Damaris Lewis Shares Surprising Connection To Naomi Before Working Together In 'Queen Of The Ring'
03/10/2025 02:17 PM
Damaris Lewis knew Trinity Fatu long before she was known as Naomi in WWE.
Lewis stars as Babs Wingo in Queen of the Ring, the new film about Mildred Burke, a pioneer of women’s wrestling in the 1950s. In the film, Wingo is introduced alongside Ethel Johnson (Fatu) and Marva Scott (Cameren Jackson). Lewis spoke with WrestleZone Managing Editor Bill Pritchard about working with Fatu in the film and shared that they actually shared a connection with each other before teaming on the silver screen.
"Both Trin [Naomi] and I are Boys & Girls Club Alumni Hall of Fame members. But I say that to [highlight] the common understanding we share of our roots and beginnings," Damaris Lewis explained. "I didn't know she was Naomi when I met her. And that was a beautiful thing, to learn about, be around, and also, an inspiration.
"When you do a movie, you don't often get to touch people who are still [actively] doing the same thing today. I had my research," she continued. "But then I had someone who could give me their own insight, so it was really exciting."
Damaris Lewis knew Queen Of The Ring would be a physical role
Damaris Lewis was also asked how she prepared for such a taxing role. Acting is one thing, but Queen of the Ring also required the cast to step in the ring and work matches. Despite how demanding it was, Lewis found the role to be a rewarding one.
"I think that's kind of what you sign up for as an actor, right? You go into this job knowing that it is going to be challenging, it's going to be tough," she explained. "But it's also going to be rewarding if you can get past these particular challenges. For me, it was a joy. It was an honor to be accepted into this space. But it was an even bigger honor to do it while playing badass Babs Wingo. There was no negative grit in it for me—it truly brought me a lot of joy."
Lewis said that having Wingo’s family give their approval meant a lot too, adding that it was a "really, really, really big blessing, knowing that Babs, Marva, and Ethel's family gave us their blessing after they saw the movie."
Queen of the Ring is in theatres now; watch our full interview with Kamille and Lewis below:
Lewis also appeared at AEW Revolution on Sunday night to promote the movie, but fans were left puzzled by one of her on-air remarks.
The post Damaris Lewis Shares Surprising Connection To Naomi Before Working Together In 'Queen Of The Ring' appeared first on Wrestlezone.
