Over the Top

Christina, Hawk's estranged wife, asks him to pick up their son Michael from military school and try to repair their fractured relationship after ten years apart. Hawk is a truck driver who also arm wrestles to make ends meet. He agrees, setting off on a road trip from Colorado toward California to start rebuilding their bond.

During their cross-country drive from Colorado to California, Hawk and Michael begin to open up to each other. They confront past misunderstandings, share stories, and test the limits of their growing trust. The journey gradually shifts Michael from distrust to cautious hope.

Upon arriving at the hospital, Christina dies from complications during surgery, devastating both Hawk and Michael. Michael blames Hawk for delays and withdraws further, heading to his grandfather Jason Cutler's estate. The tragedy solidifies the rift between Hawk and his son.

Hawk attempts to retrieve Michael from Cutler's estate but is thwarted by security, escalating into a ram raid on the gated mansion. The confrontation ends with Hawk's arrest and underscores the legal custody battle tearing the family apart. Michael remains in the orbit of Cutler's power.

Michael visits Hawk in jail and offers a rare forgiveness, admitting that he still loves his father. Yet he confesses he feels safer living with his grandfather. The moment marks a fragile emotional bridge between them, even as the underlying tensions persist.

As a condition for dropping the charges, Hawk signs over custody of Michael to Jason Cutler. The deal effectively severs Hawk's immediate parental rights and prompts him to pursue a future where he can still fight for his son in other ways. The resolution pushes Hawk toward Las Vegas and the armwrestling championship.

Hawk travels to Las Vegas to compete in the World Armwrestling Championship, hoping the prize money will allow him to start a trucking company of his own. He sells his truck to fund a bet on himself, a 20-to-1 long shot that surprises the crowd and raises the stakes.

Back home, Michael discovers that his grandfather orchestrated his parents' breakup and had hidden letters Hawk had written. The revelation shakes his trust in Cutler and pushes him toward action. He begins to re-evaluate where he belongs.

Feeling betrayed, Michael secretly steals a pickup and drives toward Las Vegas to find his father in need of support. The risky journey demonstrates his desire to repair their bond and stand with Hawk against Cutler's control.

In the Las Vegas tournament, Hawk makes it to the final eight in a double-elimination format, but suffers his first loss and injures his arm in the process. The setback tests his resolve as the championship looms.

Jason Cutler intercepts Hawk in his hotel suite with a lucrative offer: a half-million dollars and a top-of-the-line semi if he stays out of Michael's life. Hawk refuses, reaffirming his commitment to his son and their future together.

Michael finds Hawk, apologizes for misjudging him, and offers his emotional support. The gesture renews Hawk's determination and helps him focus on getting through the next rounds of the tournament.

In a grueling final, Hawk faces Bull Hurley, the undefeated champion, and wins after a long, hard-fought match. The victory earns him the World Championship title and the prize money.

With the trophy and prize money in hand, Hawk and Michael drive off to start a new life together. The movie closes on the image of a united pair stepping into their future.