WWE is a blend of scripted drama and larger-than-life personalities. It has always fascinated the fans worldwide. Over the years, WWE has entertained fans through weekly shows and documentaries. These documentaries offer a fascinating glimpse into the sport, covering historical details.
Here is a list of the five must-watch wrestling documentaries for a binge-watch venture.
The Rise and Fall of ECW (2004)
- IMDB Rating: 8.5/10 (1.6K reviews)
- Director: Kevin Dunn
- Duration: 6 hours
- Starts: Paul Heyman, Sabu, RVD, Donno Adamo, Bill Alfonso, Abdullah the Butcher
The Rise & Fall of ECW offers a compelling look into the turbulent history of Extreme Championship Wrestling. It captures ECW’s revolutionary impact on wrestling, its wild highs, and eventual decline in 2001. The documentary features in-depth interviews with key figures like Paul Heyman.
It covers major events like the formation of ECW, memorable rivalries, and the challenges faced by financial issues and the loss of talent. Even to this date, WWE superstars relive ECW icons.
Beyond the Mat (1999)
- IMDB Rating: 7.6/10 (9.5K reviews)
- Director: Barry Blaustein
- Duration: 1 hour 42 minutes
- Stars: Jake Roberts, Terry Funk, Mick Foley
Beyond the Mat offers a powerful behind-the-scenes look at professional wrestling. Barry Blaustein directs it. The film explores the highs and lows of the wrestling world with unflinching honesty.
It reveals the brutal reality of their lives outside the ring by focusing on icons like Mick Foley, Terry Funk, and Jake Roberts. The documentary does not shy away from showing the sport’s severe physical and emotional costs. The film’s portrayal of the industry’s dark side depicts the impact on wrestlers’ lives.
The Triumph and Tragedy of World Class Championship Wrestling (2007)
- IMDB Rating: 7.8/10 (217 reviews)
- Director: Vince McMahon
- Duration: 9 hours
- Stars: Abdullah the Butcher, Jack Adkisson, Chris Adams
The Triumph and Tragedy of World Class Championship Wrestling offers a compelling look at the rise and fall of WCCW. The documentary chronicles the Texas-based wrestling promotion’s swift ascent to fame in the 1980s through archival footage and current interviews.
The focal point of this story is the Von Erich family. It depicts the dramatic on-screen battles and personal tragedies that defined WCCW’s legacy. The 1982 match between Ric Flair and Kerry Von Erich marked WCCW’s peak. It also shows the subsequent deaths of several Von Erich brothers, including David, in 1984.
André the Giant (2018)
- IMDB Rating: 7.8/10 (7K reviews)
- Director: Jason Hehir
- Duration: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, André the Giant (footage from archives)
André the Giant is a remarkable documentary about André Roussimoff. He rose from his life as a French farmer to become a legendary pro wrestler and actor. The film depicts André’s journey to the limelight. It shows his early years learning the ropes in small venues worldwide to his arrival in the US in 1971.
The most compelling parts are the intimate interviews with his family and the behind-the-scenes footage of his formative years. These moments reveal the man behind the myth. It offers a glimpse into André’s true self beyond his larger-than-life persona.
Undertaker: The Last Ride (2020) (mini-TV series)
- IMDB Rating: 8.7/10 (2K reviews)
- Director: Multiple directors of its six episodes
- Duration: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Stars: Mark ‘Undertaker’ Calaway, Adam ‘Edge’ Copeland, Shawn Michaels
This mini TV series is a candid look at the legendary WWE wrestler The Undertaker. The six-part series follows him between 2017 and 2020.
It explores his struggle with aging, injuries, and the drive to deliver one last great performance before retiring. Calaway remains committed to the WWE despite multiple surgeries and physical pain. He was driven by his loyalty to Vince McMahon and his desire to leave on his terms.
Popcorns ready? These five wrestling documentaries offer a perfect blend of drama, history, and behind-the-scenes insights for WWE fans. Witness the real lives of wrestling legends and sneak behind the silver screens. Binge away!
