The Wrestler Roundtable Discussion with Wrestling Legends Roddy Piper, Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake, and More!

Posted by on January 19th, 2009   Filed under: Drama, Posters and Marketing
Source: UGO Movie Blog

I know a lot of people still haven’t had a chance to see Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler, but the good news is that Fox Searchlight will be expanding the film to more theatres once again this coming weekend. In the meantime, they are continuing to throw out some interesting little marketing treats such as this five-part roundtable discussion with a number of old school wrestlers who give their thoughts on Mickey Rourke’s performance and the authenticity of the film.

I’m not sure these will convince any non-wrestling fans to check out the flick, but it’s certainly interesting to hear their take on things. The wrestlers involved in the discussion are Rowdy Roddy Piper, Lex Luger, Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake, Diamond Dallas Page, and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. You can see the first part embedded below, and the rest of the videos are after the jump. What do you think, will praise from real wrestlers increase Mickey Rourke’s chances of winning an Oscar?

Part 2:

Part 3:

Part 4:

Part 5:


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  • For only 55, Piper sounds pretty old. Maybe he had a cold that day, but dude sounds like he is pusin’ 70 in that clip.

    /Needs to chew more bubblegum.

  • Yeah I know, I thought the same thing. Must have been a major smoker or something.

  • this was cool, but i was hoping for a little more discussion of the story itself, what these guys thought specifically about his portrayal of a washed-up wrestler, whether it rang true or not, not just his capabilities as a dramatic actor. interesting though.

  • Racicot

    Roddy has always sounded ‘rough.’

    When watching The Wrestler I couldn’t stop thinking of Jake The Snake. I’m sure Jake’s scene in the Mick Foley doc ‘Behind the Mat’ was the inspiration for Bob Siegel’s script.

    Check out Mickey Rourke’s performance in Charles Bukowski and Barbet Shroeder’s BARFLY. Awesome job.

  • This is great! (Bookmarked for later)…..Greg Valentine was my favourite.

    I wonder if Greg got a chubby from this ;)

  • I mean “Film Junk” Greg….ha ha ha!

  • CHR

    Don’t forget folks that Piper has fought a fairly long battle with cancer and has a past history of drug abuse. Those will both age you quickly more than your years.

  • bill

    love all these guys

  • Diana Holliday

    I enjoyed watching this.

    There are always going to be movies that tell a sad story about a character’s life… The Wrestler is one.

    We who have never walked the same path can only imagine what it might be like.

    In watching this interview/discussion, we viewers are given the opportunity to learn a little bit more in truth about the life & lifestyle of a Pro Wrestler.

    The men participating are able to qualify what,
    if anything about this movie, is real or is not real. All of these men are Living Legends & are also some of the BEST in the business/history of Pro Wrestling.

    Thank You for sharing this AMAZING insight.

  • don smith

    ii has to be hard to be so idolized for so long and then to be left for the next generation of superstars. MY hats off to all and any . Don’t think there is many that could stand the test and not respect there abilities and devotion.