In a distant future, where nuclear war resulted in the outlawing of large-scale armed conflict, disputes between rival superpower blocs are resolved through gladiatorial combat matches featuring giant, piloted robots. These metallic behemoths are controlled by "robot jox," highly skilled warriors representing their nations. The story centers on Achilles, a seasoned and undefeated pilot for the Western Market. As tensions escalate over a territorial dispute in Alaska, Achilles is pitted against the formidable Alexander, a high-ranking Soviet mecha pilot.

The film delves into the lives of these robot pilots, their training, and the intense pressures they face both in and out of the combat arena. Their individual motivations are explored, with themes of honor, duty, and personal rivalry coming to the fore. Amidst this backdrop, rookie pilot Athena, genetically engineered for peak performance in robot combat, aspires to prove herself worthy of entering the fray. As battles unfold with increasingly high stakes, questions arise about loyalty, legacy, and what it truly means to be a champion.