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BONNIE WATSON PASSES AWAY

Female star Bonnie Watson-Schwartz, who wrestled as Bonnie Watson, who wrestled in the 1950s, 1960s and the early 1970s, passed away last night following a long battle with illness. She had celebrated her 82nd birthday in June.

Watson was trained by Carol Carota, Dot Dotson and June Beyers after joining Wolfes' troupe. She was billed from Oklahoma (but actually from West Virginia) and was portrayed as a powerful performer.

Watson worked a number of territories and countries under promoter Billy Wolfe, going as far as Mexico, Canada and Puerto Rico during her career, which spanned the 1950s through 1971 when she retired.

While in Canada, she and the late Penny Banner were the Canadian Women's Tag Team champions.

Watson also held a number of singles titles in different territories. In 1971, she retired with the Florida State Women’s championship. Watson appeared in the film "The Wrestling Queen" in 1975 alongside the late Vivian Vachon.

She also performed under a mask as "Betty Co-Ed."

Watson, who married referee Stu Schwartz, went on to have four children and a number of grandchildren.

Our own Les Thatcher commented on Watson's passing, writing, "A dear friend, class lady and a REAL lady wrestler left us last night. Bonnie Watson was all these things and my heart and prayers go out to her husband Stu and family. All of us whose lives she touched are better for it. RIP."

On behalf of everyone associated with PWInsider.com, we'd like to express our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fans of Bonnie Watson.

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