Netflix has just released a new 7-episode docuseries called Wrestlers. As a lifelong wrestling fan myself, naturally, I set it at number 1 on my weekend watchlist. But in the meantime, it’s also got me itching to watch some of the best wrestling movies of all time! As if I needed a reason, but still.
Featuring an eclectic class of pro-wrestling trainees led by longtime vet Al Snow, Wrestlers chronicles the various struggles of Ohio Valley Wrestling. These issues range from potential financial collapse, to explosively emotional turmoil between the trainees.
This current iteration of the small promotion is certainly a far cry from the OVW of old. Once known as the gatekeeper for wrestlers aspiring to WWE level prominence, OVW is where many of the biggest crossover stars got their start. Notable OVW alums include Brock Lesnar, Dave Bautista, and John Cena, all three of whom have catapulted themselves into mainstream fame and prestige.
To see a once thriving promotion reduced to what you see in Wrestlers can be a bit disheartening. But if there’s one thing fans of wrestling and storytelling in general love, it’s an underdog story. And Wrestlers seems to be scratching that itch for many. One of my friends who isn’t even a pro-wrestling fan started it yesterday, and he was surprised by how much he’s enjoyed it. And he’s not the only one. Many mainstream publications are praising the show, with Variety dubbing it a “(body) slam dunk.”
Wrestlers looks to be a tale full of emotional hills and valleys, with characters whose struggles most everyone can relate to. If you fall in love with this series and are clamoring for more wrestling media to consume, well look no further! Here’s a list of some of my favorite wrestling movies of all time, in no particular order.
EDIT: After having now seen The Iron Claw in theaters, I feel I’d be doing a disservice to my fellow wrestling fans if I didn’t include such a worthy addition to this list.
