20 Greatest Wrestling Documentaries Ever
5. Beyond The Mat (1999)
Maybe the archetypal pro wrestling documentary, Beyond The Mat is an alluring blend of passion for the industry and a public service warning against the pitfalls it features. Produced by Barry Blaustein, the film was marketed by the phrase, 'The Movie Vince McMahon Doesn't Want You To See' upon release in the late-1990's.
That was a brilliant tag, because it instantly had eager fans opening their wallets and grabbing the VHS tape from store shelves. Even well over fifteen years on, Beyond The Mat remains one of wrestling's greatest documentaries ever.
Those who don't like disappointment be warned, as it's a wide open exposé of some of wrestling's biggest legends.
Featured on names like Jake 'The Snake' Roberts and Terry Funk are key examples of what Beyond The Mat has to offer. At time of filming, Funk was attempting to retire (for good this time, honest), whereas Roberts was caught in a whirlwind routine of drug abuse and low-paying independent gigs.
Mick Foley is another featured character, adding some more modern star power to proceedings. The scene during which his young family watch a brutal beating from the 1999 Royal Rumble may never be forgotten. It is harrowing, essential viewing.