Penny Banner

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Further information might be found on the talk page or at requests for expansion. (February 2008)
Mary Kostecki
Statistics
Ring name(s) Penny Banner
Billed height 5 ft 8 in (1.7 m)
Billed weight 165 lb (75 kg)
Born August 11, 1934(1934-08-11)
St. Louis, Missouri
Died May 12, 2008 (aged 73)
Resides Charlotte, North Carolina[1]
Trained by Marines in Judo Class
Debut July 1954
Retired June 1977[2]

Penny Banner (August 11, 1934 – May 12, 2008), born Mary Ann Kostecki, was a professional wrestler. She was best known for her time spent in the American Wrestling Association.

Contents

[edit] In wrestling

[edit] Championships and accomplishments

  • American Wrestling Alliance
  • George Tragos/Lou Thesz International Wrestling Institute
  • NWA Southern Women's Championship (Georgia version) (1 time)[5]
  • NWA Texas Women's Championship (1 time)[7]

[edit] Personal life

Banner dated Elvis Presley from 1956 to late 1958.[2] She was married to Johnny Weaver for 35 years before divorcing him in 1994.[2] She had one child, a daughter named Wendi (*1960).[1] Banner's autobiography, Banner Days was completed 2005.[2] In late 2005, Penny Banner was diagnosed with cancer. In February 2006, the cancer had shrunk considerably after a doctor's check-up. Banner worked as a real-estate agent. She competed in the Senior Olympics doing Swimming plus the Shot Put and Discus throws.[2] She was the Commissioner of the PGWA (Professional Girl Wrestling Association). In late 2007, Banner suffered several health crises, including pneumonia, resulting in severe weight loss. She died in her sleep at the home of her daughter, Wendi, in Charlotte, North Carolina on May 12, 2008.

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Penny Banner of G.L.O.R.Y. Wrestling. G.L.O.R.Y. Wrestling. Retrieved on 2008-02-16.
  2. ^ a b c d e Marvez, Alex (2004-08-12). Alex Marvez's weekly look at professional wrestling. Scripps Howard News Service. Retrieved on 2008-02-16.
  3. ^ A.W.A. World Women's Title (Indiana/Ohio). Puroresu Dojo (2003). Retrieved on 2008-02-16. “Penny Banner, 61/08/26, Angola, IN”
  4. ^ International Wrestling Institute and Museum. Puroresu Dojo (2003). Retrieved on 2008-02-16.
  5. ^ N.W.A. Women's Southern Title (Georgia). Puroresu Dojo (2003). Retrieved on 2008-02-16. “Penny Banner & Lorraine Johnson, 55, Ohio”
  6. ^ World Women's Tag Team Title. Puroresu Dojo (2003). Retrieved on 2008-02-16. “Penny Banner, 60/11/25<”
  7. ^ N.W.A. Texas Women's Title. Puroresu Dojo (2003). Retrieved on 2008-02-16. “Penny Banner, 61/03/08, Ft. Worth, TX”
  8. ^ The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Puroresu Dojo (2003). Retrieved on 2008-02-16.
  9. ^ Stampede Wrestling Hall of Fame. Puroresu Dojo (2003). Retrieved on 2008-02-16.

[edit] External links

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