The Bottom Rope: Inside the world of independent wrestling

"The Bottom Rope: Inside the world of independent wrestling" - In high school gyms and VFW halls in New Jersey, there exists a place where pro-wrestlers are made - and where former stars go to hang on. Over the course of 60 nights a year, National Wrestling Superstars spotlights these die-hard showmen and their unwavering desire to practice their craft. The Bottom Rope goes beyond the ring to look at four wrestlers, their stories, and what keeps them coming back for more. (A film by Michael Monday) Dec 5, 2012.

[@synister281]

Marty is the living version of the movie “the wrestler”

[@JohnSmith-fx7ge]

Seriously Crowbar is the dream in my opinion, get in while its hot for wrestling, then meet the love of your life and have a beautiful family while still doing what you love as a hobby.

[@JavierLopez-xt1zs]

John Smith and being a physical therapist

[@AdamSmith-sp5cf]

Exactly, he made it a lot farther than a lot of wrestlers, plus he was smart enough to get a skill outside of wrestling, and now his body isn't broken down, he's got a good job, nice house, a family and he still gets to wrestle as a hobby, he definitely has nothing to be ashamed of

[@killajay418889]

Great to see he got another shot at AEW

[@andresgarcia-jc4mf]

😅lol

[@deanarupe73]

Poor Marty Jennetty. He looks rough. I'm glad he's still doing what makes him happy.

[@GeraldGreenfield-gn9dc]

I don't think he has a choice. I guess he should've saved all that merch $$.

[@theanonymousterryhall5419]

Yeah, drugs

[@J-DUBENTERPRISES]

@@theanonymousterryhall5419 he quit dude

[@kevinfightsbears]

@@J-DUBENTERPRISES for how long? that's the real question

[@captainobvious385]

Danny is the dude who graduated high school 10 years ago, but still talks about how good he played football as if people care.

[@ShihanKevinpereira81]

Lmao facts I love how he says he was in the wwe no buddy you were in developmental

[@georgeelmerdenbrough6906]

Glory days pass you by ....

[@FullBoarDaniel]

Ya know back in 82 I could throw a pigskin a quarter mile! Are you serious? I'm dead serious!

[@billnolastname5078]

I scored 4 touchdowns in one game!

[@Tigerdriver99]

Bill Nolastname Al Bundy & Steve Rhodes were named after King Kong Bundy & Dusty Rhodes, absolute legends Rest In Peace

[@chriskalisz1127]

I emphasize with these guys. I spent 12 years as a worker and had a small run with WWE as extra work and dark matches in 2012-2013 and the injuries started and decided it was time to walk away in 2014... haven't looked backm

[@AFTERPROWRESTLING]

Being here is like looking back

[@jacobmejia7728]

What was your Name so I can look you up

[@chriskalisz1127]

@@jacobmejia7728 Kristian Frost and then Chris Kincade vs Dean Ambros

[@jacobmejia7728]

@@chriskalisz1127 Thanks

[@adrian3747_]

@@chriskalisz1127 atleast u can tell urself u made it and was able to wrestle. Ill watch ur matches later. :)

[@JoshWatsonandtheOolaMallaBand]

D-von's a damn nice guy. He got out of his car at a WWE show in Florence, SC once to sign autographs for people when other 'superstars' just passed on by.

[@round_earther3195]

WWE isn't the only place to go. There is ROH, NJPW, and IMPACT!.

[@infinitetranquilo]

Gewk Hunter yea but I guess at the time of production they only wanted to talk about the company everyone knew (even non wrestling fans to an extent)

[@leebirksjr.6424]

what about aew, noah, pwg, lucha underground, aaa and mlw

[@TheReviewSpace]

Keep in mind, this was made in 2012 before all the indie boom we see today.

[@lucianoalonso4389]

And now AEW

[@bigjunko7757]

TNA

[@MrRIZZ-he2lv]

I saw Devon Dudley

[@truetransoul586]

Devon get the tables!!!!!!

[@captassassin5680]

We all did.

[@jakepearl5569]

Danny’s gimmick is DELUSION

[@horsesass]

2 fat guys at the beginning almost killed eachother lol

[@thetrollingjester8379]

horsesass periodt

[@Str88Hype]

1:32

[@rict5878]

And the gym was instantly filled with flatulence

[@joshuandayna]

I know. What was that

[@splatentertainment7551]

I respect Shaun and Danny a lot for hitting the gym and wanting to look the part, that's a big part of it, put in the work and dedication on your body and wwe or other higher promotions will take notice on that kind of stuff, not looking like the average regular human being in the crowd is a big thing a lot of promotions look for.

[@adrian3747_]

Forreal! Just like Adam Cole smh. I’ve attended some indie events recently and i look much more of a wrestler than them and that’s me being 5’6 175 lbs

[@jackw3302]

I'd still pay money to watch Marty wrestle. Great talent.

[@billtribble7197]

a fool & his money are soon parted. foolish jack w.

[@barrymccockner6450]

I just want to say thank you...... To each one of you, for what you do to your bodies. ITS STILL REAL TO ME DAMN IT!!!! And thank you Mr Funk for sayin what needed to be said 😭😭😭😭😭😢💪

[@CSAccetura]

A lot of these guys look like the damage done to their bodies are a number seven through the drive-thru... repetitively

[@RobMcDonaldtube]

Nicky oceans should do a Ross from friends gimmick...

[@eddierodriguez4271]

I feel better about myself after Watching this

[@wallypalmer4704]

Crowbar seems to be the most well balanced of the folks they interviewed. He got an education so that he had something to fall back on, and can now perform only when he wants to. The other guys all seem like genuinely decent people, albeit a bit delusional. I've been a huge fan for over forty years, and there was a time when I also wanted nothing more than to be a wrestler. But, when I stopped growing at 5'6", and ballooned up to over 400lbs, I realized it wasn't going to happen, and I got a job. I've since lost over 250 lbs, and have a nice career in IT. While I still love wrestling, I know that the WWE will never come calling. I applaud these guys for following their dreams and giving it a shot, but at some point, you have to realize that it's not going to happen. Very few people are able to actually make a living off of professional wrestling, so it is best to learn a trade, or get a degree, so that when the time comes, you can pay the bills. It is also sad to see guys like Jannetty (who I love), that have been to the top, but are now past their prime, who still think they have "one last big run" left in them. I get it, the spotlight is alluring, but you also have to know when it's over. While Jannetty is still in good shape, a lot of these older guys aren't, and it at some point, it becomes depressing to see guys at these indie shows in their 50's and 60's who are but shadows of their former selves. I'd rather remember the legends the way they were.

[@adrian3747_]

I’ve been a huge fan too, 32 y/o now, 5’6 170 lbs. Been attending indie events and seeing these talents who i’m bigger and more in shape than gives me extra confidence that i can do it too but i know im already too old to start plus i have a career that pays well but its always been my dream to have a full match on youtube that i can go back and brag about lol😊

[@dustinsonnier5602]

@@adrian3747_I say go ahead and live out your dream of being a wrestler I’m sure you got plenty of support

[@br1ckbazooka]

I think one of my biggest pet peeves is that you get the older guys that think they are still worth a million dollars, but dress like every other indy wrestler around.

[@dollfins1842]

Yeah I feel bad though cause they can't follow their dreams

[@westendlolo3313]

This the second documentary I seen with nws and mr inferno is back :)

[@completesentences2125]

We’re getting into a new wrestling renaissance. I’m sure business is getting good for these guys again.

[@davidhadley1391]

All depends on if you're willing to do the work to get yourself out there.

[@freedom2084]

Please tell me when is a new wrestling renaissance

[@RustyShackleford-bc9ce]

Marty is seriously the man. I had the pleasure of working with him.

[@MadAngel209]

This documentary is heartbreaking.

[@gerlinecadet2253]

Real

[@nichonoche535]

Great documentary , more ppl need to see it

[@Scorch1028]

It’s interesting that Marty Jannetty was part of the ill-fated “Concussion Lawsuit” against the WWE - yet he continued wrestling in various indy promotions for 20 years after leaving the WWE. Jannetty wrestled for 35 years, and he spent maybe 5 total years in the WWE. His lawsuit was baseless.

[@chinobambino1407]

dude answers his phone "wrestling" like someones gonna say back "oh no looking for baseball"

[@LoyMachedo]

Very powerful documentary. Thank you for making it and sharing it. #reality #life

[@eddiecoyle9152]

*As the late Frankie Williams said on " Pipers Pit" : " At least I'm trying" .....Pro Wrestling is very much like the Rock and Roll world, I've seen bands in the 1980s playing 15,000-20,000 seat arenas and today they barely can sell out 700 seat clubs, in regards to Marty: He made his mistakes but he's a great guy in person who is just doing what he knows: Entertaining the fans.*

[@billtribble7197]

thse guys made lots of bad decisions most of their lives. they made good money at times but have nothing to show for it. if you make the same mistakes over & over expecting a better outcome you are fooling your self.

[@TheArchersTungsten]

Shaun is taking the wrong supplements if he wants to look like the guys on his posters . Lmao

[@not6709]

He is fat. He needs to cut fat.

[@samthomas1291]

The other ones come in a syringe

[@qprforever4975]

The British indy scene as never been hotter and Cody has proven you don't need wwe to be successful.

[@timfrederick9305]

Damn straight

[@dannooooooo]

when Jannetty came back to the WWE he had some great matches, like his match against Kurt Angle was so good. sad he didnt hold it together cause his career could of ended a much better way

[@Kohlbaby10]

Johnny Oceans works out 5 days a week and is a trainer that looks like he's never touched a weight in his life

[@jamesfaragoza5782]

Danny inferno is the REAL LIFE king from ready to rumble.

[@sliderx1897]

James Faragoza not even lol the king was at least world champion lol

[@WHITELIONNYC]

I'll definitely pay $20 to watch this in person. 🖐🏿🤑👍🏿

[@shellbacksclub]

beautiful doc!

[@RemoWilliams1227]

I remember watching Marty and Shawn Michaels in AWA around 85 or 86. Part of my childhood.

[@ago8931]

Reminds me of the movie "the wrestler" it is not an easy road to get there.

[@Type1DomoGuy]

Wrestling isnt about spot and crazy moves sometimes it more about the character and story telling in the ring.

[@Gadtattack]

Great movie

[@WTFweretheythinking1]

Jeez, thanks for making more depressed than I was watching this, ugh.

[@brettleepugh3380]

WhatWereTheyThinking 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@DOLARNICK]

An interesting look into the independent wrestling scene. I hope business keeps up and perhaps they will make a decent living. Tough business

[@bryanclark1246]

Kind of sad seeing Marty living in the past.

[@sportsentertained]

"wrestling, can I help you?"

[@stevepeters3398]

This business is tuff because I'm in it and run my own promotion in the midwest and let me tell you first hand that you can have the best body be hudge or whatever but your character has to reach out to people and make a difference in large numbers of fans to catch the attention of a major promotion like wwe.. Charisma is a huge one that's what lets the fans know what your characters all about

[@WHITELIONNYC]

4:21 My respect to Mr. Dapper Johnny Falco. That is the definition of passion, dedication, and hard work. 🖐🏿😳👍🏿

[@notgonnapay]

Man I feel like they focus on so many of the negative aspects of small promotions. Many people get into the indys and just wrestle for a while before going on to other ventures. You'd be surprised to see how many successful wrestlers there are outside of the ring. It's the same with anything else - you need a backup plan if your dream job isn't gonna work out - even if it does, you need a plan to do should you ever be forced to wake up from that dream.

[@tsunadespreading406]

2:32 the guy at front rope is like: shaking head 🤣

[@ThePaganworld]

danny inferno should charge a fee for being a washed up wannabe in wrestling documentaries, he has been in the last 3 i watched lol

[@sliderx1897]

art cobb hes also in the background in the movie the wrestler.... which is about washed up wrestlers lol

[@Bbknuckles]

art cobb he claims to have made it in WWE but was only signed under a developmental deal... talk about not being able to let go lol

[@JamalTheTitan]

Hey, that counts man. Zeda Zheng is making money on the indies right now just by being in the mae young classic for a match.

[@JamalTheTitan]

I would argue that WWE Jakked was actually on TV.

[@JamalTheTitan]

In syndication... on tv.

[@theashbychannel9227]

That guy doesn't hit the gym 5-days a year. Let alone a week.

[@mr.c4p]

danny inferno went on to become successful podcaster and stand up comedian, big jay oakerson

[@dmac5472]

Damn, devon storm. He was a big time indy name and even had some shots w ecw prior to his big break w wcw. I was a big fan of the crowbar gimmick.

[@rauladdams5709]

Can someone please put Marty Jannety together with DDP and Jake the Snake? The man deserves so much better. Good documentary. Damn.

[@pdmftw1]

I wish there was this kind of show in my area... the reason why indies do not do as well as they used to is because we had people that exposed the business. sure we know it was fake but you see 2 guys that pretend to be angry at each other then after the show you see them car pooling together after the show, or see them hanging out at a bar together or working in the same gym.

[@DeadKoby]

The new NWA reboot may give some of these guys a shot....or at least another place with a camera.

[@LasVegas_Sandra]

I loved Marty Jannetty back in the day. ❤️

[@chadchesney3858]

Pretty good, this lil Doc. I know it was a few years ago I reckon 🤔.

[@insolentish4529]

1:10 that confidence though

[@killajay418889]

Just to watch Crowbar doing it again in AEW after watching this is incredible

[@jayhari1713]

How the hell is this the 2nd documentary on this promotion, lol?

[@justinxpwsane]

What’s the other one called?

[@davidhadley1391]

Ever since this was originally produced in 2012 the independents have become a viable way to make money in wrestling. Maybe not promotions on PWS level but some Jersey based companies have grown huge. Look at Game Changer Wrestling they're actually going outside their Northeast home territory now days even part of WrestleMania weekend in Orlando and New Orleans in 2017 and 2018. Have even hit Los Angeles and Chicago. Have made an independent wrestling superstar out of Joey Janela.

[@KobaTheGreat.]

Thanks for the info I didn't know this was actually made in 2012. Seeing the independents flourishing today kinda gives this documentary an overall positive perspective knowing that independent wrestling is going through a boom period.

[@justinxpwsane]

Wonder we’re these guys are now

[@sirgigglez]

Danny should go to ROH & NJPW.

[@adamrobinette139]

Marty Janetty is one of the most underrated workers in the history of the business. He'd probably be still doing things with the WWE today backstage with young talent if he had kept it together.

[@ThePaganworld]

I think he just gets too much credit, they gave him every opportunity to do something and he couldnt cut it, hate to say it, but he is exactly where he belongs

[@bbones504]

How does Marty even still walk with his ankle all jacked up like that

[@leebirksjr.6424]

yo this company earns approximately $1,167,000 a year

[@Uskdr97]

I dont feel bad for Marty at all, he was given A LOT of opportunities and he chose party and drugs. Here he says “oh i never got to do what i wanted to do”. Geeat guy, but You got what you deserved

[@d.p.5928]

18:17 Eric Simms..."You half-and-half!" lol

[@xxgacha_dawnxx]

19:37 Fit Finlay, Genuine Legend!

[@AaronWhiting18]

2:31 that old guy in the front 🤣

[@Rainman___]

19:38 Fit Finlay!!!!

[@albrokenomoney2127]

Hey Shaun domino's isnt a supplement 🤣

[@dacoco4679]

i like crowbar or chris ford he didn't do wwe instead he went to that college and now still wrestlers cuz he likes it. it makes a lot of sense as he lives a normal life but he also wrestles

[@connerchaney8365]

Is that Finley at 19:25 ?

[@gummy951]

Conner Chaney i was wondering the same thing. Definitely looks like him

[@RockNRollJeezus]

Go get some help Marty...you're not fooling anyone bud. One day at a time brother💪💯

[@oldman9843]

I would rather watch the old guys , these new kids just aint got it .

[@wrestlinghistorian4064]

I agree. There are very few wrestlers today who I think could even make it in the old wrestling business. People say that wrestlers are more athletic today, but I don't even buy that. Wrestlers just do more today, and a lot of what they do is either done poorly and sloppily executed or with much less psychology. There were a lot of legitimate athletes and tough guys in the old business and they knew how to work. That just isn't the case today. There are very few who even look like real athletes, let alone world class athletes or the standout freaks that made professional wrestling what it was. Nobody wants to go watch the guy who looks like your next door neighbor, with the personality and charisma to match. Although impressive, choreographed spots can also only get you so far. I look at most of the guys today, and it doesn't even carry themselves like they believe they are larger than life characters,. If they don't believe it, why would I believe it and why would I care what they do? Like you said, most of them just don't have the "IT" factor that even the good midcarders had in the old wrestling business.

[@THENAMEISQUICKMAN]

Nothing says athleticism like people who can barely jump.

[@shrimp3rjr413]

@@wrestlinghistorian4064 Someone clearly hasn't been paying attention to modern wrestling. Have you never watched a Kenny Omega match, A Johnny Gargano match, A Kazuchika Okada match, A Christopher Daniels match, An AJ Styles match, I could keep going here. Those are just some of the best names in wrestling who are some of the most athletic athletes in the world, who are so crisp in the ring, have great looks and are masters of in ring psychology and story telling. You either haven't been paying attention, or you've been watching the wrong stuff.

[@celebrategout1008]

@@shrimp3rjr413 i stopped reading at Kenny Omega LMAO seek mental help

[@vinnycarrocia7511]

Oceans is 24 in this 2017 video and had Ultimate Warrior posters. He was born in 1993. That doesn't add up unless he was a fan of Warrior's final WWF run or his WCW run (oWn).

[@javialan2503]

2012 video.

[@whidoineedthis]

This came out in 2012

[@vinnycarrocia7511]

@@javialan2503 Thanks for the info. I was going off of the upload date. That make a little more sense.

[@vinnycarrocia7511]

@LOPS666Orange By the looks of your typing ability then you are too young to remember the first 30 Manias.

[@CtheDead209-zt8tj]

I don’t think this is from 2012 I think this is 2015 seen a guy wearing an impact shirt didn’t change name to impact with that logo until 2015 plus the other documentary Danny inferno was 30 his ROH try outwhich had him Cornette Jim cornette left roh in 2012 that would put this at 2015

[@ThePaganworld]

how the hell do you go to the gym five times a week and still have that pudgy soft body

[@freddiecongote6927]

Hi Art, I use to be a pro wrestler and did steroids for about 8yrs. The steroids give you the size and strength. When you are off the roids you have to try and maintain the mass via lifting heavy and eating proteins. My take on these guys is that they are obviously off the roids or do not have the funds for the roids and are trying to put some size on their bodies naturally. In short trying to get big naturally is very difficult.

[@ThePaganworld]

@@freddiecongote6927 he just flat isnt in the gym five times a week, if he is he definitely isnt doin gthe correct work to get bigger, i played high level football, and never used a steroid in my life and was in the gyl 4 times a weak at most, his body would be mucj more cut and hard if he was lifting 5 times a week, especially at age 24, he just blatantly lied, and im sure he loves wrestling, but clearly his idea of dedication is just that its his favorite thing and he watches it all the time, if he went to the gym and lifted hard 5 times a week, he would have at least some form of abs, and his neck would show some sign of muscle. he is either lying, or doing cardio 5 times a week. lol. I woould definitely recommend a cycle or two , no way those titties and gut are in a gym 5 times a week.

[@freddiecongote6927]

@@ThePaganworld , I played football and wrestled and honestly when I was on the juice I could feel and see a big difference. At this moment I still work out but I simply do not have the power, shape or the size that came with roids. See, I understand these guys because I was one of them and I just wish them the best.

[@ThePaganworld]

@@freddiecongote6927 yeha, i get it, it just seems at age 24, if he worked that hard his body could be much better, he just looks way to soft to be hitting the gym like that, especially at 24 yrs old, happy thanks giving.

[@sliderx1897]

art cobb i worked at the gym for many years. So many ppl work out regularly and never change becuase they leave the gym and eat crap

[@PaddySharkey]

I loved Marty Janetty back with the rockers and still have his WWF figure with Shawn Michaels but I didn’t recognize at all. He looked rough in 96 when he was in the new Rockers with Al Snow aka Lief Erickson, but he looked like a modern day Brock Lesnar back then compared to now. Still the best tag team ever. Better then the Road Warriors and the Mega Powers

[@billtribble7197]

better than the roadwarriers??? you must have had alot of concussions too.

[@Chthonian121]

Was that Devon Duddley? TF was he doing in a bingo hall?

[@ChristopherLeonJohnson]

He's was out of wwe for that time.

[@NicholasFishel]

I remember crowbar with David flair

[@ishall9956]

Crowbar is living a good and balanced life. Good for him

[@CSAccetura]

Tony and Silvio Dante were in the last row keeping an eye on their investment..

[@MC-rf8sx]

Marty jannety how awesome would it be to see him at a Indy show

[@Stampistuta]

The opening monologue is ripped almost entirely from Beyond the Mat.

[@boschbybosch2121]

Marty was never in a main event at msg

[@coreysine3952]

What was the other documentary that had Danny Inferno in it? It also had Jim Cornette when he was with ROH and the same Indy promoter that was in this one.

[@eduardolagunes9013]

Slammed inside Indy wrestling

[@pimperish666]

This is really sad. All these guys trying to get to Wwe and just won’t happen.

[@razieltalos]

takes me back to when i first started, i was disappointed when i heard NWS closed, Dapper was a good guy, as far as my experiences with him.

[@drglenndoyle]

Whatever happened to Dapper/NWS? There are like three documentaries out there that feature them, but like no record of what eventually became of them. They just like disappear from the Internet around 2014.

[@plugzly-x613]

@@drglenndoyle he got caught using his disability checks to fund nws

[@nxtwomenfan497]

@@plugzly-x613 Makes perfect sense. Dapper was such a carny.

[@Type1DomoGuy]

Crowbar isn't he from WCW?

[@BobSmith-sp1pf]

Yes.

[@SnarkyRC]

Haha I'm in this video.

[@edched76]

Not thrown threw a glass window super kicked. I remember watching as a kid

[@staple_gun6367]

I don't think you do remember. He superkicked him first and then threw him through the window.

[@fixpacifica]

@@staple_gun6367 Then he busted a coconut on his head. I remember it like it was yesterday.

[@gregthegroove]

Dude, seriously, I had a better light show presentation when I DJ’d sweet 16 parties.

[@gregthegroove]

orionh3000 Wow, that’s amazing that you knew me 30 years ago! What’s even more amazing is that you saw my light show 30 years ago! Wow! Just wow!

[@megaflux7144]

man i loved crowbar!

[@MattCirin]

HE SAID THIS IS NJ'S MOST POPULAR WRESTLING COMPANY UGHHHHH CZW IS BASED IN VOORHEES NJ AND THATS WAYYYYYY BIGGER

[@punklover99]

Aren't they based in Delaware?

[@MattCirin]

@@punklover99 CZW? Their HeadQuarters are in Philly but all there shows are in Voorhees NJ. I live right across the street from the Venue so I attend there events time to time.

[@ABCRapster]

Shaun is now an executive producer for AEW

[@mikehunth5765]

No he’s not

[@JBeebeGaming]

This video seems to aim at looking down at the indies as a place where wrestlers have hit rock bottom. There are some wrestlers that have 0 aspirations to go any further

[@m1k3y41]

Poor Marty

[@cgilm2526]

Who si the big guy at 0:48 pounding away on his opponent on the top rope?

[@WallyTony]

They call him The Carpetbagger

[@cgilm2526]

@@WallyTony My mistake. I time was off. I meant the big guy at :045. Blue/Black singlet.

[@Podgorski37]

19:25 The wrestler on the apron on the bottom right sure looks like he loves to fight, if you know what I'm saying

[@thommichaels6593]

Whether it’s 100 or 1,000 Give the same kind of show

[@Provos7777]

Some of these Indy promotions are so depressing & sad.

[@ManiacFitness]

I give the guy Oceans credit for doing what he does but how can he be a personal trainer when hes nowhere near in shape. No disrespect bc ive been ripped before but im a father with a dadbod now but im not a personal trainer.