Ep 3. The Life and Crimes of New Jack

In the third episode of season two of Dark Side of the Ring, viewers are taken on a journey exploring the life and crimes of controversial wrestler New Jack. Known for his extreme and violent wrestling style, New Jack made headline after headline throughout his career in the industry. However, it was his off-screen actions that were perhaps even more shocking.

The episode begins with interviews from fellow wrestlers who knew New Jack well. They speak about his reputation as someone who was highly unpredictable and not to be messed with. We then delve into his early years and learn about his upbringing in a tough neighbourhood in Atlanta, Georgia. New Jack's love of wrestling came at a young age, and he devoted his life to perfecting his craft.

However, as he rose up the ranks in the wrestling world, he began to garner a reputation for being overly aggressive in the ring. Using weapons such as steel chairs and barbed wire, New Jack would often cause severe injuries to his opponents. The episode looks at some of his most infamous matches, including one where he threw an opponent off a scaffold which resulted in serious injuries.

The focus then turns to New Jack's personal life, where we are shown a different side to the wrestler. He had a long history of criminal activity, including assaults, stabbings and arrests for various drug-related offences. The episode speaks to those closest to New Jack, including his ex-girlfriend Terri Runnels, who describes the highs and lows of their tumultuous relationship.

The episode also explores the tragic death of wrestler Mass Transit, who died after a match with New Jack in 1996. The incident resulted in charges of aggravated assault and battery being brought against New Jack, but he was eventually acquitted.

Despite his controversial past, New Jack remains a popular figure among some wrestling fans. The episode shows footage of him participating in numerous wrestling conventions, where he is still cheered by his adoring fans. However, the programme also speaks to those who believe that New Jack should be held accountable for his actions.

Overall, The Life and Crimes of New Jack is a powerful and thought-provoking episode that explores the darker side of the wrestling industry. Viewers are forced to confront the realities of the sport, where violence and aggression are often celebrated, and the line between entertainment and real-life danger is blurred.