Day 62: The Scott Hall Story

Today I watched a short doc. about the life of Scott Hall, pro-wrestler. Apparently ESPN makes mini-docs that  are waaaay different than anything I've ever seen them air before. This was an intimate, well put-together film about the terrible life of a one-time famous wrestler.

Full disclosure here; I was obsessed with pro-wrestling as a kid. The years between 5th and 8th grade were a flurry of wrestling t-shirts, action figures, and being glued to the tv every Monday, Thursday and Sunday evenings. I loved it because it was entertaining- it was like a soap opera with punching and kicking. I cheered for the heroes, booed the villains and laughed along with the clowns like Mankind. Eventually I grew out of it but I still kept a eye out for plot lines and new wrestlers as they appear.

What I learned: The guy is a mess, a total train wreck. Back in the 90's Scott Hall was one of the biggest names in wrestling up there with Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant. He was big, tough, and handsome and one of the biggest 'heels' the WWF had ever seen.

That sneer was painted on, I think. 

So he was on top of the world, and of course it went to his head. He started abusing drugs and alcohol and steroids. And...that's it. He went through rehab 10 different times, he got fired from WWF, sunk lower and lower to smaller federations, his wife and kids left him, he received multiple DUI's, and spent some time in jail. Exactly what you'd expect to happen from someone who shot to popularity from relative obscurity in a really short amount of time.  

One of his many mugshots. 

What I liked: Never have I seen a fall from grace tale as clear cut as this. He goes from sold out arenas of 10,000 fans to school gyms of 40 people. From being in the best shape of his life to a "shell of his former self" as his son describes it. From coke and booze to anti-seizure medication and 10 other meds he's forced to take daily. It's like The Wrestler, but in real life.

So the dude just spends his time going from wrestling gig to gig, not really able to perform anymore but just making appearances I guess? Everyone kinda agrees he's not gonna be around much longer due to his health issues.

You can watch the full documentary here:

Here's one of his more recent 'appearances' at a wrestling event. It's tough to watch, as it's clear he is so out of it he doesn't really know what's going on: 

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