While the story of a washed out professional wrestler trying to make a comeback still seems like an odd choice of material for Darren Aronofksy the casting of Mickey Rourke in the lead was an inspired move and the simple fact that Aronofsky is working on anything at all is enough to make me a happy boy. Making me even happier is that the first pair of images from the film have now arrived. They don't show much but, hey ... progress is progress.

A once hugely successful professional wrestler in the late 80's, Randy “The Ram” Robinson now ekes out a living performing for diehard wrestling fans in high school gyms and community centers around New Jersey. Estranged from his daughter, unable to sustain any real relationships, Randy lives for the thrill of the show, the adrenalin rush of combat and the adoration of his remaining fans.

But, when he suffers a heart attack in the middle of a bout, Randy’s doctor tells him he needs to lay off the steroids and stop wrestling. For good.

Forced out of show business, Randy begins to evaluate the state of his life. He tries to reconnect with his daughter and strikes up a wary romance with an aging stripper, Pam. For a while, things work out. But try as he might to resist, the pull of the spotlight is too much for him and Randy attempts once again to fight his way back into the ring.