Ethel Johnson (wrestler)
American professional wrestler / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Ethel Blanche Hairston (née Wingo; May 14, 1935 – September 14, 2018) was an American professional wrestler whose ring name was Ethel Johnson.[1][3] She debuted at age 16,[4] becoming the first African-American women's champion.[5][4] She was a fan favorite, billed as "the biggest attraction to hit girl wrestling since girl wrestling began."[5][6]
Quick Facts Birth name, Born ...
Ethel Johnson | |
---|---|
Birth name | Ethel Blanche Wingo |
Born | (1935-05-14)May 14, 1935 Decatur, Georgia, U.S. |
Died | September 14, 2018(2018-09-14) (aged 83) Columbus, Ohio, U.S. |
Cause of death | Heart disease |
Spouse(s) | Leon Hairston (–2010)[1] |
Children | 3[1] |
Professional wrestling career | |
Ring name(s) | Ethel Johnson Rita Valdez |
Billed height | 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m)[1] |
Billed weight | 115 lb (52 kg)[1] |
Trained by | Mildred Burke[2] |
Debut | 1952[2] |
Retired | 1976[2] |
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