Ethel Johnson (wrestler)

Ethel Johnson
Birth nameEthel Blanche Wingo
Born(1935-05-14)May 14, 1935
Decatur, Georgia, U.S.
DiedSeptember 14, 2018(2018-09-14) (aged 83)
Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
Cause of deathHeart disease
SpouseLeon Hairston (–2010)
Children3
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Ethel Johnson
Rita Valdez
Billed height5 ft 5 in (1.65 m)
Billed weight115 lb (52 kg)
Trained byMildred Burke
Debut1952
Retired1976

Ethel Blanche Hairston (née Wingo; May 14, 1935 – September 14, 2018) was an American professional wrestler whose ring name was Ethel Johnson. She debuted at age 16, becoming the first African-American women's champion. She was a fan favorite, billed as "the biggest attraction to hit girl wrestling since girl wrestling began."