Sapphire

Juanita Wright (October 24, 1938 – September 11, 1996) was an American professional wrestler and valet best known as "Sweet" Sapphire in the World Wrestling Federation where she managed Dusty Rhodes in 1989 and 1990. She also wrestled on the independent circuit as Princess Dark Cloud.

Early life Juanita Wright was born on October 24, 1938, in St. Louis, Missouri. Wright earned a wrestling referee's license, the first woman in Missouri to do so, before entering the ring as a wrestler at the age of 38, also becoming the first person of the state to participate in a Men's Battle Royale bout. She and another opponent were declared the winners after they were the last two left in the ring out of 15 other wrestlers. She appeared under the name Princess Dark Cloud and once wrestled a bear. Prior to signing a contract with the World Wrestling Federation, Wright worked as a saleswoman for a clothing company in St. Louis.

Professional wrestling career World Wrestling Federation (1989–1990) On November 23, 1989, Wright made her Pay-Per View debut at Survivor Series as a fan cheering on Dusty Rhodes who was a part of the Dream Team against The Enforcers. Her WWF television debut occurred one week prior, however, during an episode of Prime Time wrestling, where she was also seen as a fan cheering on Dusty Rhodes during his match against Akeem.

Sapphire began to manage Dusty Rhodes, both adorned in black outfits with yellow polka dots. She along with Rhodes later on entered into a feud with "Macho Man" Randy Savage then referred to as "Macho King" and Sensational Sherri then Queen Sherri as Sapphire teamed with Rhodes to take on Savage and Sherri in a tag team match at Wrestlemania VI. Sapphire pinned Sherri, with some help from Miss Elizabeth, who had allied herself with Sapphire and Rhodes after a previous incident that precipitated the match. Sapphire and Sherri would continue their feud competing against each other in singles and tag team matches, across the country from April 21, 1990, at the Richmond Coliseum where she lost to Sherri in a one-on-one match, up until August 25, where she and Rhodes emerged victorious as a team.

In popular culture A character called "Sweet Sapphire" was adopted by Earl Douglas, a radio producer for XM Radio's Ron and Fez Show due to his uncanny resemblance to Juanita, and his pairing with the new show producer The Midnight Rider, portrayed by East Side Dave. Dusty Rhodes, whom Sapphire had managed in the WWF, had wrestled under the name The Midnight Rider during his days on Jim Crockett Promotions.