From the Khorassan Ballroom, Larry Matysik takes us back to the glory days of professional wrestling. This unique 1999 documentary covers the story of KPLR's hit TV show, "Wrestling at the Chase" and the men and women who lived it.
Self (Host)
Born into Mexico's first family of sports-entertainment, Eddie Guerrero's career choice was only natural. In the ring, Eddie was unbeatable. He was part of the most popular tag team in Mexico. Fans worldwide were captivated with his high-flying style. Soon, he moved to Japan and experienced similar success. After returning to the United States, Eddie faced a challenge he was not prepared for - addiction. Surviving a car accident that almost killed him, Eddie felt he was bulletproof, resulting in reckless behavior that put his life, career and marriage in jeopardy. Then it all fell apart. The true test of any man is how he handles adversity. In one of the most inspiring stories in the history of sports-entertainment, Eddie Guerrero not only regained his life, he surpassed his wildest dreams. This is his story.
In 1983 World Class Championship Wrestling and its franchise stars, the Von Erich brothers, were known around the world. A small Dallas based promotion running out of a shack of a venue, the Sportatorium, World Class was one of the most syndicated television programs in America, making the Von Erichs household names. Run by legendary wrestler Fritz Von Erich, a.k.a. Jack Adkinsson, World Class made his oldest sons, Kevin, David and Kerry, three of hte biggest stars in the world of wrestling. Little did anyone know that just as the Von Erichs and World Class were reaching worldwide stardom they would begin a downfall that would cast a full eclipse on their meteoric rise to fame. Directed by Brian Harrison who, as a ten year old in 1983, watched on television as wrestling's world of staged combat between good and evil took a sharp turn into a surreal and tragic reality.
The definitive documentary about wrestling legend Dynamite Kid and his impact in the world of professtional wrestling. What resulted was a very emotional journey into a career cut short by the abuses of steroids, alcohol, drugs, and a complete disregard for his own physical limitations. Dynamite Kid started as a young Englishmen trained in the infamous Snake Pit by Ted Betely and turned an opportunity given to him by the Hart Family in Calgary into a phenomenal worldwide wrestling career. Dynamite Kid was on the front lines of changing professional wrestling from a big man carnival act into an exciting action based entertainment industry where lightweight and physically gifted performers were the focal point of the show. He dazzled an international audience with matches against Tiger Mask that are still a bench mark today.
When Khosrow Vaziri became the World Wrestling Federations Iron Sheik and camel-clutched his way to fame in the 1980s, he achieved the American Dream by personifying a foreign villain. Losing his world championship belt to Hulk Hogan became a defining moment in professional wrestling. These days, the Sheiks smackdowns are on Twitter, where hes gained a new following. Once an Olympic hopeful, bodyguard to Irans Shah and pop culture icon, we witness Vaziri struggling with addiction and despair as a family man. But with the help of Torontos Magen brothers, the Sheik begins a road to redemption and renewed status as a public figure. Showcasing his powerful past and at times painful present, this is an insightful look at one of wrestlings biggest stars, but also a powerful story of personal sacrifice that, in the Sheiks own words, will make you humble.
A PBS documentary shot in the "famous Portland Sports Arena" in the mid 70's. Although the film centers around a feud between the Iron Sheik and Dutch Savage, which culminates in a coal miner's glove match, there are also cameo appearances by other wrestlers such as Jimmy Snuka, Jesse Ventura, etc. Plus it interviews people in the crowd who come to the matches every week, including a few sweet old ladies.
Witness the rise of All Elite Wrestling and look ahead to Double Or Nothing with this special documentary, 'Before The Bell', made exclusively for ITV.
Beyond the Mat is a 1999 professional wrestling documentary, directed by Barry W. Blaustein. The movie focuses on the lives of professional wrestlers outside of the ring, especially Mick Foley, Terry Funk, and Jake Roberts. The film heavily focuses on the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), often criticizing it and its chairman Vince McMahon. It also follows Extreme Championship Wrestling, it's rise in popularity, and many other independent wrestlers and organisations.
Documentary that reflects on the WWE career of the Undertaker, the franchise's longest serving wrestler with over two decades of action behind him. Known for his trademark finishing move, the tombstone piledriver, the Undertaker has entered battle with generations of WWE stars. Among those to offer their thoughts on what it is like to face him in the ring are Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Big Show, Randy Orton and Brock Lesnar who ended The Streak.
Marking Out is a comedic documentary that follows a group of grown men as they try to figure out why they can't seem to let go of professional wrestling. Travel with them as they meet with wrestlers (including EC3, Eric Young, and the stars of Chikara and Olde Wrestling) and wrestling fans in an attempt to either rekindle their love of the business or put it behind them forever.
Hardy Boyz, Dudleyz and Edge & Christian have raised the bar on tag team matches to new heights. Their ladder matches are already the stuff of legend, and they've never met a table they didn't break. If you like over-the-top action and high-flyin' excitement, this show is for you.
A documentary of the life a Captain Lou Albano, the WWF legend. The story is told by many of his fellow wrestlers like Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan.
An ambitious and wide-ranging documentary exploring Andre’s upbringing in France, his celebrated career in WWE, and his forays in the entertainment world.
A look into the life and career of the legendary wrestler Antonio Inoki
Roman Bravo Young (RBY) grew up in a tough neighborhood in South Tucson, AZ. His father was never in his life and his mother had her issues with substance abuse and addiction. Most kids that come from that area and that type of upbringing don't find much success in anything. Roman was different. RBY bounced around living with his grandparents, coaches and more. Somehow he didn't fall into any of the distractions that so many in his type of situation do. Wrestling was his ticket out and Roman put everything he had into the sport. Pushed and trained by his grandfather, RBY won four state titles, graduated high school, went on to be a star at Penn State where he became the first person in his family to graduate college. RBY is a shining example to people from any walk of life that if you dedicate your life to your craft, put your heart and soul into everything you do, you too can overcome anything.
Ten years after his retirement, 'death-match' wrestler Nick Mondo is distressed to find a new generation mimicking his former self destructive antics.
Lightbulbs, fire, barbed wire, mousetraps, staple guns, thumbtacks and glass are weapons of choice in The Backyard. This undercover documentary takes you deep into the controversial arena of backyard wrestling where the limits are constantly being tested...and broken. The Backyard follows several backyard wrestlers in different countries as they pursue their dream to become professional wrestlers.
A feature length documentary on British professional wrestler Will Ospreay, from his humble beginnings to the precipice of global stardom. Covering a span of 4 years, this true underdog story follows Ospreay's rise as a struggling child barely given a chance, to being the face of the UK wrestling scene and becoming an international star.
Kayfabe’s resident professor, Jim Cornette is joined by a territory legend to discuss the angles, stars, and stories that put the territory on the map. For the seventh edition Jim Cornette is joined by Terry Funk to discuss all things West Texas wrestling, the Funk family, and the legendary, influential Amarillo territory in “Back to the Territories: Amarillo”.
Jim Cornette and a special guest break down the history and legacy of a famous wrestling territory, from its biggest stars and matches to the angles and events that put the promotion on the map and all things in between. For this edition he’s joined by Pro Wrestling Hall of Famer (2013) Baron von Raschke, a three-time WWA World Heavyweight Champion and personal friend of Dick the Bruiser and Wilbur Snyder, to discuss all things WWA Indianapolis.