5 Best And 5 Worst Portrayals Of Pro Wrestling In Movies And TV
Ranging in quality from "Hulkamania" to "Gobbledegooker", which portrayals are worth a watch?
In all fairness, pro wrestling hasn't historically been an easy subject for Holllywood to accurately portray. Much of the business was a closely guarded secret, and to a degree, still is. Smart wrestling fans will always point out when the writers of any wrestling-based project didn't do their homework. Capturing the essense of wrestling requires an understanding of not just the action in the ring, but the psychology of matches and booking, backstage politics and how wrestlers communicate with one another. Entries on this list range from the ridiculous to the sublime.
At times, wrestling is used as a poorly developed afterthought. It may look like it and it may sound like it, but it ain't rasslin'. Other times, careful attention has been given to the kinds of details that make fans suspend disbelief and feel as though they are peeking behind the curtain.
When taken seriously, films and shows about professional wrestling illustrate the grit and toughness of that lifestyle. We see the toll the business takes on the human body and human relationships.
We've separated the gold from the gunk. Half of this list warrants a "THIS IS AWESOME!" chant, while the others deserve a "WHAT???".
10. The Worst - Body Slam
One critic stated that Body Slam was "A mediocre comedy that will appeal to wrestling fans far more than anyone else." Bad news: It doesn't appeal to wrestling fans either.
As an actor, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper elevated films like Hell Comes To Frogtown and cult classic They Live. Sadly, it was beyond his abilities to elevate or salvage this ultra-80s cheese fest. Body Slam is the tale of a downtrodden music executive who decides to try his hand at wrestling promotion. That promoter is played by minor 80s star and member of the A-Team, Dirk Benedict.
Visually, Body Slam looks like it was meant to be an old episode of Hardcastle and McCormick. Captain Lou Albano, appearing as himself, adds a touch of charm. Not his, nor any of the other wrestling cameos, can overcome a hackey script. The beats and story arc are all very predictable for a 1986 comedy.
The one upside of Body Slam is that the in-ring wrestling is pretty good, due to actual pro wrestlers being cast. WWE alums Barbarian, Tonga Kid and the Samoans all appear in the film. The juice, however, is not worth this 92-minute squeeze.