TIFF 2025: Can Dwayne Johnson Finally Win Oscar Gold with ‘The Smashing Machine’?

Header Image Source: TIFF // A24

Before MMA and the UFC was dominated by right-wing sycophancy and podcast bros, it was the no-limits niche division of professional fighting long overshadowed by the soapy theatrics of the WWE. One of its earliest stars was Mark Kerr, a trained wrestler who was beloved for his merciless attacks. But, as with many an athlete, his career was full of highs and lows, prescription painkiller addiction, and the changing nature of the sport. A tempestuous relationship with his fiery girlfriend didn’t help matters, nor did his own internal battles with self-loathing and anger.

This all sounds like the setup to, let’s be honest, 90% of fighting biopics. Boxing in particular has pro

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