The Main Event

The Main Event is a 2020 magical, family-comedy movie produced by WWE Studios, Netflix, and Walden Media. The film is directed by Jay Karas and stars Seth Carr, Tichina Arnold, and Adam Pally, alongside several professional wrestlers signed under WWE. The plot revolves around an 11-year-old ambitious wrestling fan who dreams of greatness in the WWE universe.

The hero of the film, Leo Thompson, is portrayed by Seth Carr, known for his role in Black Panther. Leo is a middle-schooler with a passion for WWE wrestling, regularly attending events with his grandma, played by Tichina Arnold, known for her roles in "Happily Divorced" and "Everybody Hates Chris". Leo lives with his father, whom he shares a close bond with, portrayed by Adam Pally known for his comic roles in series like "Happy Endings" and "The Mindy Project". Leo's father is a single parent who often has to work extra hours to ensure they remain financially afloat.

Despite his ordinary life, Leo dreams of becoming a WWE superstar, emulating his heroes he watches on the screen. However, his diminutive size and the fact that bullies often target him at school, stand in stark contrast to his dreams and the muscular, larger-than-life figures he idolizes. His life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers a magical wrestling mask. This mysterious and seemingly other-worldly mask offers him superhuman strength and agility, propelling him into an adventure in the wrestling world he once could only dream about.

His discovery gives Leo the opportunity to step closer to his ambition, as he gets the chance to take on the ring in a competition known as NXT to win the title of the next WWE Superstar. Under the newfound wrestling persona, Kid Chaos, Leo experiences the flamboyance, thrill, and excitement of WWE firsthand, all while trying to balance a normal kid's life, including school, chores, friendships, and time with his father.

Meanwhile, his father struggles with multiple jobs, unaware of his son's cloak and dagger adventures in the wrestling world. Still, Leo manages to stay grounded to his values and uses his newfound powers not to further his popularity but to stand up against bullies and help his friends. His journey underlines the themes of courage, friendship, honesty, and the importance of balancing personal goals with social and familial responsibilities.

The movie is filled with cameos from real WWE wrestlers including Kofi Kingston, The Miz, and Sheamus, among others. This not only adds an element of authenticity to the movie, but it also offers a fun, exciting watch for WWE fans. Additionally, the movie serves as a homage to the sport and offers profound glimpses into the world of wrestling.

Despite the fantastical elements, The Main Event explores relatable themes. It addresses familiar school-age issues like dealing with bullies, setting and pursuing personal goals, maintaining friendships and relationships, and juggling different roles and responsibilities. There are empowering messages about sticking to one's beliefs and not getting carried away by stardom. The story also emphasizes the idea of being true to one's identity and remembering one's roots, regardless of success or failure.

The Main Event offers action, comedy, and a heartwarming storyline. It is a fun-packed flick that uniquely combines the charm of family comedies with the energy of WWE wrestling. With its eccentric characters and engaging storyline, the film manages to entertain wrestling enthusiasts and family audience members alike. Kids, especially wrestling fans, will be drawn to the relatable protagonist and his exciting, empowering journey. This movie is a delightful blend of fantasy, comedy, and action underscored by a heartwarming narrative about following your dreams and staying true to your identity.