A pioneering female professional wrestler who broke gender barriers and inspired generations of women in the sport. Known for her feisty attitude, wrestling skills, and trailblazing career spanning over seven decades .
Mae Young, born Johnnie Mae Young, was an American professional wrestler, trainer, and promoter who blazed a trail for women in the sport, increasing its popularity throughout the 1940s and during World War II. Known for her pioneering spirit, she helped pave the way for future generations of female wrestlers, earning her a place in the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum and the WWE Hall of Fame.
Young was born on March 12, 1923, in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, to a single mother, Lilly Mae Young, during the Great Depression. Despite the challenges she faced, Young's brothers, Fred, Eugen, Lawarence, and Everett, taught her to wrestle, and she went on to become an amateur wrestler on her high school's boys' wrestling team at just 15 years old.
In the 1940s and 1950s, Young wrestled throughout the United States and Canada, winning multiple titles in the National Wrestling Alliance. In 1954, she and Mildred Burke became the first female competitors to tour post-war Japan. Young's success led to her induction into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in 2004.
Her career experienced a resurgence in 1999 when she joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now known as WWE. Young formed a comedic duo with her best friend, The Fabulous Moolah, appearing on WWE televised events. Her ability to take bumps well past the age of 80 endeared her to fans worldwide.
Mae Young's impact on women's wrestling is undeniable. She broke down barriers, paving the way for future generations of female wrestlers. In 2017, WWE introduced the Mae Young Classic, an all-female professional wrestling tournament, in tribute to her memory. The tournament aimed to showcase new female talent and independent circuit veterans from around the world.
Young's legacy extends beyond the wrestling world. She inspired countless women to pursue careers in sports and entertainment, demonstrating that age is just a number and that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.
Throughout her career, Young embodied the spirit of perseverance and determination. She believed that with hard work and dedication, anyone could achieve their goals, regardless of age or gender. Her philosophy inspired countless individuals to pursue their passions, both in and out of the wrestling ring.
Mae Young's remarkable life and career serve as a testament to her pioneering spirit and dedication to women's wrestling. Her influence will continue to inspire generations to come, ensuring her legacy as one of the most iconic figures in the sport.
Born in 1923
A pioneering female professional wrestler who held the WWF Women's Championship for nearly three decades, known for her trailblazing career and iconic matches.
77 Years Old
A charismatic, flashy, and iconic wrestling superstar known for his extravagant ring attire, signature "Woooo!" catchphrase, and 16 world championship titles.
72 Years Old
A professional wrestler and entrepreneur who became a cultural icon in the 1980s and 1990s, known for his charismatic persona and legendary feuds in the WWF (now WWE).
73 Years Old
A flamboyant and charismatic professional wrestler, known for his colorful outfits, intense matches, and iconic wrestling persona, entertaining audiences with his unique blend of athleticism and theatrics.
81 Years Old
A charismatic wrestling personality who entertained audiences as a wrestler, manager, and commentator, known for his quick wit and clever antics.
