By Geno McGahee
In the 1980s, the biggest tag team in professional wrestling was Animal and Hawk, the Road Warriors. They were muscular destroyers with face paint and they took over, taking the main event slots that were reserved for singles competition. There was never a team more over than the Road Warriors, but they had a lot going on behind the scenes. In DARK SIDE OF THE RING: THE LAST RIDE OF THE ROAD WARRIORS, we get an in depth look at the rise to the top and bitter end to the greatest tag team in professional wrestling.
Professional wrestling and substance abuse have become partners behind the scenes and Hawk fell right into it. Heavy partying with a very busy wrestling schedule took its toll and would eventually lead to painkillers. Animal mentions that painkillers are what have been responsible for the deaths of many wrestlers including Hawk, Mr. Perfect and many more.
Paul Ellering, the manager of the Road Warriors, gives a great history of the team and how it formed and great. Ellering is one of the best managers and personalities in wrestling history. He is a great storyteller and his words are captivating here and he’s not even trying.
As the Road Warriors grow in popularity, Hawk’s substance abuse gets worse and starts interfering with business. When the duo finally makes it to the WWE/WWF, the drugs become a major issue, leading to conflict and Hawk going to Japan. He even uses the Road Warrior name with a new partner, causing a bigger rift with both Animal and Vince McMahon.
Like so many other wrestlers after years upon years of substance abuse, they find a way to beat it, but it’s too little, too late. Their bodies have been through too much and it catches up with them and that’s what happened to Hawk. After conquering the drugs and alcohol, Hawk’s heart gave out and wrestling lost another one of the best.
DARK SIDE OF THE RING: THE LAST RIDE OF THE ROAD WARRIORS is another great episode of this series. As a big fan of the team, it was nice to see a documentary about them and it made me realize that Paul Ellering should still be in the game, on screen. With AEW doing so well, maybe we will get Ellering returning there with a new team. It would be nice.
