“…a contest that will end in a glorious win… or a humiliating loss.”

You’ve probably seen the Sylvester Stallone sports film Over the Top.  You saw Sly rise in the world of professional arm wrestling as he struggled to put away opponents in a battle of mind over muscle.  And no one can make a sport look as exciting and visceral as Stallone, but what is it really like?

Professional arm wrestling legend Travis Bagent took on all comers at the SXSW premiere of Pulling John. Travis gave Gore a shot at taking him down...yeah. No chance.

Pulling John is a documentary exploring the world of professional wrestling by putting its focus on the top talent from around the world.  The charisma of American Travis Bagent is as much an asset as his rock solid arms.  Travis is challenged by longtime champion John Brzenk and the intimidating Russian champion Alexey Voevoda in a battle for world arm wrestling domination. Getting to the top of the game in an arena involving a two-foot square playing field and brute arm and upper body strength is tough.  It’s not nearly as sexy as the hoopla surrounding the events promoting the sport.  In fact, finding sponsors just to stay afloat can be a grind.

I found a new appreciation for the sport as the subtleties of bringing down opponents using techniques such as turning their wrist toward yours are explained.  (Also, pull ups are the best exercise for those who wish to excel at arm wrestling.)  Like all great sports movie, Pulling John moves the crowd to cheer for each bout.  And the build up to the final showdown is truly exciting in a contest that will end in a glorious win… or a humiliating loss.  Win or lose, the journey taken by the players is what’s really important.

Pulling John Official Movie Site

by Chris Gore