Documentaries to Watch if You're a Wrestling Fan

Dec. 26, 2022

Professional wrestling has been around for decades, providing audiences with an escape from reality and a way to enjoy some of their favorite larger-than-life characters. However, there is more to the world of wrestling than just entertainment. By watching documentaries about wrestling, viewers can gain insight into the sport’s past, present, and future as well as learn important lessons about life. Let’s take a look at why it's so important to watch documentaries about wrestling.

 

Gaining Knowledge About Wrestling’s History

A man about to pin another one in a wrestling match

One of the best reasons to watch documentaries about wrestling is so that you can gain knowledge about the sport’s history. Many topics such as the creation of popular matches or personalities are covered in these films, allowing viewers to learn more about how professional wrestling has evolved over time. Additionally, these films often feature interviews with former wrestlers and promoters who offer unique perspectives on various aspects of the industry.

 

Learning Important Life Lessons

A referee indicating something to a wrestler in a wrestling matcth

Another great reason to watch documentaries about wrestling is that they often contain important life lessons. Through stories of wrestlers overcoming adversity or rising above difficult circumstances, viewers can learn valuable lessons such as perseverance and resilience that they can apply to their own lives. These films also highlight the importance of hard work and dedication—important qualities for anyone looking to achieve success in any field.


Understanding How Professional Wrestling Works Today

A collection of masks of luchadores

Finally, watching documentaries about wrestling can help viewers better understand how professional wrestling works today. These films provide an inside look at the business side of professional wrestling as well as what it takes for wrestlers to make it big in this highly competitive industry. They also explore topics such as training regimens and nutrition which are essential for anyone looking to become a successful wrestler in today’s market.       

     

Which documentaries about wrestling can I watch right now?

 

 

Fake It So Real

A man screaming while looking to the camera

Punches, blood, screams, jumps. These are the kind of things that we all see when the fighters face each other in the independent pro wrestling. This documentary follows a group of amateur wrestlers as they prepare for their forthcoming show. Inspired by the mythical imagery of pro wrestling, where characters like of Yokozuna and The Undertaker took the show to ample global ratings, a group of amateur wrestlers from Lincolnton, North Carolina, prepare for their next local show.

 

The Wrestlers: Fighting with My Family

A red-haired woman hugging a girl with a bearded man by their side

This documentary follows wrestler Paige and her family as they navigate their way through the world of professional wrestling. It covers Paige's journey from an amateur wrestler to becoming one of the biggest stars in WWE history. The film also features interviews with other wrestling stars, such as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and John Cena, which gives viewers insight into what it takes to make it in this unique sport.

 

Beyond the Mat

Mick Foley and The Rock speaking to each other

This classic documentary was released back in 1999 and follows wrestler Mick Foley as he prepares for his final match. It also looks at three other wrestlers who are trying to make it big in the business—Terry Funk, Jake Roberts, and Darren Drozdov—who all have different approaches to achieving success. Beyond the Mat explores deeply personal issues such as addiction, loss, and fame within professional wrestling.

 

Syrian Refugees: Wrestling for A New Life In Egypt

A syrian man with his family

Amir Awad, from the Syrian National Team for wrestling, gets us acquainted to the Syrian Sports Academy, a place that trains Syrian refugees in Egypt to prop up sports talent and, in doing so, prevent illegal immigration. Supported by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the Syrian Sports Academy holds classes for over 20 Syrian refugees to battle illegal immigration and assemble a new generation of sports players in Egypt.

 

Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows  

Bret Hart with a cap looking to the ground

This 1998 documentary chronicles Bret Hart's rise to fame within professional wrestling from 1988 until 1997 when he left World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). The documentary examines how Hart navigated his career while dealing with backstage politics and financial pressures. It also dives into Hart's personal life off camera, exploring intimate aspects of his relationships with family members and friends during this tumultuous period in his life.                                 

Cheating Death, Stealing Life: The Eddie Guerrero Story

Eddie Guerrero celebrating in a ring

This touching biography chronicles the life and career of professional wrestler Eddie Guerrero. It follows his journey from being an unknown wrestler in Mexico to becoming one of the most popular wrestlers in North America. Not only does it go behind-the-scenes to show how Guerrero became a star, but it also delves into his personal struggles with addiction and his eventual redemption at the top of WWE's roster.

 

GLOW: The Story of The Gorgeous Ladies Of Wrestling

A bunch of women in wrestling outfits smiling to the camera

This documentary looks back at the 1980s women's pro wrestling promotion known as GLOW—the Gorgeous Ladies Of Wrestling. It tells stories from former wrestlers who were part of this groundbreaking promotion and how they used it as a platform to become empowered both onscreen and off. Not only does this document highlight their experiences in pro wrestling, but it also shows how these women created their own kind of feminist empowerment movement within their sport.     

 

Ramin

A man with a hat and a suit lookin to the camera

A veteran Georgian wrestling champion looks onto his biggest challenge in the autumn of his life: loneliness. As a good undefeated wrestler, he follows the scent of a lost woman he still loves. The assertive and silent camera of director Audrius Stonys follows him with intuition while the old man gets comfortable in his small and humble house or visits the local market of the Georgian town where he has lived all of his life. There, old and new generations admire him for his epic career in the world of Chidaoba, the name of the folk wrestling tradition in Georgia, which is a cultural phenomenon in the eastern European country.

 

What's in it for me with this entertainment sport?

A man about to land on another in a wrestling match

Professional wrestling has been around for decades but its popularity continues to grow thanks to its unique blend of athleticism and entertainment value. If you're looking for an exciting new genre of documentary film then consider checking out one (or several!) on the topic of professional wrestling! So grab some popcorn, sit back, relax, and enjoy your next documentary film experience by learning all there is to know about professional wrestling!

 

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