New Doc Examines Homoeroticism of Wrestling

Where do old wrestlers go?

I’m not talking about the flamboyant basic cableTV professional “entertainers” as portrayed by Mickey Rourke in "The Wrestler."   I’m talking about the real athletes who grappled on the mat in high school and college.  Whatever happens to them?

Old baseball jocks can still play in middle-aged beer-leagues, ex-varsity football players can still openly toss around the pigskin and proudly recall “the big game” years later to anyone willing to listen, but what about adult males who still love the world’s oldest sport?

This is the subject covered in Victor Rook’s new documentary "STRONGHOLD: In the Grip of Wrestling," now available online and on DVD.

Wrestling has existed in every culture since the dawn of man from Greco-Roman nude bouts to the first televised grudge matches of stars in the 1950’s like Gorgeous George.  Abe Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt were both avid practitioners of man-on-man combat. Nowadays, wrestling for adult men is a subculture. Oddly, this proud sport of ultimate domination and submission is either ignored or ridiculed by mainstream society that celebrates the cult of athleticism to a fanatical degree.

Through campy educational films, archival footage of exhibition matches and personal anecdotes of unabashed wrestling aficionados, the movie explores the homoeroticism inherent in wrestling from playground horseplay to gym classes to organized competition. It’s about time that the prestigious tradition of scantily clad big, burly guys rubbing against each other gets the respect it is due.

What about you?  Are a rabid wrestling fan?  If so, we want to hear from you.  Submit your pics to  sports@planetoutinc.com and we may feature you in an upcoming slideshow on gay wrestlers.  You can also feel free to post your comments on how you feel about wrestling in the comments section below.

For more information on the film, visit the official Web site.