Queen of the Ring – The Untold Story of Wrestling’s Groundbreaking Champion

Vertigo Releasing presents a gripping new drama, Queen of the Ring, now available on digital demand. This film shines a spotlight on the remarkable life of Mildred Burke, the world’s first million-dollar female athlete and the longest-reigning champion in women’s wrestling history.

Written and directed by Ash Avildsen (Paradise City) and based on the book by Pulitzer Prize-winner Jeff Leen, Queen of the Ring is a Sumerian Pictures Production featuring a stellar cast: Emily Bett Rickards (Arrow), Josh Lucas (Ford V Ferrari), Tyler Posey (Teen Wolf), Francesca Eastwood (Juror #2), Cara Buono (Stranger Things), Deborah Ann Woll (True Blood), Damaris Lewis (BlackKkKlansman), Gavin Casalegno (Noah), and Walton Goggins (The White Lotus).

But this is more than a sports biopic. Queen of the Ring is an inspiring story of resilience, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of equality. The film follows “Millie” Burke as she transforms from a small-town single mother into a wrestling legend—breaking into a male-dominated sport at a time when women’s wrestling was illegal in most of the United States.

Millie’s journey is as challenging as it is inspiring. She raises her son while traveling the wrestling circuit, endures the heartbreak of losing her protégé in the ring, and navigates a tumultuous relationship with her manager and ex-husband, Billy Wolfe. Yet, her legacy is defined by her triumphs: she became the first woman to headline over men, opened doors for women of colour in the sport, and participated in the first female “shoot match”—a real, unscripted title fight. Her story shattered expectations for women in both entertainment and sports, becoming a powerful chapter in post-war American history.

Queen of the Ring captures the golden era of women’s pro-wrestling—a time when one determined, glamorous woman risked everything to change the culture forever. Mildred Burke’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of those who refuse to be sidelined.

For fans of true stories, sports history, and trailblazing women, Queen of the Ring is a must-watch. Experience the unforgettable saga of a woman who fought her way to the top—and inspired generations to come.

Queen of the Ring is out now on digital platforms.