Born: 1915 (Coffeyville, Kansas)
Died: 1989
Biography:
Mildred Burke (August 5, 1915 – February 18, 1989) was an American professional wrestler and an influential figure in women’s wrestling. Known as a tenacious and skilled performer, Burke held the NWA World Women’s Championship for nearly two decades, establishing herself as one of the dominant forces in the sport.
Born as Mildred Bliss on August 5, 1915, in Coffeyville, Kansas, Burke’s early life was marked by her determination and resilience. At the age of 15, she left school and worked as a waitress on the Zuni Indian Reservation in Gallup, New Mexico. After three years, she decided to move to Kansas City with her boyfriend, who introduced her to professional wrestling. Despite being pregnant at the time, Burke’s interest in the sport was sparked, and she went on to pursue a career in wrestling.
Burke’s journey into professional wrestling began as an office stenographer during the day while she trained intensely to become a professional wrestler. Her dedication and outstanding muscle development caught the attention of Billy Wolfe, a prominent wrestling trainer. Initially hesitant to train Burke, Wolfe instructed a male wrestler to body slam her, hoping she would lose interest. However, Burke surprised everyone by successfully executing a body slam on the man, convincing Wolfe of her potential.
Under Wolfe’s guidance, Burke quickly established herself in the wrestling circuit. Changing her name to Mildred Burke, she defeated Clara Mortenson in January 1937 to capture the Women’s World Championship. A formidable athlete, Burke took on the challenge of wrestling men and won against over 200 opponents, losing only to one among them. Her skills and success brought her considerable fame and recognition.
Despite her accomplishments, Burke’s personal life was marred by challenges. Her relationship with Billy Wolfe, who became her manager and later husband, was fraught with difficulties. While Wolfe played a significant role in her career, he was also involved in numerous infidelities, causing strain in their marriage. Despite these challenges, Burke continued to thrive in the wrestling world.
The turning point in Burke’s life came in 1952 when she separated from Wolfe due to his repeated infidelity. However, this decision came at a cost, as she found herself frozen out of professional wrestling opportunities within the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). Determined to continue her career, Burke sought the help of Jack Pfefer, a wrestling promoter. Although the NWA attempted to mediate the situation, the only resolution agreed upon was for one of them to sell out to the other. Ultimately, Burke volunteered to sell her share of the promotion to Wolfe, severing her ties with him.
Undeterred by the challenges she faced, Burke embarked on a new chapter in her wrestling career. She formed her own all-women wrestling promotion and continued to wrestle independently, firmly establishing herself as a pioneer in women’s wrestling. Burke’s perseverance paid off, as she gained recognition for her contributions to the sport.
Beyond her wrestling career, Mildred Burke left an indelible impact on women’s history. She broke barriers and shattered stereotypes, showcasing the strength and athleticism of women in a male-dominated industry. Her success inspired future generations of female wrestlers and played a crucial role in the development and advancement of women’s professional wrestling.
Mildred Burke’s legacy extends far beyond her time in the ring. She paved the way for women athletes, proving that they could excel in sports traditionally dominated by men. Her contributions to professional wrestling and her influential role in women’s history earned her a well-deserved place in the WWE Hall of Fame’s Legacy Wing, the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame.
Awards:
– WWE Hall of Fame (Legacy Wing)
– Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
– Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame