7.1 / 10 (based on 39 reviews)
WWE Network’s new documentary traces the history of former WWE developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling.
Genre: Documentary, Sport
Main Cast: Sasha Banks, Brie Bella, Nikki Bella, Gerald Brisco
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1 season, 1 episode
Shows Most Like A Future WWE: The FCW Story (2020)
WWE Ruthless Aggression (2020)
7.4 / 10 (based on 220 reviews)
The WWE Ruthless Aggression docuseries picks up where WWE Network’s Monday Night War series left off, detailing the years that followed the Attitude Era, after WWE absorbed its top rival, WCW.
Genre: Documentary, Sport
Main Cast: Pat McAfee, Kurt Angle, Amy Dumas, Austin Jenkins
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2 seasons, 10 episodes
Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Sessions (2019)
8.5 / 10 (based on 398 reviews)
Stone Cold Steve Austin interviews WWE Superstars and legends.
Genre: Sport, Talk-Show
Main Cast: Steve Austin, Mark Calaway, Kurt Angle, Ric Flair
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1 season, 22 episodes
WWE’s Most Wanted Treasures (2021)
7.6 / 10 (based on 277 reviews)
Stephanie McMahon and Paul “Triple H” Levesque will lead a team of collectors and WWE celebrities as they travel across the country to find WWE collectibles.
Genre: Reality-TV
Main Cast: A.J. Francis, Stephanie McMahon, Paul Levesque, Benjamin Z. Brown
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1 season, 9 episodes, 42.0-minute runtime
WWE Icons (2021)
7.9 / 10 (based on 59 reviews)
WWE Icons is a documentary series that is was poised to be cover a number of top legends and Hall of Famers.
Genre: Documentary, Biography
Main Cast: Bruce Prichard, Vince McMahon, Tommy Dreamer, Adam Copeland
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1 season, 4 episodes
WWE Untold (2018)
7.7 / 10 (based on 97 reviews)
WWE Superstars past and present reveal their compelling stories about the most important moments in WWE history.
Genre: Documentary, Biography, History, Sport
Main Cast: Shawn Michaels, Mick Foley, Mark Calaway, Adam Copeland
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4 seasons, 21 episodes
WWE Day Of (2017)
5.6 / 10 (based on 38 reviews)
A documentary series that catch a glimpse of WWE Superstars’ lives as they prepare mentally and physically for their biggest matches.
Genre: Documentary, Action, Sport
Main Cast: Joe Anoa’i, Ashley Fliehr, Mark Calaway, Rebecca Quin
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5 seasons, 59 episodes
In the world of professional wrestling, few stories are as captivating as the rise of Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) and its pivotal role in shaping the future stars of WWE. The 2020 documentary, “A Future WWE: The FCW Story,” sheds light on this influential yet often overlooked chapter in wrestling history. This article explores the documentary, its key themes, and the lasting impact of FCW on WWE.
The Birth of FCW
Before NXT became the gold standard for WWE’s developmental system, there was FCW. Founded in 2007 by Steve Keirn and Tom Prichard, FCW served as the official developmental territory for WWE, operating out of Tampa, Florida. The goal was straightforward: to scout, train, and develop the next generation of WWE superstars.
The Documentary’s Approach
“A Future WWE: The FCW Story” takes viewers on a journey through the history of FCW, featuring interviews with WWE executives, trainers, and numerous wrestlers who cut their teeth in FCW. The documentary is commendable for its straightforward storytelling, avoiding unnecessary embellishments and focusing on the raw, passionate tales of those who lived the FCW experience.
Key Themes Explored
The Struggle and Passion
One of the documentary’s central themes is the struggle and passion inherent in the wrestling business. FCW was not a glamorous place. The facilities were basic, the Florida heat was relentless, and the training was grueling. Yet, it was here that many wrestlers learned the value of hard work, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of their dreams.
Mentorship and Development
FCW was more than just a training facility; it was a place where young talent was mentored by seasoned veterans. Coaches like Dusty Rhodes, Norman Smiley, and Billy Kidman played crucial roles in shaping the characters and in-ring abilities of their proteges. The documentary highlights how these relationships were instrumental in the development of future WWE stars.
The Launchpad for WWE Careers
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of “A Future WWE: The FCW Story” is its focus on the wrestlers who would go on to become household names in WWE. Stars like Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, Bray Wyatt, and Charlotte Flair all honed their craft in FCW. Their stories of perseverance, breakthrough moments, and eventual success are both inspiring and a testament to FCW’s significance.
The Transition to NXT
The documentary does not shy away from discussing the eventual phasing out of FCW in favor of NXT in 2012. This transition marked a significant shift in WWE’s approach to talent development, with NXT offering a more polished product and greater exposure through its weekly shows on the WWE Network. However, the legacy of FCW and its contributions to WWE’s talent pool remain undeniable.
Lasting Impact on WWE
The influence of FCW on today’s WWE is profound. Many of the company’s top performers and champions are FCW alumni, and the training, character development, and storytelling lessons learned in FCW have been carried over to NXT and WWE’s main roster. The documentary makes it clear that without FCW, the landscape of WWE might look very different today.
Personal Anecdotes and Stories
One of the strengths of “A Future WWE: The FCW Story” is its inclusion of personal anecdotes and stories from the wrestlers and staff. These tales add depth and humanity to the documentary, showcasing the personal struggles and triumphs of those who walked through FCW’s doors. From humorous tales of rookie mistakes to heartfelt recollections of breakthrough moments, these stories enrich the narrative and connect viewers to the subjects on a deeper level.
Conclusion
“A Future WWE: The FCW Story” is more than just a documentary about a wrestling promotion. It’s a celebration of the spirit, determination, and passion that define professional wrestling. Through its exploration of FCW’s history, key figures, and lasting impact, the documentary offers a compelling look at a crucial period in WWE’s development of new talent. For fans of wrestling, it’s a must-watch, providing insight into the making of superstars and the unsung contributions of FCW to the world of sports entertainment.