[3] Shade began her training in 1957 under Ella Waldek, and would later adapt the nickname "The Hammer".

[2] Shade's first match occurred in Lakeland, Florida, where she participated in a battle royal.

[4] In August 1978, Shade alongside her trainee Natasha the Hatchet Lady won the NWA Women's Tag Team Championship.

Shade was married to fellow wrestler Billy Blue River.

Billy also launched his outlaw group in Florida with Shade by his side.