June Byers, billed as the Texas Tornado, was a popular women’s wrestler during the
1950’s and 1960’s. Byers began her journey to stardom in Houston, TX and never
looked back. Byers blazed a trail for women in the sport of wrestling and considered one
of the most dominant athletes during her time.
Byers was a powerhouse at 5’7”, who left her impact on the industry as a fearsome
heel, who was dominant around the country. She made her professional debut in 1944
touring with promoter, Bill Wolf, and captured her first gold in 1952 winning tag team
titles with her partner Millie Stafford.
Byers a year later captured the World Championship after winning a 13-women
tournament. Her star continued to grow, and she quickly became a fan favorite around
the country. In the Queen of the Ring film, Byers is portrayed by Kailey Latimer
otherwise known as Kamille, who is a current wrestler for AEW. During the film you will
controversy, with Mildred Burke, who is arguably Byers greatest rival.
Byers would become the face of women’s wrestling for a decade until she retired in
1964. She held the Women’s World Championship for 10 years and is a three-time
champion in addition to being a seven-time tag team champion. She is also credited
with being a part of the first interracial tag-team with Ethel Johnson, whom she was
NWA tag champions with.
Byers is a member of the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame (Class of 2006), and the WWE
Hall of Fame (Class of 2017), and in addition to seeing her on the big screen in Queen
of the Ring, her story can be read in a book titled “The Great and Inimitable June
Byers,” written by John Cosper.
What other exciting things do you know about June Byers? Let us know in the
comments.
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