Mae Young Dead at 90: Woman Wrestled for Eight Decades (VIDEO)
World Wrestling Entertainment legend Mae Young has died at the age of 90, the organization confirmed. Rumors of her death began circulating last week, but they proved to be false and were instead about her hospitalization for illness.
The Hall of Fame wrestler made history during her lifetime in the WWE and managed to remain active until last year. She is the only wrestler to have been active in competitions for eight decades, as well as the first-ever NWA United States Women's Champion and a 2008 Hall of Fame Inductee. Young was seen as a mentor by many of today's top wrestlers, and tributes have been pouring in from wrestling icons of past and present.
"She's a wrestling pioneer. I truly had deep affection & respect for 'Aunty Mae' Young. RIP. #IMissUMae" tweeted Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
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"The legendary Johnnie Mae Young has passed. The Oklahoman lead an amazing life," added Jim Ross. "Her mental/physical toughness is an inspiration to all. RIP."
Young was known for rather outlandish behavior from the very beginning, challenging men in the wrestling ring when they would deny her the opportunity to wrestle. After defeating several men, she began making a name for herself and eventually became one of the beloved wrestlers in the WWE.
Along the way, she made a great friend in the woman known as the Fabulous Moolah (aka Mary Lillian Ellison). The two often wrestled together and apparently even have conjoining burial plots. Moolah passed away in 2007, which was devastating for Young. She continued on, though, and loved entertaining her fans in the WWE.
"RIPTheOneandOnlyGreatMaeYoung A true pioneer and legend has passed tonight," Stephanie McMahon, one of the WWE's principal owners, tweeted. "Long live the memory of my friend and @WWE Hall of Famer."
The WWE has released a video celebrating Young's life and will pay tribute to her during next week's Monday night "Raw" episode.
Watch the tribute HERE:
