20 Greatest Wrestling Documentaries Ever

19. Wrestling Road Diaries (2009)

Wrestling With Shadows Vince Bret
Wrestling Road Diaries

Before Bryan Danielson was redubbed Daniel Bryan by WWE management, he was a humble independent wrestler who travelled the world pursuing his dream. Few could have predicted that he'd go on to headline WrestleMania and become one of the most cherished names in the industry, and that's something Wrestling Road Diaries puts across.

Alongside Colt Cabana and Sal Rinauro, Danielson is filmed as he traverses between independent shows and appearances. The main crux of the story being told is Bryan's forthcoming jump to WWE, a move he appears anxious about due to the various health tests aspiring WWE performers are asked to undergo.

Underpinning that key narrative is a tale of friendship, these guys seem more like brothers than friends as they live out of one another's pockets and strive to get by on the road.

Even with that hardship, there's a really friendly atmosphere to Wrestling Road Diaries. It makes the viewer feel like they're on the road with these men, something director Eric Santamaria must take a lot of credit for.

Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.