Amid screaming fans and beaming colleagues, Busty Moneyslam was inducted into the Wrestling Hall of Fame on Saturday evening, cementing her legacy as one of the most influential and trailblazing figures in the sport’s history. The ceremony, held at the organization’s largest performance facility in Orlando, FL, was a celebration of Moneyslam’s groundbreaking career, marked by unparalleled athleticism and resilience.
Born and raised in rural Kentucky, Moneyslam spoke about watching wrestling as a child with her family, idolizing legends of the sport while dreaming of one day stepping into the ring herself. However, in an era when professional wrestling was dominated by male performers, opportunities for women were scarce and often limited to stereotypical roles.
Determined to break the mold, Moneyslam trained tirelessly, honing her skills in local gyms and smaller promotions before making her national debut at the age of 23. Her in-ring persona symbolized her pride as a woman and her desire to close the pay gap, themes which resonated with fans and became a hallmark of her career.
“When I started, people told me there was no place for women in wrestling,” Moneyslam said during her induction speech. “But I knew what I was capable of, and that one day I would make them beg for mercy.”
“Busty’s impact goes beyond titles and accolades,” said longtime colleague and fellow Hall of Famer Jim “Atomic Rhino” Fugelsang. “She changed the way people view women in wrestling. She made it possible for the next generation to dream bigger.”
Beyond her in-ring accomplishments, Moneyslam has been a vocal advocate for charitable causes. After her retirement from wrestling and transition into television, she founded the nonprofit organization “Little Bookers,” dedicated to putting children’s books in elementary classrooms across the country.
“Busty has always been about giving back,” said Audrey Park, CFO of Park Ministries and a longtime supporter and friend. “She’s not just a mentor; she’s a role model who shows us what’s possible when you refuse to give up.”
The induction ceremony was a star-studded affair, attended by wrestling legends, fans, and industry insiders. Moneyslam’s introduction was delivered by Fugelsang, whose emotional speech highlighted their storied history in the ring. “We pushed each other to our limits,” Fugelsang said, fighting back tears. “But beyond the competition, Busty has always been my greatest inspiration.”
Notably, Moneyslam’s ex-husband and former wrestling partner Grip “Spandex Pecs” Rutherford was not in attendance. He declined to comment for this article.
