Vince McMahon is retired, and professional wrestling is going through a new evolution.
1. GLOW (Netflix)
GLOW is a Netflix series based on the true story of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling in the 1980s. It was cancelled after three seasons due to COVID, but those three are worth watching. Besides Awesome Kong being a main cast member, Chavo Guererro was the cast’s fight coordinator and trainer (also appearing via cameo). Brodus Clay, John Morrison, and Carlito make appearances, as does Brooke Hogan.
2. Heels (Starz)
This Starz show focuses on a fictional indie wrestling promotion (Duffy Wrestling League, or DWL) in Georgia and the two brothers running it. It’s filled with drama and has all the right elements of the business to be believable. Also look for cameos from Doc Gallows, CM Punk, and PJ Hawx (son of Luke Hawx).
3. Dark Side of the Ring (Vice)
This Canadian documentary series highlights the dark stories that permeate in professional wrestling. Dutch Mantel, Mick Foley, and Chris Jericho provide narration on infamous events in pro wrestling, including The Montreal Screwjob, Brawl for All, The Plane Ride from Hell, Chris Benoit, and the Steroid Trials.
4. Biography WWE Legends (AETV)
This Biography series dives deep into the personal lives and early careers of some of the most legendary wrestlers in the game. Check out episodes chronicling the careers of legends like Bret Hart, The Undertaker, Kurt Angle, Lex Luger, and The Ultimate Warrior.
5. Total Bellas (E!)
The Bella Twins (Nikki and Brie) were too much personality for their previous show with the WWE Divas, so they spun off into their own show that followed their respective relationships with John Cena and Daniel Bryan. However, it’s their stepfather John Laurinaitis that fans may want to keep an eye on in the aftermath of misconduct claims against both him and McMahon.
6. Hogan Knows Best (VH1)
Hulk Hogan’s acting career is infamous for all the wrong reasons, and his foray into reality TV wasn’t much better. However, this is must-see television for any wrestling fan, as it shows what life is like for the former champion, his family, and Nasty Boy Brian Knobbs.
7. WWE’s Most Wanted Treasures (AETV)
Triple H and Stephanie McMahon are on a mission to collect iconic props from wrestlers. And they have cameras on as wrestlers and collectors alike reminisce over items like Mr. Socko, Undertaker’s urn, and robes from Jerry “The King” Lawler and Ric Flair.
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8. Rhodes to the Top (TNT)
Cody Rhodes is no longer in charge of AEW, but we’ll forever have this short-lived series chronicling his time doing so with wife Brandi. While not the hit the network hoped for, it’s still an interesting show worth watching for hardcore wrestling fans.
9. Straight Up Steve Austin (USA)
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin is one of the most popular wrestlers of all time. Although he retired from in-ring action in 2003 (minus the occasional match, like his Wrestlemania 38 match against Kevin Owens), he remains a WWS personality. This series showcases some of that personality, as he hangs out and goes on adventures with celebrities like Joel McHale, Gabriel Iglesias, and Tiffany Haddish.
10. The Wrestlers (Vice)
This series shows fans the breadth of indie wrestling promotions around the world with host Damian Abraham. It focuses on the cultures of everything from Mexico’s Lucha Libra scene to strange Japanese death matches, voodoo wrestling in the Congo, and more.
11. Learning the Ropes (CTV)
This Canadian sitcom from the 1980s about a teacher moonlighting as a professional wrestler is pure gold. Former NFL player Lyle Alzado plays the lead outside of the ring, while Dr. Death Steve Williams plays his Masked Maniac in-ring persona. And there’s plenty of in-ring action from then-National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) stars Ric Flair, Tully Blanchard, and the Road Warriors.
12. Nikki (WB)
This WB show pairs Nikki Cox as a Las Vegas showgirl and Nick von Esmarch as her professional wrestler husband. Look for plenty of wrestling references from the era, as well as cameos from wrestlers like Kevin Nash, Randy Savage, The Blue Meanie, Lisa Marie Varon, and The Fabulous Moolah.
13. Colonial Combat (TVNZ)
This unique series depicts New Zealand Maoria history with professional wrestling to eschew historical accuracy for entertainment. And it largely works, as you’ll learn something new about the country while questioning what actually happened enough to look it up. Think of Drunk History but with wrestlers, and you’re basically there.
14. Tiger Mask W (TV Asahi)
This Japanese anime (based on the manga of the same name) follows a young aspiring wrestler taking on the Global Wrestling Monopoly. The characters wear tiger masks similar to King in Tekken, and fans will recognize the common theme of an upstart promotion competing against the giant enterprise.
15. WWE Tough Enough (MTV/UPN/USA)
Tough Enough came out at a time when reality TV was at the top, and it complemented UFC’s Ultimate Fighter. Trainers like Al Snow, Tazz, and Booker T work with unsigned talent to get them ring ready. Although now defunct (and infamous for a variety of problems, like the psychotic breakdown of a contestant), it’s impossible to deny the impact it had, spawning stars like Maven, John Morrison, and Mike “The Miz” Mizanin.
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16. Total Divas (E!)
Before the Bellas went on their own, this reality series showcased them alongside other divas like Natalya Neidhart, Paige, and Naomi. Throughout 120 episodes across nine seasons, fans are given an inside look at what it takes to be a woman in professional wrestling. By the end of the series, it’s focused heavily on female wrestlers Ronda Rousey, Nia Jax, Carmella, and Sonya Deville.
17. Steve Austin: The Broken Skull Sessions (WWE)
Austin’s hijinx with celebrities is fun to watch, but there’s no better drug for wrestling fans than the inside stories he gets from his fellow wrestlers. This podcast series has the rattlesnake interviewing old friends like Undertaker, Charles Wright, and Kane, along with the new generation of stars, from Randy Orton and Bobby Lashley to Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn.
18. The Big Show Show (Netflix)
It’s admittedly not the greatest show, but Paul Wight is a lovable giant who tries his best to put on a show. This Netflix Original sitcom is a fictional account of what his family would be like, and it features a variety of wrestler cameos, like Mark Henry, Mick Foley, and Rikishi.
19. Camp WWE (WWE)
This animated series from Seth Green re-imagines WWE superstars of the era as kids in a summer camp. It’s a throwback to the 1980s Rock ‘N’ Wrestling era, with Vince McMahon, Jake Roberts, Sgt. Slaughter, and Lex Luger playing themselves, while others like Bray Wyatt, Steve Austin, and R-Truth are played by voice actors. Hilarious nod to Triple H playing his character’s father Quadruple H.
20. Miz and Mrs (USA)
Whether you love or hate him, there’s no denying The Miz’s accomplishments. From reality star to WWE superstar and back, he and wife Maryse know how to put on a show. And the show also has cameos from John Morrison, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, Curt Hawkins, Live Morgan, Xavier Woods, Roman Reigns, and more.