Beverly Shade

Beverly Wenhold (March 21, 1936 – June 2, 2023), known by the ring name Beverly Shade, was an American professional wrestler. Her career spanned from the 1950s to the 1980s, a fixture in the women’s wrestling scene for decades. During her career, she held the NWA Women's Tag Team Championship.^[3]

Beverly Shade
Born	(1936-03-21)March 21, 1936 Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
Died	June 2, 2023(2023-06-02) (aged 87) Southaven, Mississippi, U.S.
Spouse	Billy Blue River ​ (m. 1969)​
Children	2
Professional wrestling career
Ring names	Beverly Blue River Beverly Shade
Billed height	5 ft 8 in (173 cm)[1]
Billed weight	145 lb (66 kg)[1]
Trained by	Ella Waldek[2]
Debut	1958
Retired	1989

Professional wrestling career

Shade began her training in 1957 under Ella Waldek, and would later adapt the nickname "The Hammer".^[2] Shade's first match occurred in Lakeland, Florida, where she participated in a battle royal.^[4] In August 1978, Shade alongside her trainee Natasha the Hatchet Lady won the NWA Women's Tag Team Championship.^[2][5] Later, she teamed with another trainee, Tracy Richards as The Arm & Hammer Connection.

Over the course of her wrestling career, Shade held titles such as the All-Star Wrestling Women's Championship twice.

Personal life and death

Shade was married to fellow wrestler Billy Blue River.^[2][6] They would team together in mixed matches as ‘Beverly Two River’. Billy also launched his outlaw group in Florida with Shade by his side. The couple had two sons.^[2]

Shade died from complications of lung cancer on June 2, 2023, at the age of 87.^[2]

Championships and accomplishments

All-Star Wrestling (Florida)
Title	Times / Year	Partner	Ref
Florida Women’s Championship	2×	—	[7]
Cauliflower Alley Club
Honor	Year	Partner	Ref
Other honoree	2000	—	[8]
International Wrestling Alliance (Florida)
Title	Times / Year	Partner	Ref
IWA World Women’s Tag Team Championship	1×	Tracy Richards	[7]
National Wrestling Alliance
Title	Times / Year	Partner	Ref
NWA Women’s Tag Team Championship	1×	Natasha the Hatchet Lady	[5]
Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
Honor	Year	Partner	Ref
Class of 2019	—	—	[9]
Women’s Wrestling Hall of Fame
Honor	Year	Partner	Ref
Class of 2023	—	—	[6][10]