No Holds Barred (1989): Complete Plot Narrative

The story opens inside a packed World Wrestling Federation arena during a live prime-time broadcast, where the reigning champion Rip Thomas, portrayed by Hulk Hogan, defends his title before a roaring crowd. Rip is presented as the biggest attraction on television--a loyal, clean-cut hero whose younger brother Randy Thomas watches from ringside with passionate devotion. Rip wins his match decisively, celebrating with fans who adore him as a national icon.

Immediately after this triumph, the film cuts to the corporate boardroom of the rival World Television Network (WTN), where the ruthless new chairman Mr. Brell, played by Kurt Fuller, watches Rip's broadcast with mounting fury. Brell rants about his own network's dismal ratings, obsessed with the fact that Rip has become bigger than Elvis on a competing channel. In this moment, Brell makes a fateful decision: he must have Rip on his network at any cost, or he will destroy him.

Brell summons Rip to his executive office at WTN headquarters, a sleek corporate high-rise where he makes his first pitch. In the boardroom, Brell offers Rip enormous sums of money and a blank check to jump networks, promising him unlimited resources and creative control. Rip, however, refuses with quiet dignity, declaring his loyalty to his current network and his fans. He walks out of the office with a defiant gesture, making clear that no amount of corporate money will sway him from his principles.

Enraged by this rejection, Brell orchestrates an ambush. Rip is driven away in a company limousine, but the vehicle suddenly locks its doors and diverts to a secluded industrial warehouse district where hired thugs wait to beat him into submission. In a cartoonish display of superhuman strength, Rip smashes through the limo's roof, bursts free, and systematically destroys the attackers in a brutal fight. He then confronts the terrified limo driver, who has become so frightened that he has soiled himself. When Rip demands to know what the smell is, the driver stammers out the word "dookie," leading to one of the film's most absurdly memorable exchanges. This scene establishes Rip's physical dominance and Brell's willingness to employ criminal violence to get his way.

Frustrated by the failure of direct intimidation, Brell convenes his creative staff in the WTN boardroom and demands something raw, violent, and ratings-grabbing to compete with Rip's dominance. His team conceives an idea: Battle of the Tough Guys, a no-rules brawling competition broadcast on WTN that will showcase street fighters and underground brawlers in their most brutal form. Brell approves the concept immediately, seeing it as a way to build a new star who might challenge Rip's supremacy.

The film then shows scenes from the Battle of the Tough Guys competition, staged in a filthy bar with a makeshift fighting pit. Brell travels to this location during a nationwide search for the most violent and terrifying fighter he can find. One by one, local roughnecks enter the pit to fight, and one by one they are demolished by a mysterious, seemingly unstoppable fighter: Zeus, played by Tom "Tiny" Lister Jr. Zeus is revealed to be an ex-convict who once killed an opponent in the ring, making him not just dangerous but potentially lethal. With each victory, Zeus's aura grows more menacing, and Brell recognizes in him the perfect weapon to use against Rip.

The Battle of the Tough Guys becomes a ratings sensation for WTN, with Zeus crowned as the show's champion. Brell now has his angle: he will use Zeus as a public challenger to Rip, building anticipation for a confrontation between the two fighters. Through televised promos and public challenges, Brell and Zeus taunt Rip, demanding he face Zeus in a match. Rip, however, refuses, citing his responsibility as a role model and his belief that Zeus is too dangerous and unsportsmanlike for legitimate professional wrestling. This refusal only intensifies Brell's obsession.

To manipulate Rip more effectively, Brell deploys Samantha Moore, a glamorous corporate liaison and secret operative hired to seduce or manipulate Rip and bring him under Brell's control. Samantha is sent to manage Rip's business affairs, ostensibly as a professional consultant, but her real mission is to gather leverage against him or convince him to jump to WTN. Initially, Samantha plays her role perfectly, but as she spends time with Rip, she begins to see his genuine decency and integrity. She also witnesses Brell's cruelty firsthand and becomes increasingly uncomfortable with her assignment.

Rip and Samantha share moments of genuine connection--dinners at upscale restaurants and hotel stays where they develop real affection for each other. As Samantha's feelings for Rip deepen, she makes a crucial decision: she will no longer serve Brell's schemes and will instead help Rip. When Samantha informs Brell of her defection, his rage is immediate and terrifying. He becomes physically abusive toward her, with strong implications that he has hit her before and will do so again. Brell then orders his goons to kidnap Samantha and subject her to a "horrifyingly brutal fate" as punishment for her betrayal.

The kidnapping attempt occurs in a parking garage or city street, where Brell's thugs move in to grab Samantha. By extraordinary coincidence, Rip happens to be riding his motorcycle through the area and comes upon the scene just in time. He defeats the attackers in a fierce fight, rescues Samantha, and carries her to safety. This act of heroism further enrages Brell and deepens Samantha's commitment to Rip's side.

Desperate to force Rip into the ring with Zeus, Brell escalates his tactics to an unthinkable level. He orchestrates a brutal attack on Randy, Rip's beloved younger brother, by Zeus himself. Zeus attacks Randy outside a sanctioned ring--either at a gym or during a televised stunt--and beats him with savage ferocity, leaving Randy in critical condition, comatose or near-comatose. Randy is eventually confined to a wheelchair, a permanent symbol of Zeus's cruelty and Brell's willingness to harm innocents. This attack is the turning point that finally breaks Rip's resistance.

Brell now holds all the leverage he needs. He sends word to Rip that he must accept a no-holds-barred match against Zeus, and if Rip refuses or tries to win, Samantha will be killed. Trapped between his love for Samantha and his desire to protect her, and devastated by what has been done to Randy, Rip finally agrees to the match.

The stage is set for the climactic confrontation. WTN produces the event as a massive televised spectacle, with heavy promotion and Brell overseeing everything from the control room, obsessed with the ratings potential. The arena is packed with fans, including Randy in his wheelchair and his girlfriend Stephanie, along with Samantha, who watches with desperate hope that Rip will survive.

The match begins in the ring, but it quickly becomes clear that this is no ordinary wrestling contest. Zeus dominates with brutal offense, using his size and criminal ruthlessness to batter Rip. The match breaks all conventional rules almost immediately, spilling out of the ring into the arena itself as the two men engage in a no-holds-barred brawl. Rip fights back with courage and determination, but he is clearly battling not just Zeus but the entire stacked environment created by Brell.

Then, in a moment of shocking cruelty, Zeus spots Randy in his wheelchair at ringside and deliberately leaves the ring to attack him. Zeus knocks Randy out of his wheelchair and kicks him while he lies helpless on the ground. When Randy's girlfriend Stephanie tries to shield him with her body, Zeus kicks her aside as well with brutal force. The crowd reacts with horror and outrage, and Rip, witnessing his brother and Stephanie being attacked, becomes consumed with righteous fury.

As Rip surges back into the fight with renewed rage, Zeus attempts to escape by throwing bystanders into his path--women, children, and other spectators are grabbed and hurled into the stairwell to slow Rip down. But Rip, even in the midst of a life-or-death battle, stops repeatedly to help each person up, demonstrating the profound moral contrast between himself and Zeus. Where Zeus uses civilians as weapons, Rip protects them, even at cost to himself.

The fight escalates into the arena's elevated structures--platforms, balconies, and scaffolding above ground level. Zeus and Rip exchange devastating blows, with Zeus appearing nearly unstoppable, but Rip, fueled by rage over Randy's injury and Samantha's danger, finally gains the upper hand. In the climactic moment, Rip knocks Zeus from a significant height, and Zeus crashes violently onto equipment or the arena floor below, lying motionless and apparently dead or fatally incapacitated. The crowd erupts with relief and celebration as the threat of Zeus is finally ended.

But the story is not yet over. In the production control room high above the arena, Brell watches events spiral completely out of his control. Rather than stopping the broadcast or taking responsibility for the chaos, Brell keeps the cameras rolling, still chasing ratings even as his champion lies defeated and his scheme crumbles. Rip, now victorious but still furious, makes his way to the production area. Brell, panicking as Rip approaches, still refuses to kill the broadcast or acknowledge the destruction he has caused.

In a final confrontation, Rip smashes the broadcasting equipment and monitors in the control room. The overloaded system explodes or shorts out, producing violent arcs of electricity that engulf Brell. He is caught in the electrical explosion and is implied to be killed by the very broadcasting equipment he valued above human life. Symbolically, Brell's obsession with ratings and his willingness to destroy anyone in pursuit of them literally destroys him in the end.

With Zeus defeated and Brell dead, the arena crowd erupts in celebration for Rip as the true hero. Rip returns his focus to Randy, who is injured but alive, and to Samantha and Stephanie, who are now safe. The film ends on a victorious note: Rip stands tall, having defended his honor, his family, and his love, while the corrupt network's scheme has collapsed entirely. Battle of the Tough Guys is effectively finished, Rip's integrity is vindicated, and the hero has triumphed not through ruthlessness but through courage, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to protecting those he loves.

In the ending of "No Holds Barred," Rip, played by Hulk Hogan, faces off against Zeus, portrayed by Tom "Tiny" Lister Jr., in a climactic wrestling match. After a fierce battle, Rip ultimately defeats Zeus, reclaiming his title and proving his strength. The film concludes with Rip celebrating his victory alongside his love interest, Samantha, and his brother, while Zeus is left defeated and humiliated.

Now, let's delve into the ending in a more detailed narrative fashion:

As the final match approaches, the atmosphere in the arena is electric, filled with anticipation and tension. The crowd roars, and the lights flash dramatically as Rip prepares to enter the ring. He is determined, his face set with a fierce resolve. The stakes are high; this match is not just about the championship title but also about personal honor and the fight against the corrupt promoter, Brell, who has been manipulating the wrestling world.

Rip steps into the ring, his muscular frame radiating confidence. Across from him stands Zeus, a towering figure with an intimidating presence, his eyes filled with rage and determination. The announcer builds the tension, introducing both competitors, and the crowd erupts in cheers and boos, reflecting the divided loyalties.

The match begins, and it quickly becomes a brutal display of strength and skill. Zeus uses his size and power to dominate Rip initially, throwing him around the ring with ease. Rip struggles to regain his footing, his internal thoughts racing as he recalls the support of his brother and Samantha, who are watching anxiously from the sidelines. He knows he must fight not just for himself but for them and for the integrity of wrestling.

As the match progresses, Rip begins to find his rhythm. He counters Zeus's attacks with a series of powerful moves, showcasing his agility and resilience. The crowd is on the edge of their seats, cheering for Rip as he starts to turn the tide. The emotional stakes rise as Rip recalls the moments of betrayal and manipulation by Brell, fueling his determination to win.

In a pivotal moment, Rip manages to lift Zeus and slam him to the mat, a move that sends shockwaves through the arena. The crowd erupts in cheers, and Rip feels a surge of adrenaline. He knows this is his moment to prove himself. With Zeus momentarily stunned, Rip climbs to the top rope, a risky maneuver that showcases his bravery and commitment to victory.

As he leaps off the ropes, Rip delivers a powerful finishing move, pinning Zeus down. The referee counts to three, and the arena explodes with excitement. Rip has won the match, reclaiming his title and defeating the man who represented everything corrupt in the wrestling world.

In the aftermath, Rip stands victorious, his arms raised in triumph. He looks out into the crowd, his heart swelling with pride and relief. Samantha rushes into the ring, embracing him, her face beaming with joy. Rip's brother joins them, and the three share a moment of celebration, united in their victory over adversity.

Meanwhile, Zeus, defeated and humiliated, is left in the ring, seething with anger. Brell, witnessing the downfall of his prized fighter, is furious, knowing that his plans have been thwarted. The film closes with Rip, Samantha, and his brother celebrating their victory, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the importance of integrity in the face of corruption.

Rip's fate is one of redemption and triumph, having overcome not only his opponent but also the challenges posed by Brell. Zeus, on the other hand, is left to grapple with his defeat, a stark reminder of the consequences of his actions and the corrupt world he represented.

The movie "No Holds Barred," produced in 1989, does not have a post-credit scene. The film concludes with the final showdown between the protagonist, Rip, played by Hulk Hogan, and the antagonist, Zeus, portrayed by Tom "Tiny" Lister Jr. After an intense and dramatic wrestling match, Rip emerges victorious, solidifying his status as a champion. The film wraps up with a celebratory tone, focusing on Rip's triumph and the support of his friends and fans, leaving no additional scenes or content after the credits.

"No Holds Barred," produced in 1989, is not considered family-friendly due to several potentially objectionable elements. Here are some aspects that might be upsetting for children or sensitive viewers:

1. Violence: The film features intense wrestling matches that include physical confrontations, aggressive maneuvers, and some level of brutality that may be disturbing to younger audiences.

2. Language: There are instances of strong language and crude remarks that may not be suitable for children.

3. Themes of Rivalry and Aggression: The central plot revolves around competition and personal vendettas, which may present negative messages about conflict resolution.

4. Mature Situations: There are scenes that involve adult themes, including romantic undertones and suggestive content that may not be appropriate for younger viewers.

5. Emotional Intensity: Characters experience significant emotional turmoil, including anger, betrayal, and desperation, which could be distressing for sensitive viewers.

Overall, the film's content may not align with the values or sensitivities of a family-oriented audience.