The world of wrestling is often thought of as a testosterone fueled fantasy land. In more recent years, more and more women, including Black women, have come to the forefront of the industry. As visibility of these athletes increases, it allows for them to get the shine they’ve always deserved. Black female wrestlers have long been providing their unique perspectives to the wrestling industry. From Ethel Johnson, the first African-American women’s champion, to Jade Cargill, Black women are part of what make wrestling special and simply fun to watch. Here’s a look at Black female wrestlers past and present that you should know.
Awesome Kong
Kia Stevens is a semi-retired professional wrestler whose career spanned 20 years. She mostly wrestled under the name Awesome Kong but during her stint with the WWE, she used the ring name Kharma. Stevens started wrestling professionally in 2002 after making an appearance on a reality television show. Most of her early career days were spent wresting in Japan before she returned in America to joined TNA Wrestling. While with the organization Stevens became a two-time TNA Knockouts Champion. She eventually signed with WWE. Stevens retired in 2021. In her retirement, the wrestler was inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame. She also tried her hand at acting. Stevens appeared in the Netflix show “Glow.” The drama follows a a crew of misfits who reinvent themselves as the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling.
Jade Cargill
With her superhero looks, Jade Cargill has made a name for herself in the world of wrestling. She joined the WWE in 2023 after a three year career in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Cargill is one half of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions along with Bianca Belair. She was born in Florida and is the daughter of a Jamaican father.
Cargill showcases a “powerhouse” style in the ring. She has mentioned X-Men character storm as one of her inspirations.
Kiera Hogan
Hailing from Decatur, Georgia, Kiera Hogan has earned the nickname “The First Lady of Atlanta.” She is currently signed to AEW but is best known for her work in Impact Wrestling. She describes herself as an LGTBQ Advocate and is in a relationship with fellow professional wrestler Diamante.
Ethel Johnson
Ethel Hairston wrestled under the ring name Ethel Johnson and debuted at the age of 16. She was the first Black women’s champion. Hairston was a big draw during her time wrestling. She was a stellar athlete and one of the first female wrestlers to perform a standing dropkick. For Hairston, wrestling was a family affair. Her sisters, Babs Wingo and Marva Scott were also in the wrestling industry.
Bianca Belair
Bianca Crawford is the other half of the WWE Women’s Tag Team with Jade Cargill. Crawford goes by her ring name, Bianca Belair. She made her wrestling debut in 2016 as a part of the WWE’s developmental brand, NXT. Before entering the world of wrestling, Crawford competed in track and field for three different universities. She also worked as a Crossfit competitor. Crawford is known for her signature long braided ponytail which she often incorporates into her matches to beat out opponents.
Athena
Adrienne Palmer got her start in the world of wrestling in 2007. She is known by the ring name Athena and was introduced to wrestling by her grandfather. She is signed to AEW but also appears in the independent circuits.
Marva Scott
Marva Goodwin is better known by her wrestling name, Marva Scott. She is listed among some of the first Black women wrestlers in the United States. Goodwin got her start in the 1950s along with her sisters, Ethel Johnson and Babs Wingo. Scott was inducted into the Women’s Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2023, 10 years after her death.