Ep 2. I'm a Backyard Wrestler

In season 3, episode 2 of True Life titled "I'm a Backyard Wrestler," the show focuses on the lives of two men who are passionate about backyard wrestling. For those unfamiliar with the concept, backyard wrestling involves amateur wrestlers performing choreographed routines in someone's backyard or other outdoor space. The performers often incorporate props, such as tables, chairs, and ladders, to make their performances more entertaining.

The first subject of the episode is 21-year-old John, who lives in the suburbs of Ohio. John has been wrestling for about three years and has built an entire ring in his backyard. He frequently invites other wrestlers over to practice and perform routines in his ring. For John, backyard wrestling is a way to escape reality and express himself through performance.

John's parents, however, are not thrilled about his hobby. They worry about him getting hurt and about potential legal ramifications if someone were to get seriously injured on their property. John's girlfriend is also concerned and wishes he would pursue a safer hobby.

The second subject of the episode is 23-year-old Derek, who lives in the Bay Area of California. Derek is even more invested in backyard wrestling than John, to the point where he has started his own wrestling organization. He rents out a local park to hold events and has even created a championship belt for the winner of his matches.

Derek's girlfriend is supportive of his passion, but also worries about the risks involved. Derek has suffered injuries in the past, including a dislocated shoulder, and his girlfriend wonders how sustainable his hobby is in the long run.

Throughout the episode, we see both John and Derek preparing for upcoming matches. They practice their routines, fine-tune their characters, and strategize their moves. We also see them interacting with other backyard wrestlers, many of whom have their own unique backstories and motivations for participating in this fringe subculture.

As the matches approach, tensions run high for both John and Derek. John's parents express their disapproval more strongly, and Derek worries about whether or not his championship belt will be stolen by opponents. But both men are ultimately driven by their passion for backyard wrestling and their desire to entertain an audience.

Overall, "I'm a Backyard Wrestler" offers a fascinating glimpse into a little-known subculture and the people who dedicate themselves to it. The episode raises questions about the line between hobby and obsession, as well as the risks involved in pursuing an activity that is not sanctioned by mainstream society.