Underrated and Under Appreciated Wrestler Series: Jackie Moore

If you were to ask wrestling fans, "Who was the greatest female wrestler to have graced the WWE?", the majority of answers would consist of either Trish Stratus, Chyna, or Lita. How far do you have to get down that list until someone mentions arguably the most talented female performer to grace the WWE: Jackie Moore.

Jackie Moore was a top-notch worker in a division that (at least in WWE's case) is often sorely lacking. With a strong background in martial arts, Moore utilized a fast-paced and technical style that crafted interesting matches, even with the limited time and ability of her opponents. In a time in which WWE was transitioning to the Diva concept, Jackie Moore showed that beauty and talent didn't have to be mutually exclusive.

In an article for wwe.com, Jim Ross had this to say about Moore's talent:

"Jackie Moore is one of, if not THE most underrated female performer ever to work in the wrestling business...

"People have to realize, Jackie was operating at a skill level that was far above many of her contempories, she had to adjust her game to the skill level of some of the ladies she was working with. A lot of women would not have done that. A lot of men in the same situation would have rebelled. But Jackie was a great teacher and did a tremendous job."

Decades before Sara Del Rey was wrestling the likes of El Generico, Moore was cutting her teeth in the early years of her career wrestling men in both Japan and the United States Wrestling Association (USWA). Her early work wrestling against men helped develop the aggression and pace that her matches are best known for.

After nearly five years in the USWA, Moore would make the jump to World Championship Wrestling (WCW) where she started out as a valet/bodyguard for Kevin Sullivan. More often than not, Sullivan's opponents would be on the receiving end of an impressive slam from Moore. After turning on Sullivan, Moore would become the manager of Harlem Heat throughout the rest of her time in WCW.

In 1998, Moore would sign with the WWF and start off with a feud against Sable. After the infamous bikini contest at the Fully Loaded pay-per-view (PPV), the WWF Women's Championship would be reinstated because of the heat the feud had generated. On September 21, 1998, Moore would become the first African American Women's Champion. Her reign would only last for two months, as she dropped the title to Sable at Survivor Series.

Moore's second reign would come in 2000, when she defeated Harvey Wippleman, who was competing in drag (one of the Attitude Era's many poor ideas). Unfortunately, this reign would be even shorter and only a month and a half later she would drop the title to Stephanie McMahon. Following this reign, Moore would have notable feuds with Lita, Trish Stratus, and Jazz before becoming a trainer on the original Tough Enough.

Before departing the company (creative has nothing for you), Moore would defeat Chavo Guerrero for the Cruiserweight Championship after accepting his open challenge. She would quickly drop the title to him before heading to the independent circuit.

Since her departure from WWE, Moore has worked the independent circuit and for TNA (off and on). During her run with TNA, Moore would participate in some excellent matches with Gail Kim (one of which, knocked out two of her front teeth) and manage Beer Money, Inc.

Jacqueline Moore is one of the finest talents to have ever stepped into a WWF ring, but she never was truly allowed to reach the great heights she should have because of the management of the division coupled with a lack of talent on par with her level. Many of her matches were given little time. WWE also put all of their eggs into the Chyna basket.

For your viewing pleasure: "Jackie Moore vs Gail Kim in a Steel Cage Match"...

~ Enjoy!