Every Season 1 A&E WWE Documentary, Ranked Worst to Best (2024)

Following the success of Vice's highly-acclaimed Dark Side of the Ring documentary series, WWE partnered with A&E Networks to create Biography: WWE Legends. This would be an extension of A&E's long-running Biography series. The network has been primarily known for its true crime and documentary programs.

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Throughout the first season's eight episodes, the series would take a deep dive into the lives of various wrestling megastars. Each episode highlighted both their triumphs on-camera and their realities off-camera. While this series mainly functioned as a celebration of professional wrestling and its biggest stars, it also continued to be a cautionary tale of personal demons, struggles, and hardships.

8 Ultimate Warrior

This episode highlighted certain positive aspects of The Ultimate Warrior, such as his connection to the fans and his legacy in the industry, particularly the creation of the Warrior Award. In 2014, after his Hall of Fame induction and passing, the company announced this award as a way to honor those who have shown strength and courage through difficult times.

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However, the brightly-dressed and highly energetic superstar had an increasingly tumultuous relationship with WWE. In 2005, the company released The Self-Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior, a documentary that many believed to be character defamation of the former WWE Champion.

7 Shawn Michaels

It is no mystery that the Heartbreak Kid is one of the best in-ring performers of all time. Along with his excellent promo abilities, it is simple to see how many have perceived Michaels to be one of the greatest professional wrestlers ever. His feature on Biography: WWE Legends showcased not only his in-ring brilliance but also his previous harmful and self-damaging tendencies. The episode showed the stark difference between the man who "lost his smile" and was incredibly difficult to work with to the man who has mentored the next generation of WWE superstars in NXT. Alongside Bret Hart's episode, this also highlighted and explained the infamous Montreal Screwjob.

6 Roddy Piper

One of the greatest talkers the industry had ever seen, and the premier villain in the Rock and Roll Era of wrestling, Roddy Piper has been properly referred to as a WWE Legend. The late Piper's children humorously mentioned how they would be scolded by teachers in school because of the actions of their father on TV.

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Again, this happened during the 1980s, when the secret veil of professional wrestling hadn't been fully lifted yet. The episode also highlighted Piper's bond with Ronda Rousey, who would go on to carry the "Rowdy" nickname throughout her wrestling career.

5 Bret Hart

The best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be. The Excellence of Execution had a legendary career in the squared circle, although it was cut short due to a severe concussion. Hart's episode of the A&E documentary series shined a light upon the funnier side of his personality. He spoke about his passion for drawing cartoons and showed several of his illustrations. He also stated that Goldberg was one of his favorite wrestlers, a comical example of his dry and witty sense of humor. Hart's career was ended prematurely due to a botched superkick from Goldberg.

4 Randy Savage

Although he competed in the land of super heavyweights and giants, "Macho Man" Randy Savage was the cream of the crop and rose to the top of the wrestling industry. Undoubtedly, Savage was one of the most charismatic and captivating performers of all time. This episode explained how he became as popular as he was. In particular, it focused on his famous ring attires. The variations of unique jackets, robes, and sunglasses helped the Macho Man stand out and establish himself.

3 Mick Foley

Throughout his career, Mick Foley has been wildly beloved by both fans and peers. Inside the ring, the hardcore wrestling icon would sacrifice his own well-being to entertain the audience and make his opponent look strong. Outside the ring, the former WWE Champion has worked with and donated to several charities.

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Foley's feature delved into the mind of the retired wrestler, in an attempt to understand why he took all those terrifying risks throughout his career. Most notably, his Hell in a Cell match against The Undertaker at King of the Ring 1998 was a topic of heavy interest.

2 Booker T

The former five-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion was a pillar of the wrestling industry during the 1990s and mid-2000s. Booker T, a fantastic in-ring performer and consistently entertaining talker, was quite successful throughout his career, as he won championship gold in whichever company he competed in. However, this episode focused on Booker's influence on the next generation of African-American wrestlers. Specifically, the documentary highlighted a conversation between the former King Booker and Kofi Kingston, who at the time, was WWE Champion. There was also significant attention given to Booker T's criminal past, and how he overcame those adversities and became a legend in the wrestling industry.

1 Stone Cold

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin was the premiere episode of Biography: WWE Legends, becoming their highest viewed episode. The Texas Rattlesnake is arguably the biggest star and draw in the history of professional wrestling, with his plethora of WrestleMania main events and world title wins. Austin's episode detailed his rise in the industry and the astronomical fame and status he achieved. A primary focus was placed on the creation of his "Stone Cold" persona, his finishing move the "Stunner", and his all-time great rivalry with The Rock. In juxtaposition to this, the documentary highlighted his unhealthy family life and how he neglected them.