AEW Files Lawsuit Against Production Company Behind Queen of the Ring Film

AEW has reportedly taken legal action against the production company responsible for the wrestling biopic Queen of the Ring, alleging that the company failed to pay the full amount owed under a promotional sponsorship agreement.

According to a report from POST Wrestling, AEW filed a lawsuit against Ring Productions, LLC, claiming the company still owes more than $100,000 related to AEW’s promotion of the film, which was released last year.

The movie, based on the life and career of pioneering women’s wrestling star Mildred Burke, featured appearances from several wrestling personalities, including AEW stars Toni Storm, Britt Baker, and Kamille. Throughout the film’s promotional campaign, AEW provided significant exposure by featuring sponsored matches, airing trailers during events, and spotlighting members of the cast on its programming.

Court filings reportedly state that Ring Productions paid $205,000 toward its obligations by May 2025. However, AEW alleges that a remaining balance of $100,000 was never paid. The company is also seeking an additional $5,000 in travel expenses tied to talent appearances connected to the promotional agreement.

In addition to the outstanding payments, AEW is reportedly pursuing contractual interest charges of 1.5 percent per month on the overdue balance.

The lawsuit claims that AEW attempted to resolve the issue outside of court, sending multiple communications between September and December 2025 regarding the unpaid amounts. After those efforts failed to produce a resolution, AEW’s legal team reportedly became involved in March 2026.

The filing further alleges that Ring Productions Chief Operating Officer Paul Leighton acknowledged the debt, with the amount reportedly totaling $105,262.51 at the time of the legal action.

As of now, Ring Productions has not publicly responded to the lawsuit and has not yet been formally served. Once service is completed, the company will have a limited period to file an official response.

Queen of the Ring had a brief theatrical run and generated approximately $657,000 at the box office. In addition to AEW talent, the film featured WWE star Naomi, wrestling manager Jim Cornette, and included AEW commentator Jim Ross as an executive producer.

The movie’s promotional campaign generated attention within the wrestling world, including a widely discussed appearance by actress Damaris Lewis during AEW Revolution weekend. Numerous AEW personalities, including Mercedes Moné, Harley Cameron, and Christopher Daniels, also helped support the project through premiere appearances and social media promotion.

The legal dispute now adds an unexpected chapter to the relationship between AEW and the film’s production team, with the matter set to play out in court unless a settlement is reached.

Mariah May Attacks Toni Storm At Queen of the Ring Premiere

AEW took advantage of Hollywood’s glitz and glamour on Thursday night, using the red carpet premiere of Queen of the Ring to add more heat to the already personal rivalry between Toni Storm and Mariah May. The premiere, held at AMC Grove 14 in Los Angeles, quickly turned chaotic when May ambushed Storm in the middle of an interview.

Storm, who stars in Queen of the Ring as wrestler Clara Mortensen, was speaking about her role in the film when May attacked her from behind. AEW official Christopher Daniels quickly intervened, preventing further damage, but the moment was enough to ignite emotions ahead of their highly anticipated AEW Women’s World Championship match at Revolution.

A furious May shouted at Storm, declaring, “You are nothing without me! I made you a star!” Storm, rattled but defiant, fired back after regaining her composure: “She’s ruined my moment. She’s ruined my red carpet moment. Bloody hell, look at me. Look at the state of me. Where the hell is she? Where is that b—-?”

AEW is branding their showdown at Revolution as “The Hollywood Ending,” a fitting name given the setting and drama surrounding their feud. This marks the third time the former allies will clash in the ring, with their previous encounters laying the foundation for what could be their most intense battle yet.

Storm’s role in Queen of the Ring only adds to the cinematic feel of this rivalry. The film, based on the true story of legendary wrestler Mildred Burke, hits theaters nationwide on March 7.

AEW Revolution airs live this Sunday from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA, starting at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT. Will this be Storm’s Hollywood triumph, or will May rewrite the script and take the title for herself?

Queen of the Ring: The Story of Wrestling Pioneer Mildred Burke Hits Theaters March 7

Professional wrestling fans and history buffs alike have something special to look forward to this year. Queen of the Ring, a new biopic about the legendary Mildred Burke, is set to hit theaters in the U.S. on March 7, 2025. The film tells the inspiring true story of Burke, a trailblazing wrestler who overcame countless obstacles to become the first million-dollar female athlete and one of the most dominant champions in wrestling history.

A Look at the Story

Based on Jeff Leen’s book The Queen of the Ring, the film follows Burke’s rise in the wrestling world during a time when women’s wrestling was banned in many parts of the U.S. A single mother, she not only fought opponents in the ring but also battled a male-dominated industry that tried to hold her back at every turn. Her tumultuous relationship with promoter Billy Wolfe, who both helped and hindered her career, is expected to play a significant role in the film’s narrative.

A Star-Studded Cast

Queen of the Ring boasts an impressive cast, blending Hollywood actors with real-life wrestling stars:

  • Emily Bett Rickards as Mildred Burke
  • Josh Lucas as Billy Wolfe
  • Tyler Posey as George William “G. Bill” Wolfe
  • Walton Goggins as Jack Pfefer
  • Francesca Eastwood as Mae Young
  • Kamille as June Byers
  • Toni Storm as Clara Mortensen
  • Trinity Fatu (Naomi) as Ethel Johnson
  • Britt Baker as Debbie Nichols
  • Jim Cornette as Sam Muchnick

With real wrestlers like Kamille, Toni Storm, Trinity Fatu, and Britt Baker involved, the film is sure to bring an authentic feel to the in-ring action.

Behind the Scenes

The film is directed by Ash Avildsen, who also co-wrote the script with Alston Ramsay. Given Avildsen’s background in both film and music, the movie is expected to blend strong storytelling with a high-energy presentation fitting for a wrestling legend like Burke.

Premiere and Release

Queen of the Ring made its debut at the Buffalo International Film Festival on October 15, 2024, where it garnered early attention. Now, fans across the country will get to experience Burke’s incredible journey when the movie hits theaters on March 7, 2025, courtesy of Sumerian Pictures.

Why This Movie Matters

Mildred Burke’s story is one that wrestling fans and athletes of all kinds should know. She paved the way for generations of women in wrestling, long before names like Trish Stratus, Charlotte Flair, or Becky Lynch became household names. With Queen of the Ring, her legacy will finally get the spotlight it deserves.