“The Wrestler” was written for the Darren Aronofsky film of the same title and is written from the perspective of the main character, played in the film by Mickey Rourke. The song won a Golden Globe for Best Original Song, as well as many other awards and nominations in 2009.

From an MTV article:

“Mickey knows the Boss from years ago,” Aronofsky said, “but they haven’t been in touch during Mickey’s lost years. … And Mickey wrote him a letter — a very long, heartfelt letter — and sent him the script.”

According to Aronofsky, “The Boss called Mickey in the middle of the night and said, ’I’m in Europe and I’m touring, and I don’t know if I can do this, but if I can, I’ll try something.’ ”

About a month later, the duo went to see Springsteen in concert at Giants Stadium. After Rourke introduced his director to the Boss, Springsteen picked up his guitar and proceeded to play the now award-winning tune.

“I literally got stage fright,” Aronofsky said. “I never knew what stage fright was! My chin just went down, and I said in my head, ’Oh my God, I’m freezing up in front of Bruce Springsteen.‘”
…

“And then he gave us the song for free.”