Based on a true story about two college wrestlers, T. J. "Teddy" Williams and Art Munson whose battle for the National AAU Wrestling Championship in 1958 resulted in a near fatal accident leaving Williams with a broken neck and psychiatric problems. The story continues thirty years later when champion wrestler, Brock Jones is admitted to the same institution as Williams after suffering a mental breakdown, The two become friends as Williams tries to get Jones back on track and coach him to another victory.