In light of the WWE closing into Netflix in a few months, the first professional wrestling series released globally since The Wrestlers in 2023, has been released. A Japanese drama series titled The Queen of Villains which showcases the rise of a legendary joshi wrestler in the 80’s.
Netflix’s The Queen of Villains showcases the journey of Kaouro Matsumoto’s, also known as Dump Matsumoto (portrayed by Yuriyan Retriever), rise in the Japanese women’s professional wrestling industry in the 80’s, which resulted in her becoming one of the most hated wrestlers in Japan. Not only Matsumoto is portrayed in this semi-biopic series, but Chigusa Nagayo (by Erika Karata) and Lioness Asuka (by Ayame Goriki) as well.
This show is now released globally and has five episodes, which vary in runtime between one hour and one hour and fifteen minutes. The fifth episode has a season finale episode of one hour and 22 minutes. Although the series is originally spoken in Japanese, there is an English dub available for the people who desire to watch it like that. Here is Netflix’s synopsis for the Queen of Villains series:
Set in the wild 80’s, a kind-hearted girl transforms into a bloodthirsty pro wrestler who thrives in chaotic brawls, turning an entire nation against her.
Below are the synopsi from all five episodes (spoiler alert!):
- After stumbling into the captivating world of women’s pro wrestling asachild,Kaoru now faces a tough choice: a stable life or following her dream.
- Despite passing the test to become a pro,Kaoru becomes promoter Abe’s gofer. The new trainees clash with their seniors, pushing Chigusa to her limit.
- As the Crush Gals prove to be a knockout success,Toshikuni scrambles to create more stars in the ring. Kaoru and Honjo begin training as “heels”.
- Dump’s freewheeeling antics cause adrift between the heels and babyfaces. The TOYO TV Championship All Japan Grand Prix kicks off with thrilling matchups.
- Dump and Chigusa prepare to settle their feud in an epic hair vs. hair deathmatch. With their hair and reputation at stake, how far will they go to win?
EDIT: Next to the Queen of Villains release, WWE Vault released a From the Vault compilation with Dump Matsumoto’s matches in the WWE. See below to watch the compilation.
What are your thoughts? Will you watch Queen of Villains, or have you seen it and want us to know your opinion on the series? Let us know in the comments down below.
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