Watch Memphis Heat: The True Story of Memphis Wrasslin'

Memphis Heat: The True Story of Memphis Wrasslin' is a documentary film that takes audiences back to the glory days of professional wrestling in Memphis, Tennessee. The film tells the story of the rise and fall of the Memphis wrestling scene, which was known for its colorful characters, wild storylines, and intense rivalries. The film features interviews with some of the biggest names in Memphis wrestling, including Jerry Lawler, Jimmy Hart, and Jerry Jarrett, who provide firsthand accounts of how the sport evolved over the years. These interviews are intercut with archival footage of some of the most memorable matches and moments in Memphis wrestling history, as well as clips from old TV shows and commercials that capture the flavor of the era.

Early in the film, we learn about the origins of Memphis wrestling, which can be traced back to the 1940s and '50s, when promoter Nick Gulas began staging matches in the area. But it wasn't until the late 1960s and early 1970s that the sport really took off, thanks in large part to the efforts of Jerry Jarrett and his partner, Jerry Lawler.

Together, Jarrett and Lawler developed a unique style of wrestling that emphasized entertainment over athleticism. They created larger-than-life characters like Lawler's alter ego, the King, and developed storylines that pitted good guys against bad guys in epic battles.

As the popularity of Memphis wrestling grew, so did the roster of wrestlers who competed there. The film introduces us to some of the most memorable characters in the sport, such as the flamboyant Jimmy Hart, who served as a manager for many of the top stars, and Terry Funk, a legendary wrestler who moved to Memphis in the 1970s and helped elevate the sport to new heights.

The film also explores the complex relationships between the promoters, wrestlers, and fans that made Memphis wrestling such a unique cultural phenomenon. We see how the sport served as a source of joy and camaraderie for many working-class fans in the area, who would pack into small arenas and cheer on their favorite wrestlers with unbridled enthusiasm.

At the same time, the film doesn't shy away from the darker side of the sport, including the drug use, injuries, and exploitation that many wrestlers faced. We hear firsthand accounts of the toll that years of grappling took on the bodies and minds of some of the sport's biggest stars, and learn about the controversies and scandals that sometimes plagued Memphis wrestling.

Despite these challenges, Memphis Heat ultimately serves as a celebration of the indelible impact that Memphis wrestling had on the world of professional wrestling as a whole. We see how the style and sensibility that Jerry Jarrett and Jerry Lawler developed in Memphis went on to influence wrestlers and promotions all over the world, and how the legacy of the sport lives on to this day.

In the end, Memphis Heat: The True Story of Memphis Wrasslin' is a must-see for any fan of professional wrestling, and a fascinating look back at one of the most exciting and memorable eras in the sport's history. With its mix of insightful interviews, captivating archival footage, and colorful characters, the film captures both the excitement and the heartbreak of the world of wrestling, and serves as a testament to the enduring power of this unique art form.

Memphis Heat: The True Story of Memphis Wrasslin' is a 2011 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.