BEYOND THE MAT offers a compelling examination of the inner workings of professional wrestling and the larger-than-life personalities who have dedicated their lives to the sport.

The combination of personal and professional struggle is the core of BEYOND THE MAT. Blaustein spotlights professional wrestlers who are best known for being exaggerated figures, always larger than life, and shows us their humanity. Focusing on Mick "Mankind" Foley, Terry Funk, "Jake the Snake" Roberts, the Rock, Chyna, and other wrestlers, BEYOND THE MAT depicts remarkable, unscripted moments in lives that are often built on illusion.

During the five years he spent working on the film, Blaustein discovered that the control wrestlers exert in the ring is often contrasted by the lack of control they have in their own lives. Some pursue dreams -- others are pursued by personal demons. Mick Foley, a dedicated family man, wants to be known as the world's most polite wrestler. Veteran Terry Funk pushes himself to stay in the ring, even though his battle-scarred body rebels. And Jake Roberts, whose life has taken many dark turns, finds it impossible to maintain the very relationships that might have alleviated his pain.

Always relaying his love and respect for his subject matter, Blaustein travels on the open road with the wrestlers, shares their most intimate moments with their families, and witnesses their victories and defeats in the ring. Capturing the grit and the glory and the humor and the pathos of wrestling, Blaustein takes us beyond the spotlight, beyond the pain, BEYOND THE MAT.