10 Wrestling Documentaries You Need To See Before You Die

To those who follow it, the wrestling world is often taken for granted. A sweeping generalisation of the wrestling audience, for sure, but there's an element of truth to it. For proof of this, it's critical to examine just how folks outside the grappling bubble react to this form of entertainment, often looking on with grim fascination, mixing statements such as, 'how can you watch this?' with, 'Is it even real?'. Make no mistake about it, becoming a professional wrestler is extremely tough, and not for the faint-hearted. The absolute dedication required to even become (somewhat) trained would turn most people off, and as much as millions of people around the world are captivated by the industry, millions more wonder exactly what's so gripping about it. Somewhere along the line, pro wrestling started pulling back the curtain. Many fingers have been pointed at Vince McMahon for 'exposing the business', but it can't be denied that there became a need from the fans themselves to understand more about the backstage machinations of wrestling, and gobble up as much information as possible. During the 1990's, and into the new millennium, films started popping up, chronicling the world of pro wrestling. Some were produced lovingly, others were looking on with curiosity from the outside, but all are valid. Yes, wrestling fans may despise media attacks on the business, but it's part and parcel of the success wrestling has carved for itself, putting itself firmly in the public eye. The documentaries explored here are, at first glance, a strange mix, but all are essential viewing for wrestling fans who want a little bit more after the show's over, and are all crucial alternatives to the likes of Barry Blaustein's infamous 'Beyond The Mat'.