‘The Queen of Villains’: A Riveting Dive into Japanese Women's Pro Wrestling Premieres September 19

Image: Netflix Press

By Jon Donnis

How did one woman whip Japan into a frenzy? Launching on September 19, The Queen of Villains unveils the story of Dump Matsumoto, the most terrifying "heel" during the golden age of women's pro wrestling in Japan. Spanning five episodes, the series explores the events that led to her rise decades ago. From the '70s to the '80s, female pro-wrestling tag teams like "Beauty Pair" (Jackie Sato and Maki Ueda) and "Crush Gals" (Chigusa Nagayo and Lioness Asuka) became national icons. They captivated Japan not only by competing but also by singing and dancing in the ring. On the other side of this was Dump Matsumoto, the sworn rival of the "Crush Gals." She made all of Japan her enemy, wreaking havoc in and outside of the ring. But once upon a time, young Dump Matsumoto was told she was too kind to be a villain. What events made her one of the most disliked figures in Japanese wrestling history?

Bringing these iconic female wrestlers to life is a talented cast chosen through auditions. Multi-talented comedian Yuriyan Retriever portrays Dump Matsumoto. Erika Karata (Desert of Namibia) plays Chigusa Nagayo, who starts as a failed wrestling trainee but eventually rises to stardom. Ayame Goriki (Watashi ga Ore no Jinsei?!) portrays Lioness Asuka, known for being the most athletic and technical wrestler among her peers. The renowned Osamu Suzuki developed, wrote, and produced the series. After hearing Matsumoto talk about the women's pro wrestling era on his show, Suzuki was inspired to turn her story into a series and wrote the screenplay himself. Kazuya Shiraishi (The Devil's Path, The Blood of Wolves, Lesson in Murder) serves as the supervising director, while Chigusa Nagayo herself led the actors' physical training and presided over the wrestling scenes.

The Queen of Villains promises to be more than just a biographical retelling. It delves deep into the lives of these extraordinary women, revealing the challenges they faced both in and out of the ring. As viewers watch their rise to fame, they will also witness the enduring impact these women had on the world of wrestling and beyond. Don't miss the premiere of The Queen of Villains, streaming globally on Netflix starting September 19. This is your chance to experience the drama, the rivalry, and the sheer determination that defined a generation of female pro wrestlers and left an indelible mark on Japanese pop culture.