Synopsis

Lifelong wrestling fans Gordie Boggs and Sean Dawkins are devastated when their hero, champion Jimmy King, loses his title and disappears from the sport. Determined to restore King's confidence and return him to the ring, the pair track him down and embark on a chaotic journey involving wrestling legends, an unscrupulous promoter, and an unlikely championship comeback.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film was built around World Championship Wrestling (WCW), with many performers from the promotion appearing as themselves.

• David Arquette's character was connected to a real WCW publicity stunt: during the film's release period, Arquette won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. The decision was heavily criticized by wrestling fans and remains one of the most controversial title changes in the promotion's history.

• The elaborate triple-cage match shown in the film was not merely a movie invention. WCW used the structure only twice, including at Slamboree 2000.

• Sal Bandini, the eccentric wrestling mentor, draws inspiration from influential figures in wrestling history, including Lou Thesz and Stu Hart.

• Oliver Platt accidentally struck Randy Savage in the face while filming a fantasy sequence. The incident was preserved in the blooper reel shown during the closing credits.

• Chris Kanyon served as Platt's wrestling stunt double, while Shane Helms doubled for Arquette.

• Principal photography took place from September 28 through December 9, 1999, with filming at locations including Los Angeles' Olympic Auditorium.

• The film was released by Warner Bros. on April 7, 2000. It performed poorly at the box office but later developed a cult following among wrestling fans.