Mae Young

Mae Young, born on March 12, 1923, was a trailblazing American professional wrestler, trainer, and promoter. Throughout her illustrious career, she captivated audiences across the United States and Canada, earning multiple titles in the National Wrestling Alliance. Young played a pivotal role in elevating the popularity of women's wrestling during the 1940s and throughout World War II, establishing herself as one of the sport's pioneers.

In 1954, Mae Young, alongside fellow wrestler Mildred Burke, became one of the first female competitors to tour post-war Japan, further expanding the reach and recognition of women in wrestling. Her contributions to the sport were not only significant in her early years but also saw a resurgence in the late 1990s when she joined the World Wrestling Federation, now known as WWE.

Young's comedic partnership with her best friend, The Fabulous Moolah, brought joy to fans during WWE televised events. Remarkably, she continued to take bumps well into her eighties, showcasing her enduring passion for wrestling. In recognition of her contributions, she was inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in 2004 and later into the WWE Hall of Fame on March 29, 2008.

In 2017, WWE honored Mae Young's legacy by introducing the Mae Young Classic, an all-female professional wrestling tournament designed to spotlight emerging female talent and independent veterans. The tournament not only celebrated her impact on the sport but also provided a platform for the next generation of female wrestlers. Although the tournament was discontinued after its second edition in 2018, Mae Young's influence continues to resonate in the world of professional wrestling.