Film Review – Queen of the Ring

“Queen of the Ring” explores Mildred Burke, or at least certain parts of her life. Burke is credited as helping to bring “lady wrestling” to the masses, using her “Kansas cyclone” personality and physical gifts to break through industry barriers during a time when such pro-wrestling events were actually illegal. It’s an incredible life boiled down into a frustratingly mediocre movie, as writer/director Ash Avildsen (son of John G. Avildsen) tries to replicate his father’s “Rocky” formula for the endeavor, pushing too much melodrama at times. There’s a story to share about the origin of women in professional wrestling, and “Queen of the Ring” should’ve been it, presenting Burke with more than soap opera-adjacent woes. However, there’s star Emily Bett Rickards, who’s absolutely vibrant in the lead role, giving the offering a wonderful energy that taps into Burke’s professional and personal drive. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com