Former WWE Women’s Wrestlers Who Are Still Wrestling On The Indies

As WWE‘s women’s division has grown & evolved throughout the years, many female wrestlers come and gone. Some have long retired, others have been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, and others are still wrestling even after they’ve taken their rightful place in history.

But whereas some female WWE legends have returned to the company for comeback runs or special one-off appearances, other female superstars choose to compete on the independent scene today. These are eight women who carried on their legacies outside WWE.

Cherry Managed Deuce ‘N Domino In WWE

Although Cherry Spent Most Of Her Time As A Manager, She Did Occasionally Wrestle

It’s hard to argue that Cherry was better suited as a wrestling valet, managing Deuce ‘N Domino to tag team success in OVW and WWE. But after being dumped by Deuce ‘N Domino on the May 23, 2008 episode of SmackDown, Cherry did end up wrestling on SmackDown before her WWE release in August that year.

Shortly after that, Cherry continued to wrestle on the Indies, before she eventually retired in November 2008. However, Cherry reunited with Deuce ‘N Domino to take independent bookings again in 2021, and Cherry herself competed in Japan in February 2024.

Santana Garrett Had A Few Tryouts In WWE Before Competing In NXT

As Well As Competing In The 2017 Mae Young Classic, Santana Has Also Become A WWE Coach

One of the most accomplished and talented female wrestlers in history, Santana Garrett had competed on the Indies, as well as TNA, before having her first WWE tryout in 2013. After a few more tryouts, Santana would sign with WWE and spend her time on NXT, mostly as an enhancement talent before being released in June 2021.

After a brief stay in AEW, Santana would return to WWE in August 2022 in the new role of coach for their Performance Center. Although still under WWE contract, Garrett does continue to wrestle sporadically on the Indies.

Xia Brookside Was A Top Competitor In NXT UK

After Three Years On The Indies, Xia Made It To WWE In 2018

Xia Brookside had made a name for herself on the UK Independent Scene before finally getting her chance by partaking in WWE’s Mae Young Classic in 2018. Despite being unsuccessful in the tournament, Xia became part of the NXT UK brand, and stayed there until NXT UK folded and Xia was released from her contract in August 2022.

Afterwards, Xia continued to wrestle in Stardom for a time. Afterward, she signed with TNA, debuting at Hard To Kill 2024.

Alicia Fox Was Employed By WWE For Thirteen Years

Alicia Spent Time In Developmental Before Making Her Main Roster Debut In 2008

Alicia Fox first signed with WWE in 2006, first spending time in OVW, and then FCW, before she made her main-roster debut on SmackDown in June 2008. Although she was never a major star in WWE, Alicia Fox was a talented, charismatic and dependable wrestler who devoted thirteen years of her life to the company.

In 2019, Alicia Fox began winding down her career as a full-time wrestler. After various one-off appearances, Fox confirmed in 2023 that she’s no longer under contract to WWE. She also reiterated that she’s not retired, having appeared at Booker T’s Reality Of Wrestling promotion, and wanting to return to the ring.

Kaitlyn Is Remembered For Her Feuds With Eve Torres And AJ Lee

Kaitlyn Won Season 3 Of The Original NXT Before Joining WWE’s Main Roster

A bodybuilder and model, Kaitlyn was signed to WWE in 2010, training to be a wrestler in FCW, before appearing in Season 3 of the original NXT. After emerging as the Season 3 Champion, Kaitlyn went on to have a great run on the main-roster, feuding with Eve Torres and AJ Lee, and having a 153-day reign as Divas Champion.

Unfortunately, after her terrific feud with AJ Lee ended, Kaitlyn ended up falling down the card, and battling severe depression. Upon leaving WWE in January 2014, Kaitlyn retired from wrestling. Although she did return to the ring in 2018; competing on the independent scene as well as the Mae Young Classic.

Melina Was Renowned For Being A Great Manager And A Great Wrestler

Melina Made Her Debut For OVW In 2004 & Began Managing MNM On SmackDown In 2005

One of the greatest female wrestlers in WWE history, Melina also proved herself a tremendous heel, a brilliant manager, and a huge star famed for her beauty, personality & flexibility. Melina enjoyed a legendary seven-year run in WWE, feuding with the likes of Trish Stratus, Mickie James and Beth Phoenix, before she was released in 2011.

Since then, Melina has competed all over the world; on the indies as well as Impact Wrestling and the NWA. She continues to wrestle on the independent scene and has made sporadic WWE appearances since 2019.

Victoria Wasn’t The Lady To Mess With In WWE

Victoria First Appeared On WWE Television In 2000 As One Of The Godfather’s Hos

Big, strong, beautiful and powerful, Victoria was also famed for her grace, agility and twisted personality. A great wrestler from the infamous Divas era, Victoria enjoyed two reigns as WWE Women’s Champion and fantastic feuds with the likes of Trish Stratus, Lita and Molly Holly.

After leaving WWE in 2009, Victoria would also achieve great success in TNA as Tara. She’s also made appearances in Ring Of Honor and is a proud veteran of the independent scene. Although she retired in 2019, Victoria has occasionally returned to the ring for both the 2021 Royal Rumble and Impact Wrestling in 2023.

“Rowdy” Ronda Rousey Conquered WWE Like She Conquered UFC

After Retiring From MMA In 2017, Ronda Made Her WWE Debut At Royal Rumble 2018

After retiring from MMA in 2017, Ronda Rousey again took the world by storm when she made her WWE debut in 2018. After training for her new career as a professional wrestler – and with the WWE machine fully behind her – Ronda had a legendary run from 2018 to 2019, resplendent with amazing matches and a dominant run as Raw Women’s Champion.

Alas, Rousey’s second run with WWE (from 2022 to 2023) was utterly lackluster. Frustrated with creative, and nowhere near as motivated as she had been before, Ronda ultimately left WWE after SummerSlam 2023. She then began competing on the independent scene, and has also competed in Ring Of Honor.