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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Queen of the Ring portrays several historical wrestlers as characters, led by Mildred Burke. That is different from saying the actors themselves are real-life wrestlers: the official cast page identifies their roles and describes the historical figures, but does not establish the performers’ wrestling careers.
Historical wrestlers portrayed in Queen of the Ring
The film’s official cast page identifies these historical wrestling figures and the performers playing them:
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| Historical wrestler | Portrayed by | Role in the story |
|---|---|---|
| Mildred Burke | Emily Bett Rickards | The central subject, described by the studio as a pioneering wrestler who wrestled men at carnivals. Official studio cast page |
| Mae Young | Francesca Eastwood | A women’s wrestling pioneer, trainer, and promoter, according to the studio. Official studio cast page |
| June Byers | Kailey Farmer | A wrestler and women’s champion in the studio’s cast description. Official studio cast page |
| Gorgeous George | Adam Demos | An in-ring wrestler and ally of Burke, per the studio. Official studio cast page |
| Nell Stewart | Kelli Berglund | A touring wrestler who trained with Gladys Gillem and Billy Wolfe, according to the studio biography. Official studio cast page |
| Gladys Gillem | Deborah Ann Woll | A wrestler and opponent of Burke in the studio biography. Official studio cast page |
| Babs Wingo | Damaris Lewis | One of the Wingo wrestling sisters and a wrestler for Wolfe, as described by the studio. Official studio cast page |
These are the people to count when “real-life wrestlers” means historical wrestlers whose lives are represented in the film. Mildred Burke is the central figure; the others broaden the story’s picture of women’s wrestling and its allies.
Promoters, managers, and other wrestling figures
Queen of the Ring also includes people from wrestling’s business and promotion side. They matter to the film’s world, but they should not all be described as active in-ring wrestlers:
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- Billy Wolfe (Josh Lucas): wrestler, manager, and promoter, according to the studio cast page.
- Jack Pfefer (Walton Goggins): promoter, according to the studio cast page.
- Al Haft (Martin Kove): former wrestler and promoter, according to the studio cast page.
- Sam Muchnick (James E. Cornette): a promoter and NWA figure, as identified by the studio cast page.
There is a credit-label difference for Cornette’s role: the studio names the character Sam Muchnick, while Rotten Tomatoes’ cast listing labels him “NWA Commissioner.” For the character’s identity, the studio credit is the clearer reference.
Are the actors real wrestlers?
The cast list establishes who plays the historical wrestling characters; it does not establish that those performers have professional wrestling careers outside the movie. So the accurate answer is that real historical wrestlers appear as characters, not that the cast has been verified as a roster of real-world wrestler-actors.
What is the film based on?
Myriad Pictures says the film is based on a book by Jeff Leen about Mildred Burke. The page does not give the book’s exact title or edition, so check the publisher or bookseller listing before relying on a specific edition. Myriad Pictures’ film page
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Release date
Rotten Tomatoes lists Queen of the Ring as released on March 7, 2025. Rotten Tomatoes
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