How to emulate this

[MCB]

I like the style of these graphics:



I would have searched first, but I don’t actually know what it’s called! It’s the grunge-y look, the technique that makes the images of the wrestlers look less “flat” (I’m not too concerned about the colour filter; I know how to colour images).

I imagine it’s some sort of combination of levels and contrast, but can’t come close to emulating that effect, so if someone knows how to emulate it and can point me in the right direction then that would be great, or even what the effect’s called if it’s a common effect.

 

[Tom Mann]

I can guarantee you that the majority of the effect you are picking up on is just good professional, highly directional, somewhat high contrast, typical male lighting rather than trying to achieve a similar look in post processing.

Just Google {"high contrast" lighting male} and find tutorial examples such as this:
http://howitookit.hanseldobbs.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/20090803-IMG_9095.jpg

T