Jacqueline Moore, American wrestler and manager

Jacqueline DeLois Moore, born on January 6, 1964, is a trailblazing American professional wrestler and highly respected professional wrestling manager. Her impactful career spans decades, marked by significant achievements and pioneering roles across multiple prominent promotions.

Moore is widely recognized for her pivotal tenure with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), previously known as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) until its rebranding in 2002. From 1998 to 2004, she etched her name in wrestling history by becoming the first African American WWE Cruiserweight Champion. This achievement was particularly groundbreaking as she was also the first and only woman ever to hold this championship, a title traditionally contested by male competitors weighing 220 pounds (approximately 100 kg) or less, known for high-flying and technical prowess. Beyond WWE, her illustrious career also included notable stints with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) from 1997 to 1998 and later with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where she showcased her diverse talents as a wrestler, manager, and even a crucial behind-the-scenes road agent.

Early Career and Dominance in Regional Territories

Jacqueline’s journey in professional wrestling commenced in the late 1980s within the acclaimed World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) promotion, a key territory in the southern United States. However, it was her unparalleled dominance in the United States Wrestling Association (USWA) that truly solidified her reputation. During her time in the USWA, she amassed an astounding fourteen reigns as the USWA Women's Champion, a testament to her consistent skill and popularity within the promotion. This extraordinary record highlighted her as one of the most dominant female competitors of her era.

Impactful Stints in Major Promotions

Her talents soon caught the attention of larger national promotions. Jacqueline briefly joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1997–98, where she took on a managerial role, notably guiding the formidable tag team Harlem Heat, comprised of Booker T and Stevie Ray, during their highly successful run. Her strategic insights and commanding presence added a new dimension to the duo.

In 1998, Jacqueline made her much-anticipated debut in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), a period that coincided with the company's immensely popular "Attitude Era." She immediately became embroiled in high-profile storylines, initially managing the flamboyant "Marvelous" Marc Mero. This led to a heated and highly publicized rivalry with Mero’s real-life wife and popular WWE Diva, Sable. Their feud played a crucial role in the re-establishment of the WWF Women's Championship, a title that had been dormant. Jacqueline herself would go on to hold the WWF Women's Championship twice during her impactful tenure, further cementing her status as a top female competitor.

Demonstrating her versatility and adaptability, in 1999, Jacqueline co-founded the all-female alliance known as the Pretty Mean Sisters (PMS) alongside Terri Runnels and Ryan Shamrock. This stable, often characterized by its edgy and controversial antics, became a memorable part of the Attitude Era’s diverse landscape, designed to generate significant heel heat and fan interest.

As the new millennium dawned, Jacqueline continued to expand her contributions to the WWF. Beyond her in-ring performances, she took on critical backstage roles, working as both a dedicated referee and a trainer, helping to shape the next generation of talent. Her remarkable ability to transition between various roles culminated in another significant milestone: holding the WWE Cruiserweight Championship. While she was the third woman overall to achieve this feat in a major American promotion (following Madusa and Daffney during their time in WCW), Jacqueline remains the sole woman to accomplish this under the WWE banner, underscoring her unique ability to compete effectively in a division primarily dominated by men.

After departing WWE in 2004, Jacqueline joined Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). In TNA, she primarily served as a manager, lending her experience and strategic acumen to various wrestlers, while also occasionally stepping back into the ring for select matches, proving her enduring passion for the sport.

A Legacy Honored: WWE Hall of Fame

On April 2, 2016, Jacqueline DeLois Moore received the ultimate recognition for her groundbreaking career and indelible contributions to professional wrestling when she was deservedly inducted into the prestigious WWE Hall of Fame. This honor celebrated her pioneering spirit, her multiple championship reigns, and her enduring legacy as a barrier-breaking force in the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jacqueline Moore

When was Jacqueline Moore born?

Jacqueline DeLois Moore was born on January 6, 1964.

What championships did Jacqueline Moore hold in WWE?

In WWE, Jacqueline Moore held the WWF Women's Championship twice and notably became the first and only woman to hold the WWE Cruiserweight Championship.

How many times was Jacqueline Moore a USWA Women's Champion?

Jacqueline Moore was an incredible fourteen-time USWA Women's Champion, showcasing her dominance in the United States Wrestling Association.

When was Jacqueline Moore inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame?

Jacqueline Moore was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 2, 2016.

What made Jacqueline Moore's Cruiserweight Championship win significant?

Her win was significant because she was the first African American and the first and only woman to ever hold the WWE Cruiserweight Championship, a title predominantly held by male wrestlers weighing 220 pounds or less. This achievement broke significant barriers in professional wrestling.