Product Description
For the first time wrestling coaches, wrestlers, and fans have access to the annals of American amateur wrestling. This is the most detailed chronicle ever written on the people and places that have made wrestling, history. Mike Chapman, award winning sports writer, author of four wrestling books, and former communications director for USA Wrestling, has compiled thousands of competition results, from the Olympics and the Junior Nationals to the Midlands. This book features tournament results, biographical profiles of NWHF legends, and a history of American wrestling from the 1600's. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A must for all wrestlers
Good book to have that provides a history of our sport. ... Read more

Product Description
En Trampeando Muerte, Robando Vida -- uno de los relatos más inspiradores de la lucha libre -- Eddie Guerrero cuenta su historia de una manera sorprendentemente franca, y nos presenta, con vívidos y sinceros detalles, su vida llena de sufrimientos y dolorosas experiencias personales.

Guerrero nació en el seno de la familia más famosa del entretenimiento deportivo en México. Su padre, Gory Guerrero, es un leyenda de la lucha libre mexicana. Antes de cumplir los veinte años de edad, Eddie ya luchaba en México. Muy pronto, dejó asombrados a los espectadores de la innovadora promoción del Extreme Championship Wrestling.

El World Championship Wrestling buscaba nuevos y originales talentos, y encontraron en el estilo único de Guerrero lo que deseaban. Por desgracia, la política administrativa de la WCW no le permitió destacarse tal y como se lo merecía. Ante la presión que los viajes constantes ponían en su vida, Eddie buscó consuelo en la diversión desenfrenada y el abuso de sustancias. Ni siquiera una serie de sobredosis de drogas y un accidente que casi le cuesta la vida pudieron hacer que cambiara su comportamiento. Cuando un grupo de luchadores decidió marcharse de la WCW, Guerrero también se fue y, junto a ellos, se unió a la World Wrestling Federation. Desafortunadamente, una inesperada lesión durante su primer encuentro lo mantuvo fuera del ring. Cuando regresó, Eddie formó pareja profesional con Chyna, lo cual lanzó su inolvidable personaje de Latino Heat.

Sin embargo, los años de vida al estilo de la lucha libre, las constantes parrandas nocturnas y sus frecuentes lesiones lo condujeron a hacerse adicto al alcohol y los calmantes para el dolor. Guerrero estuvo cuatro meses en un centro de rehabilitación. Lamentablemente, aún no había tocado fondo. Una recaída alcohólica trajo por consecuencia una condena por conducir embriagado y la pérdida de su empleo. Pero aunque lo había perdido todo -- su familia, su dinero, su trabajo -- , jamás se permitió perder su orgullo. Eddie regresó al circuito independiente, donde recobró su reputación como uno de los luchadores más electrizantes del ring. Guerrero buscó en lo más profundo de su propio ser y luchó para recobrar la vida que había perdido. Su viaje de autodescubrimiento reavivó su relación con Jesucristo, y le ayudó a encontrar paz y fortaleza en la Biblia.

Al poco tiempo, World Wrestling Entertainment le ofreció a Eddie una segunda oportunidad. Desde el instante de su regreso, fue evidente que había adquirido una nueva visión de la vida y una nueva pasión. Con su sobrino, Chavo Guerrero Jr., Eddie formó la enormemente exitosa pareja de Los Guerreros. Ambos se convirtieron en una de las atracciones más populares de la WWE. Al final, Eddie no sólo recuperó su vida, sino que sobrepasó sus sueños más descabellados: convertirse en Campeón de la WWE.

Trampeando Muerte, Robando Vida permite echar una mirada sin tapujos a lo que sucede entre telones en el mundo oculto de la lucha libre. También es el relato de la lucha privada de Guerrero, de un hijo atrapado bajo la imponente sombra de un padre y tres legendarios hermanos mayores, de un matrimonio que había estado al borde del abismo antes de renacer nuevamente. A lo largo de todo el libro, Eddie Guerrero no se anda con miramientos al revelar sus batallas contra la inseguridad y las tinieblas del espíritu. Finalmente, Trampeando Muerte, Robando Vida es un relato sobre la grandeza del valor y la redención personal. ... Read more

Product Description
Vacancy! Why Diesel REALLY Checked Out Of The Heartbreak Hotel, LEXercise - Working Out With Luger, Finally I Made It! Exclusive Interview With Todd Pettengill, Bret Goes Hollywood! Hit Man On the Set Of Lonesome Dove: The Series, and From Rookies to Legends - Aldo Montoya! ... Read more

Product Description

Disco Fury. Wrathchild. Bam-Bam Bambi. Ladies Choice. Gorgeous Michelle Starr. Welcome to the world of minor-league professional wrestling.

Over the years, professional wrestling has grown from a cult into one of the entertainment world’s most lucrative industries, creating megastars out of the likes of Chynna and The Rock. And for every superstar, there are hundreds of hopefuls across North America waiting in the wings, paying their dues and counting the days until they get the call to the big leagues.

One Ring Circus pays homage to the wrestling life: the sound and the fury and the die-hard fans who are often as colorful and outrageous as the wrestlers for whom they clamor. Photographer and author Brian Howell spent three years following the wrestling circuit, and this book of brilliant photographs and crisp narratives perfectly captures the visceral energy of a remarkable underground scene.

Includes more than one hundred black and white -photographs.

Brian Howell’s work has appeared in The Globe and Mail, the National Post, Saturday Night, and Geist and has been exhibited in New York City.

PHOTOGRAPHY + TEXT = PARALLAX

Parallax, a new series of books from Arsenal Pulp Press, explore the far reaches of the modern world, proposing new perspectives on how we see ourselves through the eyes and the words of our most intriguing photographers and writers.

Product Description
Strong, wiry, and lightweight, Donald seems to have the perfectcombination of physical attributes for wrestling. And after seeinga high school wrestling match, he’s excited to join Hudson City’smiddle-school team. The workouts are grueling, and he loses hisfirst few matches, but Donald’s most difficult obstacle is his temper.Can he channel it to work for him instead of against him?Packed with action and drama, this newest Winning Season bookfrom accomplished author Rich Wallace won’t disappoint. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent
I bought this book for my son because he wrestles.He loved the book and even did a report on it for school.He loved the excitement the author created.He wants to read the other books in the series-so I will be getting them for him. ... Read more

Product Description
A humorous and insightful look at the WWF and other professional wrestling groups over the past two years. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

By An "Expert", For The "Expert"
"The Tables Are All Broken" is the first wrestling book that I have seen that was written exclusively for the hardcore wrestling fan.It is generally comprised of three sections: Recaps, Parodies, and Insights.

The Recaps section does just that - re-lives writings that appeared in the Pro Wrestling Torch newsletter, from the last days of WCW to the current storylines (at the time) of the World Wrestling Federation (now World Wrestling Entertainment).While it is interesting to read some of the happenings of that time, this part of the book can wear on, especially if you're not really interested in things that happened years ago.

While the title may lead you to believe this book is all gloom and doom, it's actually just a reference to one of Pat's witty and enjoyable song re-writes that he's become well known for at the Pro Wrestling Torch Web site, and many of these are present in the Parodies. Pat is very good at these, and there are some immensely entertaining examples given here in the book.

The Insights are the part of the book I enjoyed the most.Pat writes in a style that does not assume that the reader is a moron, as is the case with many other wrestling columnists.Pat's columns are always informative and insightful, and they will help you to look at a topic or situation from all sides.This is the real meat and potatoes of the book - I just wish there was more of it.

If you're just a passive fan of wrestling, this may not be the book for you, but any hardcore fan should definately pick it up.I hope Pat's next book focuses more on his own insights and opinions.These are the insights which caused Rolling Stone magazine to label him the "Internet Smark Writer Of The Year", and I believe a full book of these would be extremely enjoyable for every type of wrestling fan.I eagerly look forward to his next book.

I only wish they had negative stars!!1
This is a horrible book. No flow to any of it.
It is just a bunch of old columns thrown together, despite outward appearences that would lead one to believe they were getting a book detailing the rise and fall of the recent wrestling scene.

The song paradies were terrible and there were lots of them.
There really was little to no substance to this book at all.
Go read Blassie's or Heenan's book for behind the scenes tales and fun stories. Go read Scott Kieth's book for match reviews.
Go read anything else if you just need to pass some time.

Perfectly Acceptable Wrestling Book
Okay, if you don't like McNeil, or the Pro Wrestling Torch, or you've already read all of this stuff before, you should probably skip the book.Some of it is even online now, if you know where to look.It remeinded me of Dave Barry's books, where he collects his old columns and slaps them together.

I hadn't read most of this before, and I thought it was entertaining.The song parody chapter is hysterical.McNeil should stick to comedy, and not be an analyst.The fake pay-per-view in the book with DDP getting murdered was also classic stuff.

The Torch should do another book like this one, except with Bruce Mitchell's columns.

This guy is no David Meltzer!
I expected some new content, but I'd read most of this before... it's cheaper than prining all his old articles and having it bound yourself, but... why would you want to? The guy can't write and this is the first bad wrestling book I have read. The first part of the book describes a couple of WCW Thunder programmes minute by minute - Goldberg said he wanted to win the title and then Sting was talking to Scott Steiner and then there was an ad break and... GRRRRRRRRR!!! Who wants to read 300 pages of fantasy booking from 2 years ago?? Dull, dull dull!!

This guy is such a geek and I feel like a schmuck for buying this crud!!Get the Dynamite Kid book or Meltzer's tributes instead! Or do yourself a favour and get the Figure 4 newsletter - written by someone with a little personality!! This book is DREADFUL. ... Read more

Product Description
When Andy Kaufman slapped Jerry "The King" Lawler and swore at him on Late Night with David Letterman, the two men and the legendary manager Jimmy Hart were the only people privy to the planned (and unplanned) elements of the row, as revealed in this autobiography of "The Mouth of the South." Beginning with stories from his days onboard Dick Clark's Caravan of Stars as a singer with the Gentrys, Jimmy Hart offers straight talk about stardom and his entrance into the wrestling arena as a manager. An insider's perspective on pro wrestling's most outrageous personalities and matches fills this celebration of the business and spectacle of such organizations as the World Wrestling Federation, World Championship Wrestling, Wrestle Xpress, and the Xtreme Wrestling Federation. Wrestling fans will relish these rarely told stories of insider upsets, personal victories, and unbelievable moments in the history of pro wrestling. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Excellent Read and Entertaining
This provides an excellent and entertaining read. He takes the reader along for a fun ride. Very good wrestling book!

review of Jimmy Hart's book
The book was insightful and covered over 20 yrs of wrestling history.It was clear that Jimmy is beholdin to Hulk so it was a bit sanitized, but interesting all the same. He really has nothing bad to say about anyone, which is, of course, a bit disappointing!

From music star to wrestling manager
I enjoyed reading this book. I found it to be good material. Having remembered seeing Jimmy Hart from early in his career I found many memories.

Greatest manager alive
Yeah, jimmy hart is the Greatest manager alive. But his book should have been written in 2 books. The early part of career in 1 and the Hulk hogan part in a another.I have watched him early in his career here in tennessee. He is great but the book aint so great, because of Hulk Hogan

Excellent shipment - just what I ordered
This book arrived in great condition and in the timeframe promised. ... Read more

Product Description

After proving his point, Ted DiBiase would laugh and fan out his large roll of hundreds, worsening the degradation of whoever had been foolish enough to accept his challenge or get in his way. Defeated opponents -- put to sleep with his Million Dollar Dream -- would have the added humiliation of awakening to discover that the Million Dollar Man had been stuffing bills down their throats. Winning match after match, yet no closer to the championship, DiBiase wanted the title, but he couldn't seem to win it. His solution: pay Andre the Giant to win the title, make sure the referee was also "taken care of," and then have Andre hand the championship title over to him.

True to his taunt, the Million Dollar Man had gotten his way, and Ted DiBiase became the most hated person in sports entertainment.

Making his way to the top of the profession that he had loved since he was a child, Ted DiBiase never did anything by half measures. He couldn't, because the men he respected and worked side by side with expected that "Iron" Mike's kid would give his all. And each day while on the road learning what it was to be a wrestler, Ted remembered how his father had taught him to give his all every time. It was how his father lived -- and how he lost his life, dying during a wrestling match while Ted was still a boy.

From the dusty roads of Texas to the bayous of Louisiana, Ted moved from one wrestling promotion to another -- sometimes a babyface, other times a heel. He learned how to tell a story and how to draw the fans in, both inside and outside the ring. In 1987, Vince McMahon had an idea for a new character, the Million Dollar Man, and one person came to mind: Ted DiBiase. For nearly a decade, fans waited to see just how Ted could prove his adage that "Everyone's got a price." When he was sidelined by a neck injury, DiBiase started a second wrestling career, as a manager. He managed some of the biggest stars: Bam Bam Bigelow, King Kong Bundy, and a very green wrestler, the Ringmaster (who would later be known as Stone Cold Steve Austin).

Ted DiBiase, the Million Dollar Man, is fondly remembered by wrestling fans for his style and his command of the ring. This is the inside glimpse of three decades inside and outside the squared circle. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

very basic
This is the basic story of ted dibiase. Where he grew up, hoe he got into and finally out of wrestling. Ted seemed to get along with everyone. No stories of hatred, real life feuds, etc. He mentions he tended to drink too much and briefly mentions an affair and he was a little egotistical at the peak of his million dollar man gimmick. That's about it. Pretty bland. the writing style is seems to be geared to very intermediate readers. Spend your $$ on the Bret Hart book, or even the flair book, way more engaging reads.

Former wrestling fan enjoys book
I originally bought this book to save money on shipping, but it was really entertaining.I used to watch wrestling around 20 years ago, I wondered what the million dollar man really like.
Reading this book I learned about the constant travel and respect for the wrestling business.I also learned about Ted Diabase the person.I would recommend this book to anyone who knows who Ted Diabase is, you don't have to be a wrestling fan to enjoy this one.
Remember don't cheat, don't steal and don't lie

Great bgok!
As a huge fan of Ted, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and his honesty.He was always one of my favorite characters and he's extremely easy on the eyes.

Kind of a let down
A pretty easy read but it contained a lot of errors that should have been caught by the editor.
Ted is one of the greatest wrestlers of all time and a great promo man so I was expecting just a little more from him.I just felt the book was missing something.

A must read
The DiBiase that writes this book and the one who was the perrenial bad guy in the 80's and 90's aretwo different people.I am a pro wrestler myself and it is good to know that with all of the garbage that goes on in the business, a man can actually change for the better.Ted talks about the territories and the old days and does it with class that doesn't sound forced.

Even though it is a WWE book, it does come off honest.Highly recommended. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good, but uneven.
This is a book for the Professional Wrestling Historian. Jack Laskin wrestled from the late-forties to the late sixties.
His is a book of the territorial, kayfabe days of Profesional Wrestling.

Laskin tells many road stories and locker room stories. Most are entertaining. The book is patchy and it is often hard to find a timeline of events. Laskin comes off as a bit "preachy".
This is not surprising considering
that Laskin is now employed as a lay rabbi.

My biggest complaint with the book is that Laskin falls in and out of Kayfabe (Kayfabe is a language and an honor code that
wrestlers used for decades to hide the more "theatrical" aspects of their business). At times, Laskin gives you a true inside look at the business-especially in his opinions about San Francisco wrestler/promoter Roy Shire. Other times, Laskin tries to convince the reader that everyuthing done in his professional was completely legit, and not pre-determined.

The book is inconsistent, but entertaining. I reccomend the book only to the long-time fan or historian. The passive fan,
or WWE fan would not enjoy this book. ... Read more

Product Description
At the age of eighteen, Chad Rowan left his home in rural Hawai‘i for Tokyo with visions of becoming a star athlete in Japan’s national sport, sumo. But upon his arrival he was shocked less by the city crowds and the winter cold than by having to scrub toilets and answer to fifteen-year-olds who had preceded him at the sumo beya. Rowan spoke no Japanese. Of Japanese culture, he knew only what little his father, a former tour bus driver in Hawai‘i, had been able to tell him as they drove to the airport. And he had never before set foot in a sumo ring.

Five years later, against the backdrop of rising U.S.–Japan economic tension, Rowan became the first gaijin (non-Japanese) to advance to sumo’s top rank, yokozuna. His historic promotion was more a cultural accomplishment than an athletic one, since yokozuna are expected to embody highly prized Japanese values such as hard work, patience, strength, and hinkaku, a special kind of dignity thought to be available only to Japanese. He was promoted ahead of his two main rivals, the brothers Koji and Masaru Hanada, who had been raised in the sumo beya run by their father, the former sumo great Takanohana I. Perhaps the defining moment of the gaijin’s unique success occurred at the 1998 Nagano Olympics, when Rowan, chosen to personify "Japanese" to one of the largest television audiences in history, performed a sacred sumo ritual at the opening ceremony.

Gaijin Yokozuna chronicles the events leading to that improbable scene at Nagano and beyond, tracing Rowan’s life from his Hawai‘i upbringing to his 2001 retirement ceremony. Along the way it briefly examines the careers of two Hawai‘i-born sumotori who paved the way for Rowan, Jesse Kuhaulua (Takamiyama) and Salevaa Atisanoe (Konishiki). The author shares stories from family members, coaches, friends, fellow sumo competitors, and of course Rowan himself, whom he accompanied on three Japan-wide exhibition tours. The work is further informed by volumes of secondary source material on sumo, Japanese culture, and local Hawai‘i culture. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Nice Sumo biography
There are very few books on Sumo out there and I was excited to find this one. It gives you an interesting insight into Sumo and was worth reading for Sumo lovers. Most people outside Sumo think of it as overweight people bouncing against each other but the guys are excellent athletes who train very hard.

Gaijin Yokozuna
If you're an American interested in Sumo, then you will find this fascinating.That brief time when 3 Hawaiians were in the top ranks of the sport is well documented.

Lucid, well-paced, thorough and fun!
A great read from start to finish.Paints a vivid picture not only of Chad Rowan, but also of life in Hawaii, Japan and life on the sumo "circuit".It's a niche topic, for sure, but those who discover this book by accident or intentionally will be very pleased they did so.Polished writing, interesting subject - you can't lose! ... Read more

Product Description
Eric Bischoff has been called pro wrestling's most hated man. Booed, reviled, and burned in effigy, he's been struck by everything from beer bottles to fists. Though industry critics have scorned his spectacular rise and fall at World Championship Wrestling, Bischoff's influence still resonates. For years, Bischoff kept quiet while industry "pundits" distorted the truth about the infamous Monday Night Wars, basing their accounts on rumors and innuendo. Finally, Bischoff tells what really happened.

Beginning with his days as a salesman for the American Wrestling Association, Bischoff exposes the industry's inner workings, from the real numbers behind WCW's red ink to the devastating impact of the corporate mergers. Among his revelations: How WCW became a national brand and revolutionized the industry. How Hulk Hogan, Jesse Ventura, and Steve Austin shaped WCW, and how corporate politics killed it. And how he found his inner heel and learned to love being the guy everyone loves to despise.

Reflecting on his childhood, his family, and the pressures of notoriety, Bischoff tells how he found contentment after being unceremoniously "sent home." Love him or hate him, readers will never look at pro wrestling the same way again after reading Eric Bischoff's story in Controversy Creates Cash. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (61)

Very Interesting
I found this very interesting. He admitted to the many mistakes he
made that helped bury WCW. That is one thing wrestling autobiographies don't usually say. It was nice to find out that the
only reason they got rid of Brian Pillman was because they had taken
his gimmick as far as they could have taken it. He also said that
he didn't steal the ECW talent, they came over to WCW because they
needed a regular paycheck. People like Benoit, Guerrero, Malenko,
Saturn, Awesome and others needed the money. It was nice to hear
him say that he and Austin had forgiven each other for the way SA
was fired. All in All, a very interesting read for any wrestling fan
who wants to get the truth from the Horses mouth.

A VERY GOOD JOB
I AM NOT A BIG ERIC BISCHOFF FAN BUT HIS BOOK IS WELL WORTH READING. I DID NOT WANT TO PUT IT DOWN AND ENDED UP FINISHING IT IN 3 DAYS. HE REHASHES HIS DAYS IN THE NWA, AWA, WCW AND FINALLY WWE. FOR ME THE MOST INTERESTING PART WAS CONCERNING THE BATTLE BETWEEN NITO AND RAW FOR MORE THAN A FEW YEARS THIS WAS A CLASH OF THE TITANS. ERIC TELLS OF THE RISE TO THE TOP AND HOW IT WAS ACHIEVED. THEN THE PARADOX AS NITRO FELL FROM GRACE DUE TO BEING STAGNENT, ADDING ANOTHER SHOW DURING THE WEEK, BUDGET CUTS AND A CHANGE OVER WHEN AOL AND TIME WARNER TOOK OVER. NOW THIS ERIC'S VIEW OF WHAT WENT DOWN. I HAVE READ MANY OTHER REASONS AND OPINIONS WHY WCW FOLDED AND ALL OF THEM CONTRIBUTED TO IT'S DEATH. IF YOU WERE A WRESTLING FAN DURING THE 1990'S AND STILL ARE TODAY THEN THIS A GREAT READ FOR THE YOUNGER FANS ALONG WITH THE OLDER FANS WHO HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING FOR A FEW DECADES. WORTH IT.

nice read
a nice read. i love wwe and like to know a little back room stories

Great book
This was a very insightful book on Bischoff, a definite must read if your looking for something to read on the monday night wars and the rise and fall of wcw and his career.

The Inside Story
This was one of the best books I've read in a long time but that may be because I watched the "Monday Night Ratings Battle" between WWE and WCW. The best part of the book is that Bischoff really lets you see his personality and who he is throughout the book. You get the feeling he is writing this with no holds barred and letting you into the perspective he has on the whole business. He even clears up (from his point of view) controversial issues such as the firing of Steve Austin from WCW which has been told a lot of different ways throughout the years. He also talks of some of the guys he respects, who he's had problems with, and how him and Vince got together and worked together for those few years after WCW we bought out. I really liked how just about every chapter was interesting fora wrestling fan. The book is written with a great flow and is what I call and easy read. It's not the controversial read it claims to be, it's more of an honest record of what actually happened.recommend this to any wrestling fan who knows the story of WWE/WCW and wants the details from someone who was right in the middle of it. ... Read more

Product Description
At seven-foot-five, four hundred and fifty pounds, André the Giant was a living, breathing legend -- a behemoth taking on all comers. Billed as "the Eighth Wonder of the World," he was the greatest attraction in sports entertainment and one of the most famous athletes in the world.

André the Giant: A Legendary Life is the story of how his enormous charisma and undeniable presence aided World Wrestling Federation'sexplosive rise to the forefront of popular culture. André's battles with such rivals as Ernie Ladd, Killer Khan, Big John Studd, Jake "The Snake" Roberts,and Randy "Macho Man" Savage are certifiable classics, while his epic WrestleMania III match with Hulk Hogan -- before 93,000 -- still holds the record for largest attendance.

Outside the ring, André Roussimoff was equally formidable -- his voluminous appetite for life is the stuff of legends. Moreover, André was among the first wrestlers to cross over into pop superstardom with roles in such television series as The Six Million Dollar Man and films like The Princess Bride.

André's incredible tale is told through his most memorable matches, with reminiscences and recollections from the people closest to him. In addition to blow-by-blow analysis of his greatest in-ring triumphs, author Michael Krugman takes us behind the curtain to see how this amazing athlete struggled with his size and his stardom, as well as his fight with crippling pain caused by both his profession and the disease that made him who he was.

André the Giant: A Legendary Life is the true-life tall tale of one of the most influential and adored Superstars in sports entertainment history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Disappointing!
I just finished reading Andre The Giant. I was expecting behind the scenes reading not a blow by blow description of Andre's wrestling matches. The few times behind the scenes was discussed by friends of Andre and fellow WWE wrestlers was few and far between which is a shame because they were indeed the only interesting parts of the book. Anybody considering purchasing this book, think again. Wait until it is available in your local library and then leave it on the shelf!

Michael Krugman manages to reduce a monumental athlete to a monumental bore
I made it through 83 pages of Andre the Giant: A Legendary Life, a 343-page bibliographic embarrassment in which author/embarrassee Michael Krugman manages to reduce a monumental athlete to a monumental bore.

The vast majority of Krugman's book (okay, I skimmed the rest) consists of play-by-play accounts of Andre the Giant's wrestling matches, which bleed together into one deeply uninteresting match (e.g., "Andre kicks back in the far corner, and then gets into an exchange with Tony Atlas. Bob Boyer runs at Andre, who gets a boot up and puts him down. Andre lies down on Boyer.")

I suspect that Vince McMahon locked Krugman in a room containing a TV, a VCR and a 10-foot-high pile of Andre the Giant VHS tapes and told him, "I'll unlock the door once you turn these tapes into an Andre the Giant biography."

"A biography?" Krugman replied. "But I don't know anything about Andre's life--just what I've read on Wikipedia and Andrethegiant.com."
"You've got until Saturday," McMahon said. "Now get started or I'll have Big Show come in here and choke-slam you."

How little does Krugman know about Andre's life? Let me give you an example: Here's all that Krugman had to say about Andre's education: "Andre loved going to school, especially the social aspect of being around people." Really--that's the only sentence on the topic; by the next paragraph, Andre has already grown and become a professional wrestler. (And come on ... are we really supposed to believe the other children in Andre's school didn't mock him for his gigantism?)

Part of me wanted to finish A Legendary Life to see how many times the phrase "larger than life--both literally and figuratively" came up (twice by Page 83). But I'd rather endure a Big Show choke-slam than the rest of this book.

Loved it
Really good book on the life of an icon. I enjoyed the description of the matches and how quotes are included.

Without a Doubt the WORST Wrestling Book I Have Ever Read
This was a total waste of money. All he did was interview a dozen peopleor so which comprised 10% of the book and give a blow by blow account of all of Andre's significant matches which account for the other 90%. There is nothing in this book that you can"t get off Wikipedia. I have literally read every autobiography and biography ever written on a wrestler. This is without a doubt the worst. Krugman, if you are reading this I will never, ever waste a dime on one of your books.

Not what I thought it would be.
This book was not what I expected.I would have preferred an actual biography about the Giant's life, instead I got play by play of all his matches.There is some background to his feuds and quotes from other wrestlers but you have to read through his matches to get to them.

I am not a huge wrestling fan but enjoyed it when I was younger.If your looking for behind the scenes information then this book is not for you. ... Read more

Product Description
Jerry Lawler is hailed as one of sports-entertainment's most enduring and colorful characters. His life has been filled with hilarious, never-been-told stories...until now! His reign consists of thirteen championships (one of which he's held more than forty times), three marriages, and two children. He's dominated Memphis radio and television airwaves. Starred in feature films. Recorded albums. Tolerated countless sprains, broken bones, concussions, and contusions. The way Jerry "The King" Lawler tells it, if you're good at something, do it more than once.

It's Good To Be The King...Sometimes is a no-holds-barred personal account from the "puppies"-pantin' King of one-liners, who steps out from behind the announcer's desk of WWE Raw to hold court about everything. His passion for art that first drew him to the ring of a rundown West Memphis movie theater over thirty years ago. The comic adventures and tragic bumps endured journeying down the "Music Highway" of Interstate 40 with the National Wrestling Alliance. Earning his royal personage in the Bluff City of the Mighty Mississippi against his own mentor, "Fabulous" Jackie Fargo. Grappling with mat legends Ric Flair, Lou Thesz, Jesse Ventura, Andre the Giant, Terry Funk, and Bret "Hitman" Hart. And his crowning achievements as co-ruler of the United States Wrestling Association, which contributed to the rise of future WWE Superstars Hulk Hogan, Undertaker, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and The Rock.

It's time you lackeys pay heed as the King reveals the schemes and outrageous storylines to many of wrestling's most fantastic theatrics and all-too-real moments. Lawler tells of his legendary "feud" with Andy Kaufman, and his much-publicized confrontation with the actor portraying the late comedian on the set of Man on the Moon, and the "Karate-versus-Wrestling" match that almost occurred between Lawler and Memphis's other King. And be sure to honor his royal proclamations regarding former wives, and his mother's opinion of wrestling; why he once sued future boss Vince McMahon...and won; and the body part he truly worships on a WWE Diva. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (39)

Entertaining, amusing but sad at the end.
This is a highly entertaining look at one of the greatest wrestling stars of all time. Jerry The King Lawler is a legend in Memphis and tells us how he got to that level in this book.

There are a number of amusing stories and he tells numerous anecdotes and one-liners that will bring a chuckle.

The serious element of the book about the pain that Jerry felt when his third wife left him and his search for a new partner does make the book end on a sour note though. I just hope he writes a sequel in the future.

Very entertaining, but short.
I have enjoyed listening to this 2 cd set multiple times, especially for the insight into Mr. Lawler's work with Andy Kaufman, it's a great story.

I was surprised, however, when I found the book at the library and realized this could have been a 4-5 disc set.There's definitely a lot more to the story.

Jerry's reading is wonderful as he shows just the right amount of emotion in the appropriate places.

Very enjoyable all around, but hey, how about vol.2!

A VERY NICE READ
THIS IS THE STORY OF JERRY LAWLER PRO WRESTLER. JERRY TELL US ALOT ABOUT HIMSELF AND THE WORLD PRO WRESTLING. AMONG HIS MANY STORIES HE TELLS US ARE ABOUT VINCE MCMAHON, HIS FORMER WIFES AND HIS SEXCAPADES. I LIKED THIS BOOK AND RECOMMEND IT TO ALL WRESTLING FANS. IT IS A BIT LONG BUT ENJOYABLE.

Review of the Audio CD version
It feels heavily abridged......they should have went with a 3 or 4 disk set. But still, it is entertaining and another great Amazon purchase.

I Love The King
I became a fan of Jerry Lawler since 1998.He's the greatest wrestler of all time in my book.And I love this book and I love his one liner jokes.This book talks about his wrestling career, and sex.I Love It. ... Read more

Product Description
Inside The Ultimate Wrestling Guide you will discover:

--The History of Wrestling

--Defining Different Wrestling Styles

--Exploring High School Wrestling

--College Wrestling

--Amateur Wrestling

--Professional Wrestling

--Olympic Wrestling

--Wrestling Gear, Shoes and Equipment

--Wrestling Basics - Stance, Penetration, Lifting, etc.

--Takedowns

--Escapes & Reversals

--Breakdowns, Rides and Pinning Combos

--Escapes

--Reversals

--Freestyle Turns


... Read more

Product Description
Some admirers have called Gene LeBell, a.k.a. "The Toughest Man Alive," the deadliest man on the planet. His wife says Sarcastically, "He's just from another world." LeBell wears many hats, having grown up in boxing and wrestling gyms around the world and spending a lifetime studying many of the different martial arts. LeBell has won national judo championships, wrestled professionally for over 20 successful years, announced professional wrestling on television for 15 years, and refereed professional boxing and wrestling matches all over the world. The Godfather of Grappling tells the amazing story of this grappling master, who has also been a TV and movie actor and a top Hollywood stuntman for more than half a century. Featuring forewords by "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Chuck Norris, just two of the many celebrities he counts as friends, and packed with dozens of photos and illustrations, The Godfather of Grappling is an inspirational tale sure to entertain fans of professional wrestling, the martial arts, movies, television, and just about anything else Gene LeBell has taken on during his storied career. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

cooler Typ

Hier bewerte ich den Autor natürlich mit, da es um sein Leben geht. Das Buch beschreibt gut den Gene LeBell, wie ich ihn "kenne". Er ist einer härtesten Kämpfer und sympathischsten Typen gleichzeitig. Ein Mann ohne Allüren. Ein Gott in Pink sollte ich sagen, was auf seinen ausgezeichneten Humor hinweist. Wer sich mit der Geschichte der Kampfkunst beschäftigt, kommt an diesem Buch nicht vorbei.

A great read!
Gene LaBell is a man that has done more than most. He was around and part of the growth of combat sports in the United States. Gene is a great story teller and has a playful, teasing and self effacing wit. Sometimes it's a little difficult to know when he is being truthful and when he's pulling your leg but its always fun. Gene was tough when men were men and sheep were afraid. (Just kidding Gene!) One thing that is very true is that he was in the first televised MMA fight in history. Some called it "The day Gene LeBell saved martial arts". His life is a great story.
One thing that caught me by surprise on several occasions was how moving his narration could be. This book is worth every penny and then some. It has the earmark of all really good books, it makes you want to read it again.

JUDO'S CLOWN PRINCE
When I call Gene LeBell the "clown prince of judo" it's done with the utmost of respect.The man's record speaks for itself.And I can't recommend this book enough.LeBell's stories about his days as a competitive judoka,professional wrestler and Hollywood stuntman are both fun and fascinating.As are his tales of his schooldays and service in the Coast Guard.Especially interesting are Judo Gene's recollections about his judo vs. boxing challenge match against light-heavyweight contender Milo Savage.A bout some people consider the forerunner to today's MMA matches.Another part of the book that I found particularly interesting was his relationship with the late George Reeves,television's original Superman.Heck,I would have probally bought this book just for the photo of Gene posing in his Mr.Kryptonite costume alongside Reeves as Superman.I would love to have seen these two grappling on their personal appearance tours with Reeves' television co-star Noel Neil.You'll also find interesting stories about Elvis Presley and Bruce Lee here. This is a great read and anyone who is a martial arts enthusiast should own a copy.However keep your distance from the book THE TOUGHEST MAN ALIVE which is nothing more than an unauthorized copy of this book.

A true grappling and martial arts master whose story is a must read.
As a life time student of the martial arts one of my regrets is never having met or trained with Gene LeBell; however, I have read and studied all his books and read every article I could lay my hands on about this extraordinary martial artist. This authorized biography is interesting, entertaining and highly informative.A short forward was written by Rowdy Roddy Piper, a professional wrestler and karate expert/movie hero Chuck Norris.This fantastic book has nineteen chapters covering many of the highlights in Gene LeBell's action filled life.This is a man who grew up with boxing and wrestling all his life.In conclusion, this is a book that should be in every martial artist's personal library.Rating: 5 stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: The Monadnock Defensive Tactics System, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques, Season of the Warrior).

The Man!
Fantstic read. I wish a few rumors had been covered in this book. I guess the legal stuff keeps him from doing so thought.
Any fan of wrestling or martial arts should read about this man.
... Read more

Product Description
Born Darren Matthews, by the age of 15 Regal was taking on allcomers in a Blackpool fairground wrestling booth. He travelled the world and fought the old-time favourites loved by millions of Brits: Giant Haystacks, Big Daddy and Kendo Nagasaki. Soon the glitzy world of US professional wrestling beckoned -- and that's where his life fell apart. By day he was wowing crowds with his encyclopaedic knowledge of the wrestler's art and a toff's act guaranteed to get fans hot under the collar. By night he was guzzling any kind of drug he could get his hands on -- and blotting out his problems with booze. In 2003 Regal suffered a heart attack which almost ended his life -- never mind his career. Yet autumn 2004 sees his triumphant return to the ring. With an unsentimental eye, he recalls just how he pulled himself back from the brink of destruction. He describes life on the road with World Wrestling Entertainment -- the biggest showbiz juggernaut this business has every known.And he reveals how he's battled back to become one of the best loved, and hated figures in the colourful world of sports entertainment. There's even a few juggling midgets thrown in for good measure. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Couldn't be happier
If you are a fan of wrestling this book is a must have!!! The book is the telling the story of William Regal,one of, if not the best technical wrestler in the world! Story is funny and very insightful all the while taking readers through a journey through England. This book is very hard to find in book stores and I was lucky enough to find it here. I couldn't be happier, the book was in perfect near mint condition and shipped very fast!!!!!

One of the Best Wrestler Autobiographies
William Regal has quite literally been around the world during his career as a professional wrestler, and this book covers the highs and lows of the entire process.

From his start as a skinny kid wrestling in Blackpool to his current status as a WWE Superstar, Regal's story is highlighted by stories about the behind the scenes world of wrestling: some of it hilarious, some interesting, and some heart-breaking.

Regal also deals candidly with his alcohol and drug problems and all the pain it caused him. This is perhaps the most engaging part of the story: Regal pulls no punches in discussing the pain he put his family through and how he nearly lost his life because of his addictions.

Highly recommended if you're a wrestling fan or looking for books on the real-life impact of alcohol and drug dependency.

Are you people serious!
I can't believe people on here are actually saying this is a good book...it is not...do not believe them.A few people I know have read this book and we all agreed after...its boring as hell...that and every story ends with..."and I goit high" and some drug tie in, it was like ok we get it your the Brit Jake Roberts.Just not a good read.I remember thinking...WWE must be running out of guys to write books about.

Should be on Howard Stern...
I could not believe the life the man has led. The book touches the soul of the wrestling fan by getting you behind the scenes, but the drug addiction is the true story. This guy should be on Howard Stern. He takes you through the inebriated days of drugs and booze where many times he had no idea of what he had done, but when you find out, you'll be appalled, shocked, and actually feel bad for the guy. I've read many wrestling books, this one is pretty good. He's very honest and not like the Lord Steve Regal at all. More like your every day junky....who survived and thrived.

A VERY REGAL READ
WILLIAM REGAL DOES A GREAT JOB IN THIS MUST READ BOOK FOR ALL WRESTLING FANS. ORIGINALLY FROM ENGLAND, HIS REAL NAME IS DARREN MATHEWS. WILLIAM TELLS US OF HIS EARLY LIFE IN THE UK AS A WRESTLER AND FROM THERE HE TELL US IN DETAIL HOW HIS LIFE SPIRALED DOWN AND DOWN. HE BECAME ADDICTED TO PAIN KILLERS, BOOZE AND SOME REAL HARD CORE DRUGS. AS A RECOVERING ALCOHOLIC I CAN RELATE TO HIS FEELINGS AND THOUGHTS. HIS VERY FRIGHTENING AND DANGEROUS JOURNEY IS WELL DOCUMENTED AND QUITE HONEST. IN AND OUT OF REHAB BECAUSE OF DENIAL AND A VERY DANGEROUS AND DESTRUCTIVE MIND WILLIAM IS SO BLESSED TO BE ALIVE TO TELL HIS STORY. I FOUND HIS STORY TO BE BOTH QUITE GRIPPING AND TOTALLY WORTH READING. HIS STORY WOULD BE A GREAT READ FOR ALL WHO HAVE ADDICITION PROBLEMS AND ALL WHO ENJOY HIM PERFORM IN THE WRESTLING WORLD. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. ... Read more

Product Description
Few athletes can match the intensity that wrestlers bring to the mat. As a wrestling official, you’re expected to bring that same intensity to your craft. That means knowing not only the rules but also the mechanics for applying them. Officiating Wrestling breaks down the mechanics of officiating the sport to ensure that you’re in the right place at the right time to make the right call.

Based on officiating mechanics devised and endorsed by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), Officiating Wrestling is the definitive guide for new and experienced high school wrestling officials. Included are guidelines for what’s expected of you as a wrestling official, officiating procedures and responsibilities, pre- and postmatch duties, and equipment and safety regulations.

Several chapters are dedicated to mechanics, supported by more than 100 photos and illustrations showing positioning, mechanics, and signals. Real-life cases demonstrate correct rulings, point out common officiating errors and how to avoid them, and challenge you to make the right call in match situations. A glossary of key wrestling terms is also included. Officiating Wrestling is not a rules book--it’s a practical resource for implementing correct mechanics as developed and approved by the NFHS.

An added bonus is a special section explaining freestyle for both men and women, as well as Greco-Roman, and the differences between these styles and folkstyle wrestling. ... Read more

Product Description
They were World Heavyweight Champions: Bob Backlund, Superstar Billy Graham, and Bruno Sammartino. They were fan favorites: "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka, Chief Jay Strongbow, and Andre the Giant. They were the villains everyone loved to hate: Killer Kowalski, Ernie Ladd, and the Fabulous Moolah. They were ethnic heroes, someone just like you that you could cheer for: Ivan Putski, Pedro Morales, Peter Maivia. They were the stars that shined the brightest, and left an indelible mark on the memories of countless fans.

In a time when professional wrestling was divided into territories, no place created bigger Superstars than World Wrestling Entertainment. From the company's centerpiece in Madison Square Garden, legends were born.

WWE Legends is the every fan's guide to the legends of the ring. They are all in here, from Andre the Giant to George "the Animal" Steele, with quick stats and descriptions of their most famous matches. No true wrestling fan should be without this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

GREAT NOSTALGIA
WWE LEGENDS IS A GREAT READ FOR ALL FANS, BUT MOSTLY FOR FANS OLD ENOUGH TO REMEMBER THE 1960'S TO PRESENT DAY. MANY MANY PERFORMERS ARE COVERED IN A SHORT CHAPTER OF THEIR OWN. IT COVERS THE WRESTLER'S REAL NAME, A BIT OF BIOGRAPHY, TITLES HELD IF ANY, A BRIEF BUT DETAILED SUMMARY OF THEIR CAREER AND WHERE THEY ARE TODAY. (IF STILL LIVING)IT COVERS ANDRE, NATURE BOY, IRON SHEIK, SARGE AND MANY MANY MORE. IT BROUGHT BACK SOME GREAT MEMORIES WHEN AS A CHILD, I THOUGHT IT WAS ALL FOR REAL. I RECOMMEND THIS IF YOU WANT A GREAT READ FOR OLD TIME WRESTLING, WWE STYLE.

WRESTLING BEFORE THE HULK ERA
Excellent overview of wrestling in the years prior to the HULK era.My only major complaint is that at the time,the AWA and the NWA also had great wrestlers who deserved to be there.Wrestling was not limited to one organization who controlled everything.I, like many remember a time when we could have three great champions:BACKLUND,RACE and BOCKWINCKEL, who could actually fights against one another once in a while.If there is a dvd i look forward to buy,it's the legacy of the AWA.But enough about the negative side,this book is worth buying for many reasons.First,you'll learn many things you probably didn't know,even if the bios are short.The pioneers like ROCCA,ROGERS,KOWALSKI and SAMMARTINO certainly deserved their reputations.Stories about the inside of the business is also very interesting.And finally this book is sold at a good price.

A classic history of wrestling
This book has a terrific premise -- short biographical articles on wrestling's major figures before the Hulk Hogan era.They're all here: Bruno Sammartino, Billy Graham, Superfly Snuka, Classy Freddie Blassie -- even the Rock's dad, Rocky Johnson.This well written book is thoroughly researched and filled with little known facts and fascinating stories -- even interviews with many of the Legends themselves.Particularly illuminating are the articles on Vince McMahon Sr. and Toots Mondt, who started the WWE.This is a top-notch book, a must-have for not only today's wrestling fans, but also those of us who enjoy reliving its glory days and learning more about its history.Highly recommended.

Good...but incomplete
This book is a sound introduction to the "backyard days" of pro wrestling -- the days before it was the ellaborate, mainstream entertainment spectacular that it has become nowadays.The book chronicles the days (and the stars) when professional wrestling was divided into different territories, long before the WWE became the monopoly company that most people know it to be.

Long-time fans will appreciate the depth the book goes into regarding superstars from the 1960s (and all the way up to the mid 1980s), and even casual fans will learn a thing or two about wrestling's long and storied history.

It's no doubt that this book has been researched well and laid out in a very organized, easy-to-understand fashion.However, one of the notable flaws is that Hulk Hogan, arguably wrestling's biggest star (and "legend") of all-time, does not get his own specific profile (unlike lesser-known stars like Superfly Jimmy Snuka or Srgt. Slaughter).This error is perplexing, as it can be likened to a book on the "Legends of Baseball" omitting Babe Ruth. Hogan is only mentioned in passing, while he deserves perhaps more pages than any other wrestler of the time.Moreover, it's even more perplexing since Hogan was pivotal in catapulting wrestling into the boom of the 1980s.

All in all, this book is an enjoyable read.But hardly as comprehensive as it claims to be. ... Read more

Product Description

Desire. Ruthless aggression. Attitude. Respect. New blood. Returning legends. Departing heroes. Icon vs. Icon. The Draft. Separate camps. Unified titles. An Undisputed Championship. Same-sex weddings. Broken vows. Three minutes. One last run. World Wrestling Entertainment™ entered 2002 with a Royal Rumble,® and left it with the Armageddon™-like force of an F-5 hurricane.

This is your ringside seat to the defining moments of the past twelve months. Relive the greatest matches of every Raw,® SmackDown!® and WWE™ Pay-Per-View in 2002, including WrestleMania™ X8, SummerSlam® and Survivor Series, as well as U.K. exclusives Insurrextion™ and Rebellion™. Submit to the finishing moves of WWE Superstars like The Rock,® Hollywood Hulk Hogan,™ Undertaker,® Triple H,™ Kurt Angle,™ Ric Flair,™ Rob Van Dam,™ and Brock Lesnar.™

This is your premier backstage pass, recapping events beyond the confines of the squared circle in 2002. Witness the corporate machinations of Mr. Vince McMahon,™ Ric Flair, Eric Bischoff™ and Stephanie McMahon™ as they wrestled for WWE dominance. Stripped down to the bare essentials are the Divas Trish Stratus,™ Torrie Wilson,™ and Stacy Keibler.™ Review the WWE owner's Confidential™ words over Stone Cold Steve Austin™'s sudden exit from the organization.

You travel first class all the way as The World Wrestling Entertainment Yearbook 2003 Edition jets to the best venues across the United States, Canada, Europe, and the rest of the world. Get the celluloid facts from Tinseltown behind The Rock's blockbuster film The Scorpion King. Avoid a beatdown from Chris Jericho® while getting the music lowdown on his band Fozzy, last summer's Ozzyfest tour and numerous WWE CD compilations. Take part in the "SmackDown! Your Vote™" campaign trail, along with last year's other fundraisers and events that established the WWE as more than the undisputed leader in sports entertainment.

It's time to put on the T-shirt of a favorite WWE Superstar, grab some snacks, pull up a steel chair and wooden table, and experience The WWE Yearbook 2003 Edition. Just don't read it under a ladder. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Great but slow shipping
It's an amazing book, detailing everything that happened in the WWE in 2002, the only reason I didnt give it 5 stars is because it took almost two full weeks to get here

Take a look at 2002
I great read on the year of 2002 of wrestling.This has everything thing that happened within the year of 2002.It goes to pay-per-view to pay-per-view and laying out how all the story lines developed week to week.This is a great bookd if you want to know how everything was laid out and done.

makes me wanna wrassle
Not that I'm a huge fan of sweaty men in tights, but Mr. McAvennie totally captures the essence of the ring. A truly worthwhile read for any wrestling fan, and a pleasant diversion for the casual observer. Bring on the smackdown!

BRILLIANTFANTASTIC
THIS BOOK IS ONE OF THE BEST WRESTLING BOOKS I'VE EVER READ.IT HAS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WWE AND MORE!!!THE WRITING IS BRILLIANT THE PHOTOS ARE GREAT AND ALL THE INFORMATION ON EACH WRESTLER IS THERE

THIS IS A DEFINITE BUY FOR ANYONE WHO CALLS THEMSELVES A WRESTLING FAN.

Yearbook of the year!!! A must-buy for wrestling fans!!
A thoroughly comprehension year-in-review of almost every aspect of the 2002 season.
Well written, well researched, it's full of facts and behind the scenes dope that are presented in a witty and amazingly insightful manner.
I'd never heard of Mr.McAvennie before but he's a sports writer to watch out for- more like this please!
Matched with literally hundreds of great photos, this is a must for anyone who's got the slightest interest in WWE. ... Read more