Introduction
The new Netflix biopic The Queen of Villains starring Yuriyan Retriever is making waves for its compelling portrayal of one of Japan’s most iconic female wrestlers, Dump Matsumoto. Yuriyan Retriever, primarily known as a comedian, takes on a dramatic turn in this film, diving deep into the world of professional wrestling and portraying the infamous heel with a stunning mix of ferocity and vulnerability.
Background on Pro Wrestling in Japan
Professional wrestling, or puroresu, has deep roots in Japan and has grown into a beloved form of entertainment. Unlike the theatrical approach in the West, Japanese wrestling focuses more on athleticism and storytelling within the ring, with hard-hitting action often blurring the line between sport and drama. Women’s wrestling joshi puroresu gained particular popularity during the 1980s with stars like Dump Matsumoto, whose villainous persona was so convincing it attracted both admiration and fear from fans. Matsumoto’s intense rivalries, especially with the beloved Crush Gals, helped catapult women’s wrestling into mainstream attention, setting a precedent for future generations of wrestlers.
Yuriyan Retriever’s Transformation into Dump Matsumoto
Stepping into such an iconic role was no small feat for Yuriyan Retriever. Known more for her comedic performances, especially from her appearances on America’s Got Talent and various Japanese variety shows, Yuriyan underwent months of intense training to prepare for the physically demanding role. Portraying Dump Matsumoto required more than just acting skills—Yuriyan had to immerse herself in the world of pro wrestling, learning moves and techniques that are as brutal as they are complex. The transformation was not just physical; she had to capture the larger-than-life presence of Matsumoto, who was known for her face-painted, biker-inspired look and her brutal in-ring tactics.
During training, Yuriyan reportedly suffered an injury that halted production for a time. This injury highlighted just how demanding wrestling can be, even for a performer with prior athletic experience. Despite the setback, Yuriyan continued to push through, eventually completing filming and delivering a performance that has been praised for its authenticity and emotional depth.
The Story Behind The Queen of Villains
The movie traces the rise of Dump Matsumoto, from her struggles as an underdog in the male-dominated world of wrestling to her reign as one of the most feared and respected wrestlers in Japan. Matsumoto led the faction known as Gokuaku Domei, a group of villainous wrestlers who terrorized their opponents both inside and outside the ring. In particular, the movie focuses on her intense rivalry with the Crush Gals, which helped elevate women’s wrestling to unprecedented heights in Japan.
The film doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of Matsumoto’s career. As one of the first major heels in Japanese women’s wrestling, Matsumoto faced enormous backlash from fans who couldn’t separate her in-ring persona from her real-life identity. The film touches on the toll this took on her, as she received hate mail and even saw her family harassed. These aspects make The Queen of Villains not just a sports biopic, but also a deep exploration of the personal cost of playing the villain in a society that was still rigidly conservative during that time.
Yuriyan’s Dedication to the Role
Yuriyan’s preparation for the role wasn’t limited to learning wrestling moves. She took on the psychological weight of the character, embodying not only Matsumoto’s aggressive in-ring persona but also her off-ring struggles. The training for the role was intense—Yuriyan had to adopt a wrestler’s rigorous physical routine, learning how to take bumps, perform slams, and sell the physicality of wrestling. Her dedication paid off as she convincingly portrayed Matsumoto in the series The Queen of Villains in some of her most iconic matches, including the infamous Hair vs. Hair match with Chigusa Nagayo.
Her injury during production, while unfortunate, added to the authenticity of her performance. It underscored the real dangers that wrestlers face and highlighted the physical endurance required to maintain the high-energy performances that pro wrestling demands. In many ways, Yuriyan’s journey mirrors that of Matsumoto, as both women had to overcome obstacles and push through pain to achieve their goals.
Conclusion: A Worthy Tribute to a Wrestling Icon
The Queen of Villains is more than just a biopic about a wrestler—it’s a tribute to the power of resilience, both in the ring and in life. Yuriyan Retriever’s performance as Dump Matsumoto has been hailed as a breakthrough for the comedian-turned-actress, with many praising her for capturing the raw intensity of Matsumoto’s wrestling persona while also conveying the vulnerability behind the character.
For fans of wrestling, especially joshi puroresu, the film offers a nostalgic look back at one of the most dynamic periods in the sport’s history. For newcomers, it provides a gripping introduction to the world of Japanese professional wrestling, anchored by a standout performance from Yuriyan that is as brutal as it is heartfelt. Whether you’re a fan of wrestling or just looking for a powerful drama, The Queen of Villains is a must-watch, offering a glimpse into the world of wrestling’s unsung heroes and villains.
By capturing both the spectacle and the emotional stakes of Dump Matsumoto’s life, The Queen of Villains cements Yuriyan Retriever’s place as a serious actress, while reminding viewers of the enduring appeal of professional wrestling in Japan.
