Queen of the Ring (2025) - Film Review

      **Queen of the Ring, 2025.**

      **Directed by Ash Avildsen.**

      **Starring:** Emily Bett Rickards, Marie Avgeropoulos, Walton Goggins, Josh Lucas, Gavin Casalegno, Kelli Berglund, Tyler Posey, Martin Kove, Damaris Lewis, Ash Avildsen, Jim Cornette, Trinity Fatu, Toni Rossall, Cara Buono, Deborah Ann Woll, Adam Demos, Francesca Eastwood, Brittany Baker, Kailey Dawn Latimer, Chaney Morrow, Barron Boedecker, Byron Johnson II, Cameren Jackson, Mickie James, and Marie Evans James.

      **SYNOPSIS:**

      Set in an era when women’s professional wrestling was banned across the United States, a single mother from a small town takes risks as she conquers America’s most masculine sport, becoming the first-ever female athlete to earn one million dollars.

      The film traces the groundbreaking journey of women’s professional wrestler Mildred Burke (played by a determined and powerful Emily Bett Rickards) from the 1930s onward. Burke became the first multimillionaire female athlete. Co-writer/director Ash Avildsen’s *Queen of the Ring* draws from previously unexplored aspects of this frequently overlooked domain. Crafted with Alston Ramsay and inspired by Jeff Leen's book, this biopic not only highlights a transformative athlete but also offers a gripping examination of the evolution of women’s wrestling, which began as an illegal activity in the U.S. Mildred Burke, as a single mother, initially found her footing by defeating arrogant men in the wrestling ring during carnival shows.

      Furthermore, while much of men’s professional wrestling features staged elements, Mildred faced a different reality. She had to assert her worth in "shoot matches," where the distinction between reality and scripted events blurred, competing against predominantly sexist men who doubted her presence and believed they could easily defeat her. Her promoter and aging wrestler fiancé, Billy Wolfe (Josh Lucas), initially mocked her aspirations to train under him at the diner where she worked.

      The prevailing misogyny within the industry isn’t unexpected for that time, but it remains infuriating. A complex dynamic develops as Billy grows to respect Mildred's tenacity and determination, eager to nurture a new kind of star for mutual gain. However, his resentment over hurting her emotionally remains genuine, even as he mistreats her. Billy’s misogynistic and chauvinistic tendencies ultimately lead to a pattern of breaking her heart, as he promises championships to younger, more naïve women willing to pursue him and follow in Mildred's footsteps.

      Nevertheless, Avildsen ensures that Mildred Burke is not depicted merely as a woman afflicted by a troubled relationship. She remains defiant and is unafraid to enter into a legal marriage to protect herself and her son financially. At one point, she obtains a championship belt, which adds layers to their fraught relationship. Though Billy could orchestrate her losses, Mildred recognizes that she must be prepared for any unexpected or dubious events in the ring. Their feud extends both inside and outside the wrestling world, marked by scenes of domestic violence that, to some, may seem gratuitous. Yet, in this context, they emphasize the contrast between athletic performance and real-life distress, compelling Mildred to reflect on the message her public vulnerability communicates.

      The film also celebrates the broader realm of professional wrestling, showcasing trailblazers like Mae Young (Francesca Eastwood), who is depicted as exceptionally resilient and embracing her bisexuality. Cameos from wrestling figures such as Jim Cornette enhance the narrative, as does Ash Avildsen’s appearance as Vince McMahon Sr. Walton Goggins plays a pivotal yet small role as tycoon Jack Pfefer, a supporter of Mildred Burke and an advocate for women’s wrestling, credited with helping to elevate various storytelling methods within the sport, presenting it as more akin to live theater. Notably, Mildred contributed to the development of the Gorgeous George persona, portrayed by Adam Demos.

      *Queen of the Ring* offers genuine, hard-hitting wrestling, featuring modern wrestlers like Toni Storm and Britt Baker, and it thoughtfully depicts Mildred Burke’s rise to stardom alongside the growing acceptance of women’s wrestling. While there are moments when the time jumps can be jarring, with Mildred's son visibly aging while those around her remain the same, the film wisely avoids attempting to cover her entire life, which often leads many biopics to falter. Although the storyline follows a familiar formula, the performances, authenticity to the era, and passion for the sport elevate the viewing experience.

      While *Queen of the Ring* may present a substantial amount of wrestling and film for those disinterested in this sector (spanning close to 140 minutes), it is also an inspiring narrative replete with marvels