.jpeg) | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | Ethel Blanche Wingo (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 | 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] |
Ethel Blanche Hairston (néeWingo; May 14, 1935 – September 14, 2018) was an Americanprofessional wrestler whosering name wasEthel Johnson.[1][3] She debuted at age 16,[4] becoming the first African-Americanwomen's champion.[5][4] She was a fan favorite, billed as "the biggest attraction to hit girl wrestling since girl wrestling began."[5][6]
Johnson started her training after her sister Babs Wingo, the first African-American woman todesegregate professional wrestling, in the 1950s, signing with the promoterBilly Wolfe. Their younger sisterMarva Scott would later join professional wrestling as well.[4] In 1952, Johnson, along with her sisters worked three matches including atag team match in the main event atBaltimore,Maryland, which drew the highest record crowd of 3,611 fans.[4] By 1954, Johnson and Wingo received top billing alongsideGorgeous George, after drawing 9,000 fans at theMunicipal Auditorium inKansas City, Missouri.[4] While touring Latin America, Johnson worked under the nameRita Valdez.
Johnson was known for her athleticism, being one of the first female wrestlers to perform astanding dropkick in her matches, as well as including a variation of theflying headscissors[1][2]
During her time in wrestling, Johnson faced popular wrestlers at the time such asJune Byers andPenny Banner, and even challengingMildred Burke for herNWA World Women's Championship.[7] Eventually, Johnson caughtStu Hart's eye and began working for his promotionBig Time Wrestling as well as wrestling for theCapitol Wrestling Corporation.[2] In her final years in wrestling, Johnson worked atAmerican Wrestling Association, where her last match was against her sister Marva Scott in 1976.[2]
Johnson was born Ethel Blanche Wingo inDecatur, Georgia, to Gladys Chase and Clifford Wingo on May 14, 1935.[1] Johnson had two other wrestling sisters: her older sister, Betty (ring name: Babs Wingo), and younger sister, Marva (ring name: Marva Scott).
Johnson took her stage name to differentiate her from Betty, who became a professional at about the same time. They often wrestled each other, but many fans would not know that they were related.[1] Johnson said it was every women's wrestlers' dream to perform inMadison Square Garden, but women's wrestling was banned in New York during her prime.[4] She retired in 1977 without ever performing there.[6]
Johnson died ofheart disease on September 14, 2018, inColumbus, Ohio. She was 83.[1][8]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Lady Wrestler: The Amazing, Untold Story of African American Women in the Ring | Herself | Documentary |
