By Invitation Only: The Burke Invitational Guantlet

Shown in an NWA promotional photo from the 1950s, Mildred Burke became so synonymous with the NWA Women’s World title, the belt currently held by Kamille — and the annual gauntlet to determine a new No. 1 contender to it — both bear her name. 

In just three short years, the Burke Invitational Gauntlet has established itself as one of the most exciting, high-stakes events in the National Wrestling Alliance.

Named for the legendary Mildred Burke, a Hall of Fame wrestler who held the NWA Women’s championship for nearly two decades, the annual event offers hand-selected competitors from around the world a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The last combatant standing not only earns the prestigious Burke Memorial Cup but a shot at the Women’s World title, also dubbed “The Burke” to honor the all-time great, the following night.

Held on the opening night of NWA’s two-day anniversary spectacular, the Burke Invitational is conducted under “gauntlet” rules. A new contestant enters the ring every 90 seconds with eliminations coming via pinfall or submission. To date, two grapplers have claimed victory on NWA’s grandest stage. 

At NWA 73, Chelsea Green outlasted the competition in her NWA debut to take home the obscenely large trophy — and (unsuccessfully) challenge Kamille for gold the next night. A year later, Max the Impaler bulldozed the field of contestants to claim the cup for The Wasteland…and, like Green, also came up short against Kamille.

As in years past, Kamille pulls double duty at NWA 75, taking place Aug. 26-27, in St. Louis. On opening night, “The Crush” Natalia Markova challenges for the strap.

Father James Mitchell and The Miserably Faithful celebrate Max the Impaler’s victory in the 2022 Burke Invitational.

After battling coast-to-coast in a heated rivalry, Markova has yet to wrest the title from “The One Time” champ. Though “The Crush” has proven a game challenge, even picking up victories over “The Brickhouse” in tag action, many — including Kamille — have confirmed this is likely  the Russian bombshell’s last shot at the champion.

Whomever emerges with the title is guaranteed a tough weekend. The champ (whether Kamille or Markova) faces the winner of the Burke Invitational on Night 2.

With so much riding on the outcome of the Burke Invitational, and a new No. 1 contender guaranteed to emerge, we take a look at this year’s crop of known competitors.

The Competitors

Currently nine names have been formally announced for the Burke Invitational Gauntlet. The talent pool combines returning favorites, current NWA stars and top prospects from across the country. Additional names could be added at a later date.

In 2021, Chelsea Green was the winner of the first-annual Burke Invitational Gauntlet.

Allysin Kay
A former NWA Women’s World and Tag Team Champion, AK returns for another crack at the gold.

CJ
The wily Magician’s Assistant has shown she has a few tricks up her own sleeve lately!

Ruthie Jay
Still getting her footing in NWA, Ruthie Jay wowed at Crockett Cup. Might she do it again?

Samantha Starr
Can the third-generation grappler write her name in the stars?

The W.O.A.D.
Will the cheeky Weapon of Ass Destruction be a wrecking ball for others’ dreams?

MJ Jenkins
Oh, honey, there’s “A Whole Lotta Woman” returning to NWA with her sights squarely on winning it all at NWA 75.

Heather Monroe
“The Killer Bae” is on her way! NWA last saw Monroe and partner Rae Lyn challenge for M95’s tag titles.

Taylor Rising
Perhaps the contestant NWA fans know least, the announcement of Rising’s entry into the Burke Invitational set social media ablaze!

Sierra
Impressing during NWA’s 312 PPV weekend got this Chicago fave invited to NWA’s biggest event of the year.