The Unstoppable True Story: Accuracy of the Anthony Robles Film and Its Impact

WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Unstoppable.

Overview of Unstoppable

The 2024 sports biopic Unstoppable brings to life the extraordinary journey of Anthony Robles, who overcame significant challenges to become the 2011 NCAA wrestling champion. Directed by William Goldenberg, an Oscar-winning editor making his feature film directorial debut, the film is inspired by Robles’ autobiography, Unstoppable: From Underdog to Undefeated: How I Became a Champion, published in 2012.

Starring Emmy winner Jharrel Jerome alongside a talented cast that includes Jennifer Lopez, Michael Peña, Don Cheadle, and Bobby Cannavale, Unstoppable has garnered mostly favorable reviews, achieving a critic score of 74% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film, produced by well-known figures Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Robles himself, features him in selected scenes as a double. Viewers can stream Unstoppable exclusively on Amazon Prime Video as of January 16, 2025.

Robles’ College Journey

Surprising Recruitment Outcomes

Jharrel Jerome takes down a wrestling opponent in Unstoppable

Despite an impressive record of 96 victories and no losses during his junior and senior years at Mesa High School, Robles was astonished that prominent colleges such as Iowa, Oklahoma State, and Columbia did not offer him recruitment opportunities. Ultimately, he rejected a full scholarship from Drexel University—a school in the NCAA Division I Coastal Athletic Association. Instead, he joined Arizona State University (ASU), where he redshirted as a freshman before launching his collegiate career in the 2007-2008 season, posting a record of 25-11. His performance improved significantly by his sophomore year, culminating in an overall record of 29-8, which included All-American honors and securing the Pac-10 Championship title.

The Pinnacle of Wrestling: 2011 NCAA Championship

Historic Undefeated Season

Anthony Robles looking determined in Unstoppable

In his final eligible season at Arizona State, Robles achieved an undefeated record of 36-0, earning him the title of 2011 NCAA National Wrestling Champion, as depicted in the film. Throughout his time at ASU, he participated in four Pac-10 Championship events and clinched three consecutive titles within the 125-pound weight class. He concluded his college career with a total of 122 wins, ranking eighth in ASU’s history, and set remarkable records for the most bonus-point wins (31) and technical falls (24) in a single season. His accomplishments solidified his legacy among ASU’s all-time best wrestlers, alongside notable athletes like Dan St. John and Zahid Valencia.

Clarifications on Championship Matches

Misrepresented Victories

Anthony Robles and Jharrel Jerome in Unstoppable

While the film portrays Robles defeating Matt McDonough of the University of Iowa in the 2011 NCAA Championships, it inaccurately states that McDonough bested Robles in the 2010 National Championship. In reality, McDonough faced Andrew Long of Iowa State that year. The film does correctly acknowledge that McDonough won titles in 2010 and 2012 but inaccurately suggests he won two consecutive championships. During the 2010 season, Robles was named an All-American and finished seventh in the NCAA tournament after achieving a Pac-10 championship.

Insights on Family Dynamics

A Complicated Relationship with Stepfather

Jharrel Jerome as Anthony Robles and Bobby Canavale as Rich Robles in Unstoppable

One significant aspect of Robles’ life is his difficult relationship with his stepfather, Ron, who, unlike the film’s portrayal, demonstrated more intense animosity that had racial undertones. Robles recounts his stepfather’s verbal abuse and harmful behavior toward his mother, Judy. The film depicts this tumultuous dynamic, including Ron abandoning Judith for another woman, while both Anthony and Judy faced his relentless criticism. According to Deadspin, “Ron’s disdain stemmed from his inability to accept Anthony’s biracial background.”

Support from Coaches

A Lasting Influence on Robles’ Career

Robles continues to credit significant mentors throughout his career, particularly high school coach Bobby Williams and college coach Shawn Charles, for their profound support. In an interview with TODAY, he expressed gratitude for Williams’ fatherly mentorship and how he nurtured Robles’ unique wrestling style. Similarly, he recognized Coach Shawn Charles for pushing him beyond his comfort zone and igniting his drive for self-improvement.

The Unwavering Support of Judy Robles

A Mother’s Fight for Her Son

Jennifer Lopez kisses Jharrel Jerome's forehead in Unstoppable copy

Judy Robles exhibited immense dedication to ensuring her family’s well-being amidst a hostile environment. The character, played by Jennifer Lopez, embodies the fierce protection she provided for her son, even resorting to extreme measures such as over-donating blood to put food on the table. The film powerfully portrays a scene where she confronts hecklers, drawing from real-life events that illustrate her unwavering commitment. In 2021, Lopez engaged with both Judy and Anthony to authentically portray her character’s experiences (via ESPN).

Resilience Fueled by Fan Support

Transformative Fan Mail After a Tough Loss

Though Anthony Robles did not participate in the 2010 NCAA Championship Final, he experienced a setback in the quarterfinals that affected his standing. Following a disappointing seventh-place finish, he received an outpouring of fan mail from children, touching him deeply. This overwhelming support inspired him to strive for greatness in the subsequent season, ultimately leading to his undefeated championship win. As he stated to USA Today, the fan correspondence was transformative, shaping his purpose not just to win but to motivate young dreamers like himself.

Cut and Reinstatement of the ASU Wrestling Program

Dramatic Timeline Adjustments in the Film

The film accurately portrays Arizona State University’s initial decision to cut its NCAA Division I wrestling program in 2008 due to financial constraints, alongside swimming and tennis teams (via The Daily). However, this decision lasted only about a week, as swift action from private donors led to the reinstatement of all three athletic programs. The film adjusts the timeline for dramatic effect, suggesting the cut occurred right before Robles’ junior year, which does not accurately reflect the series of events leading to his 2009-2010 season.