Showing posts with label pro wrestling books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pro wrestling books. Show all posts

Forgiven: One Man's Journey from Self-Glorification to Sanctification Review

Forgiven: One Man's Journey from Self-Glorification to Sanctification
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Forgiven: One Man's Journey from Self-Glorification to Sanctification ReviewRusso starts off the book talking about how he is now a minister and a born again christian. Most of the book is written by a bitter Vince in 2002, with chunks added by the re-born author. The "new" Vince starts off by saying that this book HAD it all for a wrestling fan. All the dirt, all the behind the scenes stuff, all the stuff that fans who will actually pay 25 bucks for a wrestling autobiography will want to hear! But "new" Vince then adds that it's not the christian thing to do, and that he has excised all of that stuff out. Great... What did I just buy?
The narrative is quite entertaining, but everytime "new" Vince interjects you really just want to puke. All he does is say how horrible a person he was and glory be to jesus, he is the light, glory be... glory be! I have no idea how a person can go a complete 180 and be legit. He WAS cocky, arrogant and had a real Howard Stern sense of humor, and now is a bland, neutered, bible thumping bore-fest.
The book is ok, but the tease that all of the "good stuff" was removed and the pages of "new" Vince really leave a bad taste. Also the book ends very abrubtly at the end of his WWF tenure, and has no WCW or TNA content.
Alot of people either love Russo or hate what he did. I'm a hater, I really don't like the Springer like phase of pro wrestling he's responsible for, but I was legit looking forward to hearing his side. Unfortunately, due to the author's self-censorship I was really disapointed.Forgiven: One Man's Journey from Self-Glorification to Sanctification OverviewOne of the key professional wrestling or "sports entertainment" writers, Vince Russo helped pen modern wrestling's most electric storylines. Revealing the true, behind-the-scenes stories from some of wrestling's most famous moments, including Bret Hart's lost championship and the rise to superstardom of Stone Cold Steve Austin, Mick Foley, and The Rock, this autobiography is the one that every wrestling fan has been waiting for. Touching and beautifully written, this memoir offers a modern day parable about the price of success and the power of redemption.

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Bodyslams: Memoirs of a Wrestling Pitchman Review

Bodyslams: Memoirs of a Wrestling Pitchman
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Bodyslams: Memoirs of a Wrestling Pitchman ReviewI've read all of the wrestling books that have been written in recent years. I have also read the autobiographies by Lou Thesz and Bruno Sammartino. Without a doubt, Gary Michael Cappetta's "BODYSLAMS!" is the most revealing, most informative, most literate, funniest and even the most heart warming book ever written about professional wrestling.
Foley was careful not to tell too much about his buddies in the WWF. Chyna, The Rock and Goldberg also still on promoters' payrolls, haven't been wrestling long enough to lend a rich perspective of the wrestling game. Page avoids the truth about the behind the scenes politics that gave him his spot with WCW. And who cares what JR is cooking?
This book has it all. If you want a comprehensive look at how it all began, why wrestling is where it's at today and Gary's thoughts about how the game can be healthy in future years, then you must read "BODYSLAMS!".
Cappetta's behind the scenes stories provide an up close and personal look at dozens of current superstars, as well as many of the legends of this sport. Gary worked with them all. From Gagne to Hogan. From Bruno Sammartino to The McMahon Family. His profiles of Steve Austin, Ric Flair, The Undertaker, Buff Bagwell, Mick Foley, Abdullah the Butcher, Eric Bischoff and Andre the Giant are priceless.
Gary tells the full story about the night Mick Foley lost his ear. He was at the hotel fight between Arn Anderson and Sid Vicious and he holds nothing back. The portraits of Vince and Shane McMahon stand the test of time, given the way The McMahons now monopolize wrestling. And Gary's love of the game shines through on every page of the book.
If you have to choose one book that tells it all about pro wrestling, then "BODYSLAMS!" has got to be at the top of your list. Simply put, it's the best book ever written about pro wrestling!Bodyslams: Memoirs of a Wrestling Pitchman OverviewAsking key questions such as What do you do if you are in Germany and you have Mick Foley's recently torn-off ear in your possession? and How do you stop a fight between Arn Anderson and Sid Vicious?, this memoir documents 20 years of the author's experience as an announcer for the WWF, independent pro wrestling venues, and the WCW. Exploring the lives of the wrestlers and the power struggles of their employers, the book simultaneously provides a very personal perspective on pro wrestling and a more global view of the dangerous games that pro wrestlers and their corporate employers play to acquire wealth, fame, and power.

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The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Heels (Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame series) Review

The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Heels (Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame series)
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The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Heels (Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame series) ReviewFinally there's a book on the over-flowing wrestling literature market dedicated to the wrestlers that we, the enthusiastic legion of marks, absolutely love to hate. We call them bad guys, villains, or evil-doers, but in the carnival world of professional wrestling, they are known as "HEELS." The purpose of a wrestling heel is to create a buzz around a match or a storyline and influence the marks (fans) to buy tickets and maybe a little merchandise too - this "buzz" is called "HEAT." The heat generated by these sultans of immorality is ultimately the catalyst that builds up our favorite wrestlers, the ones we cheer for, into bonafide heroes. So in essence, the heel is the most important responsibility in a professional wrestling environment.
Established wrestling journalists, Greg Oliver and Steven Johnson, hit the road to conduct hundreds of interviews with wrestlers, managers, promoters, historians and many others to piece together mini-biographies of about seventy-five of the most hated grapplers of all-time. Starting with a top twenty, and then cycling through several categories such as Pioneers, Madmen, Monsters, Technicians, Foreigners and several others (I'm not going to spoil it for you!). All of your favorite bad guys are found in the latest publication in the "Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame" series. Previous Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame books featured compelling stories about Canadian wrestlers, and Tag Teams - both highly recommended.
My personal favorite heel of all-time, The Sheik, did make it to the top twenty but did not place first as I would have prophesized; however the top twenty is a veritable who's who of wrestling villainy.

Some other Hall of Fame heels you can look forward to reading about are (in no particular order); Randy Savage, George "The Animal" Steel, Gorgeous George, Fred Blassie, Gorilla Monsoon, Eddie Gilbert, Nick Bockwinkel, Ric Flair, Roddy Piper, Mr. Perfect, The Iron Sheik, Jake "the Snake" Roberts, Ted DiBiase, Bad News Allen, JBL, Rick Rude, Bulldog Brower (featured on the cover photo), Johnny Valentine, Terry Funk and that is only the tip of the blood-soaked iceberg. There is a perfect blend of old school and new school incorporated into this book and there are several chapters covering some very obscure wrestlers, who nevertheless are deserving of a mention in this book. All the many heel philosophies are covered in this book, from guys who use fear to manipulate the audience, to the connivers who use their superior intellect to outsmart their opponents, to the guys who pride themselves on being bar-room brawl specialists - you really get a feel for the art of being a wrestling bad guy in, and sometimes out of, the squared circle. It's a fascinating journey that manages to maintain a positive twist despite the focus on debauchery that occurs within the professional wrestling realm.
The wrestling industry has always been build on the philosophy of good vs. evil - but the truth of the matter is one cannot survive without the other. To quote my old pal, Diamond Dallas Page (who is not featured in this book), that's not a bad thing, that's a good thing!

Reviewed by Brad Dykens of OnlineWorldofWrestling.comThe Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Heels (Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame series) OverviewAs the first comprehensive look at the ruffians, rascals, and rule breakers in the wrestling business, this history explains the rise of the wrestling villain, the reasons for his (or her) success, and the impact these sordid characters have had on the sport. Based on first-hand interviews with hundreds of wrestlers, managers, promoters, and historians, these entertaining profiles document wrestling's top rotten apples from the 1920s to today, providing plenty of support for the book's claim that fans love to hate the bad guys as much as they love to love the heroes. With remarkable candor, wrestling's troublemakers explain why they became villains and how they perceived and honed their roles; the sport is richer for the presence of the nefarious ones-and they know it. With more than 150 never-before-seen photos, this book will satisfy devoted fans and inspire everyone else to take a look at the exciting and often bizarre world of professional wrestling.

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Bang Your Head: The Real Story of The Missing Link Review

Bang Your Head: The Real Story of The Missing Link
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Bang Your Head: The Real Story of The Missing Link ReviewFor those who remember pro wrestling before the explosion of popularity fueled by Hulk Hogan and WWF, there was territories where certain wrestlers were the superstars.
Dewey Robertson was one of these stars in regions - especially in Canada and Texas - before and during his gimmick as The Missing Link. In the classic Sports Illustrated story on pro wrestling - which featured Hulk Hogan on the cover - The Link had a photograph that essentially anchored the article on the emergence of pro wrestling in mainstream athletics.
But Robertson's climb through the ranks of the industry came with a price; a too-often told tale by those who sacrificed so much to get to the top. He doesn't blame anyone but himself for the actions that almost killed him.
Robertson - in a style that makes him sound as if he is sitting down and talking with you - does not cut corners in discussing how a variety of addictions left him virtually penniless, homeless for a period of time and estranged from a variety of family members and friends.
It is not a story without its light moments, especially when The Link finds himself in situations where he remains in character within daily settings.
From page one, Robertson stays the course of talking about experiences and individuals from what he recalls. It is an inspirational story, especially since the character remains a favorite with kids today; years after his national appearances in the WWF and WCCW.
There are plenty of wrestling autobiographies on the market, and so many become a means for the person to settle grudges outside the ropes. Robertson keeps the focus on his life and - for that alone - makes it a very special read.Bang Your Head: The Real Story of The Missing Link OverviewA much-loved character of U.S. and Canadian rope operas is revealed in this tale of the true-life events that led to the birth, life, and downfall of The Missing Link. The Link was a bizarre, seemingly primitive character, his body-builder's physique juxtaposed with the dress and manners of a silver screen caveman as he stalked the ring or bashed his head into objects. Dewey Robertson's performance was more than an act, however; it was also a manifestation of his inner demons. In the first part of his career, Robertson won the Canadian Heavyweight Championship belt, but it was only after his move to the U.S. that he transformed into one of wrestling's most popular goons. As the regional wrestling territories began to fold, his career crumbled and his physical and mental states disintegrated due to drug, alcohol, and steroid abuse. A year of homelessness and destitution marked the nadir of his life, but when Robertson returned to Canada for a long recovery he found that his fans had not forgotten him. Written with candor and the wisdom of experience, this account tells of struggles with substance-and with self-and of strength both in and out of the ring.

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Stu Hart: Lord of the Ring Review

Stu Hart: Lord of the Ring
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Stu Hart: Lord of the Ring Review"Stu Hart: Lord of the Ring" by Marsha Erb is the biography of wrestling legend and Hart Family patriarch Stu Hart. It chronicles Stu Hart's life from childhood up to the recent (November, 2001) passing of his wife Helen. In addition to chronicling his life, the story also chronicles a near 60 year history of professional wrestling, Canadian athletics and Canadian history. Overall, this book will appeal to wrestling fans, particularly fans of the Hart family, Stampede wrestling as well as fans of a great life's story. The travails and tribulations that Stu Hart overcame throughout his life, including his humble beginnings on the uncharted prairies of Western Canada are inspirational.
Among the topics covered in Stu's biography:
1.His childhood growing up as a pioneer farmboy on the prairies of Western Canada is a cold tent with his parents and two sisters.
2.His beginnings as an athlete as a teenager.
3.His time spent as an airplane mechanic and as a navy athletic director during WWII.
4.Tons of great stories about old-time wrestling and boxing greats as Stu moves to New York as a young man.
5.Stu's courting of Helen.
6.How Stu and Helen developed the Stampede territory.
7.Raising the 12 Hart kids from birth to adulthood and everything in between.
8.The tragedies of the Hart family.
9.The schism that divides the Hart family today.
Overall, the book is a great chronology of not only Stu's life, but the history of the Hart family, the Stampede territory as well as the history of modern pro-wrestling as well as a history of the development of modern Canada as seen through the eyes of this great, accomplished man Stu Hart. Erb gives a great account of the development of Stu's life from his pioneer days with his parents, through WWII and throughout the mid to late 1900s as he and his family developed Stampede wrestling. The book gives GREAT anecdotes about the HUNDREDS of great wrestlers that trained and/or worked Stu's territory of the years. Wrestling fans will appreciate this book.
In all, Erb weaves Stu Hart's illustrious life story into a great tale starting off from his humble beginnings and ending with one of his greatest accomplishments, being awarded the prestigious Order of Canada award. Stu Hart's life story will leave you amazed. He lived a full life. Amazing story.
Highest RecommendationStu Hart: Lord of the Ring OverviewStu Hart, the patriarch of modern-day wrestling, has battled, innovated, and entertained for more than half a century. This no-holds-barred account offers an insider's look at the first family of wrestling, from Hart's days in the ring to the careers of his sons Bret, now rising to the pinnacle of sports entertainment, and Owen, whose horrific accidental death in the ring led to a multimillion-dollar lawsuit. Some of the most formidable names in wrestling have begun their careers under Hart's tutelage, including Rowdy Roddy Piper, Jesse "The Body" Ventura, and Lance Storm. This biography explores the highs and lows of one of wrestling's most colorful and remarkable figures.

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Swimming with Piranhas: Surviving the Politics of Professional Wrestling Review

Swimming with Piranhas: Surviving the Politics of Professional Wrestling
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Swimming with Piranhas: Surviving the Politics of Professional Wrestling ReviewIf you have found this book you are probably a avid pro wrestling fan. You probably have purchased dozens of wrestling related books and like myself, are somewhat of a expert on the subject. It is hard for any of us to get excited about another "Tell All" story about the life of a wrestler. There are so many of these books out there that when one FINALLY comes around with a truly different story it really should spark some interest. I found this book at a local book store and figured I would give it a chance since Howard Brody isn't a wrestler at all... He is a former promotor and National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) President.
I couldn't be been more happy with my purchase. Howard has an amazing memory of his life's work. I've often wondered what it would be like working with the wrestlers and this story not only goes into detail vividly, but Howard also puts the reader right in the board room with the biggest promotors of the NWA during that time. You will hear what Bill Behrens, Dennis Coralluzzo and Tony Rumble were like behind closed doors. However, they really are tame compared to the crazy lifestyle of former UWF owner, Herb Abrams.
I guess what really made the book so special was that you could see Howard really tried to do the best job he could even at his personal expense. He was not above pointing the finger directly at himself which adds to his credibility. You will also see what a great man Hiro Matsuda really was. (Matsuda trained Hulk Hogan and Lex Luger among many others.)
I totally enjoyed this book. Howard is a terrific writer and I hope he will write some more wrestling related books. A+++ read!!
Scott PorterSwimming with Piranhas: Surviving the Politics of Professional Wrestling OverviewExposing wrestling's inner workings and back-office deal making, this memoir is a hard-hitting firsthand look at the sport from Howard Brody, one of its most controversial promoters. Beginning with how he became involved with professional wrestling and produced his first television program, it then focuses on his time as president of the National Wrestling Alliance and reveals the truth behind the rumors surrounding his departure from the organization. Brody's relationships with many of wrestling's most powerful and creative figures-Vince and Linda McMahon, Eric Bischoff, Paul Heyman, Tod Gordon, Antonio Inoki, Hiro Matsuda, the Funks, Dusty Rhodes, Jim Cornette, and Hulk Hogan-are discussed in detail, revealing many little-known details about the behind-the-scenes negotiations involved in booking and promoting shows. From dealing with building and talent managers to working with radio and television stations, Brody explains the nuances of booking promotions, discusses the nature of negotiating and selling wrestling to television networks and sponsors, and divulges fascinating details about many aspects of working in the wrestling business.

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