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The following was issued to PWInsider.com:
Production starts on follow-up to critically acclaimed docuseries “Wrestlers”
After its breakout success on Netflix, the acclaimed docuseries “Wrestlers” has officially evolved into a new independently produced series not yet tied to a streaming outlet.
"Wrestlers” earned rave reviews, including a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, celebrated for its unfiltered look into the grit and passion of indie wrestling.
Wrestling legend Al Snow confirmed the return during an OVW live event, announcing that cameras are soon to be rolling again to capture the next chapter of the promotion’s journey
Snow says: “When you want something done right, you do it yourself”, after Netflix cancellation.
Filming is set to begin on a follow-up to the critically acclaimed reality docuseries, Wrestlers, the Netflix show that pulled back the curtain on life at Ohio Valley Wrestling.
Despite receiving universal praise and earning a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, Wrestlers was dropped by Netflix after just one season, with the streamer opting to shift its attention to WWE: Unreal, a new docuseries that has received a far more mixed response from critics and fans.
But fans of Wrestlers were treated to good news on Thursday night, when OVW head trainer and wrestling legend Al Snow confirmed during OVW Rise that filming on a new docuseries is officially underway – much to the delight of fans at the Hotpoint Davis Arena.
The former WWE hardcore, tag and European champion said: “You’d expect a crusty old veteran like me to be against a documentary series which completely exposes our business, but it’s the way the world is going, and for a promotion like ours it’s vital.”
“These wrestlers need a way to break through, to create their own brand and build their profile. The first series was absolutely transformational in helping our young stars grow and achieve that notoriety, and it lifted everyone up simultaneously.”
“We were selling out shows, receiving media headlines around the world, and ultimately, it showcased just how amazing some of our talent is.”
Directed by Greg Whiteley – the man behind Last Chance U and Cheer – and produced by BBC Studios Los Angeles, the original series premiered in September 2023 with seven episodes. It currently holds an 8.1/10 IMDb rating.
The Hollywood Reporter’s Daniel Feinberg was one of the many TV critics to praise the show. He said: “With astonishing access and subjects as outsized in their candor as in their theatricality, Wrestlers makes you laugh and then cry; you start from a position of “Of course it’s all fake!” and then uncover seven episodes of painful truths about our aspirations and the extremes we’ll go to in order to earn a place in the spotlight.”
OVW is the legendary wrestling promotion where future WWE icons like Brock Lesnar, John Cena, Batista, Cody Rhodes, and Randy Orton cut their teeth.
Rob Edwards, who took control of OVW earlier this year via his company Morley Sports Management, said the docuseries played a key role in his plans for OVW.
The Londoner, who also owns Welsh football club Haverfordwest County AFC, said: “There’s incredible talent in the promotion and they just need exposure. Wrestling is all about storytelling, and this is another vehicle for that. We now have the chance to tell our own story and I am really excited to get going.”
To keep up with all things OVW, visit ovwrestling.com
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