The wrestling world has been a highly respected and prestigious sport since its inception. While modern fans don't remember many of the larger-than-life personalities who competed in the squared circle back in the day, it was their efforts and contributions that brought prominence to wrestling and paved the way for future generations to pursue their passion in the business. Long before there was a ChynaBeth Phoenix and Rhea Ripley stood on equal footing with the men of WWE, the first frontrunner to do so was wrestling legend Mildred Burke.
One of the toughest wrestlers to ever compete in professional wrestling is Mildred Burke. Burke began competing professionally in the early 1930s. She won many matches against male wrestlers and gained a lot of attention as a result. Many men tried to pin her down but were unsuccessful. Furthermore, the wrestlers who attempted to wrestle her were even less successful.
The rich history and immense contributions of the great Mildred Burke changed the game at a time when wrestling wasn't mainstream and women didn't get much recognition. To change that and shine a spotlight on her legacy to modern wrestling fans, we take a deep dive and explore the journey of yesterday's wrestler, Mildred Burke.
UPDATE: 01/13/2025 5:00 PM EST BY BENJAMIN VIEIRA
There are many pioneers and history makers in professional wrestling. Among them is the first NWA Women's World Champion, the late Mildred Burke. Burke became a professional wrestler even though women were not given respect in the business or in society. Getting a foothold in the sport as a woman at the beginning of the 20th century was truly groundbreaking. Burke has broken countless glass ceilings. She was world champion for decades and was committed to women's wrestling throughout her life. In 2025, fans will see even more of her story with the release of the film Queen of the Ring.
Mildred Burke was introduced to wrestling by her boyfriend
Mildred Burke eventually married her coach
- Burke became interested in professional wrestling after seeing it live.
- Mildred Burke won her first women's title in 1937.
- She was the first NWA Women's World Champion.
Related
At the age of 15, Mildred Burke began working as a waitress on the Zuni Indian Reservation in Gallup, New Mexico. After three years there, she decided to marry her boyfriend and moved to Kansas City. She became interested in wrestling when he took her to a match. Later, Burke, who was pregnant at the time, persisted.
She had great muscle, worked as a stenographer in an office during the day and wanted to wrestle. At the same time, wrestling coach Billy Wolfe was teaching aspiring female wrestlers close to home. At first, Wolfe Burke didn't want to train and ordered a wrestler to bodyslam her to dissuade her from her ambitions. Instead, Burke knocked out the man, impressing Billy Wolfe, who in turn offered to coach her. After teaching her, Wolfe understood she was the candidate he had watched. Their education was so close that they eventually dated and married. She defeated Clara Mortenson for the women's championship in January 1937 after changing her name to Mildred Burke.
Mildred Burke was known for wrestling male performers
Intergender wrestling was unheard of back then
- Mildred Burke paved the way for Rhea Ripley, Awesome Kong, Beth Phoenix and Chyna.
- Burke is said to have fought against 200 men.
- Intergender wrestling occasionally occurs these days.
As mentioned above, long before the preeminent aura of dominant female superstars emerged Rhea Ripley, Awesome Kong, Beth Phoenix and Chyna, While she prevailed against male competitors, Burke was the one involved in her dominance over the men in the early days.
Mildred Burke was a pioneer in intergender wrestling. Legend has it that she fought over 200 men throughout her career, but only ever lost to one of them. If Burke were still around today, she would be amazed at how far the sport has come since her heyday.
Mildred Burke was an early trailblazer who emerged as a top women's champion
Mildred Burke was an important name in the NWA
- Burke held her first title in two decades.
- Mildred Burke performed in wrestling all over the world.
- Burke founded International Women's Wrestlers Inc.
Related
Mildred Burke first competed in the Midwest Wrestling Association tournament in 1936, winning her first women's world title and holding the title for two decades. She defeated wrestler Clara Mortenson in 1937 and successfully defended the world title. Burke then defended her title by traveling around the world and the United States. She competed against well-known wrestler June Byers in 1948 and defeated her. In 1950, she defeated Elvira Snodgrass at the Coral Gables Coliseum in South Miami. In the same year she defeated Mae Weston. In 1951, Burke fought Snodgrass again and prevailed in the competition to defend her championship. In addition, many other famous enemies' attempts to overthrow Burke, such as Gladys “Kill 'Em” Gillem and WWE Hall of Famer Mae Young failed again and again. This made her one of the most dominant women's champions of her heyday.
Burke founded the World Women's Wrestling Association in Los Angeles in the early 1950s. Eventually the NWA began to popularize women's wrestling and she worked with Bill Newman to form the International Women's Wrestlers Inc. The organization had offices in Sydney, Australia, New York City and San Francisco. In addition, Burke also promoted women's wrestling internationally by founding the World Wide Women's Wrestling Association (WWWA). In her later years, Burke ran a women's wrestling academy in Encino, California. Rhonda Sing, a Canadian who later found recognition as WWWA Champion Monster Ripper and WWF Women's Champion Bertha Faye, was one of her students.
The legendary superstar's legacy was recognized her induction into the Legacy Wing of the WWE Hall of FameProfessional Wrestling Hall of Fame and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame and will always serve as an inspiration to future generations.
Mildred Burke will be honored in a film
“Queen Of The Ring” will be released later in 2025
- Queen of the Ring Directed by Ash Avildsen.
- Emily Bett Rickards will play Mildred Burke.
- Toni Storm, Naomi, Britt Baker and Kamille play roles in Queen of the Ring.
Related
In recent years, professional wrestling documentaries and biographical films have become increasingly popular. like for example The Iron Clawabout the famous and tragic Von Erich family. On March 7, 2025, fans and non-fans will have the opportunity to learn about Mildred Burke's life on film. The film is called Queen of the Ring. In it, Emily Bett plays Rickards Burke. She was previously in Arrow, The lightningAnd Legends of tomorrow.
Additionally, Tyler Posey, Josh Lucas and Martin Kove are other actors. Some of professional wrestling's biggest stars will also have acting roles in the filmincluding Naomi, Toni Storm, Dr. Britt Baker, DMD and Chamomile. Jim Cornette also plays a role in the film. Directed by Ash Avildsen. It has not yet been announced where Queen of the Ring I'll still be able to watch.
