Beverly Shade
Born(1936-03-21)March 21, 1936
Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
DiedJune 2, 2023(2023-06-02) (aged 87)
Southaven, Mississippi, U.S.
Spouse(s)
Billy Blue River
​
(m. 1969)​
Children2
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)
  • Beverly Blue River
  • Beverly Shade
Billed height5 ft 8 in (173 cm)[1]
Billed weight145 lb (66 kg)[1]
Trained byElla Waldek[2]
Debut1958
Retired1989

Beverly Wenhold (March 21, 1936 – June 2, 2023), known by the ring name Beverly Shade, was an American professional wrestler. Her career spanned from the 1950s to the 1980s. During her career, she held the NWA Women's Tag Team Championship.

Professional wrestling career

Shade began her training in 1957 under Ella Waldek, and would later adapt the nickname "The Hammer".[2] Shade's first match occurred in Lakeland, Florida, where she participated in a battle royal.[3] On August 1978, Shade alongside her trainee Natasha the Hatchet Lady won the NWA Women's Tag Team Championship.[2][4]

Over the course of her wrestling career, Shade held titles such as the All-Star Wrestling Women's Championship twice.

Personal life and death

Shade was married to fellow wrestler Billy Blue River.[2][5] The couple had two sons.[2]

Shade died from complications of lung cancer on June 2, 2023, at the age of 87.[2]

Championships and accomplishments

References

  1. 1 2 "Beverly Shade". Online World of Wrestling. Archived from the original on June 16, 2019. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Casciaro, Joseph (June 2, 2023). "Women's Wrestling Great Beverly Shade Dies". Slam Wrestling. Archived from the original on June 25, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  3. ↑ Pollock, John (June 5, 2023). "Beverly Shade dies at 87 following health issues". Post Wrestling. Archived from the original on June 12, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  4. 1 2 Schadler, Kyle (January 1, 2012). "Abandoned: The History of the WWF Women's Tag Team Championship". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on April 4, 2023. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  5. 1 2 Oliver, Greg (April 25, 2023). "A 'heartbreaking and beautiful' tribute to Beverly Shade". Slam Wrestling. Archived from the original on June 16, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  6. 1 2 "Beverly Shade". Online World of Wrestling. 2023-08-10. Retrieved 2023-08-11.
  7. ↑ "Honorees". Cauliflower Alley Club. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved November 16, 2021.
  8. ↑ Oliver, Greg (November 30, 2018). "Class of 2019 announced by Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame". Slam Wrestling. Archived from the original on June 17, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  9. ↑ Johnson, Mike (November 14, 2022). "First inductees announced for Women's Wrestling Hall of Fame". PWInsider.com. Archived from the original on October 1, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
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