Wrestlers

I know nobody follows my reviews, but if you did, you'd know that I'm a fan of Professional Wrestling. I had put off watching this series for a while though, as I thought that it might have to be too basic, in order to appeal to an audience that doesn't follow wrestling. There is an element to which that is the case, but still I was dragged in by the backstage narrative.

Ohio Valley Wrestling, formally a feeding ground for the WWE, now operates as an independent company, producing a weekly TV show but struggling financially. New owners Matt Jones and Craig Greenburg are debating whether it's viable to keep the company operating and plan a summer tour of the Kentucky area, ending with a big show. OVW's creative director is Al Snow, former WWE Superstar, and his desire to run traditional story driven shows is at odds with Jones, who's looking to cut costs or increase attendance.

As with a lot of documentaries actual wrestling is only part of the shows appeal. It does give you a background of how Wrestling works, how they arrive at the angles and how easily it can all be undone by an injury or by someone getting a better offer. Much more the series is about the people involved in the show. Snow is quieter and more contemplative than I thought anyone who performed in the attitude era would be and he comes across really well. Several of the staff and Wrestlers get aspects of their stories show, but the most attention goes to Haley James, a twenty-year-old daughter of another wrestler, whose natural charisma, which could take her all the way, is in danger of being entirely undermined by her damaged upbringing and poor life choices. The nearest the show has to a villain is her misogynistic and bitter boyfriend, who is nearly 15 years older than her and entirely unaware that he's not going to make it.

The documentary is given a lot of access, with many of them so comfortable with the blurred lines of reality that Wrestling already has, they are prepared to have personal conversations in front of the documentary cameras. I'm surprised that Netflix hasn't decided to pick up the OVW show, certainly for international distribution. I like this series and watched it in a couple of sessions. I'd certainly watch another run too, if they went back.

I went into this show with zero expectations. I am not a wrestling fan. I have seen season one of Heels and am waiting to watch season two on a free pass. This show blows that out of the water. They're both about struggling local wrestling foundations and the characters within them. The fact this all is (somewhat) real makes it that much better.

Every character in this show has a great storyline. From Al Snow, to the lowest wrestler on his roster, they're all relatable in someway. Even the people who end up investing show they're not just money, but real people as well. I never thought I could feel sympathy for people who are shown as "the money" but this does a great job giving them a story as well. Every episode of this show surprised me in a great way.

If you have any interest in wrestling you will love this show. I think most people could find something to like about this show. Even if it's scripted reality TV, it's so well scripted you will still enjoy it. There wasn't one bad episode. One of the biggest surprises I've had turning on a show, then I felt like I couldn't turn it off.

This show is truly a gift to the world. Netflix has done an amazing job bringing the story of Legend Al Snow, OVW, and so many amazing characters to the big little international screen. A true entertainment gem and power house!

The show follows the story of wrestling for the fans and introduces wrestling to those that have never known the beauty of sports entertainment in this form.

By focusing on former WWE superstar and wrestling legend Al Snow, this show has the heart, passion, and soul of a lion. Wow, Al is kind, compassionate, and soulfully focused on making this world a better place, while making the entire world a better place. This is what the world needs more of, he is what the world needs more of. Someone who truly cares about the lives of others, while living with such passion, that we can't help but be swept up in the dreams, goals, and smiles that are delivered by Al with a seemless beauty, and effortless empathy.

I love every moment of this show, every moment of the lives, every step of the journey, and every message that Al Snow delivers as the nucleus of a true masterpiece of art work.

Do not miss this incredible series!!!!!

Truth be told...I don't like reality shows, so it was pitched to me as a reality show and I was not interested. Then I saw a trailer and I gave it a chance, and I was not disappointed.

It's not a reality show as much as it's a documentary series, and it is seriously a rollercoaster of emotions. The people they profiled, the stories in and out of the ring...just perfect casting. It's incredibly difficult to get a through story just right, and then on top of that, have it deliver. It's one of the those rare moments when the storyteller is the right person to tell the story that happens at the right time and they had the time and money to do it justice.

The art and music devices and SFX for the sound (which is always difficult in docs) was top notch. The camera work was great, they really did a great job creatively with the frames in the interviews but also being able to capture the chaos when they needed to.

I really don't want to give anything away as far as story but it tugs on your heart strings as much as "Anvil:The Story of Anvil" You hate some people, you resent them, you love some people and your heart breaks for them. Just great emotional storytelling about people who are passionate about what they do.

I loved Last Chance U because it delved into the players' personal struggles and family stories, and it made me root so hard for them individually. I feel the same way about Wrestlers. You can't help but root for HollyHood Haley with her backstory and CashFlo's relentless pursuit of the grind is so inspiring, as are his family's sacrifices. Shera is a beautiful soul and seeing him take such pride in something that most of us take for granted (his pristine Nissan Maxima) was so lovely and humbling. Al Snow is a gruff and stern former wrestler but also seems to be a huge teddy bear and I loved watching him mentor these wrestling hopefuls and being tough but firm. Being from KY I'm heartened to see an honest and not at all demeaning portrayal of the state and its rural communities. The series gets better with each episode and I am honestly kind of sad I'm finished.