Chris Bell was just 12 years old when he witnessed an explosion of wrestling culture in America, idolizing figures like Hulk Hogan and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
“Is it still cheating if everyone's doing it?”
Synopsis
Chris Bell was just 12 years old when he witnessed an explosion of wrestling culture in America, idolizing figures like Hulk Hogan and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
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Synopsis
Chris Bell recalls his childhood in the 1980s, a time when figures like Hulk Hogan and Arnold Schwarzenegger dominated American culture. He reflects on his brothers, Mark and Mike, who used anabolic steroids to achieve their goals in sports and bodybuilding. The film features interviews with athletes, medical professionals, and lawmakers, discussing the pressures and consequences of performance-enhancing drugs. It premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival and addresses the American obsession with strength and success.
What Critics Say
We say we're opposed to steroids, but we're more opposed to losing. Americans love a winner and will not tolerate a loser.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- See Hulk Hogan's iconic match against the Iron Sheik.
- Meet Arnold Schwarzenegger, the ultimate action star.
- Find out how wrestling shaped American identity in the 80s.
Did You Know
- Chris Bell was just 12 years old during the Hulk Hogan vs. Iron Sheik match in 1984.
- The Iron Sheik weighed 258 lbs and was a symbol of foreign antagonism in wrestling.
- Hulk Hogan's victory over the Iron Sheik marked the birth of 'Hulkamania'.
- The film references the cultural phenomenon of Rambo as a representation of American strength.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the president of the United States on January 23, 1984?
Ronald Reagan was the president of the United States on January 23, 1984.
What was the weight of the Iron Sheik in the documentary?
The Iron Sheik weighed 258 lbs in the documentary.
What move did Hulk Hogan escape from during his match with the Iron Sheik?
Hulk Hogan escaped from the dreaded Camel Clutch during his match with the Iron Sheik.
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