Over the last decade, women’s wrestling has experienced significant growth, driven largely by all-female promotions such as STARDOM, SHIMMER, and Women of Wrestling. Jamie Hayter, a former AEW Women’s World Champion, has firsthand experience with this progression and recognizes the industry’s achievements while also pointing out ongoing struggles.
The Importance of Female Camaraderie in Wrestling
Hayter emphasized the value of being surrounded by other women in the wrestling world, explaining that while training with men is beneficial, there is a unique connection among female wrestlers that fosters growth and support. She stated,
“There’s not a lot of all-women promotions anywhere in the world, and I think an integral part of being a wrestler is being around other women,”
and added,
“It’s great to learn from men and to train with the guys, but I really like being around women.”
This sense of kinship has been a cornerstone of her wrestling journey.
Challenges That Remain Despite Progress
Having started her career in 2015, Hayter has seen increased respect for women wrestlers but points out that scrutiny persists. She highlighted how female performers often face harsher criticism compared to their male counterparts. Hayter commented,
“If you have a bad match, then it’s like ‘Oh my god, you’re the worst wrestler ever’. Whereas a guy could have a bad match and it’s like, ‘Oh well,’”
and noted,
“Or, if you don’t look a certain way, then they don’t like that either.”
These pressures create barriers despite the growing acceptance of women’s wrestling.
Current Endeavors and the Road Ahead
Currently, Jamie Hayter teams up with Alex Windsor as the Brawling Birds, recently triumphing over the debuting IInspiration on AEW Dynamite. While the landscape for women’s wrestling continues to improve, Hayter’s insights reveal that recognition and equality remain works in progress, with ongoing efforts needed to ensure female wrestlers receive fair treatment and opportunities.
