Gail Kim Named The Best Women's Wrestler Of 2012 - Ranked No. 1 In 5th Annual 'PWI Female 50'

Gail Kim has earned the number one position in Pro Wrestling Illustrated's fifth annual "PWI Female 50" list, which ranks the top 50 women's wrestlers in North America from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012. She succeeds Madison Eagles, who ranked No. 1 in last year's list.

Pro Wrestling Illustrated attributes their decision to ranking Kim as the top women's wrestler in North America to her record-breaking 210-day reign as TNA Women's Knockout Champion.

The full list will be revealed this Thursday when the annual issue is released via digital download. The magazine will hit newsstands later this month.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pro Wrestling Illustrated has revealed that Gail Kim has been named #1 in the 2012 PWI Female 50. The Female 50 will be available for digital download on Thursday, October 18, at www.pwi-online.com. It will be released on newsstands later this month.

This is the first time Gail Kim has earned this distinction. Prior Female 50 number ones have included Madison Eagles (2011), Michelle McCool (2010), Mickie James (2009), and Awesome Kong (2008).

"Gail Kim held the Knockouts title for 210 days during the evaluation period," said PWI Senior Writer Dan Murphy. "She also held the Knockouts tag team title, and had a string of successful title defenses against the top women in TNA, including Mickie James, Tara, and Madison Rayne. Our congratulations go out to her."

For more information, please visit www.pwi-online.com.

Pro Wrestling Illustrated has been recognized as the sport's number one magazine since its inception in 1979. Founded by legendary publisher Stanley Weston, PWI set out on a course to alter the landscape of pro wrestling journalism. Over the years, utilizing the talents of the world's finest writers, editors, photographers, and designers, PWI succeeded beyond Weston's wildest dreams.

Joe Raider Fan contributed to this article.