What It Takes to Be a Pro Wrestler

Tired of the thankless tasks of the modern day information scientist? The constant committee work, the long hours, short pay and cranky catalogers? Consider professional wrestling: it's not pretty, but apparently it is remunerative, as this program mentions more than once. Rather than the gaudy, big arena settings of the WWF and the WCW, this program examines the small gyms and locker rooms where the big stars learned their craft, where participants talk about the pro wrestling "trade" and there is near constant emphasis on the need for proper training to succeed. As Elvis Elliott notes, “if you're untrained, [opponents are] going to drop you on your head, and if you don't know how to land properly, you're going to go home in an ambulance.” Cautionary words that put affixing uniform spine labels and other drudgeries of the librarian game in stark perspective. The sound and lighting on this feature are occasionally problematic, but given the setting, that's understandable and it actually contributes to the atmosphere. With no boasting, no threats, no potty mouths, just portrayals of a lot of hard work, this title is not only informative stuff for aspiring grapplers, it also provides perspective on the genuine behind-the-scenes work involved in mounting the wacky world of pro wrestling for the mass viewing audience. Recommended, with reservations. Aud: H, C, P. (M. Tribby)