10 Wrestling Documentaries You Need To See Before You Die

4. Wrestling With Shadows

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOJcFns1IMA No list looking at wrestling documentaries would feel complete without one of the best examples of how to do it right. Paul Jay's exploration of Bret Hart's last weeks with the then-WWF was eye-opening to thousands of wrestling fans when it was released in December, 1998, and it remains as essential now as it was back then. Beyond The Mat may take in a wider scope than is seen here, but Wrestling With Shadows is a far more focused piece, and it doesn't hurt that it features the colossal clash between Hart and Vince McMahon, who end up fighting over what has been dubbed the 'Montreal Screwjob'. It's clear throughout that Hart himself doesn't really want to go anywhere, and isn't too excited about the prospect of working for anyone other than McMahon, but he feels forced. McMahon himself feels betrayed by the man he gave a chance, and is determined he won't leave with his head held high only to war against him in WCW. The political nuances of the wrestling business are often discussed, but in this film, they're laid bare for all to see.