NWF Kids Pro Wrestling - The Untold Story is a riveting documentary from 2005 that brings to the limelight the exceptional story of a unique backyard wrestling federation. Produced by Jason Clauson and starring Michael Ackermann, Jason Clauson, Shawn Crossen, and Chris Hanson, the film focuses on the National Wrestling Federation (NWF), a group of kids who shook the world of wrestling with their raw talent and unwavering determination.

Based out of Minnesota, the story begins in the 1980s when a group of neighborhood friends, driven by an insatiable passion for wrestling, decided to create their own wrestling federation. The NWF, unlike many other groups of young wrestling enthusiasts, took the endeavor far beyond a simple pastime. With a robust roster of talent, including Shawn Crossen as 'Crusher Crossen' and Chris Hanson as 'Hard Rock Hanson', they produced regular shows that eventually garnered them a highly dedicated fanbase.

The documentary centres around the pivotal figures in NWF's incredible journey - from their humble beginnings, through their surprising ascent to the peaks of semi-stardom, to the inevitable complexities and tensions that arose as a result. The film paints a candid picture of each personality, their shared bond over wrestling, and the impact of their DIY federation on their adolescent lives.

Lead figure Shawn Crossen forms a significant part of this narrative. As one of the stand-out wrestling personalities, he progressed from being a young fan of wrestling to a performer within the federation he and his friends had created. Crossen, with his audacious wrestling style and evident love for the sport, was a crowd puller and his role within NWF Kids Pro Wrestling forms the emotional core of the documentary.

Alongside Crossen, the documentary also spotlights other members of the federation, like Chris Hanson's alter ego 'Hard Rock Hanson', who was equally influential in making the wrestling shows a success. The documentary does an excellent job of celebrating their individual journeys, encompassing the highs and the lows, the wins and the losses, and the shared camaraderie, all set against the backdrop of the wrestling ring.

What sets this film apart is the phenomenal attention to detail given to recreating the 1980s era of amateur wrestling. It captures the spirit of what those times meant for the NWF Wrestlers, how they lived their dreams, and how they delighted their audiences week after week. The viewer gets to experience the dedication, the thrills, the spills, the cheers, and even the heartbreak that were all part of their journey.

Director Jason Clauson employs an effective mix of archive footage, interviews, and re-enactments that provide an immersive dive into the federation's past. Personal anecdotes help flesh out their experiences alongside their in-ring personas and the intricate workings of the federation. The testimonials underscore how each member juggled the dual roles of their lives - that of average teenagers and that of pro wrestlers - making the narrative more compelling.

NWF Kids Pro Wrestling - The Untold Story is, at its heart, about dreams - their genesis, their pursuit, and their fragile and fleeting nature. The film is a warm and affectionate tribute to a time of youthful daring and determination. It imparts a sense of realism to the story, not simply standing as a recounting of events but a depiction of the emotion and life behind something that many dismissed as just 'kids play'.

While wrestling forms the core motif, the film carries a universal appeal by delving into subjects like friendship, ambition, and resilience. No matter the viewers' relationship or familiarity with wrestling, this documentary's story of unyielding hope, camaraderie, and devotion to one's passion will resonate with any audience.

A hidden gem in the world of sports documentaries, NWF Kids Pro Wrestling - The Untold Story delivers a story of inspiration. It's a celebration of childhood dreams, the spirit of wagering against the odds, and as the title suggests, an untold story, of a peculiar wrestling federation which made it big in their own way.