kylie Rae
- Kenzie Paige vs. Paola Mayfield (with Taryn Terrell and Jennacide)
- Skye Blue vs. Christi Jaynes
One of the coolest things about EmPowerrr is the diversity and inclusivity of the show. The show will highlight wrestlers of color, wrestlers of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as wrestling veterans and newcomers. And let’s be honest, there are many indie wrestling companies that have done so much more for marginalized groups in wrestling and will continue to do more than mainstream wrestling companies. Even though EmPowerrr isn’t going to fix all mainstream wrestling’s diversity and inclusion flaws, EmPowerr is a step in the proper direction. Representation matters and is very important in pro-wrestling.
The Forbidden Door is Open
The Forbidden Door has been a hot topic in wrestling today since All Elite Wrestling’s President and CEO Tony Khan coined the term. The concept of The Forbidden Door isn’t new to wrestling. Cross-promotional wrestling events have existed for years. Yet, fan interest in cross-promotional shows has been reignited lately.
While men have traversed The Forbidden Door, women haven’t had as many opportunities to take part in cross-promotional stories or matches. Until now! EmPowerrr is a cross-promotional pay-per-view that will feature wrestlers from Impact Wrestling, Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA), All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as well as NWA wrestlers and indie wrestlers. Many fans have been excited to see various cross-promotional matches featuring women wrestlers. EmPowerr is allowing some of the best women in wrestling today to step through The Forbidden Door. This show is a must-watch for Forbidden Door/cross-promotional wrestling fans.
The idea of an all-women wrestling show isn’t new and isn’t as rare as fans may think. For years, independent wrestling companies have produced all-women shows. Yet, when it comes to mainstream wrestling companies, all-women pay-per-views are rare. Yes, WWE gave fans Evolution and IMPACT Wrestling gave fans One Night Only: Knockouts Knockdown. Now, NWA is giving fans EmPowerrr. Supporting EmPowerrr sends the best message to other mainstream wrestling companies; Women’s wrestling matters and all-women pay-per-views can be a financial success.
