Diane Von Hoffman

Phyllis Burch[1] (April 13, 1962 – July 6, 2017) was an American professional wrestler active from 1979 to 2013. Burch wrestled under the names Diane Von Hoffman, The Teutonic Terror, and Lady Beast. She wrestled in Memphis's United States Wrestling Association (USWA) in the 1990s as Moondog Fifi, a member of The Moondogs stable.[4][1] She also wrestled for the Ladies Professional Wrestling Association, Continental Wrestling Association, and Ladies Major League Wrestling.

Diane Von Hoffman
Birth namePhyllis Burch
Born(1962-04-13)April 13, 1962[1]
Louisville, Kentucky, United States
DiedJuly 6, 2017(2017-07-06) (aged 55)
Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Diane Von Hoffman
The Teutonic Terror
Moondog Fifi
Lady Beast
Billed height5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)[1]
Billed weight165 lb (75 kg)[1]
Trained byThe Fabulous Moolah[1][2]
Dale Mann[1]
Debut1981[3]
Retired2013

Professional wrestling career

Burch initially trained with Dale Mann while attending Fern Creek High School.[1] She also trained under The Fabulous Moolah at her training school beginning in 1981.[1] While training, Burch worked at a local IHOP to make money.[1] She originally worked as Moolah's tag team partner and used the ring name Diane Von Hoffman.[1] She also worked in Japan, the Philippines, and Canada with Leilani Kai.[1][5] In Japan, she worked as The Teutonic Terror, a German villainess.[1]

In the 1990s, she worked in the USWA as Moondog Fifi, a member of The Moondogs stable.[1] She was ringside as their manager in June 1992, when The Moondogs lost the USWA Tag Team Championship to Jeff Jarrett and Jerry Lawler in a steel cage match.[6] In September 1992, she won the USWA Women's Championship from Miss Texas.[1][5] That same year, as part of The Moondogs' ongoing feud with Jarrett and Lawler, her head was shaved in the middle of the ring.[1] The feud between the Moondogs and Jarrett and Lawler was later voted "Feud of the Year" by Pro Wrestling Illustrated.

She also worked in Continental Wrestling Association as Lady Beast.[1]

Personal life

Burch was previously married to fellow wrestler Ringo Mercanerio, with whom she had two daughters named Melissa and Marla.[1] She died on July 6, 2017, at the age of 55 after knee surgery.[1]

Championships and accomplishments

References
  1. Oliver, Greg (July 6, 2017). "Diane Von Hoffman dead at 55". SLAM Wrestling. Retrieved July 6, 2017.
  2. Ellison, Lillian (2003). First Goddess of the Squared Circle. HarperEntertainment. p. 111. ISBN 9780060393977.
  3. "Diane Von Hoffman Profile". Slammin Ladies.
  4. "Diane Von Hoffman of G.L.O.R.Y. Wrestling: The Hardest Working Women In Independent Wrestling". GLORY Wrestling.
  5. Lentz, Harris M. III (2003). Biographical Dictionary of Professional Wrestling (2 ed.). McFarland. p. 243. ISBN 9780786417544.
  6. Meltzer, Dave (2003). Wrestling Observer Newsletter. p. 24.
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