Gail Kim’s departure from TNA has stirred emotions across the wrestling world, but her legacy as the cornerstone of the Knockouts Division remains firmly intact. TNA co-founder Jeff Jarrett recently shed new light on just how instrumental Kim was in creating a platform for women in the company — even when leadership wasn’t ready to commit.
Kim Pushed for a Women’s Division When No One Else Would
Speaking on a recent episode of his My World podcast, Jarrett revealed that Kim wasn’t just a top-tier performer, but the driving force behind the birth of TNA’s women’s division.
“She really, really pushed for a women’s division at that time,” Jarrett said. “And I gave the pushback multiple times, because I said, ‘Hey, if we’re going to do it, we got to make sure we give the proper amount of time to it.’”
Jarrett emphasized the logistical challenges of launching a women’s division in the early TNA days, noting that the roster wasn’t deep enough. But Kim insisted.
“We had a little bit — but with me and America’s Most Wanted, she was the first one,” he explained. “She pushed and pushed, and she was right. We needed it.
A Star Performer Who Redefined the Role
Kim didn’t just advocate for change — she embodied it. Jarrett praised her athleticism and storytelling ability.
“She’d jump off the top and do a hurricanrana… her athleticism in the early days jumped off the page.”
More importantly, she mastered the art of being a believable babyface, something Jarrett says is rare for women in wrestling.
“Sometimes it is harder for a female to be that — you know, as we call the business, white meat babyface. Because you still got to have an edge… She was very, very, very skilled, and I’ll say this: a professional wrestler.”
A Legacy That Won’t Be Forgotten
Kim’s efforts helped establish one of the most respected women’s divisions in wrestling history. As her chapter with TNA closes, Jarrett’s reflections offer a powerful reminder of her enduring impact — not just as a performer, but as a pioneer who wouldn’t take no for an answer.
