Meet the first black professional women wrestlers who brightened the sport in the 1950s

They began their profession at a time when both their race and gender were often not ideal for the industry.

Promoted as “negro lady wrestlers” or “colored girl wrestlers,” these four women, who were usually pitted against one another, toured many towns within the wrestling world drawing over 9,000 fans and receiving top billing alongside some of the most famous male wrestlers of all time.

By 1955, they were averaging roughly $300 a week and even reportedly showing the “menfolks some tricks in the trade when it comes to rapid, rugged wrestling fireworks.”

Here are the world’s first African-American women professional wrestlers who changed the pro-wrestling game: