During this era of wrestling, I often found the women’s matches to be frustratingly brief. In the case of the title bout featuring WWF Women’s Champion Ivory and Chyna, the in-ring action was limited to just under three and a half minutes—an issue that runs deeper than mere time constraints, especially since this was Chyna’s first opportunity at the women’s championship.
Chyna sustained a serious injury during the match, stemming from a piledriver delivered by Val Venis weeks earlier. Prior to the match, she appeared unfazed by her injury, telling Billy Gunn she wasn’t worried about the doctors’ advice. Just before the fight, a video aired showing a neck-braced Chyna discussing her injury, which foreshadowed the unfortunate outcome of the match.
From the start, Chyna commanded the ring, unleashing her fury on Ivory by pulling her hair and dominating her in the corner. Despite Ivory’s attempts to flee, Chyna caught her and pulled her back into the ring. However, the match ended horrifically when Chyna attempted a back handspring elbow and suffered a neck injury. It was clear that the WWF was not prioritizing women’s storylines at the time.
Even Jerry Lawler, who had often been disparaging towards Chyna, got up to check on her, casting doubt on his sudden concern given his previous remarks. Chyna lay still in the ring, a sight that was unsettling, and she was eventually taken away on a stretcher—the most credible moment of the night. While she did go on to win the title from Ivory at WrestleMania, the fact that she had already held a men’s title made her struggle for the women’s championship feel somewhat hollow.
Written by Daisy Ruth
Fan Take: This match matters because it highlights the ongoing struggle for women’s recognition in wrestling, showcasing how inadequate writing and booking can undermine talented wrestlers. By reflecting on moments like these, fans can advocate for better representation and storytelling in the sport, which is vital for its growth and evolution.
