First Look at AEW’s Kamille as June Byers in Queen of the Ring Biopic

The Queen of the Ring biopic is bringing wrestling history to the big screen, and fans just got a first look at AEW’s Kamille as legendary rival June Byers. The official Facebook page for the film dropped the reveal, giving a glimpse of Kamille stepping into the role of one of Mildred Burke’s greatest opponents.

The movie will have a special premiere screening in Chicago on Wednesday, February 26, at the AMC River East 21, and tickets are already close to selling out. Wrestling fans in attendance are in for a treat, as TNA’s Mustafa Ali will be hosting a post-screening Q&A with lead actress Emily Bett Rickards and writer/director Ash Avildsen. The premiere marks just the beginning, with more screenings in other cities set to be announced soon.

Written and directed by Ash Avildsen—who also worked on No Cover and Paradise City—the film tells the story of one of wrestling’s biggest trailblazers, Mildred Burke. Avildsen, who earned a Grammy nomination for his work with singer Poppy, is no stranger to entertainment, being the son of legendary director John Avildsen (Rocky, The Karate Kid). The script is based on Jeff Leen’s book of the same title, first released in 2009. Filming took place in Louisville, Kentucky, during the summer of 2023.

The movie boasts an impressive cast, including Emily Bett Rickards (Arrow) as Burke and AEW’s Kamille as Byers. The story follows Burke’s rise as a dominant force in women’s wrestling from the 1930s to the 1950s, all while battling personal and professional obstacles—including her abusive husband and promoter Billy Wolfe. The film’s official description states Burke was the “first world-famous female pro wrestler and million-dollar athlete”, adding that she challenged the all-male wrestling hierarchy when she “became the first woman to headline over men.”

PWInsider.com confirmed additional casting, adding even more credibility to the project:

• Francesca Eastwood (Old), daughter of Clint Eastwood, will play a young Mae Young, one of the most famous female wrestlers of all time.
• Marie Avgeropoulos (The 100) takes on the role of Leona “Babe” Gordon, whom Burke defeated for the Women’s World Championship.
• Josh Lucas (American Psycho, The Hulk) plays Billy Wolfe, a man described as “a brilliant but vicious entrepreneur” who promoted women’s wrestling but exploited the talent—and was also Burke’s husband.
• Deborah Ann Woll (Daredevil) portrays Gladys “Kill ‘Em” Gillem, one of Burke’s toughest competitors.
• Kelli Berglund (Heels) plays Nell Stewart, known as the Alabama Bombshell.
• Martin Kove (Cobra Kai) steps into the role of Al Haft, one of the original promoters behind the formation of the National Wrestling Alliance.
• Walton Goggins plays Jack Pfefer, a wrestling promoter infamous for exposing industry secrets but also a key advocate for women’s wrestling in NYC.
• Jim Cornette will appear in multiple scenes as an NWA official.

The film features a stacked lineup, pulling talent from Hollywood, pro wrestling, and beyond to bring Mildred Burke’s incredible legacy to life. With the Chicago premiere on the horizon and more cities to be announced, wrestling fans will have plenty of chances to see history retold in a way never before done on the big screen.