As the second season of Dark Side of the Ring has officially concluded and fans wait to see what the third season entails, it is time to rank where each episode landed. Obviously, this is not in terms of the story of each episode, but how much was encompassed and the overall enjoyment and history recapped.
Each episode was interesting in its own way and hopefully, season three continues to encapture these incredible stories. Even if you are not a huge fan of professional wrestling, this documentary-style show is definitely a must-watch.
10 The Assassination of Dino Bravo
It felt as if the producers of this episode could have gone deeper on the subject. Dino Bravo's assassination is still technically an open case so the Quebec Police Department couldn't be a part of the episode, which hurts a little bit. Also, trying to comprehend the story through the subtitles, since Bravo's family doesn't speak English, makes it a harder watch and requires multiple viewings to really capture their emotions.
The documentary touches on his struggle adapting from being the main star in his local promotion to a mid-card talent in WWF could have been touched on more as well. It was a fine episode but left viewers wanting more out of it than they got.
9 The Brawl for All
There were really two things that went against this episode and made it rank as low as it is. One was this story has been told numerous times over the years to the point of nausea.
Another issue was this quickly changed into the Vince Russo Vs Jim Cornette episode, similar to the Montreal Screwjob episode in the first season. The only interesting things was Darren Drozdov talking about his paralysis, which did not happen during the Brawl for All itself.
8 Jimmy Snuka and The Death of Nancy Argentino
The details of the story are well documented over the years. Having Nancy's sisters talk about the relationship between Snuka and Nancy was heartbreaking knowing how the story played out. Since there will never be closure as once the case was re-investigated, Snuka was deemed unfit to stand trial, this story feels incomplete to no fault of the producers.
The insinuation that Vince McMahon tried to cover up the death of Argentino with bribery and paying the family off is sickening to watch. It was a good episode overall, but not in the top tier of season two.
7 David Schultz & The Slap Heard Round The World
Before the season, it was hard to imagine how this one incident could go a full hour but it did. David Schultz had an infamous encounter with 20/20 reporter John Stossel. Stossel was an investigative journalist and wanted to expose professional wrestling for being fake. He had a wrestler Eddy Mansfield show the secrets of the business and Stossel went to WWF to get their side.
Schultz was told to act in character and slapped Stossel. Kayfabe was alive in the 1980s and this legendary incident was definitely captured. Having Stossel and Mansfield as talking heads was solid and David Schultz being a bounty hunter after wrestling only made this even greater than anticipated.
6 The Life and Crimes of New Jack
Even though the events that occurred this episode were serious, they came off as comedic to some. New Jack is a tough guy that is willing to beat you up if you don't play by his rules. This episode was entertaining and people that only know the name got to see one of the craziest wrestlers in history.
The events that happened in New Jack's life have been well documented over the years so it was difficult to find many "new" things to talk about. However, the cast of talking heads made it feel special as this was the first time an episode focused on a singular person's events throughout their career that was still alive.
5 The Last Ride of The Road Warriors
This was a good episode to learn about the beginnings of Hawk and Animal. Arguably one of the greatest tag teams of all time, the Road Warrior story was great to watch.
There were not many new details, so the episode felt like it was just a warning for people going down the troubling party life that Hawk went down. The time flew by watching the episode and was enjoyable but too much was watered down to make it feel anything than special.
4 Cocaine & Cowboy Boots: The Herb Abrams Story
The story of the Universal Wrestling Federation is a cautionary tale for anyone beginning a wrestling promotion. The stories of roster members talking about the beginnings of the federation at a wrestling convention to Herb Abrams was incredible.
Too many talking heads could be an issue, but not in this episode. Hearing the stories of how Abrams was able to get a show in the MGM Grand and not have many fans in attendance or watching at home was great. Hearing theories people close to Abrams believe about his death is incredible as well.
3 Benoit Part Two
It was extremely difficult to relive the double homicide-suicide committed by Chris Benoit. This episode solely focused on the final weekend of the Benoit family and was tough.
The detail from the Fayetteville Police Department about exactly what they saw was horrifying but the reconnection of David Benoit and his aunt Sandra, Nancy's sister, was incredible to hear.
2 Benoit Part One
The first episode of the second season was outstanding. This subject as a two-parter also allowed to tell two completely different stories than just trying to exclude significant factors in what ultimately happened. This episode was loaded with Eddie Guerrero, who is one of the most beloved figures in wrestling history.
It also examined the overall impact of Guerrero's death on the mentality of Chris Benoit. Chavo Guerrero, Eddie's nephew, talks about finding him in his hotel room and the excruciating detail was heartbreaking. All in all, this episode really makes the viewer realize the importance of a dear friendship.
1 The Final Days of Owen Hart
This was what a lot of people were looking forward to once the lineup of episodes was announced. This was the first time in 21 years that Owen Hart's family was publicly speaking about his death and it was a heartwrenching watch. Hearing Martha, Oje, and Athena speak about Owen the person was incredible and showed the type of person he was and how he died way too young.
Seeing the grappling hook that released Owen early, hearing the referee in the ring saying Owen's final words were a warning of, "look out," and the home videos inserted throughout made this the best episode of the second season. Hopefully, this episode finally put to rest the conversation of Owen Hart entering the WWE Hall of Fame.