1937 – This year is recognized as the beginning of the birth of women’s wrestling. Mildred Burke wins the first ever women’s world title by defeating Clara Mortensen. After 16 years under her leadership, the WWWA (World Women’s Wrestling Association) is founded, Burke proclaims herself the first champion of her federation, and after that the first champion of the NWA (National Wrestling Alliance) (according to the unofficial version). As for the official version, the first NWA champion in 1954 is June Beers, who defeated Burke in a two-falls-out-of-three match, taking the title and the title from her. Mildred herself would return to her WWWA federation, where she would remain champion until 1956 before ending her career (the title would be transferred to the Women’s Wrestling Championship in Japan in the 70’s).
June Beers remains the favorite for two years, until she is replaced by the Incredible Moolah. September 18, 1956 becomes the beginning of the “Incredible Moolah era”. Throughout the late 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s she remains the top favorite for the NWA Women’s Championship, only losing her title a few times for short periods of time. The heroines who were able to defeat the Incredible Moolah were Betty Boucher, Yokiko Tamore, Sue Green and Evelyn Stevens.
Also developing is the NWA Women’s Tag Team Championships and the less significant singles AWA, NWA United States, NWA Florida, etc.
In Japan, women’s wrestling originated in 1955 in the AJW (All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling) federation. Women’s wrestling in Japan was quoted at the same level as men’s wrestling, meaning it was just as popular. As mentioned earlier, the WWWA Women’s title returned in 1970 and would hold until 2006. It should also be noted that Japanese wrestlers were considered stronger and more technical than their American opponents.
