Ep 4. Death Match

In season 1, episode 4 of The Wrestlers, titled "Death Match," viewers are taken on a wild ride through the world of hardcore wrestling in Japan. The episode follows two wrestlers, Danny Havoc and John Wayne Murdoch, as they prepare for one of the toughest matches of their careers: a death match.

The episode begins with a look back at the origins of hardcore wrestling in Japan, which began in the 1990s as a way to push the boundaries of what was acceptable in wrestling. Over the years, the sport has evolved into a dangerous and sometimes deadly form of entertainment, where wrestlers use everything from glass to barbed wire to inflict pain on their opponents.

Havoc and Murdoch are both veterans of the death match scene, having wrestled in Japan multiple times before. As they prepare for their next match, they discuss the physical and mental toll that this type of wrestling takes on their bodies and minds. They also reflect on the sacrifices they have made for the sport, including missing important family events and risking their health for the sake of entertainment.

As the day of the match approaches, Havoc and Murdoch visit a local shop to purchase the weapons they will use during the match. They carefully select items like light tubes, barbed wire, and chairs, knowing that one wrong move could result in serious injury or even death.

After arriving at the venue, they begin to set up the ring, carefully placing the weapons in strategic locations. The atmosphere is tense as the crowd begins to filter in, eager to witness the brutality that is about to unfold.

When the match begins, it quickly becomes clear that this will be one of the most intense death matches yet. The wrestlers use everything at their disposal, tackling each other through tables, smashing light tubes over each other's heads, and even sending each other crashing into the barbed wire ropes.

Despite the violent nature of the match, there is a sense of respect and camaraderie between Havoc and Murdoch. They understand the risks that they are taking and support each other through every painful blow.

As the match draws to a close, both wrestlers are covered in blood and bruises. They collapse in exhaustion as the crowd cheers and chants their names. It is a hard-fought victory for Havoc, but both wrestlers know that the consequences of this match will haunt them for years to come.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a behind-the-scenes look at the world of death match wrestling in Japan. They see the dedication and heart that these wrestlers pour into their craft, as well as the toll that it takes on their bodies and lives. It is a brutal and fascinating look at a subculture that few people ever get to witness first-hand.