Meet The Wingo Sisters
Marva Scott
Marva Scott was born in Decatur, Georgia but raised in Columbus, Ohio with her brothers and sisters. Scott learned both judo and karate from her older brother. Growing up, Scott was the type that would rough-house, and beat up boys in the neighborhood.
Scott began her wrestling career in the 1950's, wrestling until 1979.
Scott and her sister Ethel Johnson became tag-team champions. Scott was soon featured on the cover of Ring Magazine in 1976, becoming the first Black Lady Wrestler to do so. Scott also took her talents abroad, wrestling in Japan, Australia, Central America, Canada and all over the United States.
Marva was a Heel (villain) during her wrestling career, making it very dangerous as she wrestled throughout the South. She and her amazing sisters made history.
Ethel Johnson
Ethel Johnson was the first Negro Champion, becoming famous for her invention of the standing drop-kick, as well as the flying scissors that she invented with her sisters Babs Wingo and Marva Scott.
Ethel followed her older-sister Babs' footsteps. As Babs trained, Ethel would hang around the gym learning and creating different moves.
Her career began in the 1950's, at the young age of 15. Johnson became a superstar in Lady Wrestling. She also held many titles, incuding 2x Tag Team Championships. Ethel was an agile, and athletic wrestler, yet small in stature.
Babs Wingo
Babs Wingo was the first Black Lady Wrestler. Her career began when she was discovered by Billy Wolfe while working as a coat check girl on Long St. in Columbus, Ohio. Wolfe was inspired by Jackie Robinson, deciding to integrate wrestling. Babs became the pioneer, leading the way.
Babs was the first black lady wrestler to wrestle an interracial match against Mildred Burke for the championship. Over 8,000 spectators attended the match, in which she defeated Burke on August 20, 1954.
Wingo and Burke would go on to train future Lady Wrestlers, including her two sisters Marva Scott and Ethel Johnson.
Wingo would retire, focusing on her family.