Ep 9. Brian Pillman Part One

DARK SIDE OF THE RING season 3 episode 9 sheds light on the life and death of Brian Pillman. The episode is split into two parts, with the first installment covering Pillman's early life, rise in the world of wrestling, and his off-screen struggles.

Pillman was known for his high-flying style and his ability to captivate audiences. He entered the industry in the 1980s and quickly rose through the ranks in companies such as Stampede Wrestling and WCW. He formed a tag team with "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes and the duo became known as The Hollywood Blonds. Their feud with Steve Austin and Arn Anderson put Pillman on the map and set the stage for his future success.

Despite his in-ring triumphs, Pillman was struggling with personal demons. He suffered a serious car accident early in his career that left him with a shattered ankle, which ended his football aspirations and caused him constant pain. This led to his reliance on painkillers and eventually, substance abuse. He also struggled with his personal life, going through multiple marriages and a tumultuous relationship with his children's mother.

In addition to these struggles, Pillman's career also suffered setbacks. He moved from WCW to WWE in 1996 but was plagued with injuries, forcing him to take time off to recover. When he returned, he was given a gimmick that took his edgy, loose cannon persona to the extreme. Dubbed "The Loose Cannon," Pillman portrayed a character that was unpredictable and willing to cross lines previously uncrossed in wrestling storytelling.

The episode looks at how Pillman was able to take his personal struggles and channel them into his work, creating a character that was both captivating and unsettling. He blurred the lines between reality and fiction, using his off-screen issues to fuel his on-screen persona. The episode dives into Pillman's famous "worked shoot" with Steve Austin on Monday Night Raw, which saw him pull a gun on his former tag team partner. This and other moments made Pillman a polarizing figure in wrestling, with some fans praising his innovation and others questioning his mental stability.

Throughout the episode, those who knew Pillman best provide insight into his life and legacy. Fellow wrestlers such as Jim Ross and Chris Jericho share stories of their encounters with Pillman, painting a picture of a man who was both charismatic and troubled. Pillman's family members also speak about the impact his addiction and reckless behavior had on their lives.

Part One of Brian Pillman's story ends with a cliffhanger, leaving viewers eager to see how his story unfolds in Part Two. The episode sets the stage for a deeper dive into Pillman's tragic end and the legacy he left behind.