Queen of the Ring

UK 12A Certificate
In cinemas
September 19, 2025
Buy it from
October 13, 2025
Director
Runtime
2 Hours 10 Minutes
Genre
Drama, Sport
Language
English
From Vertigo Releasing
violence, domestic abuse, discrimination, sex references, strong language

The film tells the remarkable true story of Mildred Burke, the first million-dollar female athlete in world history and the longest reigning champion of female wrestling. Based on the book by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jeff Leen, the film follows ‘Millie,’ a young single mother from a small town who defies societal norms by becoming a female pro-wrestler at a time when the sport was illegal across most of the United States.

Despite her success throughout the 40s and 50s, Millie's journey is marked by personal struggles, including raising her son on the road, the tragic death of her wrestling protégé in the ring and a tumultuous relationship with her manager and ex-husband, Billy Wolfe.

Her story highlights triumphs such as being the first woman to headline over men, bringing women of colour into the sport, and participating in the first female "shoot match” i.e. real combat without a script for a title fight. Millie’s remarkable tale shattered the limitations of what a girl could become in entertainment and sports and is an unforgettable slice of post-war Americana.

Last updated
October 13, 2025

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