2026 PWI Women's 250 List - WWE's Stephanie Vaquer claims top spot; Mercedes Mone, Liv Morgan & Rhea Ripley featured in top 10
Stephanie Vaquer moves up to the top spot.
PWI Women’s 250 for 2026 by Pro Wrestling Illustrated is now out, with WWE Superstar Stephanie Vaquer securing the No. 1 spot. The Chilean has managed to rank higher than many stars in WWE, AEW, and other wrestling promotions because of her eventful year inside the squared circle.
It is noteworthy that Stephanie Vaquer’s ranking has come despite the fact that she has been out of action due to her injuries.
The rankings see the AEW stars and former World Champions Willow Nightingale and Thekla occupying the second and third places, respectively, while reigning AEW Women’s World Champion Mercedes Mone claimed the fourth spot.
On the other hand, the reigning WWE Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan occupies the sixth place, while Rhea Ripley occupies the ninth spot, with three WWE stars making the list.
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Vaquer has managed to earn the No. 1 ranking after an impressive evaluation period, during which she became a Women’s World Champion twice. She became the champion following her victory against IYO SKY at WrestlePalooza in September 2025.
As noted, Rhea Ripley ranks at No. 9. Despite spending time away from the ring following a knee injury, her performances and accomplishments during the evaluation period earned her a place among the leading names. Liv Morgan finished sixth in the PWI Women’s 250.
With Vaquer, Morgan, and Ripley all featuring in the top 10, WWE has three representatives in the rankings. However, AEW leads the way with four entries, while STARDOM has two and CMLL has one.
Criteria for PWI rankings
The evaluation period for the 2026 rankings ran from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.
- In-ring accomplishments: Win-loss record, championships won, tournament victories, and notable wins.
- Influence: Level of visibility, recognition, and prestige within a promotion and the wider industry.
- Technical skill: Quality of performances, matches, moves, and in-ring storytelling over a given period.
- Strength of competition: Success against a diverse range of high-caliber opponents.
- Activity: At least 10 singles matches overall, or, if that threshold is not met, six singles matches held across separate months.
Wrestlers were required to meet the minimum activity threshold of 10 singles matches, or six singles matches spread across six months of the evaluation period
Top 10 of the PWI Women’s 250 for 2026
- Stephanie Vaquer (WWE)
- Willow Nightingale (AEW)
- Thekla (AEW)
- Mercedes Mone (AEW)
- Saya Kamitani (STARDOM)
- Liv Morgan (WWE)
- Persephone (CMLL)
- Syuri (STARDOM)
- Rhea Ripley (WWE)
- Kris Statlander (AEW)
Who topped the PWI Women’s 250 rankings for 2026?
Stephanie Vaquer topped the PWI Women’s 250 rankings for 2026, finishing ahead of Willow Nightingale and Thekla.
Which AEW stars rank among the top 10 PWI Women’s 250 rankings for 2026?
Kris Statlander (10th), Mercedes Mone (4th), Thekla (3rd), and Willow Nightingale earn a place in the top 10
Which WWE stars rank among the top 10 PWI Women’s 250 rankings for 2026?
While Vaquer tops the list, Liv Morgan secured sixth place, while Rhea Ripley finished ninth in the 2026 PWI Women’s 250 rankings.
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