The highest-rated and most popular series in Vice Network TV history has been cancelled. Dark Side of the Ring, the popular cult documentary show that followed some of the untold stories in pro wrestling was cancelled by the network on Monday per Dave Meltzer.
The show was not on the programming lineup for the 2022-23 season. The network declined to order a fourth season per Meltzer.
The speculation is that the show received criticism for its “Plane Ride from Hell,” episode which depicted an out of control, alcohol-fueled plane ride at the end of a European tour. A part of the episode included an interview with a former airline attendant who detailed an incident on the plane with Ric Flair. It also caused a stir due to comments from Tommy Dreamer in defense of Flair.
Dark Side of the Ring spawned spinoffs of the show on Vice including Dark Side of Football and Dark Side of the 90s. The spinoffs were not as successful as the original. In my opinion, this was due in part to the wrestling fans that enjoyed Dark Side of the Ring for delving into some of the more controversial stories in wrestling history. Many recall the incidents/stories from their childhood, while many just read about them. Of course, delving into controversial subjects likely yielded opposition. Here, the WWE probably was not happy with the “Plane Ride from Hell” episode as well as certain other ones including Owen Hart and Ultimate Warrior. But notably the WWE steroid trial was covered from the perspective of the company’s top lawyer, Jerry McDevitt as he was a key interview and feature in that episode.
Access was an issue here as well since no one under the contract with WWE agreed to speak with the company and DSOTR had to work with who was willing to speak with them about a certain subject.
Although it will be gone, DSOTR put together compelling stories about wrestling’s past. While sensationalized with some segments, the makers provided an enjoyable series.
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