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Beverly Shade

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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, a fixture in the women’s wrestling scene for decades. During her career, she held the NWA Women's Tag Team Championship.[3]

Professional wrestling career

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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.[4] In August 1978, Shade alongside her trainee Natasha the Hatchet Lady won the NWA Women's Tag Team Championship.[2][5] Later, she teamed with another trainee, Tracy Richards as The Arm & Hammer Connection.

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

Personal life and death

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Shade was married to fellow wrestler Billy Blue River.[2][6] They would team together in mixed matches as ‘Beverly Two River’. Billy also launched his outlaw group in Florida with Shade by his side. The couple have two sons.[2]

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

Championships and accomplishments

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Beverly Shade". Online World of Wrestling. Archived from the original on June 16, 2019. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e f 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. ^ "Women's wrestling great Beverly Shade dies - Slam Wrestling". June 3, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ a b 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.
  6. ^ a b 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.
  7. ^ a b "Beverly Shade". Online World of Wrestling. August 10, 2023. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  8. ^ "Honorees". Cauliflower Alley Club. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved November 16, 2021.
  9. ^ 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.
  10. ^ 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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