WWE: The Rise & Fall of WCW

WWE: The Rise & Fall of WCW is a documentary film that encapsulates the spectacular journey of one of the most influential wrestling promotions in the history of professional wrestling, World Championship Wrestling (WCW). The film stars esteemed wrestling personalities such as David Abbott, C.G. Afi, and Terry Allen, who lend their unique perspectives into the tumultuous lifespan of WCW, from its dizzying heights to the crushing lows.

The movie is designed to appeal both to fans of professional wrestling and to those who have an interest in business narratives exploring the rise and fall of corporate entities. It is an appreciative yet honest exploration of the trajectory of WCW, from being a small regional enterprise to a global organization that rivalled the behemoth, World Wrestling Federation (WWF), in popularity and influence.

WWE: The Rise & Fall of WCW meticulously covers all substantial periods in the history of WCW, in a way that is informative but still engaging, using interviews, archival footage, and insightful commentary from key individuals associated with the promotions. The film starts with tracing the roots of WCW, explaining how it was an offshoot of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and how it gradually evolved under the reigns of different leaders like Jim Barnett, Jim Crockett, and eventually, media mogul Ted Turner.

The documentary offers a penetrating look into major milestones that shaped the course of WCW's history. From the success of marquee events like Starrcade and the introduction of revolutionary concepts like Nitro to the bold, controversial move of revealing WWF results live on-air, the film portrays how WCW went head-to-head with WWF in the infamous Monday Night Wars era.

What sets this documentary apart is its access to behind-the-scenes stories and little-known aspects of the brand’s journey. David Abbott (better known by his ring name, "Tank" Abbott), a crossing-over star from mixed martial arts, adds authenticity to the narrative by providing his maiden-hand experiences in the company in the late-90s. C.G. Afi (ring name Prince Iaukea), the mid-card player who spent nearly a decade in WCW, brings in the integral perspective of a wrestler who remained active throughout various changes in the organization's leadership and strategy. And finally, there is the invaluable input of Terry Allen (known by legendary ring name, "Magnum" T.A.), an industry veteran who was closely involved with the Jim Crockett Promotions period, which is viewed as the prequel to Turner’s WCW.

The film then delves into the downfall of WCW, shedding light on the financial crisis, management failures, and the uncontrollable backstage politics that eventually led to the end of the wrestling promotion. It examines the string of poor decisions that were made, including the misuse of top-tier talent and the failure to cultivate new stars. This becomes a cautionary tale about corporate mismanagement and serves as an indictment of uncertainty and a lack of vision from those in charge.

However, the movie is quick to balance this with a look at the positives. While charting the downfall of the company, it also shines a spotlight on its legacy, its innovations to the industry, and the eternal mark it left on professional wrestling. It inadvertently becomes a tribute to the talented WCW roster who made the promotion unmissable entertainment during its peak.

A notable strength of WWE: The Rise & Fall of WCW is its impartiality in its depiction of events. It doesn’t cover up the erratic decision-making and excesses that led to the company’s downfall, nor does it shy away from showing how WCW once stood as an equal competitor to WWF in its heyday, legitimately rivalling its dominance in the industry.

Overall, WWE: The Rise & Fall of WCW is a gripping and well-crafted lens to view the meteoric rise and eventual fall of WCW in the landscape of professional wrestling. Whether viewers are ardent wrestling fans or just admirers of captivating real-life drama, this film will leave them thoroughly entertained – and more enlightened about the convoluted world behind the wrestling ring. One thing is certain; viewers will be left appreciating the convoluted, yet enriching history of WCW and its impact on the wrestling industry as we know it today.