BEYOND THE MAT (1999) - ♦♦♦♦

Directed by - Barry W. Blaustein

"Filmmaker Barry W. Blaustein takes an inimate and first hand look at every aspect of professional wrestling, from its glamorous side, to its down and dirty side, exploring the highs and lows and painful depths of the business, by telling the stories of some of the most known wrestlers of all time, such as Mick Foley, The Rock, Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts, Terry Funk and Jesse Ventura. 

Beyond the Mat is generally recognised as the best documentary on the business of professional wrestling, and it is arguably the first that, untouched by the politics of the business and through a non judgemental approach, looked at its most humanising side and exposed it. A must watch for fans of the sport, although the emotional tension and disarming authenticity of the documentary, as well as the mystique of the world of professional wrestling world itself, ensures that even an audience unfamiliar with it should find it exciting and interesting."

Documentary, USA