Vince McMahon, Darren Drozdov, Roland Alexander

At first, this behind-the-scenes documentary about professional wrestling seems as if it will be an unabashed fan's whitewash of the increasingly bizarre and popular world of "sports entertainment," a...( read more  read more... )s it is known. But director Barry Blaustein (a Saturday Night Live veteran who has cowritten many of Eddie Murphy's films) goes much deeper than you'd expect in a film that is at once entertaining and disturbing. By focusing on a trio of wrestlers who give him surprising access, Blaustein uncovers human stories that can be wrenching in their stark honesty. That's particularly true of one-time superstar Jake "the Snake" Roberts, whose career has fallen on hard times because of a crack habit; Roberts brings Blaustein along for his first encounter in several years with his grown, estranged daughter. Blaustein also goes into the lives of Terry Funk and Mick "Mankind" Foley in ways that are both revealing and, at times, upsetting. More than just a fan's appreciation, this is that rare documentary that shows you sides of a familiar subject you never knew existed. --Marshall Fine

Flixster Users

79% liked it

1,677 ratings

Critics

82% liked it

65 critics

R, 1 hr. 42 min.

Directed by: Barry Blaustein

Release Date: October 22, 1999

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DVD Release Date: August 22, 2000

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Flixster Reviews (439)


  • August 4, 2007
    A gritty and interesting look at life behind the wrestling scenes.
  • December 3, 2006
    Unique concept, bad movie.
  • May 21, 2006
    There's something here for both fans and non-fans. Both a study of the wrestling business and an intriguing human character protrayal.
  • March 31, 2009
    Wrestling is NOT fake. It IS Scripted/Pre Determined. do with that what you will.
  • February 8, 2008
    As a fan of wrestling, I found this doc incredible. It's a fascinating look into the folks who chose to wrestle for a living and their trials and tribulations. I've recommended this to people who hate wrestling and they've enjoyed it as well.
  • October 27, 2009
    Shocking, groundbreaking, heartwrenching, disturbing, and incredibly clarifying. It's a serious must-see, for fans and for non-fans alike!
  • October 25, 2009
    When this 1st came out in the theater I was the very 1st 1 in line to get a ticket
  • August 9, 2009
    I lived this life for 16 years, it's a rough way to earn a living!
  • June 16, 2009
    Good documentary on what goes on behind the scenes of pro wrestling
  • April 30, 2009
    It's crazy to see certain wrestlers in this state (Jake the Snake, Terry Funk, etc)

Critic Reviews


March 19, 2002
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail

Entertaining and twisted. full review

January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

It has a hypnotic quality. full review

View more Beyond the Mat reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

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