Michelle McCool Named Top Women's Wrestler In North America

WWE Diva Michelle Michelle has earned the number one position in Pro Wrestling Illustrated's third annual "PWI Female 50" chart ranking the top 50 women's wrestlers in North America from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010. She succeeds multi-time WWE Women's Champion Mickie James, who charted No. 1 in last year's list.

"Pro Wrestling Illustrated attributes its decision to ranking McCool as the top women's wrestler in North America with the following facts:

FACT: In June 2009, McCool became the first woman in WWE history to have held both the Divas and Women's championships, thanks to a win over Melina.

FACT: Over the past 12 months, McCool has scored pinfall victories over Melina, Gail Kim, and Mickie James?three of the most decorated women wrestlers of the past decade.

FACT: From July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2010, McCool held (or co-held) the WWE Women's championship for 325 of 365 days."

Though not actually fact, Pro Wrestling Illustrated also noted the following regarding McCool: "Here's another fact: Michelle McCool?a woman who has been reviled by fans and derided by peers?is the best woman wrestler in the game today. Like it or not."

The issues hits newsstands September 7.