Sable (wrestler)

1.1. Childhood and Early Modeling Career

Born Rena Greek in Jacksonville, Florida, Lesnar demonstrated an active and athletic childhood, engaging in activities such as gymnastics, horseback riding, and softball. Her foray into the spotlight began at the young age of twelve when she won her first beauty pageant. This early success paved the way for her professional modeling career, which commenced in 1990. She quickly gained recognition, working with prominent global brands such as L'Oréal, Pepsi, and Guess?.

2.1. World Wrestling Federation (1996-1999)

Her initial run with the World Wrestling Federation saw her transition from a manager to a prominent in-ring competitor, becoming one of the most recognizable figures of the Attitude Era.

2.1.2. WWF Women's Champion and Character Transformation

Sable and Jacqueline contended for the newly reinstated WWF Women's Title on the September 21, 1998, edition of Raw, where Jacqueline initially claimed the title after interference from Marc Mero. However, on November 15, 1998, at Survivor Series, Sable defeated Jacqueline to win the championship, securing the victory after powerbombing both Marc Mero and Jacqueline during the match. During this period, Rena Lesnar also made a guest appearance on the USA Network series Pacific Blue. Sable then briefly engaged in a storyline where she was forced to assume a subservient role to Vince and Shane McMahon, though this storyline was abruptly cut short.

In December 1998, a new storyline saw Sable attacked by a masked villainess known as Spider Lady, who was revealed to be Luna Vachon. Sable defeated Luna in a Strap match at the Royal Rumble with assistance from a planted female fan, who was later revealed to be WWF newcomer Tori. Tori's debut coincided with a shift in Sable's persona. Following the Royal Rumble, Sable was featured on the cover of the April 1999 issue of Playboy magazine, which became one of the highest-selling issues in Playboy history. Around the time of the issue's release, the Sable character underwent a heel turn, adopting an inflated ego and a "Hollywood" persona. She introduced a new catchphrase, "This is for all the women who want to be me and all the men who come to see me," and a dance move called "the grind." Sable rarely defended her title and frequently berated her fan, Tori, which led to a feud between them and a match at WrestleMania XV. During this contest, Nicole Bass debuted as Sable's bodyguard and assisted her in winning the match. Sable also feuded with Luna Vachon, who had by then turned face.

Sable continued to use Nicole Bass to perform her "dirty work" and held the championship for nearly six months. However, on May 10, 1999, Debra won the Women's Championship from Sable in an Evening Gown match. While Sable forcibly removed Debra's dress, as per the usual rules of the match, WWF Commissioner Shawn Michaels controversially ruled that the woman who had lost her dress was the winner, making Debra the new Women's Champion. Off-screen, Sable was in a dispute with the WWF at this time, which is believed to have led to her title being stripped on-screen. Sable was also reportedly very unpopular backstage, to the extent that Sean Waltman later admitted to playing a prank on her on her last day with the WWF.

2.2. Activities Outside WWE (1999-2002)

After her departure from the WWF, Sable engaged in various endeavors outside of the company, attempting to join other wrestling promotions and expanding her presence in other media.

Following her WWF exit, Sable made an on-camera appearance as an audience member at a World Championship Wrestling (WCW) Monday Nitro event on June 14, 1999, though a full-time WCW signing did not materialize. In September 1999, she appeared on the cover of Playboy magazine again, this time under her real name, Rena Mero. She made history as the first woman to be featured on two Playboy covers in the same year.

Her media engagements extended beyond print. She guest starred on several television series, including Relic Hunter and First Wave, and appeared in films such as Corky Romano, where she played a female bouncer, and Ariana's Quest, where she took on the titular role. In August 2000, she released her autobiography, titled Undefeated. She also ventured into the comic book world, releasing a comic book series titled The 10th Muse, in which she starred as a superhero. In May 2001, she launched an exclusive advice column on CompuServe. From November 13 to 14, 2001, she served as the on-camera "CEO" of the newly formed Xcitement Wrestling Federation (XWF), co-founded by Jimmy Hart, though these were her only appearances with the company.

2.3. Return to World Wrestling Entertainment (2003-2004)

Rena Lesnar, reprising her role as Sable, returned to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on the April 3, 2003, episode of SmackDown!. She continued to portray a villainess, immediately entering a storyline with the new Playboy cover girl, Torrie Wilson. Sable frequently antagonized Wilson, following her to matches, engaging in backstage confrontations, and on one occasion, abandoning Wilson in a tag team match. Their rivalry culminated in a bikini contest at Judgment Day. Despite Sable receiving a louder applause, Wilson revealed an even smaller bikini underneath her initial one, leading Special Guest Referee Tazz to declare Wilson the winner. After the match, Wilson provocatively kissed Sable before leaving the ring. Sable retaliated on the following SmackDown! by dumping water on Tazz.

Sable then became involved in a highly controversial storyline as Vince McMahon's mistress, which sparked a feud with Stephanie McMahon. Vince, against Stephanie's will, appointed Sable as Stephanie's personal assistant. This led to several heated confrontations, including catfights, a food fight, and a parking lot brawl where Sable's bra was ripped off, exposing her breasts on live television. She also assaulted Stephanie with a clipboard. At Vengeance, Sable defeated Stephanie McMahon following interference from her new ally, A-Train. At SummerSlam, Sable accompanied A-Train in his match against The Undertaker, which A-Train lost. After the match, The Undertaker held Sable, allowing Stephanie to execute a Spear on her. Following SummerSlam, Vince and Sable intensified their efforts to remove Stephanie, leading to an "I Quit" match at No Mercy. During the match, Sable slapped Stephanie and was involved in a scuffle with Linda McMahon.

Sable briefly turned face again when she appeared on the cover of Playboy magazine for the third time in her career, specifically the March 2004 issue, alongside fellow Diva Torrie Wilson, making them the first WWE Divas to pose together. This marked a rare instance of joint Playboy appearances in the company's history. Around the release of this issue, Sable and Wilson feuded with Raw Divas Stacy Keibler and Miss Jackie, despite all four women portraying face characters at the time. The two teams squared off at WrestleMania XX in an Interpromotional Tag Team Evening Gown match, which notably began with the Divas in their underwear, essentially making it a lingerie match. Sable and Wilson emerged victorious. Rumors circulated that the shift to underwear was due to Sable having sustained damage to her breast implants during weightlifting.

Following WrestleMania XX, Sable quickly reverted to her heel persona and engaged in another brief feud with Torrie Wilson. This rivalry concluded at The Great American Bash, where Sable defeated Wilson despite the referee failing to notice that one of Wilson's shoulders was not fully down for the pin. On the July 1, 2004, episode of SmackDown!, Sable was defeated by Wilson in a rematch. On the July 22, 2004, episode of SmackDown!, she participated in a Fatal-4-Way lingerie match against Wilson, Dawn Marie, and Miss Jackie. However, Kurt Angle, in his kayfabe role as WWE's General Manager, fired all four participants. They were subsequently re-signed after Vince McMahon fired Angle as General Manager of SmackDown!. Sable's final appearance in WWE occurred on the August 5, 2004, episode of SmackDown!, where she, Dawn Marie, and Torrie Wilson accompanied Eddie Guerrero to the ring, mocking Kurt Angle, effectively turning face again. On August 10, 2004, WWE's official website announced that Sable and WWE had parted ways, this time on amicable terms. Lesnar stated that her departure was motivated by a desire to spend more time with her family.

2.4. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2006-2007)

Following her second departure from WWE, Sable made appearances in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), primarily accompanying her husband, Brock Lesnar. She debuted with Brock Lesnar as special guests at NJPW's Toukon Shidou Chapter 1 event on January 4, 2006, which included a guest appearance at the Tokyo Dome event. She continued to accompany Lesnar in NJPW until late June 2007. Sable and Lesnar later departed from the company following a lawsuit battle between Brock Lesnar and WWE.

3.1. Modeling and Playboy

Sable had a significant impact as a model, particularly through her numerous appearances on the cover of Playboy magazine. She was featured on the cover three times: April 1999, September 1999, and March 2004. The April 1999 issue, featuring her on the cover, became one of the highest-selling issues in Playboy history. Her March 2004 cover, shared with fellow WWE Diva Torrie Wilson, marked the first time two WWE Divas appeared together on the magazine's cover, further cementing her status as a cultural icon and sex symbol in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

3.2. Film and Television

Rena Lesnar transitioned into acting, taking on various roles in both film and television.

3.3. Video Games

Sable has been featured as a playable character or in-game personality in several professional wrestling video games. Her video game debut was in the WWE game WWF Attitude. She also appeared in WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain and WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw.

3.4. Other Ventures

Beyond her wrestling and acting, Sable explored other media avenues, including publishing and online content. She released her autobiography, Undefeated, in August 2000. She also starred in her own comic book series, The 10th Muse, where she portrayed a superhero. Additionally, in May 2001, she was given an advice column on CompuServe, offering her perspective to an online audience.

4.1. In-Ring Style and Signature Moves

Sable's in-ring style often showcased agility and power, incorporating a blend of striking and power maneuvers. Among her characteristic wrestling techniques, she popularized several signature moves:

• Sable Bomb (a powerbomb)
• Sablecanrana (an inverted hurricanrana)
• TKO (Total Knock Out)
• Martial arts kick
• Cross-body

4.2. Public Persona and Influence

Sable cultivated a controversial and influential public image within professional wrestling, solidifying her status as a prominent sex symbol during the Attitude Era. Her provocative persona, characterized by revealing attire and confident demeanor, significantly contributed to her immense popularity among fans. She became a trailblazer for the visual presentation of female performers, influencing the development of the "Divas" concept in WWE. Her widespread appeal, especially during her first tenure, demonstrated the significant impact a female personality could have on the wrestling product, drawing record viewership and magazine sales. Despite her controversial nature, her character helped elevate the visibility of women in professional wrestling, albeit often through a focus on physical appearance.

7.1. Impact on Women's Wrestling

Sable is widely regarded as a pivotal figure in shaping the "Divas" era of WWE and significantly contributing to the visibility and presentation of women in professional wrestling during the late 1990s. Her immense popularity and captivating persona, which blended athleticism with overt sexuality, helped elevate the profile of female performers from being mere valets to featured attractions. She broke barriers by appearing on the cover of Playboy magazine multiple times while actively wrestling, a feat that drew significant mainstream attention to both her and the women's division. This increased exposure undeniably contributed to a greater emphasis on female talent in WWE programming, paving the way for future generations of women wrestlers and their broader acceptance in the industry. Her commercial success demonstrated the lucrative potential of promoting female stars, even if the primary focus was often on their physical appeal rather than their athletic prowess.

7.2. Controversies and Criticisms

Sable's career was also characterized by various controversies and criticisms, particularly her high-profile legal disputes with WWE. Her 1999 lawsuit against the company, alleging sexual harassment and unsafe working conditions, including claims of being forced to perform topless, brought critical scrutiny to workplace practices within the wrestling industry. This lawsuit, which was settled out of court, highlighted broader implications for worker rights, workplace safety, and ethical considerations regarding the sexualization and representation of female performers in entertainment. The incident where her bra was ripped off on live television, exposing her breasts, further fueled debates about the boundaries of on-screen content and the autonomy of performers.

Beyond legal challenges, Sable was reportedly unpopular backstage during her initial WWF tenure. Accounts from other wrestlers, such as Sean Waltman, detail a practical joke played on her on her final day, indicative of the challenging relationships she had with some colleagues. These incidents, combined with her controversial character portrayal and the nature of her departures from WWE, contribute to a legacy that, while influential, is also deeply intertwined with discussions surrounding gender equality, performer exploitation, and the ethical responsibilities of entertainment companies. Her story serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by individuals, particularly women, in navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry while advocating for their own well-being and professional dignity.