Is the Queen of the Ring based on a true story? Details explored

Queen of the Ring is a biographical sports drama, written and directed by Ash Avildsen. It stars Canadian actress, Emily Bett Rickards, playing wrestler Mildred Burke. The film tells her true story and her rise to fame. The film is an adaptation of The Queen of the Ring: Sex, Muscles, Diamonds, and the Making of an American Legend, a 2010 book by Jeff Leen.

The producers of the film include Aimee Schoof, Ash Avildsen, Isen Robbins, and B.D. Gunnell under their production banners, Sumerian Pictures, and Intrinsic Value Films. It had its world premiere at the 2024 Buffalo International Film Festival, and the film is slated for release on March 7, 2025.

Is Queen of the Ring based on real events?

Yes, Queen of the Ring is based on the true story of Mildred Burke, who was a female professional wrestler. Born Mildred Bliss, she was a stenographer, and her boyfriend had introduced her to professional wrestling, which generated her interest.

She ventured into wrestling at a time when the industry was dominated by men and female wrestling was illegal in most parts of the United States. Burke ended up winning the women's world championship on three occasions. For two decades, she won the NWA World Women's Championship. Her career ran from the 1930s to the 1950s, and Burke was eventually inducted into WWE's Hall of Fame. She passed away on February 18, 1989.

What is the plot of Queen of the Ring?

The official synopsis of Queen of the Ring as per IMDB reads:

"In a time when pro wrestling for women was illegal all over the United States, a small town single mother embraces the danger as she dominates America's most masculine sport and becomes the first million dollar female athlete in history."

The film follows the story of Mildred Burke as she ventured into wrestling in the 1930s and eventually became a successful wrestler. Her career began in 1935, and she used to wrestle men. Queen of the Ring focuses on her journey as a stenographer who eventually became a big name in the world of wrestling.

Emily Bett Rickards plays Mildred Burke in the film. Other cast members of the film include:

Josh Lucas as Billy Wolfe
Tyler Posey as George William Wolfe
Kelli Berglund as Nell Stewart
Walton Goggins as Jack Pfefer
Deborah Ann Woll as Gladys Gillem
Francesca Eastwood as Mae Young
Marie Avgeropoulos as Babe Gordon
Gavin Casalegno as Joe Burke
Adam Demos as Gorgeous George
Kamille as June Byers
Toni Storm as Clara Mortensen
Trinity Fatu as Ethel Johnson
Martin Kove as Al Haft
Cara Buono as Bertha
Damaris Lewis as Babs Wingo
Britt Baker as Debbie Nichols
James E Cornette as NWA Commissioner

In November 2024, in an interview with Pop Culturist, director Ash Avildsen spoke about what resonated with him about Burke. He said:

"She was a single mother who risked everything at a time when pursuing her dreams was illegal. I’m a big pro-wrestling fan and had never heard of her story. That’s so much more magnified and outrageous—if I don’t know it, I’m sure casual fans don’t either."