The Wrestler (1973)

[Scott]

Last week I purchased a DVD at Curcuit City for $6.99. The name of the film is THE WRESTLER (1973) starring Ed Asner and all the talent from the old AWA days. The AWA was a regional Wrestling promotion in the Chicago, Milwakee, Minniapolis area's back when this film was made.

The film has some great vintage wrestling footage of Verne Gagne, Billy Robinson, Ray Stevens, Wahoo McDaniel, and Superstar Billy Graham.

Also in the film were Dusty Rhodes, Dick Murdock, Nick Bockwinkel, The Crusher, The Bruiser, Lord James Blears, Ric Flair, Jim Brunzell, Greg Gagne, and Ken Patera, Eddie Graham, Vince McMahon Sr., Wally Karbo, and other promoters of the era.

The story is about an aging champion played by Verne Gagne who puts his title on the line against Billy Robinsons character. Some mafia types try to fix the match so that the champion loses. There are some fun scenes with Dusty Rhodes and Dick Murdock and The Bruiser and the Crusher.

I once met Verne Gagne when I drove taxi in Atlantic City and he was then the promoter of the AWA and they were doing tapings at the Tropicana Casino around 1985. Gagne is so full of himself. In the movie the THE WRESTLER it really shows. That's why his AWA went out of business around 1990. This guy had hulk hogan while he made the Rocky III film and wasn't smart enough to keep him.  

I give the film *** stars for some great shots of old wrestling stars in their prime. Asner at his worst and the story line could put a sleeper hold on you, but the vintage footage of the old stars make up for the rest.

Anyone ever see I LIKE TO HURT PEOPLE? This is also a neat film of wrestlers from the Detroit area in the 70's like Abdullah the Butcher, The Shiek (original), Andre the Giant, Dusty Rhodes, Dory Funk, Terry Funk, and the Grand Wizard.

Another 70's wrestling movie is THE ONE AND ONLY starring Henry Winkler. This is a great little film about a guy who makes it in the wrestling business.

Anyone see the 1980 wrestling film called ALL THE MARBLES starring Peter Faulk. Its not a bad film about a female tag team that become champions.

How about PARADISE ALLEY starring Sylvester Stallone and Terry Funk about 1980. This is a neat film about the dark ages of wrestling. You might like this one.

Wrestling use to be interesting before 1985. I call this the dark ages of wrestling. When they had territories and wrestlers would move from teritory to teritory when the fans would get bored of them they would move to another region. There was no Satilite tv or interest to make the show national.

[Steven Millan]

        Many old schoolers from the early 80s and late 70s tend to cherish the old days of (pre-Hulkamania)wrestling,who'll be cranking out follow-up letters in no time.
           I tend to prefer the current days of wrestling(ECW,XPW,and mid 90s Austin 3:16 WWF sends me estastic),with the over-the-top violence and extreme stunts that keeps the sport exciting,as well as the scantily-clad babes at ringside[or in the ring]..........rrrrrroooaaarrrrr!!!!),although the current situation of the WWF/WWE has been killing general interest,thanks to hapless storylines(courtesy of a poor,uncreative writing team led by Stephanie McMahon),and a WCW(Bischoff/Turner era)-style of underusing younger,multi-talented upcomers in the squared ciricle.
           "The Wrestler" sounds like a real true rarity for every wrestling fan to openly seek out,as heavily as possible(since it must be real hard to find these days,and sounds like a video release from the very early 80s,which will make seeking it out even more tougher).

[Scott]

Yes, I agree ECW was an awesome promotion. One night I seen a show in Atlantic City with only 300 in attendance about 2-3 years before they went out of business and these guys from ECW gave 100% and nearly killed each other for peanuts. I seen Rob Van Dam, Sabu, Chris Candido, Lance Storm, The Dudley Boys, Shane Douglas, Sandman, Francine,Tanaka, Nova, Spike Dudley, Tommy Dreamer, The Bue Meanie and Kronus. What a show ! ! ! ! !

The Steve Austin with the Undertaker and  Mick Foley were great years. Hell in a Cell match, The zambonie machine entrance, Mankinds/McMahan hospital visit, The Undertaker in the hearst looking out at Steve Austin. and DX. That was great television.