5 Wrestling Movies That Deserve A Sequel

It hasn't been easy to do the pro wrestling experience justice on the big screen. Judging by the catalogue of grap-centric cuts that have made it onto film throughout the decades, there aren't too many diamonds among that rough. And the failures, they're enough to induce shudders. Ready to Rumble comes to mind, especially since Liv Morgan and David Arquette were playfully discussing a sequel to it on Twitter recently. Not sure it'd be worth dragging Jimmy King off his throne for such an endeavour.

But it got me to thinking (in my own morbid way): "*Are* there any wrestling movies worthy of a sequel?" How about a re-imagining? Professional wrestling has so rarely been done well in movies, that most of the existing filmography (with a few obvious exceptions) are either broad comedies loaded with slide whistle humour (the aforementioned Ready to Rumble) or benign, harmless kids fare (such as the recent WWE-backed Main Event release).

For a little challenge, let's see which wrestling films of yore we could add on to with an additional release.

It hasn't been easy to do the pro wrestling experience justice on the big screen. Judging by the catalogue of grap-centric cuts that have made it onto film throughout the decades, there aren't too many diamonds among that rough. And the failures, they're enough to induce shudders. Ready to Rumble comes to mind, especially since Liv Morgan and David Arquette were playfully discussing a sequel to it on Twitter recently. Not sure it'd be worth dragging Jimmy King off his throne for such an endeavour.

But it got me to thinking (in my own morbid way): "*Are* there any wrestling movies worthy of a sequel?" How about a re-imagining? Professional wrestling has so rarely been done well in movies, that most of the existing filmography (with a few obvious exceptions) are either broad comedies loaded with slide whistle humour (the aforementioned Ready to Rumble) or benign, harmless kids fare (such as the recent WWE-backed Main Event release).

For a little challenge, let's see which wrestling films of yore we could add on to with an additional release.

5. The Wrestler (2008)

The most superior of all wrestling flicks, the ending is *just* ambiguous enough (maybe Randy the Ram *didn't* die in the ring?) to merit bringing Mickey Rourke's portrayal of an ageing, memory-clinging heavyweight back for one more round.

If once-troubled greats like Jake Roberts and Scott Hall provided some of the template for Randy Robinson Act I, a sequel could follow their modern trajectory: the struggle to clean up, and a second act as a reformed legend, perhaps now mentoring a young squared circle hopeful.

4. Nacho Libre (2005)

Popular among those who were young fans during the Ruthless Aggression era, Nacho Libre sees Jack Black add hefty doses of humour to the noble story of Fray Tormenta, a Catholic priest who spent decades wrestling in order to raise money to support his orphanage.

The movie itself is pretty straightforward, with the kind of feelgood ending that probably doesn't need to be continued in a sequel. But in a world littered with sequels (and remakes), perhaps Black could give Ignacio another go again, covering another aspect of Tormenta's story?

3. Paradise Alley (1978)

Two years following the success of Rocky, Sylvester Stallone wrote, directed, and starred in this tale of three brothers who try to make it in the world of New York wrestling in the 1940s. Problem was, Balboa's shadow loomed large, and critics agreed: Rocky this wasn't.

The gritty underdog story has legs, however, and this tale has great potential to be revisited as a remake of sorts. Today's fans seem to relate with the humans behind the characters moreso than ever, and a modern treatment of Stallone's take could find an audience.

2. Beyond The Mat (1999)

If you're going to go into the realm of documentaries, you're well served to check out Barry Blaustein's unflinching examination of famed wrestlers at different stages on the spectrum of fame and happiness. For many, it opened their eyes to the harsh realities of the sport.

It's possible that shoot interviews, as well as constant access to our idols on social media, could take some of the sting out of such a documentary if it were released today - but perhaps not. There are tons of viable candidates for a contemporary film just like the original.

1. Foxcatcher (2014)

Foxcatcher tells the real-life story of philanthropist John du Pont's commission of an American wrestling team, with designs on making a strong run for the Olympics. The film also portrays his senseless murder of hand-selected trainer David Schultz (not Dr. D) in 1996.

Schultz's most notable pupil was not portrayed in the film, but he went on to win the gold later that same year: Kurt Angle, who dedicated his dramatic, hard-fought victory to Schultz's memory. You could absolutely do an "origin" story on Angle, in the Foxcatcher vein.