Women’s Ambitions Unleashed: A Dive into Japanese Pro Wrestling on Netflix

TOKYO (AP) — “The Queen of Villains” is a classic coming-of-age story that revolves around a young woman’s journey toward empowerment and self-discovery—set entirely within the thrilling, high-energy arena of Japanese professional wrestling.

The Netflix series premiered last month and centers on the true story of Dump Matsumoto, a wrestling icon from the 1980s, who faced a challenging childhood marked by poverty and an often absent or abusive father.

Matsumoto’s early life filled her with anger, which she channeled into her wrestling persona—a fierce and flamboyant villain known as a “heel.” She adorned herself with dramatic Kabuki-inspired makeup, wielded chains and sticks, and sported a grotesque scowl that made her a striking figure in the ring. As a representation of fearless femininity, she left a lasting impact.

“I poured everything into being a villain,” Matsumoto reflected.

Despite her friendly demeanor today, Matsumoto vehemently denies ever being kind-hearted. She acknowledges that many fans in Japan, particularly women, admire her, yet she insists, “I still beat people up in matches. I stuck forks in them and made them bleed. Those who pretend to be good are often the truly evil ones.”

The narrative also explores the camaraderie between Matsumoto and Chigusa Nagayo, a prominent member of the beloved wrestling duo, the Crush Gals. Nagayo played an essential role as an advisor, trainer, and choreographer for the series’ wrestling scenes.

Japanese wrestling enthusiasts often reminisce about the riveting matches between Matsumoto and the Crush Gals, which even extended to competitions in the U.S.

The actresses dedicated two years to intensive training, transforming their physiques by gaining weight and muscle. They mastered various wrestling techniques, such as the “giant swing,” where a wrestler spins an opponent around by their legs, and the “flying knee kick,” which involves a powerful airborne kick.

A crucial fight scene took an entire month to film, as the actors meticulously practiced each move to ensure safety while maintaining a convincing performance. It’s vital in professional wrestling to portray punches and slams authentically while preventing serious injuries, which also requires an understanding of how to fall correctly.

Yuriyan Retriever, the actress portraying Matsumoto, encapsulated the essence of her character: “Dump played a role that was meant to be disliked nationwide. There was previously a limit I couldn’t push past, but portraying Dump demanded full emotional expression.” Retriever shared that she felt she transcended acting to truly embody Matsumoto.

Although embodying a character that is largely reviled is unsettling, Retriever expressed the depth of her experience: “After finishing a take, I found myself in tears, my body trembling. I couldn’t fully articulate the emotions, but I grasped the immense pressure Dump endured.”

The series not only highlights a powerful narrative of women triumphing against sexism and abusive management but also authentically depicts the postwar Showa era, featuring thousands of extras who are die-hard wrestling fans.

Some critics argue that real-life wrestling was even more dramatic and intense compared to its portrayal in the series. Rionne McAvoy, an Australian filmmaker and wrestler who experienced the sting of Matsumoto’s strikes firsthand, noted: “The actors sometimes struggle to capture the necessary intensity, grit, and charisma.” Nevertheless, for many viewers, the series resonates deeply and carries an emotional weight.

As director Kazuya Shiraishi explained, “This is a timeless yet poignant tale showcasing ordinary girls passionately chasing their dreams, discovering friendship, and ultimately finding themselves. It provided me a moment to reflect on my own 15-year filmmaking journey, my true ambitions, and the type of films I aspire to create. I aimed to share their story, which is, in essence, everyone’s story.”

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Yuri Kageyama can be found on X: https://x.com/yurikageyama