Riot City: Leading The Way For Female Athletes. By Violet Blitz
Written by Violet Blitz
Celebrating Women in Riot City Wrestling: A Legacy of Empowerment and Excellence
As we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), it’s important to recognise the significant role women have played in shaping the world of pro wrestling. One company that stands out in this regard is Riot City Wrestling (RCW), based in South Australia, which has consistently embraced and uplifted female athletes, both in the ring and behind the scenes. In this article, we’ll briefly explore the rich history of RCW’s women’s division, but focusing on the current trends and culture. For those interested in a deeper dive into the history, YouTube links will be provided for a closer look at some landmark matches.
RCW: A Pillar of Australian Wrestling
RCW has earned its place as one of the premier wrestling promotions in Australia, developing top-tier talent that has gone on to make waves both locally and internationally. Known for its rigorous training program and commitment to excellence, RCW has become a cornerstone of the Australian wrestling scene. Among its most prominent alumni are stars like Rhea Ripley, arguably one of the biggest WWE superstars today, and Zaria (FKA DELTA), who was signed to NXT in 2024. RCW’s focus on cultivating elite talent has helped establish it as a leader in the wrestling world.
At the heart of RCW’s commitment to women’s wrestling is Savannah Summers, who has been a foundational figure in the promotion since its inception. Summers has been a passionate advocate for women’s wrestling, and her tireless work amongst others was instrumental in the creation of the RCW Women’s Championship. Savannah was the first-ever holder of the title in 2012, with Miki Fortune being the last official champion before the title’s unification in 2024.
City Chicks: A Platform for Female Wrestlers
RCW also made significant strides with the launch of City Chicks, an all-women’s wrestling event that brought together some of the most talented female athletes from around the country. Between 2013 and 2016, four City Chicks events were held, helping showcase the depth and talent of Australian women’s wrestling. These events were a celebration of female athleticism and a major step toward the mainstream recognition of women’s wrestling. Hopefully this is something that can be brought back in the near future.
For a glimpse of City Chicks in action, watch this episode of RCW Blast:
The Rise of Intergender Wrestling
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift toward intergender wrestling. In intergender matches, both men and women compete for the same titles, breaking down traditional gender barriers in the sport. This shift became particularly necessary when RCW’s women’s roster was sparse, and more opportunities were needed to ensure female wrestlers had enough ring time. Oftentimes it’s the challenge of versing men that takes skills and capabilities to a different calibre. Some people like it, some people hate it. This cultural shift culminated in a monumental moment in 2024 when Delta (Zaria) faced Miki Fortune in a high-stakes unification match. The two women battled it out to unify the RCW Women’s Championship and the RCW Championship, creating the new RCW Grand Championship.
The Surge in Female Wrestlers
Wrestling, particularly in Australia, is currently experiencing a massive surge in interest among women. In just the past year and a half, RCW has welcomed over 10 new female rookies, a number that exceeds what the promotion has traditionally seen. This increase has led to the creation of women-only classes, designed to help build confidence and growth in a less masculine environment.
One key factor in this surge would have to be RCW’s partnerships with local businesses and festivals, such as the Adelaide Fringe—an annual arts festival held from February to March—and collaborations with Big Shed Brewing, which has helped bring fresh eyes to the product. These partnerships, combined with larger community events, and quality wrestling have played a pivotal role in introducing wrestling to new audiences and inspiring women to step into the ring.
The Importance of Training and Inclusivity
RCW’s commitment to maintaining high standards is evident in the rigorous training regimen that all wrestlers, regardless of gender, undergo. The expectation is clear: if you’re willing to put in the time, effort and commitment, you will be rewarded. The women at RCW are expected to meet the same high standards as their male counterparts, and those who rise to the occasion find themselves thriving both inside and outside the ring.
Stories of Inspiration
I spoke with some of the newer female wrestlers at RCW, and many shared that meeting the wrestlers in their personal lives inspired them to pursue a career in wrestling. They cited the wrestlers’ dedication, passion, and drive as motivating factors in their decision to join the industry. Many of these women have also experienced life-changing benefits through wrestling, including improved fitness, increased confidence, and a sense of empowerment.
One of the newest wave of female talent is Hayley Hendricks, who has a strong background in cheerleading, is utilising this for showing off her high-flying abilities. Hopefully we’ll start seeing more debuting soon with their own skills and style.
RCW’s commitment to inclusivity is well received, whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned veteran, RCW strives to provide a platform where every wrestler, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to succeed. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s important to acknowledge the contributions of female athletes in all fields, including pro wrestling.
If you’re interested in more, all shows are uploaded to Youtube and content added to their website.
www.youtube.com/c/RiotCityWrestling
Written by Violet Blitz
