Emily Bett Rickards is stepping into the world of professional wrestling, portraying the legendary Mildred Burke in the highly anticipated biopic Queen of the Ring. Known as a trailblazer in wrestling history, Burke broke barriers as the first female wrestling champion and the first million-dollar female athlete. In an exclusive interview with Pop Culture Unplugged, Rickards shared insights into the demanding physical preparation, the emotional depth of Burke’s story, and why this role has left a lasting impact on her life.
Bringing Mildred Burke’s Story to the Screen
Rickards was eager to take on the challenge of portraying Burke, a woman who defied societal norms in the 1930s and 1940s to make her mark in wrestling.
“She was a woman who had an aspiration to do something that she had no real basis for,” Rickards explained. “Women weren’t even allowed at matches back then, let alone in the ring. But she saw wrestling, and she just knew—that’s what she wanted to do.”
For Rickards, Burke’s courage and determination were the heart of the film.
“She didn’t just wrestle—she fought for an entire generation of women. She was breaking barriers not just for herself, but for women of color and anyone who had been marginalized. She wanted to prove that the impossible was possible, and that’s what I wanted to bring to the screen.”
The Physical and Mental Preparation for Wrestling
Portraying a wrestling icon meant Rickards had to undergo intense physical training, including working with professional wrestlers to perfect her in-ring performance.
“I trained with some incredible wrestlers—Kamille Brickhouse, Toni Storm, and so many others,” she said. “They taught me that wrestling is storytelling with your body. Every move, every stance has meaning. And let me tell you—running the ropes hurts. Everyone warned me, but I had no idea just how much!”
Building the right physique for the role also meant adjusting her diet and fitness routine.
“I was pescatarian at the time, but I had to switch to a high-protein diet, eating a lot of chicken to build muscle quickly. It was all about training my body to move like Mildred, to have that strength and presence.”
Despite the challenges, Rickards found the experience rewarding.
“The most important advice I got was ‘Get back up.’ That’s what wrestling is, and that’s what Mildred’s life was. No matter how many times she was knocked down—by opponents, by society, even by her own husband—she always got back up.”
Wrestling’s Storytelling and the Real-Life Drama of Mildred Burke
For Rickards, one of the most powerful aspects of playing Burke was how her in-ring persona reflected her real-life struggles.
“My friend Brady Malibu, a wrestler, told me, ‘Who you are in the ring is just you, turned all the way up.’ And that really stuck with me,” she said. “Mildred used her body, her voice, her toughness, and her femininity in the ring because she wasn’t allowed to in real life. Wrestling was her way of proving her worth to the world.”
One of the most emotional scenes for Rickards was portraying Burke’s dynamic with her husband and manager, Billy Wolfe.
“Billy Wolfe was a genius when it came to storytelling in wrestling, but he was also a toxic, violent man,” Rickards shared. “Josh [Segarra] did an incredible job playing him, but it was tough filming those scenes because of how manipulative and abusive their relationship was. Mildred thought the only way she could keep her place in the industry was by marrying him, but she was never truly free.”
One of the film’s standout moments is the final match between Burke and June Byers, played by NWA Women’s Champion Kamille Brickhouse.
“Kamille is the real deal—she carried me through that match,” Rickards admitted. “That final match wasn’t just about wrestling. It was a statement. It was everything Mildred had fought for. It was raw, emotional, symbolic—just powerful.”
The Lasting Impact of Queen of the Ring
So, what does Rickards hope audiences take away from the film?
“I hope they feel inspired to chase their dreams, no matter how impossible they seem,” she said. “Mildred Burke didn’t have a blueprint. She made one. I hope people watch this film and realize that they have that same strength inside them.”
Rickards also hopes the film will serve as a reminder of the importance of lifting each other up.
“Hate is learned, and division makes us weaker. Mildred and Babs [Baptiste Wingo] stood in front of thousands when women’s wrestling was illegal, and they changed history. Their bond and bravery are something we can all learn from today.”
As for whether we’ll see Rickards in the ring again?
“Are you kidding? Wrestling is addictive! I’m definitely getting back in the ring,” she laughed. “I just need to let my body recover first, but yeah—I’ve got the itch.”
Final Thoughts
Rickards’ portrayal of Mildred Burke in Queen of the Ring is a powerful tribute to a wrestling pioneer whose story deserves to be known. Through months of rigorous training and deep character exploration, she has brought Burke’s spirit to life, ensuring that her legacy continues to inspire.
“I think I was meant to meet Mildred,” Rickards reflected. “Her story has changed my life, and I hope it changes others too.”
Catch Queen of the Ring and witness the incredible journey of Mildred Burke—one of wrestling’s greatest unsung heroes.
For more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories, stay tuned to Pop Culture Unplugged!