The Wrestler (1974 film)

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The Wrestler is a 1974 independent film produced by professional wrestler Verne Gagne and starring Ed Asner as "Frank Bass" a wrestling promoter.

Verne Gagne also stars in the movie as Mike Bollar who is the current wrestling champion of his "league." Gagne not only acts in the movie but also wrestles during a few of the wrestling scenes. He faces Larry Hennig in the first match at the Cow Palace located just outside San Francisco. Billy Robinson plays Gagne's latest challenger, Billy Taylor.

[edit] Appearances

Many American Wrestling Association performers appear in the movie. Among them are "Superstar" Billy Graham, Ric Flair (credited with that spelling in the credits), Dusty Rhodes, Dick Murdoch, The Bruiser, Dory Funk, Jr., Ray Stevens, Pedro Morales, Ken Patera, Nick Bockwinkel, Dan Gable, Eddie Graham, Jim Brunzell, and more. Some of the said wrestlers are simply featured in clips from wrestling shows without adding to the actual plot or having them on the set of the film in actual roles.