Professional wrestling icon Joyce Grable has sadly passed away at the age of 70. Grable, whose real name was Betty Wade-Murphy, made her debut in the wrestling world in 1971 and became best known for her time in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA).
During her illustrious career, Grable held multiple championships and left an indelible mark on the sport. She won the NWA Texas Women’s Championship, the NWA United States Women’s Championship, and the NWA World Women’s Tag Team Championship a remarkable six times. In particular, she found success teaming up with Vicki Williams and Wendi Richter, winning the tag team title three times with each partner.
Grable’s accomplishments were not limited to the NWA, as she also competed in other promotions like the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE), Stampede Wrestling, World Wrestling Council, and the American Wrestling Association (AWA). Her contributions to the industry were recognized in 2012 when she was inducted into the NWA Hall of Fame.
Last year, Grable received the Courage Award from the Cauliflower Alley Club. Throughout her career, she had displayed remarkable strength, both in and out of the ring. In 2013, she was diagnosed with leukemia but continued to wrestle and push through her health battles. During the award ceremony, Grable shared her journey, saying, I put it off until I went into the Hall of Fame in New York. I was inducted and the next week, I went in for the bone marrow. I lost all my hair, ugly, bald woman, I mean, I looked like Mumbles from Dick Tracy.
However, Grable’s health battle took a surprising turn when she received news from her heart doctor. Despite having only two valves in her heart, she had managed to wrestle for 20 years. The doctor commented, There’s no way you could have wrestled 20 years. ‘ I said, ‘I did!’ Somebody was up there taking care of me. Grable underwent a bone marrow transplant and later had a pig’s valve inserted into her heart.
Grable’s passing has left a void in the wrestling community, and her legacy will undoubtedly live on for years to come. Her determination, resilience, and passion for the sport will continue to inspire both current and future generations of wrestlers.
The wrestling world mourns the loss of a true legend. Joyce Grable will forever be remembered for her contributions to the sport and her unwavering spirit. Our thoughts and condolences go out to her family and friends during this difficult time.
