Never Forget: WWE Returns After 9/11

Synopsis

Never Forget: WWE Returns After 9/11 with Tom Rinaldi is a poignant documentary that chronicles the WWE's historic return to live entertainment shortly after the September 11 attacks in 2001. Narrated by acclaimed sports journalist Tom Rinaldi, the film delves into WWE's unique role in helping the nation heal through the power of sports entertainment. It showcases behind-the-scenes footage, personal stories from wrestlers, and the emotional atmosphere that surrounded the iconic WWE Raw event at the First Union Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The documentary highlights themes of resilience, patriotism, and the unifying spirit that WWE brought to millions during a time of profound grief and uncertainty.

Cast

• Tom Rinaldi

  (Narrator)

• 

  Vince McMahon

  Mr. McMahon

• 

  Paul Heyman

  Paul Heyman

• 

  Bruce Prichard

  Bruce Prichard

• 

  Stephanie McMahon Levesque

  Stephanie McMahon

• 

  Dwayne Johnson

  The Rock

Reviews

Critically, Never Forget: WWE Returns After 9/11 has been received with a generally positive consensus, praised for its heartfelt storytelling and insightful perspective. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a favorable audience score reflecting the emotional connection viewers feel, although it has limited formal critic ratings. IMDb rates the documentary at approximately 7.3/10 based on user reviews, with many applauding Tom Rinaldi's evocative narration and the film’s intimate access to WWE performers and staff. Reviewers from sports and entertainment outlets commend how the documentary respectfully handles a sensitive chapter in history without exploiting it, with Variety noting it "captures a unique moment when WWE transcended sports entertainment to become a source of comfort and solidarity." Some critiques mention a desire for deeper exploration of the broader cultural impact beyond WWE, but overall, the film is lauded for its authenticity and powerful emotional resonance. The documentary is seen as a tribute not only to the resilience of the WWE community but also to the enduring spirit of America post-9/11.