The Wrestler

As the opening credits roll, set to the iconic strains of Quiet Riot's "Metal Health," a montage unfolds showcasing various 1980s publications featuring Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke), a wrestling superstar at the height of his fame. Two decades later, we find ourselves in a cramped, local auditorium, where Randy is gearing up for a match on the underground circuit. His interactions with fellow wrestlers backstage reveal an intriguing dynamic - these rivals-turned-pals freely discuss their shared desire to put on a thrilling performance and cap off the night with a raucous celebration. However, as Randy prepares for the bout, it's clear that his years of physical punishment have taken a toll; his joints creak in protest as he stretches, and his breathing grows labored.

Following the match, Randy receives a paltry payday from the promoter, citing a smaller-than-expected audience. His manager then presents him with an opportunity to relive the past by agreeing to a 20th anniversary rematch against his arch-nemesis, the Ayatollah - a fight that once packed Madison Square Garden to the rafters. Randy seizes this chance, hoping it will rekindle his former glory.

However, his personal life is not as resilient. Back at his trailer, Randy finds himself locked out for failing to pay rent, prompting him to seek solace in pain medication and a cold beer. The next day, he trudges off to work at a local supermarket, where he politely requests additional hours from his boss. This request is met with disdain, as the supervisor mocks Randy's troubles by referencing the rising cost of tights - an absurd comparison that only adds insult to injury. Undeterred, Randy continues to press for more hours, specifically requesting weekday shifts and avoiding weekends. His boss's snide remark about Randy's "other profession" being the reason he can't work on Saturdays serves as a painful reminder of his faded fame and uncertain future.

One fateful evening, Randy's post-work routine takes an unexpected turn as he pays a visit to Cassidy (Marisa Tomei), a 43-year-old stripper whose striking beauty belies her advanced age. Like Randy himself, Cassidy stands out amidst the youthful crowd of dancers, with their synchronized movements set to the pulsing rhythms of contemporary music. As Randy observes from a discreet distance, a group of obnoxious young men in another room reduce Cassidy to nothing more than an "old hag," their cruel jibes fueled by their ignorance of her true worth. Seizing the opportunity to defend his newfound friend, Randy intervenes with force and authority, sending the would-be tormentors scattering. In a gesture of appreciation for his chivalry, Cassidy rewards him with a sultry lap dance before taking the stage.

The next day finds Randy embarking on a ritualistic regimen of self-transformation. His first stop is a salon, where he submits to a bold new 'do – a bleached-blond coiffure that signals his readiness for the physical and emotional metamorphosis to come. A trip to a tanning salon follows, imbuing him with an aura of radiant confidence. Next, Randy visits a Dollar Store, stocking up on various essentials for the impending match. His preparations take a more sinister turn when he visits a gym locker room, where he purchases $900 worth of steroids and injects them into his backside before embarking on a frenzied workout.

As the day wears on, Randy seeks guidance from none other than wrestling veteran Dylan Summers (a.k.a. Necro Butcher), who cautions him about the brutal nature of their upcoming bout – a "hardcore" match featuring an arsenal of unconventional weapons, including thumbtacks, staple guns, barbed wire, and glass. Randy's uncertainty is palpable as he contemplates the prospect of being driven into his opponent with such merciless ferocity. Undeterred, he presses on, eager to prove himself in the cutthroat world of professional wrestling.

The stage is set for a clash of titans, with Randy emerging victorious after a grueling match that sees him suffer multiple gashes and lacerations – including a gruesome wound inflicted by barbed wire. As he stumbles backstage, medical professionals rush to his aid, stitching up the wounds and removing the staples with swift precision. The agony is almost unbearable, leaving Randy gasping for air as he succumbs to the excruciating pain.

Finally, after the doctors have done their work, Randy finds himself alone in his dressing room, where he's met by a reflection that seems somehow disconnected from the man he once knew. His eyes fixed intently on his left arm, Randy's world begins to spin out of control as he vomits twice and succumbs to unconsciousness.

As Randy emerges from the haze of anesthesia, he's met with the harsh reality of his recent heart attack and subsequent bypass surgery. His doctor's stern warning still lingers in the air: abandon the steroids and wrestling matches that have defined his life, or risk permanent damage to his already fragile health. The weight of this ultimatum is compounded by the envelope containing his match pay, a tangible reminder of the precarious balancing act he's always performed between his professional and personal lives.

With the hospital stay behind him, Randy navigates the mundane tasks that await him outside those sterile walls. He visits the pharmacy to collect his prescriptions, only to be confronted with an embarrassing revelation: his medication is labeled under his given name, Robin. This small indignity is quickly overshadowed by the trailer park manager's warm welcome, as he reclaims his home and begins the arduous process of adjusting to life after his heart attack.

The next day, Randy attempts to heed his doctor's advice by taking it easy. He invites a neighborhood youngster over for an impromptu gaming session, featuring himself in a nostalgic wrestling game on an old Nintendo console. The kid's fleeting interest is soon replaced with disdain, as he dismisses the game as ancient and boring, preferring the high-octane thrills of "Call of Duty 4" back at his own home. Randy's sense of isolation is momentarily punctuated by his exhaustion-fueled collapse on a nearby tree trunk, where he succumbs to tears of pain and solitude.

Seeking solace in the familiar surroundings of the strip club, Randy confides in Cassidy about his recent health scare. She surprises him by agreeing to meet him outside, away from prying eyes. As they walk together under the neon lights, Randy opens up about his feelings of loneliness, and Cassidy responds with a suggestion that resonates deeply: he should reconnect with his estranged daughter, Stephanie (Evan Rachel Wood). Initially hesitant, Randy eventually finds himself drawn to this idea, as if it might be the key to unlocking a new chapter in his life.

As Randy arrives at Stephanie's doorstep, he's met with a frosty reception, her icy demeanor mirroring the chill in the air. She lambasts him for his perpetual absence during her childhood, her words stinging like a cold slap on the face. With a huff, she turns and walks away, leaving Randy to stew in the bitter taste of regret. Seeking solace in the familiar surroundings of the strip club, he confides in Cassidy about his failed attempt at reconciliation with Stephanie. Her empathetic ear offers a sympathetic ear, and she proposes helping Randy find the perfect gift to make amends.

The next morning, Randy finds himself waiting patiently for Cassidy outside a vintage resale store, where her arrival is heralded by the rumbling of an old pickup truck. As she emerges from the vehicle, dressed in a winter wonderland ensemble - jeans, boots, coat, and hat - Randy can't help but remark on the striking contrast between this polished persona and the sensual allure he's accustomed to. Cassidy laughs good-naturedly at his wry comment, knowing full well what lies beneath the surface.

Inside the store, they embark on a treasure hunt for the ideal gift, with Cassidy settling on a sleek black pea-coat while Randy becomes fixated on a vibrant lime green jacket emblazoned with an "S" - his eyes gleaming with purpose. When she raises an eyebrow at his unconventional choice, he insists it's the perfect token of apology, and Cassidy relents, urging him to follow his heart.

As they exit the store, Randy invites Cassidy to join him for a beer, but she declines, her expression unreadable. He persists, sensing there's more to this enigmatic woman than meets the eye. Finally, she agrees, her tone heavy with foreboding, and they settle into a local bar. As the night wears on, they reminisce about the halcyon days of their youth, bemoaning the sorry state of the world today.

Their conversation flows like a nostalgic river, carrying them back to a time when life was simpler, more carefree. It's then that Randy makes his move, sealing their lips in a passionate kiss. For an instant, Cassidy reciprocates, her eyes locked on his, but the spark is short-lived. She suddenly pushes him away, slamming her beer and vanishing into the night, leaving Randy to ponder the mysteries of the human heart.

As Randy presents Stephanie with a carefully curated gift, the first installment being a radiant lime jacket emblazoned with the letter 'S', she receives it with a mix of trepidation and curiosity. Heeding her uncertain gaze, he explains that this initial offering is merely an appetizer for the "real" treat to come - a pea-coat handpicked by Cassidy. The change in her demeanor from hesitation to delight is palpable as she warmly accepts the gesture. Stephanie's reluctance to spend the afternoon with Randy gradually gives way to a willingness to engage, and they embark on a stroll along the New Jersey boardwalk, their conversation meandering through the complexities of Randy's past. With tears streaming down his face, he confesses to being an inadequate father, imploring Stephanie to grant him a second chance to forge a relationship that had eluded him in his earlier years. Her expression softens, and she agrees to meet him for dinner over the weekend, sensing a genuine effort on Randy's part to rectify past mistakes.

In a stark contrast to this tender moment, Randy's subsequent appearance at a convention dedicated to wrestling memorabilia serves as a humbling reminder of his professional decline. As he signs autographs for an audience consisting of only two ardent fans, the reality of his fading popularity becomes increasingly apparent. The encounter is further punctuated by the sight of several former wrestlers struggling with physical disabilities, one of whom occupies a wheelchair. Randy's departure from the event is followed by a series of phone calls, during which he informs each individual that he has retired from the sport and requests that they cancel their scheduled matches for the 20th anniversary rematch against the Ayatollah.

Randy's workday takes an unexpected turn when he bursts into his boss's office without knocking, only to be met with a sight that leaves him both startled and embarrassed. The discovery of his employer engaged in a pornographic activity prompts Randy to beat a hasty retreat, followed by a knock on the door - twice. His boss, still visibly agitated, flings open the door, striking Randy with it as he demands to know what he wants. Randy's request for additional hours is met with resistance at first, but ultimately yields a compromise: weekends only. As Randy dons an apron and hair net, his boss bestows upon him a name tag bearing his full real name - much to Randy's dismay. With a mixture of trepidation and curiosity, he takes up his new role behind the deli counter, surprising even himself with his natural aptitude for cutting meat, frying chicken, and catering to customers.

As Randy's evening at the strip club with Cassidy (her exact words) comes to a screeching halt, he's left reeling from her harsh rebuke. The sting of rejection still smarting, he seeks solace in the high-octane world of professional wrestling. A night out with the wrestlers, fueled by booze and bravado, sees him indulging in cocaine and a fleeting tryst with a fan. The next morning's haze is shattered when reality sets in: he's blown off dinner with Stephanie, his estranged partner, who's now crying tears of disappointment and anger. Her parting shot - she'll never let him be a father to their child - drives the final nail into their already troubled relationship.

With his personal life in shambles, Randy attempts to salvage his professional reputation by showing up at work, only to be further humiliated by a demanding elderly customer and a coworker who thinks he's the wrestling legend, Randy "The Ram" Roberts. The ignominy is too much to bear, and in a fit of rage, he lashes out at his boss, causing chaos and destruction throughout the deli. His final act of defiance? Quitting on the spot and demanding a last-match showdown with the Ayatollah, the wrestling promoter.

As the curtain closes on Randy's tumultuous existence, we witness a poignant moment of introspection as he prepares to bid farewell to his trailer, packed with remnants of a life left behind. The arrival of Cassidy (Cassidy), apologetic and sheepish, serves as a gentle reminder of the emotional baggage they've accumulated. Her hesitant confession that there's something between them, coupled with her trepidation in getting too close, only seems to solidify Randy's resolve to wall himself off from the world. With a mix of resignation and acceptance, he hands Cassidy a flyer for the impending match before departing into the unknown.

Randy's journey takes him to the arena, where he reunites with his confidant, Ayatollah (Bob), a used car salesman masquerading as an Islamic leader. As they prepare for the main event, Randy's introspective nature is palpable, and Cassidy's warning that his heart may give out if he continues to wrestle falls on deaf ears. With a sense of detachment, Randy asserts that the real world has no use for him, and it's only in the ring where he truly belongs.

Before the match commences, Randy takes center stage, sharing a heartfelt address with the enthusiastic crowd, recounting his life of reckless abandon and unapologetic self-destruction. His words are laced with a mix of defiance and vulnerability as he acknowledges that despite being told he'd never wrestle again, he's somehow managed to defy the odds and return to the ring. The match begins in earnest, with the audience fully invested in the action unfolding before them.

As Randy navigates the bout, however, it becomes increasingly apparent that he's not following the script. His actions are calculated, driven by a desire to push his body – and heart – to the brink of collapse. Ayatollah's signature move is pilfered, and as the match winds down, Randy's physical exhaustion is matched only by his emotional desolation. Bob's attempts to intervene, sensing Randy's precarious condition, are met with resistance, and the wrestler refuses to heed the warning signs.

With a glance out at the sea of adoring faces, Randy's eyes scan the crowd, but Cassidy is nowhere to be found. Undeterred, he ascends the turnbuckle, his face twisted in a mix of anguish and determination as he prepares to deliver his signature "Ram Jam" finisher. With a heavy heart, Randy salutes the fans, his face a map of tears, sweat, and exhaustion. In a final act of defiance, he leaps off the top rope, and the screen fades to black, leaving the audience with a haunting sense of the human cost of living life on one's own terms.