Top 10 Most Iconic WWE Women's Entrances

#10: AJ Lee

The entrance from this much-missed WWE Superstar was something of a perfect storm of music and style. AJ Lee’s theme song, “Let’s Light It Up” nicely encapsulated the character’s fairly unpredictable personality. Meanwhile, Lee usually leaned into this chaotic angle by skipping her way down to the ring, juxtaposing carefree innocence with Lee’s enviable skill within that squared circle. This slightly bratty, partially punky approach to a ring entrance can be seen in other WWE superstars, as well, from Liv Morgan’s rope work to Mickie James’ poppy, country cool. Fans could argue, however, how nobody did it with quite the same charm as AJ Lee.

#9: Asuka

A lot of little things come together within a professional wrestler’s choreographed entrance. Asuka always attempted a little bit of psychological warfare when it came to her ring moves, incorporating everything from dancing and props to facepaint over the course of her career. This latter move has become increasingly complex and daring over recent years, too, and this connects Asuka further to vintage pro wrestling trailblazer such as The Great Muta. Elsewhere, her older theme from the NXT days, being something of a shameless lift of King Crimson’s “21st Century Schizoid Man,” allowed for Asuka to possess an almost art rock sensibility to her entrance that doubled as performance art.

#8: Chelsea Green

Never underestimate the effectiveness of a comedy wrestler. Chelsea Green has nothing to prove when it comes to her resume or pedigree as a tough customer. This is essentially why it’s so much fun to watch her as a goofy heel, since her WWE persona disarms audiences with a performance that’s self-aware and legitimately humorous. Meanwhile, the sight of Green decked out in a big hat and extravagant coattails, with the Secret Hervice at her side, just adds to the ridiculousness at play. Green’s great on the mic, too, giving her all into making her comedy wrestler persona, ahem, “no joke.”

#7: Ariel

Their mystical and otherworldly gimmick may have felt like a trial run for some of the material Bray Wyatt would more successfully explore, but there’s no denying the cool factor behind the entrance of Ariel and Kevin Thorn. The latter’s vampiric appearance was similar to that of Gangrel and The Brood, while Ariel’s gimmick of a tarot card reader nicely supported the pair’s conceptual lore. Meanwhile, Ariel’s inverted hang-time on the ropes felt sensual and satanic all at once; a fatal flourish for the pair’s winding road up to the ring apron.

#6: Maryse

Isn’t it funny how sometimes the smallest gestures can go the longest way in defining a WWE superstar’s persona? Maryse’s career in the WWE could be remembered for her reigns as the company’s Divas Champion, or it could be defined by the reality television programs she shares with her husband, The Miz. But, if we’re being honest, you probably already have an image in your head when it comes to Maryse’s ring entrance. It’s that hand gesture she does; that “whatever” feeling of indifference Maryse passes off to the crowd. It lends a sentiment that Maryse would rather be anywhere than performing for a crowd that she clearly sees as so beneath her standards.

#5: Candice Michelle

Magnificent robes are nothing new when it comes to the wardrobes of a professional wrestler. Candice Michelle took things a bit further when it came time for her ring entrance, however, utilizing her ring attire as a prop for something a bit more sexual. This was, after all, during the WWE’s Ruthless Aggression Era, when women’s wrestling was usually viewed with a more prurient eye. Still, there’s no denying that Michelle leaned into the campiness and eroticism of this performance, taking off her robe in somewhat of a striptease manner, revealing her ring gear beneath.

#4: Shotzi

We’ve seen a lot of cool wrestling props in our day, but even we were taken aback the first time we saw Shotzi take to the ring driving a freakin’ tank! The former Shotzi Blackheart’s ring entrance seems to have been obviously indebted to the “Tank Girl” comic book and movie, and what can we say? We’re absolutely here for this totally unique and fun way to tie in pop culture references in a manner that feels cool and fun. There’s probably also some nods to the “Mad Max” franchise here, as well - a post-apocalyptic entrance that never fails to get the crowd revved up for action.

#3: Chyna

This WWE legend didn’t really require a whole lot of flash in order for her ring entrance to feel impactful. Chyna’s original appearances alongside D-Generation X utilized a “less is more” approach, since the character spoke infrequently and instead utilized command presence for an intimidation factor. The character’s increasing popularity eventually led to Chyna’s ring entrances becoming less stoic, although her demeanor also felt strong, independent and in-charge. This allowed for Chyna to connect with audiences as both a face and a heel, with both ring entrances spelling doom for her opponents.

#2: Sasha Banks

It sounded a certain call right from jump street, as the intro to Sasha Banks’ music hit and the crowd got ready to greet The Boss. Banks’ choreography is ultra memorable and includes tons of subtleties that add to this entrance’s greatness. These include how Banks works the camera, showing her hands from the ring apron or flashing any championship belts she happens to be holding with unrepentant avarice. The little side step she does on her way down the ramp also became a Sasha Banks original, showcasing ultimate swagger that works whether Banks is portraying a face or a heel.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Trish Stratus

An All-Time WWE GOAT Makes Her Presence Known

Beth Phoenix

Because We Know A Queen When We See One

Stacy Keibler

Sexuality Personified From the Attitude Era

Blake Monroe

Not Just a Glamour Puss, Monroe Comes to Fight

Rhea Ripley

Mami Dominates Both Ramp & Ring

#1: Melina

There’s flashy, and then there’s MNM flashy. You know the sort of flash that’s accompanied by actual paparazzi bulbs? This tag team consisted of Joey Mercury and Johnny Nitro, but it was Melina who arguably stole the show on any given night. This came down to how deeply Melina committed to the gimmick, stretching for the spotlight and doing a devilish split on her way into the ring. It was an entrance that also served as a statement, and Melina kept doing this split after MNM split up, and she entered a solo career in the WWE’s women’s division.

What, to you, defines a great pro wrestling entrance? Sound off in the comments!