“The Queen of Villains,” the Netflix wrestling series about Dump Matsumoto, premieres on September 19

Netflix has announced The Queen of Villainsa new original series about Dump Matsumoto, the fearsome Japanese wrestling heel who reigned supreme in the 1980s.

The Queen of Villains Premieres on September 19, 2024 on Netflix.

Who is Dump Matsumoto?

Dump Matsumoto, born Kaoru Matsumoto, is a semi-retired Japanese professional wrestler who became a leading figure in All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling (AJW) during the 1980s. Known for her brutal and imposing style in the ring, Matsumoto quickly established herself as a formidable villain, captivating audiences with her larger-than-life villainous persona.

Her rivalry with the popular tag team Crush Gals, particularly with Chigusa Nagayo, became a cultural phenomenon. Matsumoto led the infamous Atrocious Alliance stable, which introduced fans to wrestlers such as WWE Hall of Famer Bull Nakano, and further cemented her legacy as a compelling and influential figure in the sport.

Matsumoto’s contributions to Japanese women’s wrestling extended beyond her in-ring successes; her influence was recognized with her induction into the AJW Hall of Fame in 1998. Even after retiring from full-time competition in 1988, she continued to influence the wrestling world through occasional appearances and media projects, including roles in Japanese films and even a video game bearing her name.

Dump Matsumoto’s illustrious career and lasting influence make her a compelling subject for a new Netflix original series that focuses on her central role in increasing the popularity and cultural significance of women’s wrestling in Japan.

Netflix and WWE

Netflix is ​​entering the wrestling business in a big way. In January 2025 WWE Raw “cuts the plug after 32 years” and switches to the world’s largest over-the-top streaming platform.

The estimated value of the WWE deal with Netflix is ​​approximately $5 billion over a 10-year period.

WWE Raw will premiere on Netflix in January 2025. At this time, only one person is confirmed to appear in this show… “and his name is John Cena.” The WWE The Netflix premiere will be the first official stop on John Cena’s 2025 farewell tour.