Beyond the Mat

Introduced by Tod Gordon, creator of Extreme Championship Wrestling, and author Sean Oliver, co-owner of pro wrestling production company Kayfabe Commentaries

Tod Gordon and Sean Oliver will be signing copies of their new book Tod Is God: The Authorized Story of How I Created Extreme Championship Wrestling in the MoMI Gift Shop before and after the screening.  

Dir. Barry W. Blaustein. 1999, 102 mins. DCP. Dubbed “the movie Vince McMahon doesn’t want you to see,” Beyond the Mat offers a rare, intimate look behind the curtain of the no-holds-barred world of professional wrestling. Director Blaustein chronicles the everyday lives of wrestlers such as Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Mick Foley, Terry Funk, and others as they navigate an industry that can be as unforgiving as it is rewarding. Though they seem larger than life in the ring, the bodies and personal lives of these wrestlers pay the price, whether they are entertaining thousands or only a dozen viewers. Their highs and lows are captured with raw honesty thanks to previously forbidden access to the inner workings of pro wrestling companies such as cult-favorite renegade promotion Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and Vince McMahon’s WWE. 

Tickets: $15 / $11 senior and students / $9 youth (ages 3–17) / free for MoMI members at the Senior/Student level and above. Order tickets. Please pick up tickets at the Museum’s admissions desk upon arrival. All seating is general admission. Review safety protocols before your visit.