Pro Wrestlers Vs. Zombies

Pro Wrestlers Vs. Zombies is perhaps one of the most brilliantly campy horror films that straddles the haunted line between comedy and horror. Released in 2014 and directed by Cody Knotts, this film provides a unique viewing experience, especially for fans of professional wrestling and classic undead zombie flicks. Boasting of a star cast including "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, and Matt Hardy, some of the industry's most iconic wrestlers, this film is a love letter to fans of both the wrestling circuit and the zombie genre.

The movie's story rolls out in two diverse settings: the extravagant world of professional wrestling and the bone-chilling, blood-curdling setting of a zombie apocalypse. While these two worlds might seem at odds with each other, Rotovision and Knotts' direction have skillfully combined them to ensure audiences are treated to an exciting, if not conventional, cinema experience.

The movie begins in the gutsy world of professional wrestling, where the bloodshed is usually choreographed and the injuries are often faked. However, things take a turn for the serious when one of the wrestling matches ends with a real fatality. Enter Shane Douglas, a wrestler played by Franchise Shane Douglas, who accidentally kills one of his opponents in the ring. This unfortunate event sets in motion a haunting chain of events that emphasizes the 'Vs. Zombies' part of the title.

What makes this accident a plot-turning point is that the deceased wrestler was part of a rich family, mainly his brother, Angus (played by Ashton Amherst), an occult-practicing necromancer. As you would expect in a revenge-plot, the grieving Angus is hell-bent on avenging his brother's death. However, his method of retribution isn't typical - he isn't seeking a legal case or a fistfight. Instead, he resurrects the dead.

Such events culminate in our wrestling stars finding themselves in an abandoned prison surrounded by a horde of the undead, making for a unique setting. The prison echoes with the moans of the undead, instantly crafting an ambiance eerily distinct from the bright lights and roaring crowds of the wrestling ring that opened the movie.

The film proceeds to drip-feed its viewers with a series of carefully constructed fight sequences. Imagine your favorite wrestling stars trading punches, not with flesh-and-blood rivals, but with relentless zombies. The wrestlers, known for their larger-than-life personalities, suddenly find themselves in a situation that requires not just strength but survival skills. The twist is that they must use their wrestling skills to defend themselves against the onslaught of the walking dead. Never before have headlocks, dropkicks, and body slams been so vital outside of the ring.

"Rowdy" Roddy Piper, known best for his retirement match against Bret Hart at Wrestlemania, is aptly cast as the rugged and tough-as-nails hero of the tale. His performance gives his fans one more glimpse of his charisma, charm, and humor, which are as infectious as the zombies he is fighting against. "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, another wrestling icon, lends a brilliant mix of humor and bravado to his character, keeping the movie's tone light amidst the gory action.

Matt Hardy, another professional wrestling star, shines in his role, effortlessly sliding into his character's wrestling boots. His performance is a brutal homage to the wrestling profession, using his signature moves and adding fun to the mix.

As film progresses, each wrestle-versus-zombie showdown leans into its absurdity, taking advantage of the unique setup and delivering plenty of action sequences that are equal parts humorous and horrifying. It is in these moments that 'Pro Wrestlers Vs. Zombies' truly offers something fresh in the zombie genre, inviting its viewers to embrace the outrageousness and enjoy the ride.

Steeped in a rich color palette that alternates between the vibrant wrestling ring and the gloomy, post-apocalyptic world, Pro Wrestlers Vs. Zombies is an entertainingly blithe cocktail of wrestling antics and survival grit. What it lacks in traditional horror, it makes up for with absurdity and amusement. The movie's over-the-top nature might not be to everyone's tastes, but for those open to a generous serving of wrestling nostalgia and humor-infused zombie action, this movie blends these tastes into a cinematic dish that hits just the right spot. It "body-slams" the spectator with laughs, shocks, twists, turns, and of course, lots of choke-holds.