Knockouts Championship Belts: The Legacy of Impact Wrestling’s Women’s Division
The Knockouts Championship is the top women’s title in Impact Wrestling, formerly known as TNA Wrestling. Since its introduction in 2007, the championship has been a symbol of excellence, featuring some of the best female wrestlers in the world. Unlike other promotions that once treated women's wrestling as secondary, Impact Wrestling’s Knockouts division has consistently delivered high-quality matches, intense rivalries, and compelling storylines. This has made the Knockouts Championship one of the most prestigious women’s titles in professional wrestling history.
History of the Knockouts Championship
The Knockouts Championship was officially introduced at Bound for Glory 2007 to establish a serious and competitive women’s division in TNA Wrestling. Before this, female wrestlers in TNA had limited opportunities to compete in high-stakes matches. The title was created to showcase the athleticism, skill, and storytelling ability of women’s wrestling at a time when other major promotions had yet to fully embrace it.
The first-ever Knockouts Champion was Gail Kim, who won the title in a 10-woman gauntlet match at Bound for Glory. Her victory not only made history but also set the stage for the division's future success. The championship quickly became a highly competitive title, with wrestlers delivering some of the most intense matches in women’s wrestling history.
Most Notable Knockouts Champions
Gail Kim
Gail Kim is widely regarded as the greatest Knockouts Champion of all time. She holds the record for the most title reigns (7 times) and played a crucial role in establishing the Knockouts division. Her rivalries with Awesome Kong, Taryn Terrell, and Mickie James were some of the most memorable feuds in Impact Wrestling history.
Awesome Kong
Awesome Kong brought an entirely new level of dominance to the division. Her unmatched strength and power made her one of the most feared champions. Her feud with Gail Kim produced some of the best matches in Knockouts Championship history, proving that women’s wrestling could be just as intense as men’s.
Mickie James
A multiple-time champion across WWE, TNA, and NWA, Mickie James helped elevate the Knockouts Championship with her star power. Her matches against Tara, Angelina Love, and Deonna Purrazzo proved that she was still one of the best in the business.
Taya Valkyrie
Taya Valkyrie holds the longest Knockouts Championship reign in history at 377 days. She became the top competitor in the Impact Knockouts division, showcasing her technical skills, charisma, and ability to work against different wrestling styles.
Deonna Purrazzo
Deonna Purrazzo brought a new level of technical wrestling to the Knockouts division. A two-time champion, she held the title for 343 days, solidifying herself as one of the best wrestlers in Impact Wrestling.
Knockouts Tag Team Championship
In addition to the Knockouts Championship, Impact Wrestling introduced the Knockouts Tag Team Championship to highlight the depth of the women’s roster.
- First Champions: Sarita & Taylor Wilde (2009)
- Most Reigns: The Beautiful People (3 reigns)
- Longest Reign: Fire ‘N Flava (177 days)
These titles were retired in 2013 but were revived in 2021, proving that Impact Wrestling remains committed to a strong women’s division.
Impact of the Knockouts Championship on Women’s Wrestling
The Knockouts Championship played a significant role in changing women’s wrestling. Before WWE’s "Women's Revolution," Impact Wrestling’s Knockouts division was already delivering main-event-caliber matches. The division provided a platform for female wrestlers to showcase their skills in hard-hitting, competitive matches.
Why the Knockouts Championship is One of the Best Titles in Women’s Wrestling
- Long History of Competitive Matches – Unlike other women’s divisions, Impact Wrestling has consistently treated its Knockouts Championship as a top-tier title.
- Innovative Storytelling – Feuds like Gail Kim vs. Awesome Kong and Taryn Terrell vs. Gail Kim were some of the most emotionally compelling rivalries in women’s wrestling.
- Main Event Status – The Knockouts Championship has been defended in pay-per-view main events, proving its credibility as a top championship.
- Star Power – Many WWE and AEW stars like Mickie James, Deonna Purrazzo, and Taya Valkyrie first became household names in Impact Wrestling.
Conclusion
The Knockouts Championship remains one of the most prestigious women’s wrestling titles in the world. Impact Wrestling continues to push boundaries, delivering some of the best women’s matches in the industry. With a history of legendary champions and unforgettable moments, the Knockouts Championship stands as a symbol of excellence in women’s wrestling.