Discover the Perfect Mother's Day Movie, Queen of the Ring (2025)

Queen of the Ring (2025)

Available on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+ on May 9th, 2025

Film Probe in partnership with Sumerian Productions

It is no secret that wrestling and cinema go hand in hand, the spectacle, the illusion, the story - all of the elements which go into cinema can be seen clear as day within the world of wrestling. The Wrestler (2008), Fighting with my Family (2019), The Iron Claw (2023), Mr. McMahon (2024-) and now Queen of the Ring (2025). 

Wrestling is and always has been an engrossing sport to watch unfold and Queen of the Ring takes us back to the beginning of lady wrestling, back to a time when it was illegal for women to fight against one another across the US. Mildred Burke, considered one of the first lady wrestlers began her career in the mid 1930’s until the 1950’s. This feature takes us through her whole career, spanning over two decades we watch as Mildred works her way up in the ranks in order to prove herself to those who look down on her both as a woman and a single mother. 

Queen of the Ring isn’t just about wrestling, this is an empowering piece of storytelling that follows Mildred’s drive, her self discovery, passion and determination. An inspiring and motivational feature that takes you on a journey of motherhood, female empowerment and the pursuit of greatness. 

Queen of the Ring showcases strong female characters, each based upon real women from that time period, watching a story like this unfold is powerful but remembering the story is true makes it all the more impactful. 

The film approaches several themes of sexuality, abuse, identity, gender and race - Queen of the Ring leaves no stone unturned when it comments on the judgement and treatment of women during this time. I found the features unapologetic approach to such themes to be moving and only added integrity and passion to the overall execution of the narrative. 

Emily Bett Rickards stars as Mildred Burke and delivers a believable, memorable performance. She was charming and charismatic but she was able to switch into her strong, assertive role as wrestler and mother. Rickards was a strong lead in this film and held her own amongst the talent around her. 

Josh Lucas as Billy Wolfe successfully developed his character into a true villain, his performance was hateful and added drive to the story. All the women who stared in this feature were brilliant, each wrestler was memorable and distinct. The whole cast came together to create a compelling and gripping group of characters. 

As a wrestling fan, Queen of the Ring (2025) brought to screen legendary stories from the sport. Stories that can sadly get forgotten with time, it is important to remember these women literally fought for their right to participate and to be heard. Queen of the Ring brings pioneer women like Mildred to the big screen and showcases just how intelligent, powerful and passionate she was. 

Overall, Queen of the Ring had a gripping and strong story at its core. The feature was performed well by its cast and the wrestling scenes was some of the strongest and most enticing moments of all. With the core lady wrestling story running through the narrative, we were met with genuinely heart warming moments of motherhood and accomplishment. Mildred is a thrilling and likeable character from the moment we meet her, she is strong willed, passionate and determined to succeed. Queen of the Ring is an unassuming gem.