This is a hodge-podge of highlights and promos from the Detroit pro wrestling scene of the 1970s, tied together with some corny skits and behind-the-scenes interviews. The phony plotline (about a campaign to ban the Sheik or something) and the skits are the worst thing in the film. Virtually all of the wrestling consists of bloody brawls, and even great technicians like the Funk brothers do nothing more than kick and punch. The matches are all presented as quick montages, which pretty much destroys any flow or interest they may have had--although I have to admit I was glad to see matches like Captain Ed George vs. Bulldog Don Kent in the short version. The promos fare better. Managers Eddie Creachman and Abdullah Farouk both do some classic mike-work, and Terry Funk and Dusty Rhodes both deliver promos in their signature styles.
Realistically, though, I can only imagine two kinds of viewer who might actually like this film. The first is the fan of ECW or hardcore wrestling in general who might want to see some early specialists in that style, like Abdullah the Butcher and the Sheik. The other is anybody who watched wrestling in the '70s and wants to get nostalgic. Dusty Rhodes looks almost skinny here, and other well-remembered performers, including Andre the Giant, make brief appearances. There are also wrestlers I had completely forgotten, like Heather Feather.
I can't imagine anybody else would like this. It has clearly been slapped together by amateurs, and a homemade set of rock-and-roll songs only makes matters worse.
Realistically, though, I can only imagine two kinds of viewer who might actually like this film. The first is the fan of ECW or hardcore wrestling in general who might want to see some early specialists in that style, like Abdullah the Butcher and the Sheik. The other is anybody who watched wrestling in the '70s and wants to get nostalgic. Dusty Rhodes looks almost skinny here, and other well-remembered performers, including Andre the Giant, make brief appearances. There are also wrestlers I had completely forgotten, like Heather Feather.
I can't imagine anybody else would like this. It has clearly been slapped together by amateurs, and a homemade set of rock-and-roll songs only makes matters worse.