There are many forgotten figures in professional wrestling; stars and top-level performers who came into their own during a time when the industry was not welcoming of diversity and was particularly tough on women. Many of these names never got the chance to stand out in the ways that they could have. Gail Kim is one of them. Looking at her run in the wrestling world, she is one of those forgotten talents who never got the recognition she deserved at the top of the major promotions.
Gail Kim’s in-ring career lasted nearly 23 years. She stepped into the ring in December 2000 and retired in September 2023, according to Cagematch. Along the way, Kim had varying levels of success, but she was never positioned as a top competitor in the industry. Did she win some titles along the way? Yes, she did. TNA gave her a strong foundation as a top face in the women’s division, but that promotion never carried the weight she has today.
Still, Kim deserves more recognition for all the contributions she has made and continues to make to the industry. For example, Scott D’Amore was recently fired by TNA Wrestling, and the leadership reins seem to have shifted to Kim.
“I’m not going to lie, this new management has empowered me like I’ve never felt before,” Kim said on Gabby AF with Gabby Laspisa. “I thought I was making progress in the wrestling world, but I’ve never felt as empowered as I have this year. This management doesn’t just pay lip service, they walk the walk. They don’t just say they want me to grow in this company, they’ve given me the balls to do it. And I’ve felt it, and I’m doing it, and I’ve never felt as fast growing in the wrestling industry as I have this year. It’s incredible. I feel so respected and valued for the first time in a long time.”
“Those are great words to hear from someone who deserves it. Kim has long been an outspoken opponent of the evil that plagues many parts of the wrestling world, so it’s good to see her finally in a position of power within the industry. She’ll be able to really push for change within TNA. That’s great, especially now that TNA’s engagement is skyrocketing due to their expanded partnership with WWE.”
Gail Kim is a Hall of Fame worthy in every sense of the word. She won 11 titles throughout her career and is an icon in women’s wrestling. The industry needs to give her name more respect and accolades while they still can.
