Let me explain my fascination with wrestling. And particularly with the WWE. First and foremost, the motive for this post is the fact that WWE 2K20 is part of our 2K summer sale.Â
Secondly, I have my father to thank for my introduction to WWE. You see, I grew up in the ’90s when WWE was still reigning supreme. But, at that same time, I barely ever saw my father. He was working late into the evening (over-time work was a big part of his life) and we had very little father-daughter time. But watching WWE and football was our together time. Especially on weekends. I wanted to be a part of is past time activities because it was the only time he was relaxed. So, I became a wrestling fan. And I became a football fan as well.
WWE 2K20 and father-daughter time
You see… Of all of his siblings, my dad is the only one that got stuck with two girls. My younger sister and I. So gradually I became the son he never had. I’m not complaining though. It allowed me to bond with my dad, and to share his interests as well. You wouldn’t believe how well I fit in in almost every conversation imaginable – because of that. Why? Because I knew a lot of stuff about wrestling, basketball, grilling, tennis, fly fishing, politics, farming (he grew up on a farm), cars and football. Oh, and beer too. “Boys’ talk” as my mother used to say.
WWE 2K20: Loved the heels and faces equally
Back in the ’90s, my favorites were Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Diamond Dallas Page and even The Rock. But later on in the late ’90s, John Cena became my jam. And even today, I still have a soft spot for Cena. Hey, because of that fandom I now tolerate his terrible movies, but that’s a topic for another post. However, when it comes to movies that feature wrestling, what are some of the best picks? What wrestling movies are worthy to mention here? I’ll let you know about my favorites in a minute. But for now, a word or two about the video game is in order.
WWE 2K20: What’s the game all about?
It’s a professional wrestling video game developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K Sports. Through WWE 2K20 you can relive the journey of the Four Horsewomen and the Women’s Evolution. The game also has features like in-depth documentary-style vignettes, cutscenes and objective-based game-play! You can play through unforgettable moments and matches from the meteoric rise of the Women’s Division. As told in the words of Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks, Bayley and WWE 2K20 cover superstar Becky Lynch.
And about the movies, here are some of my picks:
The Wrestler
Who’d have thought that it’s been almost 12 years since the release of this movie? In fact, it’s Darren Aronofsky’s masterpiece. However, I feel that it doesn’t have the respect that it deserves. Whether it’s because of the wrestling or the fact that it came out after Aronofsky’s flop The Fountain (2 years prior). But, in my opinion, The Wrestler is an incredible movie. It has one of the best Mickey Rourke’s performances. It’s also sad, heart-breaking and touching piece of art. Vince McMahon, Mike Foley and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper loved it, while Bret Hart wasn’t a fan. Well, I am and I’ll always be a fan of The Wrestler.
Fighting With My Family
Fighting With My Family made me an instant fan of Florence Pugh, and I just knew that this girl will go far with her talent. Just a short year after this movie, Pugh received her first Oscar nomination (for Little Women). But what’s Fighting With My Family? It’s an eclectic biopic about Saraya-Jade Bevis’s rise to stardom in the WWE. In addition to Florence, Nick Forst and Lena Headley play her parents, while Vince Vaughn has a supporting role as the WWE recruiter. The Rock makes a cameo appearance here too, and the whole movie is directed by the hilarious Stephen Merchant. It’s good. Really good. I highly recommend it.
The Main Event
The Main Event was a pleasant surprise from Netflix this year. It’s about the dreams of one boy to become a WWE star. He’s a bullied introverted kid, but one day he’ll be able to make his dreams come true. All thanks to a wrestling mask which he’ll discover. The mask will give him incredible super-powers and a chance to become the greatest wrestler in WWE. It’s really a fun movie, and some of the current stars of the WWE make cameo appearances in The Main Event. Namely Sheamus, The Miz and Kofi Kingston, but so many others as well.
Ready to Rumble
If you’re looking for a movie in which Oliver Platt is not only beaten by Diamond Dallas Page but at the same time couched for a comeback by two dim-wits… Then this is a movie for you. Although it’s not the best movie on this list, it’s the most fun to watch. And it has an incredible cast. David Arquette, Scott Caan, Rose McGowan, Martin Landau, Joe Pantoliano and a bunch of WCW stars. Including my boy John Cena (in his first movie appearance). I saw this movie just recently and I loved it. It was a nice addition to my quarantine-occupied existence. Not to mention, I’m a huge Oliver Platt fan, so I was sold instantly.
Nacho Libre
Another biopic to end this post. And a good movie too. Nacho Libre is hilarious, as you would expect from a Jack Black movie. But at the same time, it’s a loosely based story about Fray Tormenta. A Mexican priest who supported an orphanage for 23 years as a lucha libre wrestler. And because of the movie’s popularity, a Nacho Libre video game was released, thanks to Budcat Creations. I highly recommend this movie. If you’re fan of Jack Black and of wrestling, then this is the movie for you.
Your picks
What are some of your favorite wrestling movies? Is it the Wrestler? Or maybe some other great movie? Tell us all about them in the comment section. We’d love to know.