The "Queen Bee" looks to make an impact on Ring Of Honor's Women's division.
Former five-time TNA Knockouts Champion, Madison Rayne, returned to Ring Of Honor in hopes of winning the tournament which will crown the first-ever Women Of Honor Champion. Rayne was not successful in her quest, as she lost in the first round to Mandy Leon. But at only 31 years old, she has 13 years of in-ring experience and has more left to accomplish in the business. While speaking with Scott Fishman of Channel Guide Magazine last month, Rayne made it clear that she is headed for nothing but success.
“The Knockouts division was a launching point for women’s wrestling all those years ago. I know right now there is a lot of contention of, ‘Well, the Knockouts started the Women’s Revolution.’ At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter. The Knockouts in 2007 did their thing and probably inspired many who are doing it now in WWE and Ring of Honor and Impact. I hate getting caught up into who did it and who did it better. I think for many years, it has been growing and getting bigger and better. It makes me feel good that I was part of this first generation and did it at such a young age". Rayne added. "I think I was 21 when I had my first tryout match at TNA. I’ve done it for so long, I’m in that really good spot involved heavily back then and involved into it now. It’s fun.”
The field of the 'Women Of Honor' tournament features names such as: Tenille Dashwood, Brandi Rhodes, Mandy Leon and Deonna Purazzo just to name a few. Rayne is aware that ROH's women's division is only blossoming from this point and that the ladies are being featured more, now than they have in the past few years in Ring Of Honor.
“Deonna Purrazzo, Kelly Klein, Mandy Leon and Sumi Sakai; those women laid the foundation for what Women of Honor is right now. I have the opportunity to come in now to put my name and brand on the division. Brandi Rhodes is doing the same thing." She said. "Back when I was wrestling infrequently with them, they had some incredible names and could have easily formed a championship and division, but I don’t think women’s wrestling was where it is right now.There was a lull in the amount of activity women had at Ring of Honor for a few years. I would say this is the perfect time for them. Women’s wrestling is probably at its highest point right now, so, for Ring of Honor to capitalize on it, I think it’s brilliant because I think Ring of Honor is growing just as quickly as women’s wrestling is going. I feel like it only makes sense right now.”
Rayne, who has accomplished a great deal of success in her career; such as being a two-time TNA Knockouts Tag-Team Champion and winning the 'Queen Of The Knockouts" tournament in 2014 has plenty of other accolades to add to her resume'. Although Rayne was not successful in advancing in the 'Women Of Honor' tournament, she still looks to become a top player in ROH's women's division.
