Get to know the history of women's wrestling in Mexico
There are records that wrestling in Mexico already existed since 1863, but it was on July 12, 1935, when women made their debut in this sport in the Arena Mexico.
The history of women's wrestling is not recent, the "ladies of the ring" debuted in the 1930s. Over time, thanks to their effort and discipline in the face of adversity, they became an example and opened the way for women in a sport that had been considered exclusively for men.
There are records that wrestling in Mexico already existed since 1863, but it was on July 12, 1935, when women made their debut in this sport in Arena Mexico.
The group of female wrestlers was made up of Americans, among whom wrestler Mildred Burke and the legendary Natalia Vázquez, considered the first Mexican gladiator, stood out, while "la Dama Enmascarada", known outside the ring as Magdalena Caballero, was the first to wear a mask and the first national champion (1955).
Natalia Vazquez had a tag team wrestling match with Katherine Hart, against tough Teddy Myers and Mae Steins. The bout resulted in a victory for the international pair.
Another legendary wrestler was Irma González (El Santo's girlfriend), who added important victories throughout her career, although the beginning was not easy, promoters recognized her talent, and even established a good relationship with El Santo.
The first show featured Mildred Burke and the legendary Natalia Vázquez, considered the first Mexican gladiator.
A complicated stage for female wrestling was in 1954 because the governor of the Federal District, Ernesto P. Uruchurtu, despite the existence of the female wrestling league, ordered the prohibition of women's participation in contact sports (an activity that returned until December 1986), which caused the wrestlers to leave the city to take their functions to the periphery and province, strengthening the sport.
In those years (March 1955) Isabela (Chabela) Romero began her career in a tournament, she was a great rival for Irma Gonzalez, but both became world female couple champions in Japan.
It was in 1958 when she defeated Irma and became the first national champion, but she lost it to her eternal rival two years later and regained the scepter again in 1964.
Women's wrestling also had a role in the movies; in 1962 its fame reached the big screen in the film "Las luchadoras contra el médico asesino" ("The female wrestlers against the killer doctor") and in 1966 "Las mujeres pantera" ("The Panther women") was filmed.
Nowadays, although women have achieved more space, some of the stigmas suffered by their predecessors are still present in today's society.
By Domingo Fernández
