Black History Month In Wrestling Spotlight: Ethel Johnson
Black History Month is about recognizing pioneers throughout various industries and Ethel Johnson deserves recognition in professional wrestling.
Professional wrestling has several names that didn’t get the shine they deserved when at their height. This is even more prevalent when looking at marginalized groups such as people of color and women. Ethel Johnson is such an individual as many will not recognize the ring name of Ethel Wingo, a trailblazer if ever when it comes to both Black History and Women’s History in the professional wrestling industry.
When talking about some of the top Black women in professional wrestling, the names of Sasha Banks, Bianca Belair, Naomi or Big Swole will come to mind. But the path to their rise in the industry dates back to Johnson, along with her two sisters, Betty and Marva.
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Johnson isn’t a name that garners much recognition, but her recent passing in September of 2019 brought some attention to her contributions to professional wrestling.
The Georgia native began training in a gym at the age of 12 and made her professional debut at the age of 16 in 1950. Billy Wolfe who was married to another icon in women’s wrestling, Mildred Burke, brought in Johnson and others at a time when integration was slowly happening throughout sports.
That opportunity would lead to Johnson and her sisters traveling throughout the United States to perform for crowds. During her time in the ring, Johnson was known as a smaller competitor that would use quick attacks and maneuvers akin to what is popularized in today’s wrestling scene.
Majority of Johnson’s time in the ring was spent along with her sisters as opponents. They would frequently face off in singles or tag matches, and the trio would also compete for the Texas Negro Women’s title. Johnson also held the NWA Women’s Tag Titles with June Byers.
Chris Bournea is leading the effort to increase awareness of women like Johnson through the documentary, Lady Wrestler: The Amazing Untold Story of African American Women in the Ring. Capturing the story of Johnson and women like her is imperative in understanding the legacy that Black women have had in professional wrestling.
Next. Black History Month Spotlight: Norman Smiley. dark
Johnson’s career ended in 1976 after nearly 30 years in the ring. She deserves to be recognized for her contributions to professional wrestling because without Johnson there’s a strong chance the industry would not be graced with some of the most popular women’s performers of today.