Unstoppable True Story: How Accurate The Anthony Robles Movie Is & What It Changes

WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Unstoppable.
The 2024 sports biopic Unstoppable chronicles the remarkable true story of Anthony Robles, who faced obstacles and challenges both on and off the wrestling mat, becoming the 2011 NCAA wrestling champion. Directed by Oscar-winning editor William Goldenberg in his feature film directorial debut, Unstoppable is based on Robles’ 2012 book Unstoppable: From Underdog to Undefeated: How I Became a Champion.
Emmy winner Jharrel Jerome leads an outstanding Unstoppable cast including Jennifer Lopez, Michael Peña, Don Cheadle, and Bobby Cannavale. Unstoppable has received mostly positive reviews, earning a Rotten Tomatoes critic score of 74%. Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and the real-life Anthony Robles produced the film. Robles also appears in the film as his own double in certain scenes. Unstoppable became available to stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on January 16, 2025.
As demonstrated at the end of Unstoppable, Robles remains the only NCAA wrestler with one leg to win a national championship and the first athlete to be signed by Nike after retiring from a sport. Because Robles was a direct part of the film’s creation and production, Unstoppable accurately depicts his inspiring true story. There are a few minor changes, however, such as his abusive stepfather’s name and Robles’ fictional appearance in the 2010 NCAA Wrestling Championship.
Anthony Robles Attended Arizona State Over Drexel University
Robles was surprised that none of his top colleges recruited him
After going 96-0 in his junior and senior years at Mesa High School in Mesa, Arizona, Anthony Robles was surprised that none of his top colleges recruited him. These included Iowa, Oklahoma State, and Columbia. After turning down a full scholarship to wrestle at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – which would have been in the NCAA Division I Coastal Athletic Association – Robles redshirted as a freshman and started competing for ASU in 2007-2008 with a record of 25-11. Robles went on to improve to 29-8 in his sophomore year. He was named an All-American, won the Pac-10 Championship, and finished 4th at the NCAA Championship in the 125-pound division.
Anthony Robles Won The 2011 NCAA Wrestling Championship With An Undefeated 36-0 Record
Robles cemented himself among the greatest ASU wrestlers of all time
Robles’ historic 2010-2011 season was his last year of eligibility at Arizona State. As portrayed in Unstoppable, Robles went a perfect 36-0 to become the 2011 NCAA National Wrestling Champion. Additionally, Robles made several other achievements at Arizona State, including four Pac-10 Championship appearances and three consecutive wins in the 125-pound division. He totaled 122 career wins at ASU, the eighth most in the school’s history, and set single-season records for bonus-point wins (31) and technical falls (24). Robles cemented himself among the greatest Arizona State wrestlers of all time, which also includes Dan St. John, Zahid Valencia, and Markus Mollica, all 2-time NCAA champions.
2-Time NCAA Champion Matt McDonough Did Not Defeat Anthony Robles In 2010
McDonough defeated Andrew Long of Iowa State & Robles finished 7th that year
Robles won the 2011 NCAA Wrestling Championship in the 125-pound division against Matt McDonough of the University of Iowa, who won the NCAA title in 2010 and 2012. The film states that McDonough defeated Robles in the 2010 National Championship but this is inaccurate. McDonough defeated freshman Andrew Long from Iowa State that year. The film also states that McDonough won two consecutive national championships, which is false. However, he did win two NCAA titles in 2010 and 2012 and lost to Robles in 2011. In 2010, Robles was named an All-American after going 32-4. He ultimately finished seventh in the NCAA 125-pound weight class after winning the Pac-10 championship.
Anthony Robles Had An Abusive Stepfather Named Ron, Not Rich, Robles
Ron Robles’ dislike of Anthony was more racially charged than Unstoppable suggests
Robles’ biggest off-the-mat conflict in Unstoppable and in reality was his abusive stepfather. Named Ron, not Rich, in real life, Robles’ stepfather was verbally abusive to Robles and physically abusive to his mother Judy. Ron eventually left Judy for another woman, as the movie depicts. According to Deadspin,