Judy Grable

Infobox_Wrestler
name=Nellya Burres-Baughman
names=Judy Grable
height=height|foot=5|inch=4
weight=convert|175|lb|kg|abbr=on
birth_date=August 21, 1925
birth_place=Bremerton, Washington
debut=1938
retired=1956
death_date=May 9, 2008 (aged 82)

Nellya Burres-Baughman (August 21, 1925 – May 9, 2008) was an American professional wrestler who was best known as Judy Grable. She was sometimes called by the nickname Barefoot Contessa.

Career

Nellya Burres was born on August 21, 1925 in the city of Bremerton, Washington. When she was 13, she entered the world of professional wrestling as Judy Grable.

Early career (1938-1946)

Grable started wrestling in 1938. She wrestled in women's independent promotions which were early promotions of women. She won the AWW Women's Championship on May 14, 1947 which was her first and early success as a professional wrestler. Judy Grable was very beautiful and this attracted people. She was mainly a heel.

National Wrestling Alliance (1946-1956)

Through her heelitic works, Judy Grable was not liked by fans. She challenged Mildred Burke for the World Women's Championship on several occasions. She wrestled in the National Wrestling Alliance territories through the 1940s and the 1950s. She defeated The Fabulous Moolah (Lillian Ellison) on July 21, 1952 and feuded with Moolah.

In 1956, a tournament was held to determine the new NWA World Women's Champion. She showed a wonderful performance and advanced to the final round of the tournament on September 18, 1956 when she lost to long-time rival The Fabulous Moolah, which made Moolah the first-ever NWA World Women's Champion. She tried a face turn but due to illness, she couldn't wrestle anymore.

Personal life

On April 14, 1954, she married Arthur Howard and had four children through Howard. They divorced on June 11, 1959. Grable died on May 11, 2008; the cause of death has yet to be determined.

In wrestling

Finishing and signature moves

* Dropkick

Championships and accomplishments

* "'American Women's Wrestling:* AWW Women's Championship (2 times)

External links

* [http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/j/judy-grable.html Judy Grable Profile]
* [http://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/Finishes/cac_finishes_2008.htm Death notice at Cauliflower Alley Club]