NWA’s Max the Impaler Tops OutSports QWI 200
Read the Oct. 2023 NWA Official Wrestling cover story on Max the Impaler.
Max the Impaler has decimated the competition in the National Wrestling Alliance — and beyond. To cap a landmark year, the NWA Women’s Television Champion claims the No. 1 spot in the OutSports QWI 200.
Now in its fourth year, the QWI 200 ranks the world’s top LGBTQ+ professional wrestlers. Factoring in overall success, quality of competition, championships and social and community impact, OutSports notes Max the Impaler bested more than 500 others to take pole position.
“‘The Non-Binary Nightmare’ is an imposing force everywhere they go, but 2023 represented something truly special for the ruler of the Wasteland,” writes OutSports columnist Brian Bell. “They made pro wrestling history multiple times over through their dominance.”
In awarding Max the distinction, OutSports acknowledges an historic year for The Impaler. Breaking gender barriers and norms, they cite the warrior collected titles on multiple continents.
“2023 represented something truly special for the ruler of The Wasteland. They made pro wrestling history multiple times over.”
During a reign of terror early in 2023, “The Warlord of the Wasteland” captured the Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling Tag Team belts. Returning stateside, Max fiirst made a groundbreaking appearance in the NWA Crockett Cup before rag-dolling then-champion Kenzie Paige to win the NWA Women’s Television title at NWA 75. In doing so, Max is the first non-binary champion in NWA’s three-quarter century history.
Embarking on a global tour, Max defended the NWA Women’s TV title in Finland and Japan. While there, “The Non-Binary Nightmare” captured the TJPW International Princess title, becoming the first non-binary, trans-masculine competitor to hold singles gold in a major Japanese promotion.
In the NWA, Max has successfully defended seven times, qualifying for the “Lucky 7.” “The Warlord of the Wasteland” can now cash in the TV title for a shot at the NWA Women’s World Title… held by old foe Kenzie Paige.
“Their accomplishments in two nations with deep historical pro wrestling legacies rang out like a rallying cry,” Bell concludes in the OutSports proclamation. “Let The Wasteland rejoice!”