Ethel Johnson’s Legacy and the Untold Story in Queen of the Ring

Ethel Johnson’s name might not be as widely recognized as some, but her contributions to professional wrestling make her a true pioneer. A trailblazer in her own right, Johnson shattered barriers as the first African American Women’s Champion during an era when racial and gender equality were far from reality. While the upcoming biopic Queen of the Ring honors the life of Mildred Burke, a legendary wrestler who transformed the sport, it also brings renewed attention to Johnson’s powerful legacy and the impact she had on the wrestling world.

Johnson began her career at just 16 years old, stepping into a deeply segregated and male-dominated sport in the 1950s. She, along with her sisters Babs Wingo and Marva Scott, proved that they could compete and thrive despite the challenges. Johnson’s high-energy style and innovative moves, including her signature backflips and aerial techniques, left audiences stunned and solidified her reputation as a standout performer. Her grace and athleticism elevated women’s wrestling during a time when it was often dismissed as a sideshow.

The struggles Johnson faced were enormous. Female wrestling itself was often marginalized, with many states placing outright bans on women’s matches. Adding to the obstacles was the rampant racism of the time, making it even harder for Black women to find a foothold in the industry. Johnson endured harassment from fans, threats to her safety, and systemic discrimination, even as she excelled and captured titles. Many of her struggles reflect the larger societal issues of her era, yet Johnson, Babs, and Marva fought on, breaking down barriers and opening doors for future generations of women wrestlers.

Queen of the Ring primarily focuses on the story of Mildred Burke, a revolutionary figure who cemented women’s wrestling as a legitimate sport. Burke’s fierce determination and undeniable talent made her one of wrestling’s most celebrated figures. Directed by Ash Avildsen, the film provides a window into the challenges Burke faced in an industry dominated by men. However, the biopic also expands its lens to acknowledge the contributions of other trailblazers like Ethel Johnson, Babs Wingo, and Marva Scott, women who worked alongside Burke and made history in their own right.

WWE star Trinity Fatu, popularly known as Naomi, portrays Johnson in the film, and her performance brings an authenticity to the role. Fatu, a trailblazer in her own career, found Johnson’s story deeply inspiring. “Knowing her struggles and what she went through gave me strength,” Fatu said. The film’s cast also includes other wrestling stars portraying historical icons, such as Mickie James as The Fabulous Moolah and Toni Storm as Clara Mortensen. This inclusion of active wrestlers creates a genuine connection between modern wrestling and its historic roots.

By showcasing the lives of women like Burke and Johnson, Queen of the Ring works to bridge generations of wrestlers and celebrate the unsung heroes of the sport. Ethel Johnson’s contributions remind us how far women’s wrestling has come and how much further it still has to go. Wrestling today enjoys greater visibility and respect, with athletes like Bianca Belair, Mercedes Moné, and Jade Cargill continuing to carry the torch. Without figures like Ethel Johnson and Mildred Burke, the landscape of professional wrestling might look very different.

Queen of the Ring is set to release this Friday, and it is already generating buzz among wrestling fans and advocates for equality in sports. The film is a celebration of resilience, courage, and groundbreaking achievements, shining a long-overdue spotlight on the women who changed the face of wrestling forever. Johnson’s legacy, alongside Burke’s, stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring impact of those who dared to break the mold.

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