Mildred Burke
Encyclopedia
Mildred Bliss was an American
professional wrestler
, who wrestled under the name Mildred Burke. She is a member of the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame as well as the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame
. Her heyday lasted from the mid-1930s to the mid-1950s, when she held the World Women's Championship
for almost twenty years. Burke started out in 1935, wrestling men at carnivals. She was managed by her second husband, promoter Billy Wolfe
.
in Gallup, New Mexico
. She lived there for three years, before leaving for Kansas City
after agreeing to marry her boyfriend. He took her to a wrestling event, which sparked her interest in the sport. Burke, who was pregnant at the time, later persevered.
was training aspiring women wrestlers. At first, Wolfe did not want to train Burke and instructed a male wrestler to body slam her, so she would stop asking Wolfe to train her. Burke, however, body slammed the man instead, which resulted in Wolfe agreeing to train her. Wolfe tutored her and realized that she was the prospect for which he was waiting. The close proximity of their training resulted in a relationship and ultimately marriage. Changing her name to Mildred Burke, she defeated Clara Mortenson for the Women’s championship in January 1937.
In the 1930s, Burke wrestled over 200 men, but only lost to one of them.
Despite the riches that her husband earned as a promoter of women grapplers, there was a dark side to their marriage. On the road, Wolfe stood as a father figure to the women he trained and managed, but he also earned reputation as a womanizer. Their marriage was not monogamous, as Wolfe enjoyed the companionship of women with whom he traveled.
channels. Desperate, Burke decided to consult Jack Pfefer
for help. The Alliance attempted to reconcile the couple but the only agreed upon solution was that one would sell out to the other. Burke volunteered to sell to Wolfe for $50,000 but was rebuffed. On January 26, 1953, Wolfe sold to Burke, and the firm Attractions, Inc. was born. Burke and her financial backers consummated the deal for $30,000. As a result of the transaction, all alimony was waived and Wolfe was to be barred from participating for five years. Unfortunately for Burke, the pledge lasted only a few months. Wolfe violated the contract as he started promoting wrestling in Columbus, Ohio
. Wolfe and Burke began to compete for women grapplers as he tempted many grapplers by offering 50 percent of the proceeds. Burke had to improve the offer by offering 60 percent of the proceeds from her promotion. Wolfe eventually won as he settled on the figure of 75 percent.
She had two children, Violet and Joseph Wolfe. Violet died due to injuries suffered in a wrestling match.
Burke’s Attractions, Inc. went into bankruptcy and into the hands of receiver James Hoff of Columbus. Eight months later, Hoff named Wolfe as administrator and was approved by Franklin County
Judge William Bryant. A memorandum dated August 20, 1953, was circulated by Wolfe, in which he boldly announced that he was the booker for Burke and her stable of 27 wrestlers. The claim was disputed by Burke on August 26, 1953, by stating that the issue would be settled in the courts. It was emphasized that her contract prohibited Wolfe from competing in wrestling and was in breach of the binding agreement. She consulted with Leroy McGuirk
and hoped that she would be vindicated by the Alliance at their September 1953 meeting in Chicago.
as male dignitaries argued behind closed doors about her future. Wolfe’s voice was the only one heard by the membership. In the end, the Alliance declined to recognize women’s wrestling after the meeting, Wolfe regained his stake but many women were loyal to Burke and refused to wrestle for Wolfe.
in 1954 fizzled.
Emotionally exhausted, Burke wrestled Wolfe’s daughter-in-law June Byers
and there was genuine heat between the two. The match took place on August 20, 1954 in Atlanta. It was a grudge match that quickly became a shoot
fight, due to genuine enmity between the two women. Wolfe had the local commission in his corner and slid a friendly referee into the match. Burke later admitted that she had given up the legitimate first fall with the intention of competing stronger in the second. The second fall never had a finish. Officials called the match, and Burke left the ring believing that her title was safe because she had not lost two falls. The result was that many in the press stated that Byers had defeated her and the importance of Burke’s championship began to diminish.
. She returned to her promotion after her match with Byers, still recognizing herself as the World Women's Champion even after the NWA had recognized rival June Byers as champion since then, and continued to defend it. She vacated the belt in 1956, when she retired from professional wrestling. In 1970 the belt was revived by All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling
(AJW) as their top prize.
After the tensions with Wolfe and the NWA, Burke traveled with an escort for the rest of her career as a protective measure. She started International Women’s Wrestlers Inc. with Bill Newman and the promotion had offices in New York City, San Francisco and Sydney, Australia. These offices served in the dual capacity of booking offices and training centers.
Her efforts to spread women’s wrestling internationally reached Japan and brought about the World Wide Women’s Wrestling Association (WWWA).
In her later years, Burke ran a women's wrestling school in Encino, California. Among her students was Canadian Rhonda Sing, who went on to fame as WWWA Champion, Monster Ripper, and WWF Women's Champion
, Bertha Faye.
Burke died from a stroke
on February 18, 1989 in Northridge, California. In 2002, she was posthumously inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional wrestler
Professional wrestling
Professional wrestling is a mode of spectacle, combining athletics and theatrical performance.Roland Barthes, "The World of Wrestling", Mythologies, 1957 It takes the form of events, held by touring companies, which mimic a title match combat sport...
, who wrestled under the name Mildred Burke. She is a member of the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame as well as the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame
Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame is a professional wrestling hall of fame that recognizes people who make significant contributions to the sport. It was founded in 1996 by Dave Meltzer, editor of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame is not...
. Her heyday lasted from the mid-1930s to the mid-1950s, when she held the World Women's Championship
World Women's Championship
World Women's Championship may refer to one of several competitions:* World Women's Curling Championship* World Women's Handball Championship* IIHF World Women's Championships * CMLL World Women's Championship...
for almost twenty years. Burke started out in 1935, wrestling men at carnivals. She was managed by her second husband, promoter Billy Wolfe
Billy Wolfe
William Harrison “Billy” Wolfe was a professional wrestling promoter who was active from the 1930s to the 1950s. Wolfe was the husband and manager of Mildred Burke and ran a traveling troupe of women wrestlers alongside her.-Early life:...
.
Early life
Mildred Burke, aged 15, began to work as a waitress on the Zuni Indian ReservationZuni Indian Reservation
The Zuni Indian Reservation is the homeland of the Zuni tribe of Native Americans. It lies in the Zuni River valley and is located primarily in McKinley and Cibola counties in western New Mexico, about west of Albuquerque. There are also several smaller non-contiguous sections in Apache County,...
in Gallup, New Mexico
Gallup, New Mexico
- Demographics :As of the census of 2000, there were 20,209 people, 6,810 households, and 4,869 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,513.7 people per square mile...
. She lived there for three years, before leaving for Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri is the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri and is the anchor city of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Missouri. It encompasses in parts of Jackson, Clay, Cass, and Platte counties...
after agreeing to marry her boyfriend. He took her to a wrestling event, which sparked her interest in the sport. Burke, who was pregnant at the time, later persevered.
Professional wrestling career
Prior to wrestling, she was an office stenographer by day, had outstanding muscle development, and was hoping to become a wrestler. Locally, Billy WolfeBilly Wolfe
William Harrison “Billy” Wolfe was a professional wrestling promoter who was active from the 1930s to the 1950s. Wolfe was the husband and manager of Mildred Burke and ran a traveling troupe of women wrestlers alongside her.-Early life:...
was training aspiring women wrestlers. At first, Wolfe did not want to train Burke and instructed a male wrestler to body slam her, so she would stop asking Wolfe to train her. Burke, however, body slammed the man instead, which resulted in Wolfe agreeing to train her. Wolfe tutored her and realized that she was the prospect for which he was waiting. The close proximity of their training resulted in a relationship and ultimately marriage. Changing her name to Mildred Burke, she defeated Clara Mortenson for the Women’s championship in January 1937.
In the 1930s, Burke wrestled over 200 men, but only lost to one of them.
Despite the riches that her husband earned as a promoter of women grapplers, there was a dark side to their marriage. On the road, Wolfe stood as a father figure to the women he trained and managed, but he also earned reputation as a womanizer. Their marriage was not monogamous, as Wolfe enjoyed the companionship of women with whom he traveled.
Divorce from Billy Wolfe
Tensions emanated from the extramarital activity and in 1952, Wolfe and Burke went their own ways. Burke found herself frozen out of wrestling among all National Wrestling AllianceNational Wrestling Alliance
The National Wrestling Alliance is a wrestling promotion company and sanctions various NWA championships in the United States. The NWA has been in operation since 1948...
channels. Desperate, Burke decided to consult Jack Pfefer
Jack Pfefer
Jack Pfefer was an professional wrestling promoter during the early-to-mid 1900's. He pioneered an earlier form of sports entertainment, as he was one of the first promoters to visualize the pro wrestling business in the mold of theater...
for help. The Alliance attempted to reconcile the couple but the only agreed upon solution was that one would sell out to the other. Burke volunteered to sell to Wolfe for $50,000 but was rebuffed. On January 26, 1953, Wolfe sold to Burke, and the firm Attractions, Inc. was born. Burke and her financial backers consummated the deal for $30,000. As a result of the transaction, all alimony was waived and Wolfe was to be barred from participating for five years. Unfortunately for Burke, the pledge lasted only a few months. Wolfe violated the contract as he started promoting wrestling in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is the capital of and the largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio. The broader metropolitan area encompasses several counties and is the third largest in Ohio behind those of Cleveland and Cincinnati. Columbus is the third largest city in the American Midwest, and the fifteenth largest city...
. Wolfe and Burke began to compete for women grapplers as he tempted many grapplers by offering 50 percent of the proceeds. Burke had to improve the offer by offering 60 percent of the proceeds from her promotion. Wolfe eventually won as he settled on the figure of 75 percent.
She had two children, Violet and Joseph Wolfe. Violet died due to injuries suffered in a wrestling match.
Burke’s Attractions, Inc. went into bankruptcy and into the hands of receiver James Hoff of Columbus. Eight months later, Hoff named Wolfe as administrator and was approved by Franklin County
Franklin County, Ohio
Franklin County is a county located in the state of Ohio, United States. In 2010 the population was 1,163,414, making it the second largest county in Ohio and the 34th largest county in population in the United States. Franklin County is also the largest in the eight-county Columbus, Ohio...
Judge William Bryant. A memorandum dated August 20, 1953, was circulated by Wolfe, in which he boldly announced that he was the booker for Burke and her stable of 27 wrestlers. The claim was disputed by Burke on August 26, 1953, by stating that the issue would be settled in the courts. It was emphasized that her contract prohibited Wolfe from competing in wrestling and was in breach of the binding agreement. She consulted with Leroy McGuirk
Leroy McGuirk
Leroy Michael McGuirk was an American wrestler and professional wrestling promoter. He was involved in professional wrestling for more than fifty years. As one of the longest surviving members of the National Wrestling Alliance , he was affiliated with the promotion from 1949 to 1982.-Early...
and hoped that she would be vindicated by the Alliance at their September 1953 meeting in Chicago.
The Old Boys Network
Burke faced many obstacles, as women were banned from yearly NWA conferences, and this diminished the importance of women in wrestling. An example of the discrimination was evident during the dispute with Wolfe. Burke sat in the lobby of the Blackstone Hotel in ChicagoChicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
as male dignitaries argued behind closed doors about her future. Wolfe’s voice was the only one heard by the membership. In the end, the Alliance declined to recognize women’s wrestling after the meeting, Wolfe regained his stake but many women were loyal to Burke and refused to wrestle for Wolfe.
Genuine animosity
In a letter to NWA members on November 4, 1953, Burke refuted Wolfe’s claim that she would wrestle only one woman grappler. She claimed that there were 12 grapplers with whom she would work. Wolfe, however, used his influence to get her frozen from NWA members and her promising run in the Southeast with Cowboy Luttrall and Paul JonesPaul Jones (wrestler)
Paul Jones is a retired professional wrestler and manager. He had success in the National Wrestling Alliance 's Mid-Atlantic region, including an NWA World Tag Team title reign with Ricky Steamboat.-Career:...
in 1954 fizzled.
Emotionally exhausted, Burke wrestled Wolfe’s daughter-in-law June Byers
June Byers
DeAlva Eyvonnie Sibley , better known by her ring name of June Byers, was an American women's professional wrestler famous in the 1950s and early 1960s. She held the World Women's Championship for ten years and is a member of the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame.-Early life:Born in Houston,...
and there was genuine heat between the two. The match took place on August 20, 1954 in Atlanta. It was a grudge match that quickly became a shoot
Shoot (professional wrestling)
A shoot in professional wrestling is a term that refers to any unplanned, unscripted or real-life occurrence within a wrestling event. Contrary to popular belief, the name does not originate from "shooting in" for a takedown, as in amateur wrestling - rather it is a carny term shortened from...
fight, due to genuine enmity between the two women. Wolfe had the local commission in his corner and slid a friendly referee into the match. Burke later admitted that she had given up the legitimate first fall with the intention of competing stronger in the second. The second fall never had a finish. Officials called the match, and Burke left the ring believing that her title was safe because she had not lost two falls. The result was that many in the press stated that Byers had defeated her and the importance of Burke’s championship began to diminish.
Legacy
In the early 1950s, Burke started the World Women's Wrestling Association in Los Angeles, CaliforniaLos Angeles, California
Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...
. She returned to her promotion after her match with Byers, still recognizing herself as the World Women's Champion even after the NWA had recognized rival June Byers as champion since then, and continued to defend it. She vacated the belt in 1956, when she retired from professional wrestling. In 1970 the belt was revived by All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling
All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling
, nicknamed Zenjo was a joshi puroresu promotion established in 1968 by Takashi Matsunaga and his brothers. The group held their first card on June 4 of that year...
(AJW) as their top prize.
After the tensions with Wolfe and the NWA, Burke traveled with an escort for the rest of her career as a protective measure. She started International Women’s Wrestlers Inc. with Bill Newman and the promotion had offices in New York City, San Francisco and Sydney, Australia. These offices served in the dual capacity of booking offices and training centers.
Her efforts to spread women’s wrestling internationally reached Japan and brought about the World Wide Women’s Wrestling Association (WWWA).
In her later years, Burke ran a women's wrestling school in Encino, California. Among her students was Canadian Rhonda Sing, who went on to fame as WWWA Champion, Monster Ripper, and WWF Women's Champion
WWE Women's Championship
The WWE Women's Championship was a professional wrestling championship in the World Wrestling Entertainment promotion. Created in 1956, it was the oldest active professional wrestling championship in World Wrestling Entertainment history until its retirement in 2010 as a result from a unification...
, Bertha Faye.
Burke died from a stroke
Stroke
A stroke, previously known medically as a cerebrovascular accident , is the rapidly developing loss of brain function due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. This can be due to ischemia caused by blockage , or a hemorrhage...
on February 18, 1989 in Northridge, California. In 2002, she was posthumously inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum is an American professional wrestling hall of fame and museum located in Amsterdam, New York. It was previously located in Schenectady, New York...
.
Championships and accomplishments
- Independent
- World Women's Championship (3 times)
- National Wrestling AllianceNational Wrestling AllianceThe National Wrestling Alliance is a wrestling promotion company and sanctions various NWA championships in the United States. The NWA has been in operation since 1948...
- NWA World Women's ChampionshipNWA World Women's ChampionshipThe NWA World Women's Championship is the National Wrestling Alliance's women's singles professional wrestling title. It is descended from the original Women's World Championship won by Mildred Burke in 1935 from Clara Mortensen. June Byers was then recognized as the succeeding champion after her...
(1 time)
- NWA World Women's Championship
- World Women's Wrestling Association
- WWWA World Heavyweight ChampionshipWWWA World Heavyweight ChampionshipThe WWWA World Heavyweight Championship was the top singles championship in All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling from 1970 until it closed in 2005. It was also known in Pro Wrestling Illustrated and other London Publishing wrestling magazines as the All-Japan Women's International Championship...
(1 time)
- WWWA World Heavyweight Championship
- Professional Wrestling Hall of FameProfessional Wrestling Hall of FameThe Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum is an American professional wrestling hall of fame and museum located in Amsterdam, New York. It was previously located in Schenectady, New York...
- (Class of 2002)
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of FameWrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of FameThe Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame is a professional wrestling hall of fame that recognizes people who make significant contributions to the sport. It was founded in 1996 by Dave Meltzer, editor of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame is not...
(Class of 1996)
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame
External links
- "MILDRED BURKE, 73, DIES AFTER STROKE" by Elliott Almond, Los Angeles Times, February 21, 1989
- Profile at Online World Of Wrestling