Queen of the Ring

Re-released episode from about a year ago. This episode is the second and final episode on Luna Vachon. Discussed are some pivotal career moments, romantic partners, tragedies she endured, the pieces that make a performance, mental illness, and much more. Luna passed away in 2010, but has remained in the minds and hearts of fans for decades, and it is unlikely to change.

This week's episode is a continuation from last week, another re-release from a little over a year ago! All about the early life of Luna Vachon, part two will be released next week!

This is a rerelease of an episode from a year ago, all about sex in wrestling. Sexuality is an interesting sociological tool that reveals not only what we desire but what we are disgusted by. Take a dive with me into the muddy waters of sexuality in professional wrestling.

Today, we embark on the wrestling documentary Gaea Girls. Released in 2000 by British filmmakers Kim Longinotto and Jano Williams, the doc follows a wrestling training center and promotion called Gaea Japan. Through the lens, the audience is shown the brutality inflicted upon its students and asks the question if realizing one's dreams is worth being put through Hell. The doc: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QgwFXZdYPY&t=1s

Today, in a continuation of the series on kayfabe, we have a special guest! Kreider Dane is a music producer based out of the greater Los Angeles area and is an avid wrestling fan. We talk all about the Montreal screw job, Vince McMahon's monopoly, Bret Hart's loogie, and much more! Sources:Dark Side of the Ring episode on the Montreal Screwjobhttps://www.amazon.com/Ringmaster-Vince-McMahon-Unmaking-America/dp/1982169443/ref=asc_df_1982169443/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=598275089707&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7163926990150458173&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1014369&hvtargid=pla-1677848432876&psc=1

Today's episode continues our series on kayfabe, and discusses one of the biggest kayfabe-breaking moments in wrestling history; the original screwjob. Sources: https://www.amazon.com/Ringmaster-Vince-McMahon-Unmaking-America/dp/1982169443/ref=asc_df_1982169443/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=598275089707&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2787888112789702699&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1014369&hvtargid=pla-1677848432876&psc=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW0FgLGKa4U https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIb6AZdTr-A https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2687433-how-cyndi-lauper-was-essential-in-the-launch-of-wwe-wrestlemania https://www.vicetv.com/en_us/video/the-fabulous-moolah/5c1a9d28be407707c961c83a https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/vince-mcmahon-fabulous-moolah-wendi-richter-screwjob/ https://www.amazon.com/Cyndi-Lauper-Memoir/dp/1439147892 And more!

In this second part of this series on kayfabe, we go over what it means to watch fantasy dissipate around you. Through a few stories, we question what it means to take part in a world, and how kayfabe's change into the modern day allows us to believe even harder. Sources: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/986789-wwe-a-look-back-at-the-infamous-curtain-call-the-msg-incident https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI4839sOVsw https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/kayfabe-professional-wrestling/ https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1144430/times-wrestlers-got-in-trouble-for-breaking-kayfabe/ https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00948705.2019.1613410 and more!

In this series on kayfabe, we are going over what it means to build up a reality, and then watch it crash down around you. Professional wrestling blurs the lines between reality and fiction and therefore has the ability to show us what we want to be real. When we take part in the stories professional wrestling tells, we begin to be able to play with our imaginations of who we are, ourselves.

From an article Alexa wrote at the Last Word On Sports. This episode points out the through line between pro wrestling and drag performance. The article:https://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2023/05/16/drag-and-wrestling-powder-and-paint/

Today's episode covers a strongwoman of the early 1900s, Charmion. Through her gender subversion, acrobatic stunts, and strip tease, this woman made people clutch their pearls. Pieces of her career and the way her narrative was shifted by those around her inspired a further discussion of the parallels to another strongwoman...Chyna. Sources:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charmionhttps://archive.ph/20061111131335/http://www.smithsonianmag.com/issues/2006/march/presence.php?page=2https://www.jstor.org/stable/40257964?mag=the-trapeze-disrobing-act&seq=2https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDJCCr2-Ssohttps://daily.jstor.org/the-trapeze-disrobing-act/https://www.jstor.org/stable/40257964?mag=the-trapeze-disrobing-act&seq=2

Today's mini-ish-sode is a breakdown of the article I wrote all about Jaguar Yokota for Last Word On Sports. From her inspirations to her extending her hand to those behind her, we're talking about one of the best wrestlers in history.My article on Mt. Rushmore of Women's Wrestling: https://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2023/04/07/womens-wrestling-mount-rushmore-a-lifelong-debate/Jaguar Yokota's walk out music:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oODnKkzLhw

Today's episode is all about the legendary Bull Nakano's wrestling career.Sources:Sisterhood the Squared CircleAn Encyclopedia of women's wrestlinghttps://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2021/02/03/aja-kong-racism/https://prowrestlingpost.com/aja-kong-japans-female-vader/https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1225206/bull-nakano-doesnt-like-to-compare-the-past-and-present-of-joshi-wrestling/https://fivestarnetwork.co/bull-nakano-interview-wrestling-chigusa-nagayo-wwe-and-more/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEc1AZLl3Bshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qElQOpA0L0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuyCD_UurvQ 

Hello everyone! The podcasts name will be changing from (the f.k.a) Queen of the Ring to That Wrestling Wench.

Today's episode is a mini one, Alexa talks about how, in her New Japan Pro Wrestling debut match, Mercedes Mone paid homage to the late Hana Kimura. Alexa touches on fashion as identity within professional wrestling.Sources:https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1204408/mercedes-mone-pays-homage-to-hana-kimura-at-njpw-battle-in-the-valley/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2s2z2aGO_k

This mini episode is all about the 2023 women's Royal Rumble match. Discussed are some highs and some lows, and the lead up to this event with Raw 30. I hope you enjoy.

This is the conclusion to our two part series on Mae Young! Today's episode goes through meeting The Fabulous Moolah, wrestling schools, bringing women's wrestling to Japan, a return to Evangelicalism, and a power bomb through a table. I hope you'll join.Sources:Chattanooga Daily TimesChattanooga, Tennessee06 Jul 1947, Sun  •  Page 38 The Wilmington Morning StarWilmington, North CarolinaMon, Nov 01, 1943 Star TribuneMinneapolis, MinnesotaSun, Jan 24, 1943 · Page 26Chattanooga Daily TimesChattanooga, TennesseeTue, Jul 01, 1947 · Page 14Chattanooga Daily TimesChattanooga, TennesseeSun, Jul 06, 1947 · Page 38The Knoxville JournalKnoxville, TennesseeFri, Sep 19, 1947 · Page 20The Charlotte NewsCharlotte, North CarolinaFri, Dec 17, 1948 · Page 25The Corning Daily ObserverCorning, CaliforniaThu, May 19, 1949 · Page 2https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/professional-wrestling-world-war-ii https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1913947-wwe-hall-of-famer-mae-young-passes-away-at-age-90 https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/mae-young-tough-cookie-of-pro-wrestling-dies-at-90/2014/01/18/4f20e786-805d-11e3-9556-4a4bf7bcbd84_story.html https://www.wwe.com/article/mae-young-life-story https://reference.jrank.org/biography-2/Young_Mae.html https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2014/01/09/261226740/wrestling-fans-mourn-mae-young-90-a-pioneer-of-the-ring https://www.thesportster.com/wwe-mae-young-facts-trivia-things-to-know/ http://socaluncensored.com/2018/06/11/mae-youngs-los-angeles-wrestling-school/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mae_Young_Classic https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/jun/11/the-fabulous-moolah-leads-the-elder-stateswomen-of/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL_HPuY80XY&t=349s https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=17744 https://bleacherreport.com/articles/280199-wrestling-in-southern-california-from-the-60s-to-the-present https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vTRkpc7Ots&t=372s  https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Wrestling/MaeYoung https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMhFTv6OBXY http://socaluncensored.com/2018/06/11/mae-youngs-los-angeles-wrestling-school/    

The first part of this series on Mae Young talks about her early life and career. We discuss Ed "The Strangler" Lewis, Evangelical religion, arrests, and what makes a villain in wrestling. The second part will be out in the coming weeks.Sources:Chattanooga Daily TimesChattanooga, Tennessee06 Jul 1947, Sun  •  Page 38The Wilmington Morning StarWilmington, North CarolinaMon, Nov 01, 1943Star TribuneMinneapolis, MinnesotaSun, Jan 24, 1943 · Page 26Chattanooga Daily TimesChattanooga, TennesseeTue, Jul 01, 1947 · Page 14Chattanooga Daily TimesChattanooga, TennesseeSun, Jul 06, 1947 · Page 38The Knoxville JournalKnoxville, TennesseeFri, Sep 19, 1947 · Page 20The Charlotte NewsCharlotte, North CarolinaFri, Dec 17, 1948 · Page 25The Corning Daily ObserverCorning, CaliforniaThu, May 19, 1949 · Page 2https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/professional-wrestling-world-war-ii https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1913947-wwe-hall-of-famer-mae-young-passes-away-at-age-90 https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/mae-young-tough-cookie-of-pro-wrestling-dies-at-90/2014/01/18/4f20e786-805d-11e3-9556-4a4bf7bcbd84_story.html https://www.wwe.com/article/mae-young-life-story https://reference.jrank.org/biography-2/Young_Mae.html https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2014/01/09/261226740/wrestling-fans-mourn-mae-young-90-a-pioneer-of-the-ringhttps://www.thesportster.com/wwe-mae-young-facts-trivia-things-to-know/ http://socaluncensored.com/2018/06/11/mae-youngs-los-angeles-wrestling-school/

Today's minisode is all about the pay-per-view Full Gear from All Elite Wrestling. The pieces of the show I am focusing on throughout this episode are the return of Saraya to the wrestling ring and the match between Toni Storm and Jamie Hayter.

Todays episode is all about Kia Stevens also known as Awesome Kong. Listen along to hear about her trying out for cheer, Tough Enough, the ethics behind her ring name, her relationship with Aja Kong, GLOW, and much more! Sources:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdiThYyboAshttps://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=9DaQDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA25&dq=awesome+kong&ots=R7gAQhE_m7&sig=LNvrdAz_gWgI0ZV9qWFk6nB-cZE#v=onepage&q=awesome%20kong&f=falsehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awesome_Konghttps://www.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/9v8iy5/reby_to_ashley_massaro_last_time_we_spoke_i_said/https://www.google.com/search?q=fleshed+muscular+phenomenology+across+sexed+and+queer+circus+bodies+pdf&source=lmns&bih=737&biw=1440&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS982US982&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiZxr-51fn6AhWXYTABHW0vCZoQ_AUoAHoECAEQAAhttps://bleacherreport.com/articles/329065-bubb-the-love-sponge-vs-awesome-konghttps://www.google.com/search?q=scam+goddess+welfare+queen&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS982US982&oq=scam+goddess+welfare+queen&aqs=chrome..69i57j33i160l2.9008j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=ioRJDAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA59&dq=monster+strongwomen&ots=kcBZljTkQr&sig=a0R0MmaUTJjfryMl_O29PiM35jw#v=onepage&q=monster%20strongwomen&f=falsehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAvTWLDH3nQ 

Today's episode is all about labor rights in professional wrestling. Since this topic is so vast, I hope to continue it on as a series.From how shitty Hulk Hogan is to circus inspiration, listen along. Sources:https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/wrestling-union/Wrestling Union – Failed Attempts and a History of Blackballing by WWE Javier OjstSteve Austin Showhttps://grantland.com/features/wwe-hell-cell-john-cena-history-wrestling-real-scripted-labor-movement/On WWE and Organized LaborDavid Shoemakerhttps://cupdf.com/document/employees-vs-independent-contractors-and-professional-wrestling.html?page=1EMPLOYEES VS. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS AND PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING: HOW THE WWE IS TAKING A FOLDING-CHAIR TO THE BASIC TENETS OF EMPLOYMENT LAW David CowleyIn plain sight - Examining the harms of professional wrestling as state-corporate crime Corteen, KM https://www.academia.edu/49783001/In_plain_sight_examining_the_harms_of_professional_wrestling_as_state_corporate_crimeIRS 20 Factor Test – Independent Contractor or Employee?https://www.academia.edu/8024839/COMMENTARY_A_WRESTLERS_LIFE_FULL_TIME_WORKER_AS_INDEPENDENT_CONTRACTORA WRESTLER'S LIFE: FULL-TIME WORKER ASINDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR  Michael Schiavonehttps://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/08/16/Professional-wrestling-should-be-deregulated-in-Texas-because-it/3635587707200/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-uozbzDo2chttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1nwV1T3_I8https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8UQ4O7UiDshttps://www.cagesideseats.com/2011/4/21/2125160/the-sad-story-of-shannon-daffney-spruillhttps://www.sportscasting.com/a-breakdown-of-how-wwe-wrestlers-get-paid/https://scholarship.law.marquette.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1742&context=sportslawhttps://bleacherreport.com/articles/1110575-wwe-news-wrestlings-risks-warrant-a-labor-unions-rewardshttps://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2019/07/28/pro-wrestling-eve-joins-union-equity-uk/https://organizing.work/2020/11/wrestlers-have-always-wanted-a-union-why-dont-they-have-one/

In this episode, we're beginning a series on labor rights in professional wrestling. Because there is so much information to talk about in regards to this subject, it will be continued in future episodes. From Jesse Ventura and his idea of unionizing to Zelina Vega's tweet and return to WWE, listen while Alexa passionately spews information like a faucet. Sources:https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/wrestling-union/Wrestling Union – Failed Attempts and a History of Blackballing by WWE Javier OjstSteve Austin Showhttps://grantland.com/features/wwe-hell-cell-john-cena-history-wrestling-real-scripted-labor-movement/On WWE and Organized Labor - David Shoemakerhttps://cupdf.com/document/employees-vs-independent-contractors-and-professional-wrestling.html?page=1EMPLOYEES VS. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS AND PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING: HOW THE WWE IS TAKING A FOLDING-CHAIR TO THE BASIC TENETS OF EMPLOYMENT LAW-  David CowleyIn plain sight - Examining the harms of professional wrestling as state-corporate crime Corteen, KM https://www.academia.edu/49783001/In_plain_sight_examining_the_harms_of_professional_wrestling_as_state_corporate_crimeIRS 20 Factor Test – Independent Contractor or Employee?https://www.academia.edu/8024839/COMMENTARY_A_WRESTLERS_LIFE_FULL_TIME_WORKER_AS_INDEPENDENT_CONTRACTORA WRESTLER'S LIFE: FULL-TIME WORKER ASINDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR  Michael Schiavonehttps://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/08/16/Professional-wrestling-should-be-deregulated-in-Texas-because-it/3635587707200/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-uozbzDo2chttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1nwV1T3_I8https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8UQ4O7UiDshttps://www.cagesideseats.com/2011/4/21/2125160/the-sad-story-of-shannon-daffney-spruillhttps://www.sportscasting.com/a-breakdown-of-how-wwe-wrestlers-get-paid/https://scholarship.law.marquette.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1742&context=sportslawhttps://bleacherreport.com/articles/1110575-wwe-news-wrestlings-risks-warrant-a-labor-unions-rewardshttps://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2019/07/28/pro-wrestling-eve-joins-union-equity-uk/https://organizing.work/2020/11/wrestlers-have-always-wanted-a-union-why-dont-they-have-one/ 

On this final episode of our series on AJ Mendez's autobiography, "Crazy Is My Superpower" AJ begins her journey through the WWE, finds a different formula for success, and stays herself the whole way through.Topics include: The WWE as Satanic Cult, body politics, the chihuahua Nacho Cheese, and more.

The second part of this series on AJ Mendez's book, "Crazy is My Superpower" covers her beginning college, being confronted and confronting mental illness, and the twists and turns she took to get her in a wrestling ring for the first time.

Today's episode is the beginning of a new series, The Booking of a Lifetime, where I will be discussing memoirs, autobiographies and more written by and with women wrestlers. To kick this off, we're starting with "Crazy Is My Superpower: How I Triumphed by Breaking Bones, Breaking Hearts, and Breaking the Rules" by the one and only AJ Mendez. In this first part, we'll be discussing AJ's childhood, relationship with her family, and the pieces that created her as we know her today.

On today's episode, let's talk about sex baby. This episode is a small look into a huge topic. Sex and gender span a myriad of discussions, but today we're talking about how sex serves as a storytelling device in wrestling. From Playboy's longtime relationship with WWE to professional wrestling as a tool for queer sexual awakening, this is the first part of a (possible) multipart series.Sources:https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/exclusives/evolution-progress-report-women-wrestlers-effects-sexualization-female-athleteshttps://www.vice.com/en/article/akz5x4/how-wwe-wrestling-matches-on-tv-helped-lgbtq-peoplehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DpYz8gGhFEhttps://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/stories/2005/07/25/focus9.htmlWrestling with Masculinity: Messages about Manhood in the WWE Danielle M. Soulliere

This episode is the second and final episode on Luna Vachon. Discussed are some pivotal career moments, romantic partners, tragedies she endured, the pieces that make a performance, mental illness, and much more. Luna passed away in 2010, but has remained in the minds and hearts of fans for decades, and it is unlikely to change.Instagram: @queenoftheringpodSourceshttps://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/luna-vachon/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IU6iHxdwDUshttps://thesmartmarks.com/article_1248.shtmlhttps://www.vicetv.com/en_us/video/the-many-faces-of-luna-vachon/6138c92b6c74d8164f366b61https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fbnw0jMW2dEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49aTGHDeaPAhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luna_Vachon#Personal_life“How it feels to be a wrestling queen” by Ric Norcross. The Tampa Times. Fri, Jul 20, 1973 Tampa, Floridahttps://mickfoley.typepad.com/mickfoley/2010/08/as-you-all-know-im-very-saddened-by-lunas-passing-ive-written-something-in-remembrance-of-her-but-i-cant-seem-to-cut-and-pa.htmlhttps://bleacherreport.com/articles/434453-wwe-star-luna-vachon-loses-everything-in-a-fire“Play, Performance and Professional Wrestling: An Examination of a Modern Day Spectacle of Absurdity” by Terry McNeill Saunders“Psychiatric and Physical Sequelae of Childhood Physical and Sexual Abuse and Forced Sexual Trauma Among Individuals With Serious Mental Illness” by Andrew M. Subicahttps://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2018/10/18/dick-slater-dead-at-67-was-mr-unpredictable/“Was it Love a first fight?” by Alex Marvez

On todays episode, Alexa is discussing wrestling royalty, Luna Vachon. This first part of the series peers into Luna's early years, inspirations, triumphs, some traumas and the Vachon's noble place in wrestling. The series will conclude in a few weeks, with the second part.Sourceshttps://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/luna-vachon/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IU6iHxdwDUshttps://thesmartmarks.com/article_1248.shtmlhttps://www.vicetv.com/en_us/video/the-many-faces-of-luna-vachon/6138c92b6c74d8164f366b61https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fbnw0jMW2dEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49aTGHDeaPAhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luna_Vachon#Personal_life“How it feels to be a wrestling queen” by Ric Norcross. The Tampa Times. Fri, Jul 20, 1973 Tampa, Floridahttps://mickfoley.typepad.com/mickfoley/2010/08/as-you-all-know-im-very-saddened-by-lunas-passing-ive-written-something-in-remembrance-of-her-but-i-cant-seem-to-cut-and-pa.htmlhttps://bleacherreport.com/articles/434453-wwe-star-luna-vachon-loses-everything-in-a-fire“Play, Performance and Professional Wrestling: An Examination of a Modern Day Spectacle of Absurdity” by Terry McNeill Saunders“Psychiatric and Physical Sequelae of Childhood Physical and Sexual Abuse and Forced Sexual Trauma Among Individuals With Serious Mental Illness” by Andrew M. Subicahttps://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2018/10/18/dick-slater-dead-at-67-was-mr-unpredictable/“Was it Love a first fight?” by Alex Marvez

Today on Queen of the Ring, we're discussing the cataclysmic event that was the collaboration of WWE and Girls Gone Wild. In March of 2003, their love child took form in a pay-per-view show. Though promised naked WWE Divas, the audience was really subjected to an hour of absolute unorganized debauchery. Through discussing how this came to be, the PPV itself, and the aftermath, we can have a look into not only how WWE valued their women wrestlers, but what they thought fans valued too.Sources:https://archive.org/det xails/torrie-stacy-at-girls-gone-wild-ppv-spring-break-03-13-03http://www.2xzone.com/ratings/rawhistory.shtml#1998https://wrestleinn.com/2021/05/21/you-cant-do-that-thank-you-very-much-the-disastrous-wwe-and-girls-gone-wild-ppv/https://www.politico.com/story/2010/10/mcmahon-and-girls-gone-wild-043041http://oswreview.com/history/most-watched-wwe-cable-matches/https://wrestlingrepublic.com/toni-storm-says-wwe-wanted-her-to-be-stripped-by-charlotte-flair/

Lourdes Grobet is an artist, who established her career within photography in the 1960s. Being from Mexico, her love for lucha libre began at an early age, like so many others. She quickly brought her artistic medium into the squared circle, and began documenting luchador's and luchadora's live's inside and outside the ring. Grobet's photography offers an insight into their mundane, day-to-day lives, yet still expresses an air of romance and awe.Quick note from Alexa*When referring to El Santo and Blue Demon's relationship, I said they were tag team partners, but I goofed and had meant to say they were rivals. Whoops.Sources:Fighting for freedom: Mexico's pro wrestlers have social and political impact by Julie Watson the Associated Press Mexico CityLucha Libre: Masked Superstars, of Mexican Wrestling Photographs by Lourdes Grobet by Carlos MonsivaisMythologies by Rothard Bartheshttps://lourdesgrobet.com/en/biography/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rElpkvx244Y

Today on Queen of the Ring, Alexa is going over the life and career of Sandy Parker. From the 60's into the '80s, Sandy set precedent's never seen before. She was the first openly gay woman to be a singles world champion, and the first Black woman to to become a world champion with the WWWA championship. Topics include: Heel work, queer villainy, the Fabulous Moolah needing an HR department and more.Sources:https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2008/04/07/sandy-parker-addicted-to-wrestling/https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/wrestlings-gay-history/https://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2018/02/07/sandy-parker-first-african-american-womens-world-champion/https://www.outsports.com/2021/2/27/22303790/sandy-parker-pro-wrestling-lgbtq-black-lesbian-all-japan-women-nwa-susan-green-betty-nicolihttps://www.diva-dirt.com/honoring-world-champion-sandy-parker/“The Villian Wears Lipstick” by Kathy Kucera 1975Wrestling Magazine article- 1978

As a follow-up to the previous episode titled 'The Crimson Mask,' Alexa chats with Phil Schneider, wrestling critic, and author of book "Way of the Blade: 100 of the Greatest Bloody Matches In Wrestling History." Alexa asks him how he got interested in wrestling, what drew him to bloody matches, and his favorite bloody women's match. Digressions include: a Saudi Prince, AEW Revolution, World War Z, video stores, Trump/McMahon parallels and more.If you want to hear more from Phil Schneider:His podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/way-of-the-blade/id1568518302His book: https://www.amazon.com/Way-Blade-Greatest-Matches-Wrestling/dp/173494594X

In today's episode, Alexa takes us through what is known as the crimson mask in professional wrestling. Through doing so, she discusses some history of bloody wrestling matches, important moments in wrestling history, and just how career shifting one bloody match can be. She also talks about the women who subvert expectations by shedding their own blood...on purpose or on accident.Sources:Becky Lynch 24 on WWEhttps://ddtdigest.com/features/blading/https://wrestlepundit.com/wwe-news/blading-history-blood-wrestling/https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2022/02/becky-lynch-reveals-gift-nia-jax-sent-after-breaking-her-nose/#:~:text=An%20iconic%20moment%20from%20Becky,of%20RAW%20in%20November%202018.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsBuWL7osfoPopular Entertainments and the Spectacle of Bleeding by Lucy NevittWay of the Blade by Phil Schneider

Aja Kong is a Japanese wrestler who's career spans almost four decades. Alexa discusses her childhood and family, and how wrestling became important to her at such an early age. To look at the career of Aja Kong is to look at the evolution of women's wrestling. She along with some of her comrades, changed wrestling for the better. Still wrestling today, she continues to stir people out of their seats, and make them scream her name.Sources:An Encyclopedia of Women's Wrestling by LaToya Ferguson[https://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2021/02/03/aja-kong-racism/]https://prowrestlingpost.com/aja-kong-japans-female-vader/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TygtDOkTywSisterhood the Squared Circle by Pat LapradeWay of the Blade by Phil Schneider

Today, Alexa talks about the life of Ashley Massaro. A once model made wrestler, Ashley was a ray of light that exuded every time she was on the stage. Through her employment with the WWE, Ashley ran in to systemic and situational issues that held her back, resulting in her having a short lived career. This did not mean the fans forgot her though, no, she spent the rest of her life still in the eyes of fans. She unfortunately passed away in 2018, leaving the world a little bit darker.Sources:https://www.sportscasting.com/the-tragic-death-of-wwe-star-ashley-massaro/https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/ashley-massaro/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXqzKqJDrLA&t=209shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6saScpBQMYAAnd more.

Today, Alexa discusses the history of the legalization of women's wrestling, and the role wrestler Titi Paris had in lifting the ban. Mentioned are the people who attempted before her, the folks who held them back, and those who supported them. Placing a ban on women's wrestling made it so combat fighters by trade could not have experience, opportunity, or employment.Note from AlexaAlthough gender is truly nothing if it is not fluid, I refer to it primarily in the binary sense throughout this episode, because that was the school of thought for the majority at this time. Sources:[https://vineyardgazette.com/news/2013/07/18/boxing-her-way-equality-and-justice][https://revistaconsideraciones.com/2019/08/20/las-amazonas-del-ring/][https://findingaid.wordpress.com/2016/09/05/on-lawsuits-for-licenses-the-fight-for-womens-wrestling-in-new-york-long-form/](https://ringthedamnbell.wordpress.com/2021/10/28/wrestling-herstory-the-ban-on-womens-wrestling/#more-49099)Sisterhood of the Squared Circle by Pat Laprade and Dan Murphy

Nyla Rose is a star with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Loving wrestling since childhood, Nyla watched with her grandmother, hoping to do it herself one day. Throughout her career, she has competed within independent circuits in the United States, and Japan. Being the first Native American and first transgender woman to be a champion at a major promotion exclusively, Nyla Rose is changing the scenery of what wrestling is for those coming in after her.Sources:AEW Unrestricted PodcastFightful Pro Wrestling- InterviewRing the Belle- Nyla Rose on AEW's Women's Division, Message to Trolls, and Her Nerd Side | Ring the Belle EXCLUSIVESI.com - Nyla Rose Quietly Makes History as AEW's First Transgender WrestlerTalk is Jericho with Nyla Rose

In this episode, Alexa breaks down the tag-team known as the Pretty Mean Sisters (PMS) within the World Wrestling Federation. The team was made up of Terri Runnels and previous Queen of Our Ring, Jacqueline Moore. Topics include salacious storylines they were privy to being involved in, the other wrestlers they worked with, and the inspiration for the groups creator. Additionally, Alexa dives in to some more recent news, discussing the Vice TV show Dark Side of the Ring, and Runnels' questionable commentary.Sources:Encyclopedia of Women's Wrestling - LaToya FergusonSisterhood of the Squared Circle - Pat Murphy and Dan MurphyWikipediaWrestling Shoot Interview with Jacqueline MooreVice TV Show Dark Side of the Ring- Plane Ride From Hell

For this extra-special Halloween episode, Alexa is discussing the life of the Extreme Queen, Megumi Kudo. She set the standard for the caliber that wrestling exists at today. Kudo brought women into the emerging hardcore, death match wrestling scene. Suffering burns, lacerations, chains, barbed wire and explosions, she set the boundaries for where wrestling could go and was ahead of her time.Sources:"Megumi Kudo – She Was Hardcore Before It Was Cool" by Alex Podgorski on Pro Wrestling PostWikipedia.http://fmwwrestling.us/Kudo.htmletc.

On this season finale, come along while Alexa discusses the history of bra and panty matches within professional wrestling. From the days of apartment wrestling in the late 1970's, to the Attitude Era in the WWE, feminine sexuality is consistently an important ingredient for wrestling's overall commercial success. Sources:"Apartment Wrestling: Battling Girls" issue #4Apartment House Wrestling (ahwgallery.com). “Encyclopedia of Women's Wrestling” by LaToya Ferguson.  History of Bra and Panty Matches on Prowrestling Fandom Wiki.The Monday Night Wars on WWE network. Sisterhood of the Squared Circle Pat Laprade and Dan Murphy. “Women Love Wrestling” edited by Jason Norris. “Wrestling Magazines Were Bloody, Dumb, and Sleazy and I Loved Them” by David Bixenspan on Dead Spin.If you would like to suggest a person to cover please email:queenoftheringpodcast@gmail.com 

This week, Alexa talks about Jacqueline Moore, a retired professional wrestler with a vast history of working within different promotions over more than two decades. Jacqueline's story overlaps with so many of the greatest wrestlers of all time. She is one of the most decorated women wrestlers in history who came up through the independent scene, and became one of the biggest names in the business. Through her career, Jacqueline inspired so many women wrestlers behind her and paved a way for them to follow in her stead.Sources:An Encyclopedia of Women's Wrestling by LaToya Ferguson.Shoot interview.Sisterhood of the Squared Circle by Pat Laprade and Dan Murphy.Wikipedia.Wrestling Girls Podcast.If you would like to suggest a person to cover please email:queenoftheringpodcast@gmail.com

This week, Alexa is talking about Sonny Kiss, a professional wrestler with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Sonny Kiss is defining what it means to be a wrestler in this generation through her in ring style, skill, and gender expression as a non binary, gender-fluid, feminine person. Through opening this door, she is allowing those who see themselves in her to follow in her footsteps. Sonny Kiss is creating a new space for queer wrestlers to be themselves just as she has.Sources:AEW Podcast.CBR.com article: "AEW's Booking of Sonny Kiss Raises an Important Question" by Ali Camara  Interview on Chris Van Vliet's podcast.Interview on a Shot with Brandi.Prowrestling Fandom page on Sonny Kiss.SI.com article: "‘Concrete Rose' Persona Is Not a Gimmick for AEW's Sonny Kiss" by Justin Barrasso. Wikipedia. If you would like to suggest a person to cover please email:queenoftheringpodcast@gmail.com

Kagetsu is a retired Japanese women's wrestler, who's legendary status should be known the world over, but her fame lies mostly in Japan. As a rookie, she was once sidelined and held back by those who trained her, then took that experience and went into her veteran years helping train those underneath her to excel beyond her. To her, bringing up those around her was as important as becoming one of the best wrestlers in the world.SOURCES: The podcast, "Big Egg Joshi" episode on KagetsuThe sub reddit of Stardom wrestling and the people who helped me.Super Eyepatch Wolf's video essay on Youtube, “Villians in Wrestling: Making People Hate You.”Yahoo! Japan.Wikipedia.If you would like to suggest a person to cover please email:queenoftheringpodcast@gmail.com

In this season premiere, Alexa dives into the life of Amy Dumas, also known as Lita in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). From her early life, to her love of punk, beginning wrestling, and being the subject of a scandal in and outside the ring. From a lifelong wrestling fan, the life story of Lita. Note from Alexa:**In this episode, I briefly mention the relationship of Terry Funk to hardcore, death match wrestling. I say something along the lines of him being the creator of it, but that is not exactly true. Atsushi Onita, the creator of Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling in Japan, was the first to popularize hardcore, death matches with Terry Funk as a sort of inspiration from his work in the United States previously.  Sources:“An Encyclopedia of Women's Wrestling" by LaToya Ferguson.  Interview with Amy Dumas from Lillian Garcia's podcast Chasing Glory."Lita: A Less Traveled R.O.A.D (The Reality of Amy Dumas)" by Amy Dumas. "Sisterhood of the Squared Circle" by Pat Laprade and Dan Murphy.Wikipedia. If you would like to suggest a person to cover please email:queenoftheringpodcast@gmail.com

I didn't get to mention who I would be covering this first season, so I will include a list here:#1: Lita#2: Kagetsu#3: Sonny Kiss#4: Jacqueline #5: The History of Bra and Panties MatchesThank you!If you would like to suggest a person to cover please email:queenoftheringpodcast@gmail.com