The online wrestling community that we now have actually started before the internet through newsletters, classified ads, and clubs, like the NYWC founded by John Handley. I had the pleasure of meeting John and interviewing dozens and dozens of wrestlers for the STRONGHOLD: In the Grip of Wrestling documentary, which is available for streaming on WatchFighters. This includes BG wrestlers, pro wrestlers, BJJ wrestlers, people on the street that I got to wrestle, a high school wrestling coach, a psychologist from Johns Hopkins who discusses wrestling as a sexual imprint, and so many more. I attended and filmed at all of the wrestling events: Clash, Okie Rumble, Hillside, and Wrestlefest (the original in Palm Springs), as well as mainstream tournaments, pro wrestling shows, and a BJJ school. I am grateful that I was there at the time when it was in its heyday. Many of the guys you chat with on here are in the film. Click here to watch the film.
