David Arquette winning the WCW Championship back in 2000 was considered one of the biggest travesties of the pro-wrestling business for quite some time. It may not seem like such a big deal in an era of teleporting, dick flips and invisible tag teams, but for a few years there the Scream actor really was looked at as "the most hated man in wrestling."
David Darg and Price James' engrossing documentary You Cannot Kill David Arquette follows the actor as he attempts to get back into wrestling while also dealing with heart problems, alcoholism and crippling anxiety. The film doesn't focus on David's personal demons to too great an extent, but it definitely pulls back the curtain on a man who has had to deal with some pretty serious issues over the course of his 46 years. It also paints a picture of a man who is dedicated, brave, and has a genuine love and passion for wrestling.
To say that Arquette wasn't welcomed back into the ring with open arms would be an understatement. Many people in the business still resented him for what happened 20 years ago, and we see how difficult it was for him to return to the world. David decides to go back to basics, pay his dues, get some proper training, and eventually manages to work his way towards gaining a modicum of respect and credibility.
Then, he takes part in a Death Match that very nearly costs him his life.
This really is fascinating stuff. Wrestling was largely responsible for Arquette's acting career stalling (he tells us he hasn't gotten a proper role in 10 years), but such is his love for the sport (you can add the "entertainment" part if it makes you feel better) that he's still willing to risk, well, everything to prove to himself and his doubters that he has what it takes to succeed.
The story of a Hollywood actor who won the WCW Championship... then 20 years later decided to learn how to wrestle. Funny, moving, scary, and ultimately uplifting, You Cannot Kill David Arquette is a must-watch for wrestling fans, but it works as an inspiring comeback story on any level. The film is available now on digital platforms and on-demand, and we highly recommend you give it a watch.