Queen of the Ring (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
“Queen of the Ring” (2025) is a compelling biopic that tells the inspiring yet tumultuous story of Mildred Burke, the pioneering female wrestler who shattered barriers in a male-dominated sport. Directed by Ash Avildsen and based on Jeff Leen’s book The Queen of the Ring: Sex, Muscles, Diamonds, and the Making of an American Legend, the film takes audiences on a journey through Burke’s struggles and triumphs, cementing her legacy as the first million-dollar female athlete in history.
With Emily Bett Rickards delivering a powerhouse performance as Burke, the film skillfully blends sports drama with personal storytelling. But does Queen of the Ring hit the mark as a sports biopic, or does it struggle under the weight of its ambitious narrative? Let’s dive deep into this spoiler-free review and explore where you can watch it online.
Plot Summary: A Trailblazer’s Journey
Set in the 1930s–1950s, Queen of the Ring chronicles Mildred Burke’s rise from a small-town waitress to a wrestling icon. As a single mother in Kansas, she defies societal norms, breaking into a sport where women were not only unwelcome but outright banned in most states.
Burke’s raw strength and determination catch the eye of promoter Billy Wolfe (Josh Lucas), who initially dismisses her but soon recognizes her potential. As Burke rises in the wrestling world, she faces betrayal, exploitation, and the sexism ingrained in the sport. Alongside wrestling greats like Mae Young (Francesca Eastwood) and June Byers (Kamille, aka Kailey Farmer), she fights to carve out a place for women in professional wrestling.
However, the heart of the film isn’t just about suplexes and body slams—it’s about a woman’s unrelenting spirit in the face of adversity.
Performance & Direction
Emily Bett Rickards completely transforms into Mildred Burke, delivering a career-defining performance that is both physically demanding and emotionally charged. Her wrestling sequences are brutally realistic, showcasing the rough-and-tumble nature of wrestling’s early days.
Josh Lucas portrays Billy Wolfe with sleazy charm, making him an antagonist you love to hate. The supporting cast, including real-life wrestlers like Toni Storm, Kamille, and Britt Baker, adds authenticity to the in-ring action. Walton Goggins and Martin Kove also make memorable appearances, further elevating the film’s star power.
Director Ash Avildsen, known for his work in sports dramas, brings a gritty realism to the film. However, some critics argue that the movie tries to cover too much ground, making certain parts feel rushed or disconnected. A TV series adaptation might have allowed for more depth in character development.
What Works & What Doesn’t
✅ Strengths:
✔ Authentic Wrestling Sequences – The action is raw, intense, and feels true to the era.
✔ Outstanding Lead Performance – Rickards is mesmerizing as Burke.
✔ Spotlight on Forgotten History – Many fans may not know Burke’s groundbreaking impact on women’s wrestling.
❌ Weaknesses:
✖ Pacing Issues – Some time jumps are abrupt, making it hard to follow certain plotlines.
✖ Overstuffed Story – Too many characters and subplots make it feel more like episodic content than a cohesive film.
✖ Tonal Inconsistency – At times, the film struggles to balance historical drama and sports action.
Where to Watch Queen of the Ring Online
(As of March 2025, this film is not yet available on streaming platforms, but here’s where it might be released soon.)
Available for Purchase/Rental (Expected)
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV/iTunes
- Google Play Movies
- Vudu
Possible Streaming Services (Estimated Release)
- HBO Max / Warner Bros. (due to its historical sports-drama appeal)
- Netflix (known for acquiring sports biopics)
- Hulu (has streamed past wrestling-related content)
- Peacock (since WWE content is available here, making it a potential fit)
To check real-time availability, visit JustWatch.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?
Despite some narrative flaws, Queen of the Ring is a must-watch for wrestling fans and history buffs. It sheds light on a trailblazing woman who paved the way for modern female wrestlers. The gritty wrestling sequences, standout performances, and compelling storytelling make it an engaging watch.
💡 Recommended for: Wrestling fans, sports drama lovers, and those interested in women’s history in sports.
If you love wrestling movies like The Wrestler (2008) or Fighting with My Family (2019), then Queen of the Ring should be on your radar. As we await its streaming release, keep an eye on platforms like HBO Max, Netflix, and Peacock.
🔗 For the latest updates on availability, check:
✅ JustWatch
✅ Official Website
Would you like to see more wrestling biopics like this? Let us know in the comments!
