Get ready to rumble as Netflix unveils The Queen of Villains, an electrifying five-episode drama series chronicling the meteoric rise of Dump Matsumoto, the most notorious “heel” (villain) in the annals of Japanese women’s pro wrestling.
Premiering on September 19th, this series delves into the electrifying era from the ’70s to the ’80s when female tag teams like the “Beauty Pair” and the iconic “Crush Gals” became national treasures, captivating audiences with their athleticism and showmanship.
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Amidst this glitz and glamour, Dump Matsumoto emerged as a force of nature, a polarizing figure who relished her role as the antagonist. As the series unravels the events that shaped her into the most detested wrestler in Japan, viewers will witness a transformation from a woman deemed “too kind” to be a villain into an icon of pure, unadulterated chaos.
A Knockout Cast
Yuriyan Retriever embodies the formidable Dump Matsumoto, channelling her comedic talents into a captivating portrayal of wrestling’s ultimate antihero.
Ayame Goriki, acclaimed for her performance in Watashi ga Ore no Jinsei?!, takes on the role of Lioness Asuka, renowned for her unmatched athleticism and technical prowess.
Erika Karata, known for her role in “Desert of Namibia,” steps into the ring as Chigusa Nagayo, the underdog who defies the odds to achieve wrestling stardom.
This powerhouse ensemble cast, handpicked through rigorous auditions, brings to life the legendary figures who shaped the landscape of Japanese women’s wrestling.
The Masterminds Behind the Mayhem
The creative genius of Osamu Suzuki, who developed, wrote, and produced the series, fuels this electrifying drama. Inspired by Matsumoto’s own accounts of the golden age of women’s wrestling, Suzuki penned the screenplay, ensuring an authentic and gripping narrative.
Supervising director Kazuya Shiraishi, acclaimed for his work on The Devil’s Path, The Blood of Wolves, and Lesson in Murder, brings his cinematic vision to the series, while Chigusa Nagayo herself oversaw the actors’ physical training and meticulously crafted the wrestling scenes.
Get ready to be captivated by the stories of these extraordinary women who dared to defy expectations and leave an enduring mark on the world of sports entertainment. The Queen of Villains premieres exclusively on Netflix on September 19th, promising a thrilling and unforgettable journey into the heart of Japanese wrestling history.
