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Professional wrestling has always been a tapestry of triumph and tragedy, of glory and grief. For seven seasons now, VICE TV’s acclaimed docuseries Dark Side of the Ring has pulled back the curtain on the sport’s most haunting stories—the ones that don’t make it into the highlight reels or the Hall of Fame speeches. From the Montreal Screwjob to the Von Erich curse, from Owen Hart’s tragic fall to the unfathomable Benoit tragedy, this series has never shied away from the uncomfortable truths that lurk beneath the spectacle.
Season 7 has already delivered one of the most ambitious undertakings in the show’s history: a three-part deep dive into the rise and fall of TNA Wrestling through the eyes of its co-founder, Jeff Jarrett. Now, as we approach July 21, 2026, the series pivots to something entirely different—something that exists in a category all its own. Episode 4 of Season 7 takes on the infamous, brutal, and utterly unforgettable clash between Samoa Joe and Necro Butcher.
This isn’t just another wrestling documentary. This is a moment-by-moment breakdown of one of the most controversial matches ever contested inside a squared circle. And if you want to watch it live as it premieres, you’re going to want to read every word of this guide.
What Is “Dark Side of the Ring” Season 7 Episode 4?
Episode Title: Samoa Joe vs. Necro Butcher
Air Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Air Time: 9:00 PM ET
Network: VICE TV
For those who weren’t following the independent wrestling scene in the mid-2000s, the name “Necro Butcher” might not ring a bell. For those who were, it’s a name that still sends chills down the spine.
The episode focuses on a match that took place in 2005 under the banner of IWA-MS (Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South). What made this match so notorious wasn’t just the violence—though there was plenty of that. It was the deeply personal animosity between the two competitors that made every strike, every suplex, and every drop of blood feel viscerally real.
Samoa Joe, already establishing himself as one of the most dominant forces in professional wrestling, faced off against Necro Butcher, a hardcore brawler who built his reputation on pain tolerance and an almost inhuman willingness to absorb punishment. The clash wasn’t just stylistic—it was philosophical. Two men with two completely different approaches to the sport, colliding in a ring that would bear witness to something far beyond a typical wrestling match.
Co-creator Evan Husney spoke about the episode in an interview with Fightful, describing it as a “gripping, moment-by-moment breakdown of the brutal and unforgettable clash”. This isn’t hyperbole. For those who’ve seen the footage, the match is almost uncomfortable to watch—a testament to how far two men were willing to go to prove a point.
The Complete Season 7 Schedule: Where Episode 4 Fits In
To truly appreciate what’s coming on July 21, it helps to understand the full scope of Season 7. This season features nine episodes covering seven distinct subjects, making it slightly shorter than previous seasons but no less impactful.
Here’s the complete lineup:
The season kicked off with what the show’s creators called their “most ambitious” season yet. The three-part TNA exploration set a new standard for the series, weaving together the stories of Jeff Jarrett’s redemption, the company’s rise as a WWE competitor, and the internal battles that ultimately led to its decline.
But Episode 4 represents something different. Where the TNA episodes were about business, ambition, and organizational dysfunction, the Samoa Joe vs. Necro Butcher episode is about something far more primal: two men, a ring, and a level of violence that pushed the boundaries of what professional wrestling could be.
Why This Episode Matters: The Legacy of Samoa Joe vs. Necro Butcher
To understand why Dark Side of the Ring is dedicating an entire episode to a single match, you need to understand the context.
Samoa Joe, by 2005, was already a legend in the making. His reign as ROH World Champion had redefined what fans expected from independent wrestling. He was powerful, technically proficient, and possessed an intensity that few could match. He was on a trajectory that would eventually lead him to WWE, AEW, and worldwide recognition.
Necro Butcher was something else entirely. A product of the hardcore scene, he didn’t wrestle so much as he endured. His matches weren’t about technique—they were about survival. He built his career on being the guy who could take more punishment than anyone else, who could bleed more, suffer more, and still keep coming.
When these two worlds collided in IWA-MS, the result was nothing short of explosive. The match became legendary not because of its athleticism, but because of its brutality. It was the kind of match that made even hardened wrestling fans wince.
The episode promises to explore not just the match itself, but the personal animosity that existed between the two competitors. This wasn’t a work in the traditional sense—there was real heat, real tension, and real stakes involved. The Dark Side team has built its reputation on uncovering the human stories behind the spectacle, and this episode is no exception.
How to Watch “Dark Side of the Ring” Season 7 Episode 4 Live Online
Now for the part you’ve been waiting for: how to watch this episode as it premieres on July 21, 2026.
Option 1: VICE TV (Traditional Cable)
The simplest way to watch is through VICE TV itself. The episode airs at 9:00 PM ET on Tuesday, July 21. If you have a cable or satellite subscription that includes VICE TV, you’re all set. Just tune in at the appointed time.
Note: The premiere on July 7 started at 9:00 PM ET with a two-hour block. Starting with the July 14 episode, the show shifted to a 10:00 PM ET start time. However, for the July 21 episode, some sources indicate a 9:00 PM ET start. Given the mixed information, it’s best to check your local listings or the official VICE TV schedule closer to the date. Most sources agree the July 21 episode airs at 9:00 PM ET.
Option 2: Philo (Streaming – Best Budget Option)
Philo is one of the most affordable streaming services that carries VICE TV. It offers over 70 channels for a monthly fee, and critically for new viewers, Philo offers a 7-day free trial.
If you’re signing up specifically to watch Dark Side of the Ring, you can take advantage of the free trial, watch the July 21 episode, and decide whether to continue the service afterward. It’s a low-risk way to catch the show live without a cable subscription.
Option 3: DIRECTV Stream (Streaming – Free Trial Available)
DIRECTV Stream is another excellent option for cord-cutters. Like Philo, it offers a free trial for new subscribers. The service carries VICE TV, allowing you to watch the episode live as it airs.
Option 4: Sling TV
Sling TV is a popular and customizable streaming service that carries VICE TV. While Sling doesn’t typically offer a free trial, it’s one of the more affordable streaming options available.
Option 5: Free with Ads on VICE TV
For those looking to watch completely free, VICE TV offers select content with ads through its website and app. This is a great option if you don’t mind commercial interruptions and want to watch without committing to a subscription.
Option 6: Purchase Episodes
If you prefer to own the episodes, you can purchase Dark Side of the Ring Season 7 episodes as downloads through platforms like Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. This option is ideal if you want to watch on your own schedule and keep the episodes for future viewing.
Option 7: Crave (Canadian Viewers)
For our readers north of the border, Dark Side of the Ring is a Crave Original series in Canada. New episodes stream Tuesdays at 9:00 PM ET on Crave, making it the go-to platform for Canadian fans.
What to Expect from the Episode
While full details of the episode are being kept under wraps, we do have some insight into what viewers can expect.
The episode will explore the 2005 IWA-MS match between Samoa Joe and Necro Butcher in depth. But as with all Dark Side of the Ring episodes, the match is merely the centerpiece. The real story lies in the lead-up, the personal dynamics, and the aftermath.
Expect interviews with:
- Samoa Joe – who has become one of the most respected figures in modern wrestling
- Necro Butcher – the man who defined an era of hardcore wrestling
- Other wrestling figures who witnessed the match or were part of the independent scene at the time
Expect exploration of:
- The personal animosity between the two competitors
- The culture of independent wrestling in the mid-2000s
- The philosophical divide between technical wrestling and hardcore brawling
- The legacy of the match and its impact on both men’s careers
Co-creator Jason Eisener described the season as their most ambitious yet, noting that “Jeff Jarrett’s journey of redemption and resilience gives us a unique lens into the highs, struggles, and lasting impact of the foundational years of the company”. While those words were spoken about the TNA episodes, the same commitment to storytelling and human truth applies to every episode of the season—including the Samoa Joe vs. Necro Butcher installment.
A Limited Edition VHS Release – Yes, Really
In a move that perfectly captures the spirit of independent wrestling nostalgia, Dark Side of the Ring has partnered with IndependentWrestling.TV to release the “Necro Butcher vs. Samoa Joe” episode on VHS—and only 300 copies are being made available.
The VHS release coincides with the episode’s premiere on July 21. For collectors and hardcore wrestling fans, this is a unique opportunity to own a piece of wrestling history in a format that feels perfectly suited to the gritty, underground nature of the story being told.
If you’re interested, you’ll need to act fast—300 copies won’t last long.
Why This Episode Is a Must-Watch for Every Wrestling Fan
Even if you’re not a hardcore independent wrestling enthusiast, the Samoa Joe vs. Necro Butcher episode represents something important about Dark Side of the Ring as a whole.
This series has always been about more than just wrestling. It’s about the human cost of the sport—the physical toll, the emotional weight, the sacrifices made in pursuit of glory. It’s about the blurred lines between performance and reality, between sport and theater, between what happens in the ring and what happens in the hearts and minds of the people who step inside it.
The Samoa Joe vs. Necro Butcher match is a perfect example of this blurred line. Was it a work? Yes. Was it real? Also yes. The pain was real. The blood was real. The animosity was real. And the consequences—for both men’s careers and bodies—were absolutely real.
This episode promises to explore all of that and more. It’s not just a documentary about a match. It’s a documentary about what happens when two men push themselves—and each other—to the absolute limit.
Beyond Episode 4: What’s Coming Later in Season 7
While the Samoa Joe vs. Necro Butcher episode is the focus of this guide, it’s worth noting what’s coming after. Season 7 has an incredibly diverse lineup that spans multiple eras and styles of professional wrestling.
July 28: The Big Bossman
Ray “The Big Bossman” Traylor was one of the most memorable characters of the Attitude Era. From his days as a prison guard to his shocking betrayal of The Rock to his unforgettable feud with The Big Show over Big Show’s father’s funeral, Bossman’s career was defined by controversy. His tragic death at age 42 from a heart attack cut short a life that had already seen tremendous highs and devastating lows.
August 4: Renegade Rick Wilson
Rick Wilson was an exotic dancer who was given a brief run as “The Renegade,” a knockoff version of the Ultimate Warrior in WCW. His story is one of exploitation, manipulation, and ultimately, tragedy. It’s a dark chapter in WCW’s history that has rarely been explored in depth.
August 11: Paul Orndorff
“Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff was one of the most gifted performers of his generation. His battles with Hulk Hogan defined an era of professional wrestling, but his life after the ring was marked by health struggles and personal challenges.
August 18: Missy Hyatt
One of the first female managers to achieve mainstream success in wrestling, Missy Hyatt’s career was marked by both pioneering achievement and personal struggle. Her story is one of resilience in an industry that was often hostile to women.
August 25: Zach Gowen
Perhaps the most inspiring story of the season, Zach Gowen was a one-legged wrestler who defied all odds to compete at the highest level. His journey is a testament to the human spirit and the power of perseverance.
Where to Find More Information
For the most up-to-date information on Dark Side of the Ring Season 7, including official announcements, schedule changes, and exclusive content, these are the resources you need:
Primary Sources
- WWE Events Page: www.wwe.com/events – Your number one destination for all things professional wrestling, including event schedules and news
- VICE TV Official Website: The home of Dark Side of the Ring with episode guides and streaming information
- Variety: variety.com – The exclusive source that broke the Season 7 premiere announcement
Secondary Sources
- F4WOnline: www.f4wonline.com – Comprehensive wrestling news and the full season schedule
- WrestleView: www.wrestleview.com – Detailed schedule information and episode breakdowns
- Fightful: www.fightful.com – Wrestling news and interviews with the show’s creators
- CBR: www.cbr.com – In-depth coverage of the series and its subjects
Streaming Platforms
- Philo: www.philo.com – For the free trial and live streaming
- DIRECTV Stream: For cord-cutters seeking a free trial
- Crave (Canada): www.bellmedia.ca – For Canadian viewers
Final Thoughts: A Season Unlike Any Other
Dark Side of the Ring Season 7 has already proven itself to be one of the most ambitious and compelling seasons of the series. The three-part TNA exploration set a new standard for wrestling documentaries, and the episodes that follow promise to be equally compelling.
The Samoa Joe vs. Necro Butcher episode on July 21 represents something special—a deep dive into a moment that defined an era of independent wrestling, told with the depth, nuance, and unflinching honesty that has made Dark Side of the Ring the gold standard for wrestling documentaries.
Whether you’re a lifelong wrestling fan or someone who’s just curious about the darker corners of the sport, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendars for July 21, set your reminders, and get ready to watch one of the most brutal matches in wrestling history get the documentary treatment it deserves.
And remember: for all your wrestling news, event schedules, and professional wrestling content, make www.wwe.com/events your first stop. The WWE remains the pinnacle of professional wrestling, and their events page is the definitive source for everything happening in the world of sports entertainment.
See you on July 21. It’s going to be a wild ride.