In 2000, Ohio Valley Wrestling, better known as OVW, became the primary developmental territory for WWE, and it was utilized in that capacity until 2008. In those eight years, the promotion produced WWE Hall of Fame-worthy talents like John Cena, Dave Bautista, Randy Orton, and Brock Lesnar. A decade after the independent promotion ceased to operate as WWE’s main source of talent, veteran WWE talent Al Snow purchased the promotion from Danny Davis, its founder.
Fans will now be given a front-row seat to how Snow’s promotion runs on a day-to-day basis, as Variety reports Netflix will be releasing a docuseries about OVW called Wrestlers on September 13. Greg Whitley, the mind behind other successful Netflix series Last Chance U and Cheer, helms the project, which now has an official synopsis and trailer.
Once a proud finishing school for aspiring pro wrestlers, the gym has since hit hard times. Acclaimed wrestler Al Snow clings to an old school wrestling philosophy with a heavy emphasis on storytelling, but in spite of the love of a few diehard fans, the gym struggles week to week to stay relevant enough to keep its doors open. Things have become so dire financially that Al has to sell a majority stake to a group of local businessmen including Matt Jones, the most popular radio personality in the state of Kentucky. Matt and the new ownership group have infused the struggling gym with much-needed cash but it still operates at a staggering loss. The new owners have given Al the summer to turn things around. Wrestlers chronicles the efforts Al and his band of aspiring wrestlers make as they struggle with their personal ambitions and each other while they attempt to come together to save this historic gym.
In the trailer, “HollyHood” Haley J, one of OVW’s top stars, looks to be a central focus alongside Snow as she navigates personal and career issues. This is the second pro wrestling docuseries to get released on a major streaming platform this year. Monster Factory is now available on Apple+ and features trainer Danny Cage in a similar role to Snow. Unfortunately, it was not been renewed for season two.
Fans can check out Ohio Valley Wrestling on their YouTube channel and FITE