Product Description
When Sean Bailor, an angry young wrestler, loses his perspective on what he is fighting for, he takes his aggressions out on his family and wrestling nemesis, until a friendly referee gives him tips on anger management. Reprint. AB. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Takedown
This book is about a boy named Sean who lives with his mom, step dad, and Brother Carl. He lives with his mom because his parents divorced since his dad was an alcoholic. Sean wrestles for Jefferson Davis high school and starts varsity team. Through out the book Max, one of Sean's enemies always picks and starts fights with him. Some of the matches that Sean wrestled were Max and Tommy. The first two matches he lost were against Max and Tommy. In between those matches Sean met an assistant referee named Clint Collins who wanted to help himwith some of his wrestling moves and holds. Every once in a while them to would work together on moves and holds. The last match he wrestled was against Max and I don't want to give the ending a way.
For my likes and dislikes I thought that they evened out. One of my dislikes is the ending, because I wanted to know who Sean's father was. Another was that I think he got punished too much. Some of my likes are that are that Sean beats Max in his wrestling match. Another is that how Sean rides his dirt bike a lot.
For this book I would recommend it to people who like to read about sports and boys who are in wrestling. Another is for boys in sixth to eight grade.

Nice After-School Special
After reading the wonderful wrestling book, PINS, I decided to read some others in the wrestling fiction category, and was surprised to see so many. Most of the others are geared toward a younger reader, and Takedown is no exception. It's kind of corny, involves some traditional family problems, the main character's problems in facing work needs, his struggles with his father, and a budding romance with a girl. There are some corny aspects that were amusingly covered in the film version starring hunk Lorenzo Lamas, and Edward Herrman as the non-jock classics teacher forced to become the coach. Takedown's a bit cliche, but a nice book for young kids. But for a more literary approach, read PINS.

Takedown
This book was about a 14 year old bot called Sean who liked wrestling. Sean's parents were divorced and when Sean met a man called Clint he thought it was his father to find out you have to read the book. This bookwas also about how Sean had to wreastle a bully to provehe was togher. Irecommend this book very much!

Takedown, By Matt Christopher
Takedown was about a boy named Sean who gets into a lot of fights.He was good at wrestling and he joined for the first time. He wrestles in three matches and wins the first two; you'll have to read the book to find outwhether or not he wins the third match. I liked this book because it wasreally cool and talked about wrestling and things that relate to my life atschool.I urge you to read it.

You should read this BOOK!
I think the book Takedown is a great book.I gave five stars because it talks about per-pressure,and tells what you should do if kids are picking on you.I liked the part when Sean beat the Bully in a wreasling match,andhe won the trophy.I didn't like the part when the bully and his friendsbeat up Sean fo wearing this pen that said "I'am the best".Seanmet this guy who thought Sean some wreasling moves,that know body nowsabout.Why'll they were talking Sean foung out that he was a refereforwreasling. ... Read more

Product Description
Forget everything you thought you knew about the insane world of professional wrestling.The sixth son of legendary Canadian wrestling promoter Stu Hart, Bret Hart was born into wrestling royalty.From his early twenties until he retired at forty-three, Hart kept an audio diary, recording stories of the wrestling life:the relentless travel, the practical jokes, the sex and steroids and cocaine, and the real rivalries (as opposed to the staged ones that unfolded before the fans).


While Hart achieved superstardom in pink tights and won multiple wrestling belts in multiple territories (Stampede Wrestling, WWE, WCW to name a few), he also paid a severe price in betrayals and in tragic deaths, inlcuding the horrifying loss of his brother Owen, who died in a ring stunt gone wrong.Shortly thereafter, Bret suffered a massive stroke, likely resulting from a concussion he received in the ring, but with the spirit of a true champion, has battled his way back.


Widely considered by many of his peers as the greatest technician and worker of his generation, Hart is proud that in all his years in the sport, he never seriously hurt a single wrestler, yet did his best to deliver to his fans an experience as credible as it was exciting.No one has ever written about wrestling like Bret Hart because no one has ever lived a life like Bret Hart.These are the words of the Hitman. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (135)

Very Informative Book About the Business and the Man Himself
This is the second autobiographical wrestling book I've ever read (the first being Mankind: A Tale of Blood and Sweat Socks) and I have to say this one is just as good, but in a different way.

It gave me adequate answers to many of the questions I had, and I whole bunch of them I didn't know existed. Truthfully, I didn't get smart to the business until I was 10 and by then Bret was in wCw, so I had significantly less questions than someone who was smart to the business his whole singles run. The book was very detailed and the details he gives are never get boring or drag on to where they become repetitive. It was very easy to visualize myself in the locker room right next to Bret Hart. He goes into long explanations about his relationships with his family members, guys he worked with, and guys he was just around enough to talk about and more. For instance, he mentions Savage's divorce in 1992 and how that affected his in ring performances. He mentions being on the road and wrestling values vs home values and goings on inside the WWF locker room. I didn't know how much Warrior was a flop as champion or about the Hogan standoff at King of the Ring until I'd read this book and he gives such details of them that I don't even feel I need anymore explanations.

It's not watered down as he cops up his various personality flaws, infidelities, etc. He doesn't try to justify any of it but he does give good explanations as to why he is what he is and how his childhood and his life on the road affected him. He gives his opinions about wrestling whether they be acceptable, contradictory, or just plain offensive. An example without giving too much away, a guy trying to break his brother's leg is perfectly acceptable for children to watch but a guy kissing another guy on the lips is "disgusting". I found myself thinking about his ardent denial of homophobia in 'Wrestling With Shadows' and thought 'well that was a load of crap'. So there are parts a reader agree, disagree, or condemn him but you get to know him and the business at the same time and that's the important thing.

While in my opinion it's as good as 'Sweat Socks' to be objective, 'Hitman' not as widely readable as the former. Mostly because of Bret Hart's personality vs Mick Foley's. Mick's is much more approachable thus the book is more comfortable to read. Bret's book gives us a great glimpse of his personality and whether you find his personality annoying or not will affect the enjoyment of this book. I didn't find his personality agreeable but where I was fascinated by his words another reader might feel they grate.

If you're a wrestling fan who wants a scoop on how it was backstage back then then it is a must read. If you're a Bret Hart hater already you should probably skip it. Everyone else should give it a chance.

Honestly the best there is EVER
The best wrestling biography if not the best biography of all time. The most honest and candid story of a career I have ever read. Bret tells it as it was and stories about Hogan, Flair, Michaels heck even the Warrior are told honestly. Bought it from his own website when it was released and read it over half a dozen times. We never knew to much about the 80's and early 90's in WWF and Bret never pulls his punches. My father who despises wrestling loved and appreciated the stories in the book. It gave you a feel of what it would be like living in this crazy wrestling world through the eyes of Bret. An amazing read wish I could give it more than five stars. Stop reading the reviews just buy the greatest most important book in wrestling history.

Hitman
If I were to recommend a book on pro wrestling, this would be the one.Bret Hart is insightful on the industry inside and out.It is both funny and sad.There is no holds barred.You will not put this one down.

Too Much Book to Handle
Wow this is a long book. That is my major complaint. The good part is that Bret Hart is a pretty decent storyteller - with a keen sense of building to a climax. The bad part is that he comes across as vane and self-centered. At times he seems to be putting in too much detail - as in 'thou protest too much' in terms of his backstage relationships with Shawn Michaels, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, and Vince McMahon. The frankness of things like drug use, steroid use, and womanizing on the road while his wife was at home with the kids is appreciated, although the result is a sense of real disappointment.

The behind-the-scenes account of Bret Hart's time in the wrestling biz
Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling describes in great detail the life of one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, as written by himself. Bret Hart paints a vivid picture of living at the legendary Hart house: what it was like to grow up poor in a huge family whose financial fortune was slowly sinking due to an unprofitable wrestling promotion that daddy Stu Hart wouldn't close. Having tough old Stu as a father and many older brothers hardened Bret, but for some reason it didn't embitter him. As his brothers and sisters backstabbed him and each other many times, Bret remained considerate and helpful when he could.

As a child of the 80s, my favorite parts of the books were Bret's descriptions of the fledgling WWF and it's subsequent monopoly over the pro wrestling business. Although his version of events seem a little bit one-sided, Bret reports many instances of being the nice guy while other wrestlers manipulated, cajoled and strong-armed their way to fame and riches. I couldn't help but feel Bret was naïve until the very end in his dealings with Vince McMahon, owner of the WWF/WWE. In his writing, it comes through that he knew McMahon was sneaky but let Vince walk all over him anyway.

Despite his attempts at objectivity, it's pretty clear from his first mention of him that Bret wasn't too fond of Shawn Michaels. I'm no fan of Michaels myself, but I could understand how he could negatively interpret some actions that Bret took against him, both in the ring and out. Bret took great umbrage at the direction pro wrestling was going and the people that were blocking him from having a better career, but from my perspective, it seemed like an old horse being angry at the road for having cars on it. Wrestling was changing and at the time, Bret didn't see that he didn't fit very well into what wrestling was morphing into: a more risque, even sleazy, harder and more dangerous form of entertainment.

I'm sure many wrestling fans would be interested in picking up this book for Bret's side of the infamous "Montreal Screwjob," the event at which McMahon promised to allow Bret to keep the World Championship, but then ended the match abruptly to make it seem as if Bret had succumbed to a submission hold by Shawn Michaels (Bret's own Sharpshooter hold, in fact). Although it was disappointing to read about how Bret was forced out of the WWF unceremoniously instead of graciously, it wasn't this part of the book that struck me emotionally. For me, it was the end of Bret's career at rival promotion WCW and the aftermath that were very difficult to get through.
Bret's career ended because of a kick from an inexperienced wrestler that caused a concussion. Bret ignored the concussion, letting it get worse until a doctor told him he would end up worse that Muhammad Ali if he didn't stop wrestling immediately. The last part of the book is devoted to a description of Bret's stroke and recovery. It's heart-wrenching read, as it usually is when reading about a strong hero weakened by injury or old age.

For a wrestler/professional athlete, Bret is a very capable writer. Some of his descriptions of his matches get repetitive after a while and he refers to too many matches as "the best match [he] ever had." He does a good job describing most typical wrestling terms, though there were a few that were not explained that I had to look up online. For the most part, Bret's view of himself is very even-handed: he points out his own faults and shortcomings, but revels in his successes. All in all, Hitman is an interesting and engaging read for wrestling fans, and especially for fans of the wrestler many consider to be the Best There Is, the Best There Was and the Best There Ever Will Be.

[Disclosure: This review also appears on [...], a site for review and discussion of creative works.] ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (27)

1 of the BEST books on Pro Wrestling
Ive read several pro wrestling bio books. While some are pretty good others leave a lot to be desired..This book however is GREAT. I remember buying this book and meeting Mr. Cappetta at a Fair. Very nice guy and a gold mine of wrestling knowledge. Gary was fortunate enough to be the middle of the pro-wrestling world during a pivotal time in its history. His first hand experiences of legends in the ring and out are invaluable. His talent for writing as well as his unique point of view make this work not only Entertaining but Very memorable. I think I read this whole thing in 2 days!... Great Book! Great Guy!

Absolutely the best book on wrestling
Gary Michael Cappetta's book is very well written, funny, insightful, intelligent and authentic.As an announcer rather than wrestler he has a different insight than books written by wrestlers.This is a fresh and refreshing perspective on the industry!Equally outstanding are the chapters added in later versions.Gary includes criticism about his book from those he wrote about, criticism that is unedited and with thoughtful response.

The 2nd Best Wrestling Autobiography!
And the best wrestling autobiography belongs to, of course, Mick Foley for his Have A Nice Day: A Tale Of Blood and Sweatsocks. However, that is not to say that Bodyslams!: Memoirs of a Wrestling Pitchman is not a great book in its own right.
Unlike other wrestler biographies on the market today, Cappetta does not cater to his own ego with hyperbole-laden narcissistic ancedotes. Nor does he attempt to use his book as an agenda-driven vehicle from which to spew venomous accusastions against former colleagues. Rather, Cappetta potrays himself as simply a piece of a much larger picture of pro wrestling history. With his eagle-eyed observations of many stars of yesteryear and today, Cappetta comes across as an everyman with a love for professional wrestling rather than a grandious character of mythic proportions. While characterizations of certain figures are not always flattering, Cappetta's refrain from vitriolic diatribes adds more credibility to his opinions and recollections of events. He does not feel the need to exaggerate claims to boost his image. And as such, displays a greater appreciation for his craft. Much like Foley's Have A Nice Day, it is easy to empathize with Cappetta. He is, after all, a fan living out his dream despite obstacles and circumstances. While newer fans and younger readers may feel aliented with stories from days gone by, Bodyslams is manna from Heaven for older fans and purists who always wanted an inside track to the professional wrestling before the days of the internet.
Funny, insightful, and heartwarming, Bodyslams develops instant rapport with the reader and is a literary breath of fresh air in an industry built largely on illusion.

Great book with a unique perspective
I really enjoyed this book. It covers a large period of wrestling history andeven though it is marketed as a "tell all" kind of book, the real charm of it is the positive perspective Cappetta has about the people he worked with. The WCW stories of global tours, in particular, are classic and covered in more light than in other books I have read. Overall a great book.

The Voice of Wrestling...... in Print!
Gary Michael Cappetta is one of wrestling's most prevalent father-figures. Well, he feels like a father-figure to me, at least; even more so now that I have read his book, "Bodyslams! Memoirs of a Wrestling Pitchman." GMC gives his candid recollections of what it was like being a fly on the wall in the industry's two most dominant promotions, working with just about every major name of the time period, and working with/for some of the most influential personalities in wrestling history.

Many of the stories included in these memoirs absolutely fascinated me; from the tale of how he broke into the wrestling business, to the defiant manner in which he left it. It's all in here, and Cappetta maintains his pride and dignity while learning the proper ediquet that comes with being involved in the greatest show on earth.

GMC walks you though his storybook career as a professional wrestling ring announcer, recounting his most memorable experiences. Some of which will shock and amaze you, others will have you laughing your tail-end off. I found it very inspiring to learn about Cappetta's employment with the WWF and the eventual fallout that occured when Vince McMahon Jr. failed to show the proper respect to one of his most loyal employees. Beyond that encounter, GMC shares his true-life anecdotes about his experiences with Victor the wrestling Bear, some not-so-honest promoters, being on tour with a group of female wrestlers, the famous WCW Tower of Doom match, road trips with "Nature Boy" Ric Flair, a thrilling story about Mark "The Undertaker" Calloway in WCW, Abdullah the Butcher, various road trips, and overseas tours for WCW (including the infamous Sid/Arn incident), dealing with Eric Bischoff and WCW politics; And that's only the tip of the iceberg.

This reprinted version of the original book contains a rare addition at the conclusion of the journey. There is an epilogue attached, plus another fifty pages of updated commentary discussing the tumultuous book tour and countless other things that happened since the original publishing. This is a truly unique feature for a book of any nature.

Gary Michael Cappetta was the voice of an entire wrestling generation. His presence was felt at thousands of wrestling events and he was one of the often over-looked heros of wrestling as an art form. The drama that he helped provide on the cards he worked often went unnoticed, and that is a credit to his talents and professionalism. As I wrap this review up, I would like to extend the invitation to one, Mr. Gary Michael Cappetta, if you ever read this, please drop me an email. I would love to hear from you. Otherwise, wrestling fans -- pick up Bodyslams! and you enjoy yourself. I promise!


... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

This Will Educate You
I've read this over twice now.If you can find a copy, I recommend that you hold on to it and read over and over again.Lou Thesz doesn't hold anything back and he's very informative about the business from its embryonic stages to the transition from a legitimate sport to an exhibition to its re-growth during the 80s and 90s.His opinions are fascinating.A must buy and read.Get this!

a must-read for professional wrestling fans
Lou Thesz's "Hooker" is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of sports entertainment, er, professional wrestling.It provides a good overview of the career of an indisputably great figure in this strange business.My only reservation is that the book isn't long enough.Anyone who read Thesz's letters to the Wrestling Observer knows the man had a wealth of anecdotes and insights about the wrestling business.It's a pity Thesz hadn't been more free with the anecdotes.It's also a shame Thesz didn't talk about life after wrestling - perhaps he didn't think anyone would be interested in Lou Thesz, the man?Oh, and by the way, am I the only one who found that anecdote about George Tragos to be seriously unsettling?Tragos might have been a great wrestler, but he sounded like a monster to me.Again, a great contribution to the under-recorded history of this business. It's like history itself talking.

An traditional, memorative view of wrestling history.
In this book, Thesz gives an honest, open and interesting view of professional wrestling from an old timer's view point. Thesz was a reknowned "hooker", being that he was capable enough in the ring to actually destroy an opponent if need be, and has no qualms with giving the truth behind many figures in history. Ironically, you'd think he hated those deemed "performers," or those who were simply acters instead of accomplished amateurs or hookers, yet he seems to have been open-minded enough to realize that for the big money to occur, things had to change.

Thesz is a very open and honest person and I'd suggest this book to any wrestling fan who truly wants a good insight to the roots of professional wrestling through the 20th century.

Wrestling History 101
This book is amazing!On telling the history of professional wrestling its second to none.And the best source for the history of Catch Wrestlers(Hookers), How wrestling went from Carnivals to the big time.And the stages of evolution it went through on the way to the Sports Entertainment its evolved to today.All the greats are talked about in length.Frank Gotch, Ed Lewis, Joe Stecher all the great hookers of yesteryear.This book tells how all the old promoters used to run the Business.Very intersting reading.

This book's weak point is in the actually biography of Lou Thesz.Way to much stuff left out.He would rattle on for page after page about Toots Mondt and other promoters.And then throw in a sentence like "I was married for 30 years to so and so.I wished I never met her."And just leave it at that.So he comes out of this book kind of like a cardboard cut out of the good guy he played in the ring.But dont get me wrong this book is awesome and a must read.5 star supreme, one of the most interesting books Ive ever read.Just dont think that Lou reveals much about his self.Because he dosent.He talks about his 3 sons with just a one liner about he has three sons. Very shallow about his family life.And no pictures.But a great biography of the actual wrestling and behind the scene promotions.And how George Tragos took the son of a Hungarian/German shoe maker and made him one of the most dangerous human beings to ever walk the planet.Must read!

Not Just for Wrestlers
This book comes across very well even if you are not old enough to know of Lou Thesz.You have to come to grips with the fact that most of his matches were fake to one degree or the other, but some were totally real, or even outright fights, and he was a highly skilled wrestler.His sportsmanship comes across loud and clear.I could cheer for this guy however he played it. ... Read more

Product Description
Goldberg is a one-man ass-kicking machine. He's as exciting a superstar as the wrestling world has ever seen and when he was finally beaten, it took three guys and a cattle prod to do it. I'm Next is the high-energy, exciting, and hilarious story of how he went from unemployed football player to undefeated World Champion in just eighteen short months.

Goldberg chronicles his rocketlike rise to wrestling stardom from his "upset" win against Hugh Morrus in his first-ever televised match, to winning the U.S. title against Raven, to jackhammering living legend Hulk Hogan for the pin and the world title.

Best of all, you'll get to hear Goldberg's real opinions about other wrestlers. You won't believe what he has to say about guys like Ric Flair, Kevin Nash, Steve Austin, Mick Foley, the Rock, and Scott Hall.        

I'm Next also covers Goldberg's life from the time when he had a first name. Growing up, Bill Goldberg never wanted to become a wrestler. All he wanted to do was play professional football. And he did . . . until a 330-pound offensive lineman nearly separated his private parts from his torso. He was forced to reinvent himself in a radical way -- especially for a guy whose parents were a Harvard-educated doctor and a classical musician. He became a professional wrestler.

But Bill didn't just become Goldberg overnight. He trained at the legendary WCW Power Plant, where stars are made and dreams are shattered. In I'm Next he tells the whole story of his character's creation -- the bald head, the gloves, the tattoo, and the genesis of his famous battle cry, "You're next!"

He also talks about the hectic life of a wrestler on the road. You'll see him at major sporting events hanging out with guys like Brett Hull, Shaquille O'Neal, and Bill Elliot. You'll follow him as he takes batting practice with Mark McGwire and drinks from the Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils.

What emerges is a picture of a complicated man on a strange and unlikely journey. One minute he's delivering a spear that would stop a charging rhino, and the next he's delivering a speech to the United States Congress on behalf of the Humane Society.

I'm Next is the inside story of what really goes on behind the curtain in professional wrestling. And you'd better believe that the soap opera story backstage is more bizarre than what you see in the ring. Bill Goldberg is a man of intensity who tells it like it is. And he shows it, too, through dozens of never-before-seen photographs from his personal collection.Amazon.com Review
Bill Goldberg's friends were skeptical when he decided to quit being an NFL defensive lineman and take up pro wrestling. "Billy Goldberg, a wrestler?" said his pal Roger Duchowny. "Jews don't wrestle... except with guilt." But Bill was a last-string lineman with a bad groin injury, and a born performer. So he went to study with the runty Jedi master of wrestlers, Dewayne "Sarge" Bruce, who used to wrestle as "the Leprechaun in the Dungeon of Doom." Sarge got Billy through basic training with flying colors. Duchowny, a director for The Love Boat, suggested that Billy devise a catch phrase, and they came up with "Who's next?" Needless to say, "Goldberg" proved a more imposing stage name than "Billy." And at his 1997 match in Salt Lake, Goldberg whomped the well-known Hugh Morrus (a.k.a. "Humorous") with style, throwing in a back flip for good measure.

Goldberg was on his way. Soon he had a look (bald, gloves, a cool, thorn-themed arm tattoo from Georgia's Psycho Tattoo), and a signature entrance, through a shower of sparks. (The key is to be as wet as possible, because sparks do sting.) There have been times when, for all his success, Goldberg has regretted following his instincts. "Using a real cattle prod was my idea. If I was going to lose, it was going to look as realistic as possible, but when I ate the voltage I knew why those big beasts were so cooperative. As the crowd started to chant 'Goldberg. Goldberg. Goldberg,' I lay there wondering what the hell I was doing flopping around the ring like a fish in a Speedo." Still, art is its own reward, and he has no regrets about severing his tendons, getting 196 stitches, and nearly crippling himself by punching through a limousine window instead of using the scripted prop, a sledgehammer. "My girlfriend could break a window with a sledgehammer. Where's the theatrics in that?"

Bill Goldberg's grandpa was in the circus. Like grandpa, like grandson. Only in Bill's circus, the clown, the strongman, and the barker are all rolled into one. Goldberg is one of the barking strongman clowns to watch. --Tim Appelo ... Read more

Customer Reviews (42)

I'm Next
This book is really great, especially if you are a wrestling fan. I am a big fan of Goldberg and will always be one. If you are looking for a great wrestling book and the life of wrestlers, this is the one.

Good
This book is great.It came out in 2007 but only covers to about the time he returned from his injury.Oh well.Great read anyway.

One Fast Ride To The Top Of Pro Wrestling
Bill Goldberg defined the sonic boom that pro wrestling made on cable TV and at arena shows throughout North America.

From September 1997 to January 2001, he was WCW, from his "173" consecutve victories - with ring veterans like Curt Hennig doing quick "jobs" early on so Goldberg's character would get a serious pushwith fans - his ring entrance with backstage security guards & pyrotechnics and - the biggest compliment of all - having Vice McMahon lampoon his character in 1999 with the comedic Gillberg, who stumbled, staggered and quickly lost matches on WWF shows.

Published in November 2000, this is an autobiography of an improbable meteoric rise in pro wrestling after a severe injury ended a journeyman-like career in the NFL and - perhaps most importantly of all - using the celebrity status to assist a variety of charitable causes.

But there were critics - some inside the ring - who felt Goldberg was not experienced enough for the main-event status; that he was attempting moves that put his opponents at risk. On December 19, 1999, he legitimately injured Bret Hart - concussion, torn neck muscle - with a kick to the head.

And as in wrestling, timing is everything when it comes to publishing a book. It was released before Goldberg's very unsatisfying one-year run with WWE, his life after pro wrestling and the rumors that continue to circulate on his return to the squared-circle.

Though it ultimately is an incomplete picture of Goldberg, I'm Next remains a great read since it is as much a story of American pop culture as it is on one of pro wrestling's real good guys - inside and outside the ring.

An Average Book about a good athlete who was just a medicore Football D-Lineman...
Former NFL/CFL/NFL E D-Lineman Bill
Goldberg is as colourful in these
pages as his name was dull as a muscle-
headed D-Lineman in Pro Football. Tell
me this guy didn't get pumped up on ster-
oids after being a 257-lb mouse of a too
small Def. Tackle/NG in Pro Football, and
I'll call you a liar to your face. Gold-
berg's main problem in here is his stupid
'persecution' complex that he lays out
every three pages. Gee Bill, if you hadn't
got drunk so much, et, al, and worked our
more WHEN YOU WERE in the NFL, maybe I could
like you more now that you are doing cool
muscle car shows and involved in the phoney
wrestling scam-business. Goldberg's stupid
remarks about the very good CFL and about
RE-breaking Joe Thiesmann's leg are not go-
ing win him many friends and influence too
many people, jewish or otherwise. Neither
is his alledged acting 'career'. Naw, I'll
take the Rock as the former wrestler that
made good in life beyond the gridiron. Sorry
Bill...

MinnesotaWreckingCrew
If you are a fan of Bill Goldberg, more than a wrestling fan, read this book.You will probably enjoy his biography.However, if you are a wrestling fan, more than a Bill Goldberg fan, you may not want to bother with this one.You can get a (used) copy from Amazon for less than $2.00.Doesn't that say a lot? ... Read more

Product Description
This detailed chronicle looks at the lives, times, and deaths of the biggest names that the sport of professional wrestling has produced. Picking up where Tributes: Remembering Some of the WorldÂ’s Greatest Professional Wrestlers left off, author Dave Meltzer focuses on sports entertainmentÂ’s most recent and high-profile losses, including Road Warrior Hawk, Curt Hennig, Elizabeth, Stu Hart, Tim Woods, Davey Boy Smith, Gorilla Monsoon, Terry Gordy, Wahoo McDaniel, Johnny Valentine, The Sheik, Freddie Blassie, and Lou Thesz.

Tributes II: Remembering More of the WorldÂ’s Greatest Wrestlers also offers expanded versions of some of the most popular profiles from Tributes, including Owen Hart, and Andre the Giant.

Offering candid and detailed accounts of bona fide wrestling legends and a foreword by Bret Hart, Tributes II takes its place among the most important books ever written on the world of pro wrestling.

Tributes II also includes an in-depth interview with Dave Meltzer that will take readers Beyond the Book. This very candid, personal interview will give fans even more insight into the biggest names in the history of professional wrestling. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

death of stars
great book, although i wished they would have included how, when, and why they died, and other peoples reaction

Fine tribute to fallen wrestlers
This is a very good read. Dave Meltzer writes with passion and he also writes with a skill that makes him stand out amongst wrestling journalists today - he has class.

It would be only too easy to write a sensationalist expose of wrestling and to push the seamy side of each wrestlers death but Meltzer takes the high road and produces articles on each wrestler that is a fine rendition of their life.

It is just a pity that this book written in 2004 had to be written at all as so many of the people mentioned passed too young and what is even worse, in the last 5 years there is enough material for Tributes III.

Another Hit
Very well written tributes to some very interesting people in the sports entertainment business. Honest and forthright; this is an excellent collector's item.

So many greats died so young.WHY?
For Chris Benoit (1967-2007)

Young & strong beautiful one
One that we embraced so close
Is gone
Was torn away

With candles with flowers
He was one of ours
One of ours

Why don't you let him be?
He's gone
We know
Give his mother & father peace
Your vulture's candor
Your casual slander
Will murder his memory
He's gone
We know
And it's nothing but a tragedy

Lay to rest your soul and body
Lay beside your name
Lay to rest your rage
Your hunger and amazing grace

With candles, with flowers
You were one of ours
One of ours

I saw cameras expose your life
I heard rumors explode with lies
I saw children with tears
Cry and crowd around the sight
Of where you had collapsed that day
Where your last breath & word
Had been sighed
Where your heart had burst
Where you had died

I saw how they were lost in grieving
All half-believing you were gone
The loss and pain of it
Crime and the shame of it
You were gone
It was such a nightmare raving,
"how could we save him
From himself?"

(Natalie Merchant - River)

The Legends Of The Ring And The Touching Tributes
Dave Meltzer - through his Wrestling Observer Newsletter - has brought to fans the true business of professional wrestling as seen through the eyes of sources in the corporate boardrooms and the trust he has obtained over the years with wrestlers worldwide.

But pro wrestling has a rich tradition that is oftentimes overlooked or quickly forgotten after a star from yesterday passes away. Some of Meltzer's most powerful writing has been remembering the greats who have passed, as his candid accounts of their lives inside the squared-circle and outside the arena truly brings the legends to life, perhaps for the first and/or last time.

In Tributes II, his second book of profiles from the newsletter, Meltzer includes his articles on Lou Thesz, The Sheik, Johnny Valentine, Wahoo McDaniel, Rick Rude and Curt "Mr. Perfect" Hennig, along with an expanded tribute to Andre the Giant.

The forward is written by Bret Hart and the book touches his family in such a tragic way. The lives of his father - Stu Hart - and brother-in-law, Davey Boy Smith, are chronicled by Meltzer, along with a new profile on Bret's brother, Owen Hart, who tragically fell to his death before a sold-out arena and cable TV pay-per-view audience in a risky stunt that went so terribly wrong.

Included in the book is a one-hour DVD where Meltzer provides additional information on the wrestlers. The DVD alone is worth the purchase price.

Each profile is a touching tribute that celebrates the lives of those who entertained with style and class. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (15)

Very quick and light read about a very heavy topic
If you want a super fast read, get this book, lots of photos and rehashing information in the short pages.

The topic of Benoit and his life needs a comprehensive review and this is something this book did not succeed in doing or even attempt to cover. What we get is a brief overview of the whole tragedy.

It is not a bad read, just too light.

The best book out there on Benoit is "Ring of Hell".

The life of Benoit
The biggest problem with this book is that it was rushed out after the disgusting events which Chris Benoit perpetrated on his wife and son. Just the idea of putting the book out because of the media coverage of this event is what prevents it from being more favorably reviewed. The upside of the book is that it in no means attempts to forgive Benoit for his actions nor does it attempt to figure out why he undertook the murders. It is a collection of essays about Benoit up to the murders but does not cover the deaths in detail thankfully. The big question is, is this a book honoring Benoit's previous career or is it attempted damage control in the aftermath of a monster or is it just a cash-grabbing attempt?

1. Greg Oliver presents his take on Benoit's career and now tarnished legacy. Oliver wraps up his entry with Benoit's title wins throughout his career.
2. In his second article, Greg Oliver recounts the events of Nancy Benoit and her place in wrestling history. Very interesting article on arguably the best non-wrestling woman in wrestling.
3. Heath McCoy submits the best article in the book which is a much more detailed history of Benoit's career from his start in Stampede Wrestling up to his final days. If the attrocities of Benoit's final actions didn't happen, this is then the definitive history of the man's career. Heath McCoy seems to have a much deeper grasp on the history which is also covered in his astonishingly good book Pain and Passion: The History of Stampede Wrestling. Great article.
4. Steven Johnson attempts to balance out the positive articles with a more direct perspective on the media circus, possible steroid influence, and drug issues rampant in the business.
5. Irvin Muchnick, who has a personal connection to wrestling through his Uncle Same Muchnick, proceeds to write yet one more article attacking the entire wrestling business as well as Benoit. For someone who seemingly despises wrestling, he spends an awful lot of time writing about it.

Overall, several great articles but it still doesn't overrule the fact that the man's life ended in the brutal deaths of his wife and son. Had Benoit only committed suicide, the entire wrestling world and public view of it would have been forgotten quickly. The fact that he took his wife and son with him is what kept/keeps this in the negative thoughts of the public in general otherwise no one would have cared about his own death.

Needs More Guts
The book had good detail, and if you want the story of Benoit's life, you've got it, but I felt that there was often too many boyish-stories along with the book. The authors were biased, which is a GOOD thing for this story, but I felt that some things could have been skimmed over and other things should have been more embellished. Perhaps it is outdated now, but I was expecting further discussions and updates repercussions of the events that took place.

A Tragedy Covered From Numerous Angles
The collection of essays from four journalists - Greg Oliver, Heath McCoy, Steven Johnson, Irv Muchnick - is a mixed bag due to the angles covered; including brief biographies and a definitive account of the timeline leading to the double-murder/suicide, to an in-depth look into the media coverage and a scathing editorial closer from Muchnick that every wrestling fan should read.

There are repetitive portions of text due to the material being presented as it was when initially published, but the placement of the essays does allow the text to flow as well as possible. The material builds to Muchnick, who dissects the work by World Wrestling Entertainment in what he alleges is spinning the tragic story line to protect the financial interests of the publicly-traded company.

While not being a definitive account of Chris Benoit, his wife and son, it is a decent primer for those wishing to have a foundation before delving further into the rest of the story.

Benoit: Wrestling with the Horror That Destroyed a Family and Crippled a Sport
This book isnt what i expected it to be. i thought it was going to be his biography amongst the description of what caused him to commit the crimes he did. The book was good it kept my attention. all together i would have to give this book a 6 out of 10. ... Read more

Product Description
In 1984, a new wrestling league was created on a cable television channel in Minnesota."The Kids Pro Wrestling Show" started out as fun and games, but was soon seen in the living rooms of thousands across the country via cable television, and the National Wrestling Federation (NWF) was born.

For five years, the NWF was managed and promoted by a young and talented kid named Shawn Crossen, otherwise known as "Crusher Crossen" in the ring.In 1984, Shawn was just 14 years old, but by 1986, he was promoting live wrestling venues at local armory halls in front of hundreds of paid spectators and nationwide cable audiences.

But going from bed mattresses in a basement to live public cards in a professional wrestling ring did not come easy.The evolution took years to accomplish with many obstacles along the way.From cable tv suspensions to insurance problems, there were always a host of problems to deal with.Yet somehow, Shawn managed to make it all work.And all the while, the NWF had positive community support with several newspaper articles written about it—this long before the existence of the backyard-type youth wrestling leagues now so commonly seen today.

But unlike the backyard style wrestling leagues of today’s time, the NWF was a much different venture.Similar to the major leagues of professional wrestling, the NWF came across very professional looking and organized.This in turn would explain the reasons why the league had such great success.

NWF Wrestling was a popular attraction to kids and adults alike and seemed like it would last forever.So what ever happened to this incredible league?Now, for the first time in nearly 20 years, Shawn "Crusher" Crossen has come forth with this remarkable story that tells the entire sequence of events, from the birth of it’s creation, to the final bell.Whether you’re a fan of wrestling or not, you will find yourself marveled at the abilities of this very talented 14-year-old and the league he created. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

A teenage wrestling promotor
I thoughouly enjoyed this book. It is very excellent material about a teenage boy that not only handled wrestling like a business but also had fun doing it. This is a must read for young wrestling fans. I can think of no better example for our youth to follow

A fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse of the inner workings of the 80's wrestling world
Pro Wrestling Kids' Style is the remarkable story of Shawn "Crusher" Crossen, who managed and promoted "The Kids Pro Wrestling Show" which started in 1984 as fun and games but soon spread to thousands of living rooms across the country via cable television and began the National Wrestling Federation, or NWF. For five years, Crossen kept the NWF going with professional poise, and achieved high popularity among kids and adults alike. Yet all good things must come to an end; Pro Wrestling Kids' Style tells of the hard lessons that led to the final NWF bell, and reflects on where the movers and shakers of the NWF are today. A fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse of the inner workings of the 80's wrestling world, which reads briskly and is especially recommended for sports fans.

Must have
This is a phenomenal book that should be required reading for all middle school students. Shawn is an inspiration to us all. If you ever have the opportunity to sit and talk with Shawn, I encourage to keep your ears open and soak up every minute. He is not only a remarkable writer but an amazing human being. We need more people like Shawn Crossen in this world and I hope he has the opportunity to share his unique wisdom and talent with the youth of today. They can only benefit.

Pro Wrestling Kids' Style
Follow Shawn "Crusher" Crossen through the journey of his life from a normal teen to a wrestling promoter.Shawn created, started, and promoted the National Wrestling Federation (NWF), a kids wrestling organization, while just a teenager. For five years the NWF was under the control of Shawn Crossen and it was the start of not only the Federation but of what is known today as backyard wrestling except, they actually had venues, they actually had fans, they were on T.V., they were actually wrestling, these teens who stopped at nothing to live their dreams.You not only hear from Crossen in the book, but you see the events through pictures, these young boys living the lives of wrestling superstars. Walking the walk, and talking the talk, Crossen recreates his struggle, his adversities, and his successes in this easy to follow book that all can enjoy. Before this I'd never heard of this league where kids wrestle, but I wish to now see it, and watch the story unfold as I have read it in the book. To see history, to see the performance, to see the life of author Shawn Crossen.Good Job, Shawn, on a great book and a great success.

Amazing Maturity OfA 14 Year Old!
If there is a lesson to be taught at the heart of Shawn "Crusher" Crossen's first book, Pro Wrestling Kid's Style, it's that you can accomplish practically anything, even if you are only fourteen years old, if you set your mind to it.

Crossen's narrative recounts how in the mid 1980s, at the tender age of fourteen and showing great maturity, he was successful in setting up, managing and promoting a kid's wrestling league, the National Wrestling Federation, whose matches were shown oncable television . The participants were from Minnesota, and the bouts were staged in a similar manner as viewers would be accustomed to when watching professional wrestlers. There were tag team matches, multiples wrestlers in the ring at the same time, and some familiar comical shenanigans exhibited by the pros.
The wrestlers even adopted colorful stage names and characters as Rough Ryan, Bruiser Bradhoft, Luxury Lane, Man Man Nash, Merciless Mike, and many others.

All of the matches were creatively planned and rehearsed in advance, with the exception of those involving championship titles. Eventually, the latter events were likewise pre-determined.
There was in addition a ring announcer, who contributed to the drama we often associate with professional wrestling.
The popularity of these staged matches even came to the attention of the local media, resulting in several newspaper articles and write-ups.

As the author recounts, the success of the league culminated with the staging of block buster events at the local Armory that attracted sizeable audiences.
Quite amazing were the television camera skills, as well as the marketing and advertising skills Crossen and his participants displayed. They even were able to attract sponsors-something that is quite amazing for young teenagers with no business experience, yet displaying a great deal of maturity.

Although the author's writing is in need of editing, the book is nonetheless an enjoyable read and learning experience, as its moral successfully captures many important lessons on life.

Norm Goldman, Editor of Bookpleasures

... Read more

Product Description

This is the first-ever biography of the legendary wrestler Gorgeous George, filled with incredible never-before-told stories. George directly influenced the likes of Muhammad Ali, who took his bragging and boasting from George; James Brown, who began to wear sequined capes onstage after seeing George on TV; John Waters, whose films featured the outrageous drag queen Divine as an homage to George; and too many wrestlers to count. Amid these pop culture discoveries are firsthand accounts of the pro wrestling game from the 1930s to the 1960s.

Customer Reviews (16)

Good and Interesting Read
A very good and interesting read about one of the greatest characters ever in pro wrestling.

Dreadful packaging: shipping envelope was too small; book-jacket arrived bent.Page tore while trying to unpack it.
Mint, brand-new book, up to the usual Strand superb low-price standard, but packaged in a too-small, too-tight bubble-wrap envelope that crushed the edges of the book jacket.They didn't seem to have a proper-size wrapper so they shipped it in a dwarf envelope.During extensive attempts to get the book out of this trap, one page tore.The jacket's edges had already been bent inwards by the tight wrapping. I bought this as a gift, for which it's no longer appropriate.

I will not order another book via mail from Strand -- their packaging operation is incompetent and negligent.

Didn't they learn from Amazon how to put a book in a box to ship it?I paid extra for the shipping of this bubble-wrap/shrunken mess.

Excellent sports bio
Entertaining and illuminating sports bio about a fascinating cultural figure. You need not be a wrestling fan to enjoy this book, as the Gorgeous One's influence--as vividly described by Capouya--reached well beyond the scope of that sport.

The book might have been even stronger if Capouya had been able to get better access to Ali and Dylan for his chapters on GG's impact on their careers, but he's able to connect the dots well regardless. And the chapter on Gorgeous George's gender-bending theatrics and their influence make a richly compelling case for GG's impact on pop culture, not to mention his outspoken bravado, which flew in the face of the traditional notion of the stoic, play-by-the-roles hero.

A thoroughly enjoyable read for fans of sports, biographies and pop culture in general.

Gorgeous George and The Cultural Revolution He Helped Start
Late one Saturday night when I was a small boy and my parents thought I was safely in bed, and asleep, i crept from my bed into the living room to watch wrestling. This night was different. After weeks of watching macho good guys wrestling macho bad guys, Gorgeous George entered the ring, and my young view of the world was changed forever! Here was a man who seemingly danced right along the edge of sexual identity: feminine hair style, elaborate robe(that my mother might have coveted, a female attendant (probably first wife Betty) and "georgie pins."

When the match actually started george, except for the hair, was as masculine and tough as his macho foil, who, after defending traditional male values, got himself flattened by "The Human Orchid." What did it mean to be male, if George could act "swishy," as my father called it, and win? It meant that a certain view of how the world worked, was obsolete.

George, aided and abetted by wife Betty, who not only sewed his robes--but was a fount of ideas to refine the act, came along at a time when television was becoming a national medium. In addition the unified spirit of the war years was giving way to uneasiness with all kinds of traditions. A desire for individual expression was supplanting long years of group purpose, and putting the team first.

Author Capouya does an excellent job of drawing all these strands together in an entertaining, and enlightening narrative. he also offers convincing evidence for Gorgeous Gorge Wagner's influence on a group as diverse as Muhammad Ali, James Brown, John Waters, and Paris Hilton. I would add Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, and jimi Hendrix to that mix.

Like George, and all too many other creative, and talented people, George and the others listed fell victim to getting lost in the gimmick! George's coping mechanisms were alcohol, gambling, and infidelity. In the end they would cost him everything. Including his life. This is a very good book. Those looking for a simplistic, one dimensional view of pro wrestling history may be disappointed, those open to a larger view of wrestling and its social context will find much to ponder.

Entertaining biography that tells the story of the transformation of journeyman George Wagner
What did James Brown and Muhammad Ali have in common?

They both took much of their act from GORGEOUS GEORGE, an
entertaining biography by John Capoya . . . it tells the story
of the transformation of journeyman wrestler George Wagner
from a dark-haired clean-cut good guy to a blond braggart
who cheated whenever he got the chance . . .he also drove
crowds wild back in the early 1950s when wresting first
gained widespread popularity.

In reading it, I was also reminded of THE WRESTLER (the
recent film)--particularly this one passage:

* Wrestling was becoming family television fare, but the Romans in
the arenas still went berserk at the sight of gladiatorial blood. The
subset of wrestlers down as "blade men" gave theirs intentionally.
To get heat, a boy would conceal an eighth-of-an-inch razor blade
on a wrist or finger, fixing it there with tape. When his opponent
slammed him face-first into a turnbuckle, he'd put a hand to his
forehead, drawing the cutting tool across it and opening up a slash
that gushed crimson. When the crowd saw the blood, or "juice,"
running down his face and neck and staining the mat below, it let
out a primal roar. A star like George would never have to resort to
blading or "getting color," as it was also known. But quite a few
other did, their foreheads gradually becoming hatch-marked with tiny
whitish scars.

Though the wrestling parts of the book were interesting, I
found his story out of the ring even more fascinating . . . such as
this account of when he met Ali (then Cassius Clay) and told him:

* "You got your good looks, a great body, and you've got a good
mouth on you. Talk about how pretty you are, tell 'em how great you
are. And a lot of people will pay to see somebody shut your big
mouth. So keep on bragging, keep on sassing and always be
outrageous."

And then there was this account of his appearance on Eddie
Cantor's radio show:

* This segment ended with Cantor asking his guest star: "There is
one thing I always wanted to know. What makes you call yourself
Gorgeous?"

To which George answered: "Honesty."

I was moved by Capoya's portrayal of George toward the end
of his career--and particularly the description of the bout he lost
and was forced to have his curls shaved in the ring . . . things went
steadily downhill afterwards, and when he died at 48, he
was both broke and virtually friendless.

Adding greatly to my enjoyment of the book were the pictures
from the various stages of his career. . . they really helped me
understand his popularity and why he had been such a cultural icon ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Koryu Aikido
For anybody practicing Shodokan Aikido and in training for their 1st dan, this book is invaluable. The quality of the text and diagrams are only average, but this is the only book that I could find (anywhere) that covers the goshin no kata in detail. There are a few very minor diffrences in the techniques shown to those of Shodokan Aikido but this book is an excellent resource.

$14.95 for a xerox copy with a glossy cover.
The information in the book is good.It covers the advanced Katas of the Tomiki Style of Aikido.The cover was nicely done, but the book itself was horrible.The photos look like the original manuscript was done on a xerox machine. They were grainy with little or no contrast.Gray blobs is more like it. I have one of this authors books on the Basic 17 Hon Kata.It was much better.If you can't find information on the advanced kata anywhere else then bite the bullet and buy this book. But be prepared for a disappointment.It looks like a book quickly done by a college professor to make a few bucks.Kind of what I saw a lot of in my days as an assistant in the Physical Education department of my university.

Keith Patton
Nidan, Fugakukai Aikido

Fair depiction of Tomiki's overview of classical aikido.
This book is by Nobuyoshi Higashi 7d of the Japan Aikido Assn.It includes the San Kata and Yon Kata (3rd and 4th sets of classical forms) created by Kenji Tomiki, as well as some of Higashi's own self-defense forms.The descriptions are rough, and exclude finer points which would lead to proper execution of the techniques.This book would serve as a loose reference for Tomiki practitioners, and might be of histographic interest to others who study Aikido. One interesting point was relating the jo (stick) techniques to their origin as spear techniques, which makes sense out of the formal, thrusting attack. Tomiki's katas are remarkable in their comprehensiveness and depth of principle, and this is the only reference widely available ... Read more

Product Description
An historical novel based on the true life story of Frank Gotch, world heavyweight wrestling champion from 1908 to 1915. Gotch was the number one athlete of his era and as well known then as Michael Jordan is today. This book takes the reader on a nostalgic tour of the United States and professional athletics at the turn of the century and shortly thereafter. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

A GREAT BOOK ABOUT A GREAT ATHLETE!
This is an excellent book that reads like a movie and should be a movie! Before the 1930s professional wrestling was actually a legitimate sport. It's been my observation that a lot of modern professional wrestlers andfans would like to believe that "worked" matches always existed so that they themselves and/or their heroes don't appear as con-artists and so forth. I think this is unfortunate because I think most top modern pro wrestlers are incredible athletes as well as incredible performers. Just look at Ken Shamrock and Brock Lesnar and so on. However, if you seriously research this subject you will find that pro wrestling was once real and so was Frank Gotch and a whole host of other great wrestlers from a very exciting bygone era.

Another amazing book by Mike Chapman
It was extremely apparent that this book was well-researched, and thus, well-written.I've read many writings by Mike Chapman, and he never ceases to amaze or impress me.This book seems especially poignant and interesting at the present time as we begin Olympic trials and embark upon making history once more in areas of athleticism and sportsmanship.
-Jennifer (Smith) Martin
Stillwater, OK

Not a Hero
If you like breaking people's limbs for fun, then Gotch was a hero.Yes he was good.He was also a brutal, petty, cheat who fixed matches against wrestlers he could have beaten anyhow.Please don't make a movie out of this subject.

This book has tremendous research behind it
Good grief.... reading the newspapers of the era shows how much the sportswriters DID buy into the fact that wrestling was NOT a work! Huge, front page stories, and move-by-move accounts of most of Gotch's biggest matches. When Gotch beat Tom Jenkins, the reporters were spellbound, calling it the most terrific sporting event ever seen in that state. Gotch's matches were huge for the day and President Roosevelt invited him to the White House where he made a Japanese martial arts expert tap out. In a new book coming out on Madea, called "The Tougehst Man Who Ever Lived," the authors go to great length to say a match between Gotch, a shooter, and Madea would have been the best showdown ever. How could that be if Gotch was a phoney worker? This reviewer needs to study the reports of the day and talk to some old-time hookers. Gotch was a hooker and a ferocious competitor. There is indisputable evidence that Hackenschmidt was still upset with the losses to Gotch 50 years later! Wow, was he still working the crowd? I spent 40 years researching this era and this man and have read everything I could and have talked to a dozen "old-timers," all of whom say Gotch was a pure shooter and the best ever. Thie previous reviewer is way off base.

Poor research or maybe questionable motives
The author seems to ignore some basic facts that any amateur researcher could easily discover.The most improtant being this:Gotch did works!He did them often.Wrestling was almost as worked then as it is now.Read the newspapers from that time for yourself and don't rely on the author.The reporters covering wrestling back then were in a position to know what was legit and what wasn't.

Chapman seems to have some agenda built around creating a mythology of legitimate professional wrestling from a bygone era.Unfortunately, he has resorted to stretching the truth, and that's putting it kindly. ... Read more

Product Description
All of the greatest world champions, the most cunning contenders, and the hungry up-and-comers just waiting to make their mark are included in this ultimate guide to the wildest personalities from all the major wrestling organizations.

Also included is info on how to become a professional wrestler, the top wrestling schools in the country, the real story behind the birth of WrestleMania, full-color photos, and a full glossary of wrestling terms. ... Read more

Product Description
With the annual Wrestle Bowl coming up, Alvin, a boy who is terribly ticklish, worries that his opponent, Brian Brown, otherwise known as the Terrible Tickler, will cause Alvin to lose. ... Read more

Product Description
Bobby "The Brain" (or perhaps you knew him as "Pretty Boy" or "The Weasel") Heenan’s wrestling career spans 38 years from the early AWA and NWA to today’s WCW and WWF. Heenan wrestled, managed, commentated and promoted matches.

Was wrestling as wild and crazy at its start as today? Try wilder and crazier.

Starting in 1965 as a bag boy for Dick "The Bruiser" and the tag team, "The Assassins", he worked and talked his way into the ring.Some of Bobby’s early tag team matches, pairing with Baron Von Raschke were against Teddy the bear. No, not a guy named Teddy but a REAL BEAR. While Teddy was muzzled he did have a bad habit of getting in the ring and peeing.

Wrestling as "The Weasel," in a costume, Bobby would wake in the ring from a sleeper hold, stare at his paws, see his tail and start chasing it running in circles and begin fighting anew. He did that until one day, unconscious in the ring, some spectator ripped off his tail and stole it.

He tells all the stories, names all the names and doesn’t care who gets mad about it. He talks about his long running feud with Hulk Hogan, Andre, (7’ 6" and 550 pounds) "The Giant" hearing "last call" in a bar and ordering 40 martinis that he drunk until 4:00 a.m., and he reveals all about Vince McMahon of WWF. For the wrestling fan it definitely is "no holds barred" in a book you just can’t put down, at least for a count of three! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

Very enjoyable and a good history lesson
In this book Bobby The Brain spares no expenses digging into people whom he dislikes for whatever reasons. He had a few interesting stories to tell about guys such as Andre the Giant and Dick the Bruiser, among other old-time wrestlers. Reading Heenan's words, you also get a good feel for how the territorial wrestling scene operated back in the 60's and 70's.

I wished he went deeper into his time in the WWF. With Heenan spending 8 years there and headlining so many events as the top heel manager, you would think that he'd have more to say about certain individuals. Guess he doesn't want to offend a certain someone. On the other hand, Heenan completely thrashes WCW. Very enjoyable read for fans of Heenan and old-time wrestling.

a fun read
bobby heenan is a famous heel manager and heel announcer who has a great sense of humor. Some very funny anecdotes and advice. A great read for anyone who has enjoyed the "brain", or pro wrestling.

Great stories but not enough of them!
If you were a wrestling fan during the 70s and 80s, Bobby "The Brain" was a character you loved to hate because he was the smug jerk that helped his villains beat your favorite wrestlers.
Reading the book, you'll find that, as in most cases, the bad guy was actually one of the nicer guys. Bobby has a great sense of humor and the majority of the tales he tells are hilarious and will leave you laughing, especially if you know the wrestlers he is talking about. The stories about Andre The Giant are interesting and eye opening when you find out who the man really was and how he felt about people.
The book skips back and forth among timelines but with some of the names you can figure out about what time span he is talking about. Most of the tales are about his A-W-A days but he also discusses W-C-W and what a cluster mess that was thanks to people who didn't know what they were doing.
The book is worth the purchase whether or not you were a big Bobby Heenan fan and due to only 190 or so pages is a quick read.I would have loved to have had more stories and hopefully he will do other books of nothing but behind the scene stories...

THE wrestling bad boy
Bobby Heenan... here's a man that didn't finish 8th grade yet became one of the biggest names and most hated men in wrestling history. Bobby fills us in with a plethora of anecdotes about his career and has no qualms about telling you who he didn't like (Valiant Brothers, Haystacks Calhoun, Tony Schiavone to name a few). This is a very loose writing style which covers loads of stories throughout his career, often jumping back and forth in time. Stories are brief and straight to the punch, usually just a paragraph or two. Time periods are based off your wrestling knowledge as Heenan does not identify the year something happened; but if your reading this book, you're probably a fan and know it just by those involved in the story.

There are some great stories involving Andre the Giant, Baron von Raschke, and even his real life appreciation of Hogan. He also really gets into his dislike of how WCW was run and all the positive career chances he received when dealing with WWF. My favorite chapter may have been the run-down of the Bobby Heenan Family which quickly covered most of the men he 'managed'. Overall, quick and fun read, wish it were longer.

Bobby's the man
Few people in the history of professional wrestling were as disliked as Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. He was smarmy, arrogant and flat out obnoxious. Mostly due to the fact he always gave off an air of being superior to those around him, especially the fans. What I'm saying is meant as a compliment because it was obvious to me that was the full intent behind his character. Bobby was supposed to be all those things and he managed to pull it off as well as anyone I've ever seen. Even as a little kid I knew the guy was something else.

If you are a fan of Pro Wrestling there's no doubt you will really enjoy this book. Fans of all ages will learn a whole lot about the biz. From the squared circle to the behind the scenes action it's all here. Bobby was in the industry for a very very long time and so he knows what he's talking about. The man let's it fly and pulls no punches. It's an enjoyable read. There's even a great foreword by the legendary Hulk Hogan. I would recommend this book to any and all fans of wrestling. You do not have to specifically be a Bobby fan to enjoy this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Independent wrestling promotions were once the norm all across the country. But as the nineties began, independents were looking for creative ways to survive. Several banded together to share cost and talent; they were known as Eastern Championship Wrestling. Based out of a warehouse in Philadelphia, this promotion seemed doomed to be just one more ninety-day wonder. They hired Paul Heyman, who told the company he would come in, shake things up, and leave. But Heyman stayed?and redefined professional wrestling in the nineties. He crafted a promotion that dared to push the boundaries of sports entertainment. What he created became Extreme Championship Wrestling.

Heyman dared to break with tradition. Rather than relying on local talent and down-and-out veterans, he created new characters and story lines that would appeal to hardcore wrestling fans. Paul knew you had to offer the fans more than the match. Heyman encouraged wrestlers to speak from their hearts. ECW became known for the interview, the shoot. As for the matches: tables, ladders, chairs, barbed wire, and even frying pans were used with abandon. Wrestlers not wanting to be topped put their bodies on the line, taking ever greater risks, daring to jump, leap, and fall from places never tried before.

ECW matches became the stuff of legend.

For nearly a decade, ECW redefined professional wrestling with a reckless, brutal, death-defying, and often bloody style that became synonymous with ?hardcore.? Through extensive interviews with Paul Heyman, Mick Foley, Tazz, Tommy Dreamer, Rob Van Dam, and many more, The Rise & Fall of ECW reveals what made this upstart company from Philadelphia great. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Very Readable Book
First, all I knew about ECW was from the TV shows on Spike TV and gleaming some information from the wrestling websites.

So from my perspective, I enjoyed reading the book, which contains far more detail information than any DVD.I liked the way the book was written, very readable.

From the other reviews, the hardcore ECW fans are finding faults with this book.And these individuals will not like my additional comments.

The ECW on Spike TV didn't work.They started with an audience of over a million on Friday night cable, a pretty decent rating.However, by the end, half of their audience drifted away.

What I didn't like is that I heard a lot about the extreme woman of ECW, but they never wrestled.Female wrestling may not put fannies in seats, but they do help the TV ratings.Secondly, there wasn't any humor, just mean spirited trash talking, which gets old in a hurry.Thirdly, some of the wrestling looked too choregraphed, like 2 wrestlers falling over the ropes at the exact same time.Was it wrestling or dancing?And lastly, what idiot thought that showing all video re-plays in a postage stamp size window on the TV screen was cool?

This book never touched on loss of ECW's cable TV audience over the length of their contract.If ECW had grew the cable audience, or at least maintained it, then the fault would not have been the product.ECW failed for all of the reasons stated in the book, plus 1 reason not stated in the book.Namely, the TV product was not good enough to attract fans outside of the ECW loyalists.

Regardless, of the problems, ECW's fall was nothing like the crash and burn fall of the once powerhouse WCW.ECW's internal problems were nothing like the dumbness of WCW.

Good, not great
This book is very broad, and it caters mostly to the years when WWE wrestlers were at their peak in ECW. While that may have been ECW's "golden era," very little is covered about classic ECW matches in 1999 and 2000, with no mention of Tajiri and Whipwreck as a team, the classic 3 way matches, or any of the later additions that helped keep ECW afloat. It also caters to a very small percentage of former ECW wrestlers, using just people under WWE contract, and the producer of ECW TV. In addition, there are glaring errors with spelling and grammar, and pictures with incorrect captions. It appears no one bothered to proofread this book. The book has some good stuff and somewhat captures what ECW was about, but it suffers from a lack of depth, especially with ECW after 1996.

The Rise and Fall never rises above mediocre
I loved ECW.So everytime a dvd or book comes out about ECW, I do a double take.I could write a really long review on this book, but I'll condense it really quickly to save you the time:

1.Thom Loverro may be a respected and longtime journalist, but he obviously knows nothing about ECW.He can't even decide if the name is Mike "Nova" Bucci or Mike Nova.The writing style is drab and reads like someone took a pile of notes and threw them on a page, then made barely-conscious transitions.

2.It's a dvd rehash.That was obvious from the beginning but I was hoping it would provide something interesting.I was wrong.If you have the dvd there's no point in reading this.

3.The innacuracies are frustrating.One would think at least one fact-checking session could have been devoted to this.Taz is even labeled as Mikey Whipwreck.Small children, after watching one show featuring the two, could have noticed there's a difference.

I would have given my eyeteeth to recommend this book and I rarely consider reading even the silliest books to be a waste of time, but this really was a waste.It's sloppy, badly put-together, many times inaccurate and totally devoid of any real passion.If you really want to read it try to check it out at a library.

A blatant copy paste job
I was so happy when this book came out. I thought that it would contain detailed behind the scenes stories about the little promotion that could. I wanted dirt and sleeze. Instead on page 64, "Sabu and Tazz defeated the Pitbulls; Tommy Dreamer beat Stevie Richards..." This goes on for awhile, and is repeated over and over again. Here's the form of the book. In 1997 these matches took place at ECW shows. In June of that year Cactus Jack had a good match. Mick Foley puts it this way, "yeah that was great". Thank you Mick.
Oh but it gets worse! On page 77 the writer copy and pastes the whole page out of Have a Nice Day! Mick Foley's first book. I would be amazed if this guy took more than an hour to write this book. He copies match results which can be found dozens of places online or directly copies someone's quotes from previous books (like Foley) or from the Rise and Fall of ECW DVD (which was an amazing piece of work). It's hack writing to the EXTREME!
No matter how much time Loverro had on this project it was squandered. Give me the same amount of time and I'll write a five star book on ECW. Only recommended for a completist.

It's like the DVD...but a tree died to make it
What can I say. I had some pretty high hopes for this book, perhaps show some more than what the DVD did. Delve into other aspects of ECW...

I'm quite disappointed in the fact the book is nearly verbtium from the DVD. Entire chapters are transcribed from the DVD.

They did however go into some things that the DVD didn't cover. Mostly how Paul E. got into the buisness and some info on the 'Mass Transit Incident'. But beyond that it falls very flat.

If you are a completist, buy the book and enjoy it. If you have the DVD and aren't a completist, save your money. ... Read more

Product Description
Jeff Gorman grew up dreaming of a career as a sportscaster, but he never imagined that he would land in the pro wrestling ring. Join Jeff on a bizarre trip through the minor leagues of wrestling and follow his rise up the ladder. Learn about the inner workings of a business filled with bikers and bullies, heroes and hillbillies. It’s more real than you would think. Find out what it was like to be a part of the early days of Ring of Honor, one of the hottest promotions in wrestling. Discover what happens when you chase one dream and find another. You’ve heard the wrestlers talk on TV, now find out what it’s like on THIS SIDE OF THE MIC. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great wrestling stories and much more!
I loved this book!It's a hilarious true history of an indie pro wrestling circuit, told from the perspective of the announcer.It covers seemingly everyone who passed through from 1994 to the present, from the legendary Mick Foley and Abdullah the Butcher to the antics of "Battle Monkey", a scrawny young dude in a monkey mask who barely ever saw action but somehow made it to into the PWI 500!Gorman chronicles the ups and downs of many different federations, impresarios, hucksters, and ring masterminds during those years.He shows us how backstage feuds and drama can sometimes be even more compelling than what goes on in the ring.

It's a very funny, readable, and quotable book about wrestling, sportscasting, and even about Gorman's attempts to make it as a pro ballplayer with the Florida Marlins ("Pick me! I'm slow and blind!"). He also gives lots of good advice about what it takes to be a quality wrestler and a quality announcer.

But the book is actually far more than that, and it deserves an audience beyond the wrestling circuit.More than anything, it's a story of finding a dream and pursuing it as far as you can.It's the story of a talented journalist and sportscaster who fell into wrestling and grew to love it.Like the wrestlers themselves, he then worked his way up the ranks with the dream of making it to the WWF (now WWE).Doing that takes a lot of hard work, practice, and the ability to seek out opportunities wherever they may present themselves.He obviously believes he's one of the best wrestling announcers in the business.But when the top of the "business" is dominated by a single federation, the opportunities are scarce indeed, even for the very best.

I think anyone with talent in a competitive field can wholeheartedly relate to Gorman's dilemmas.How do you do all the hard work it takes to make a dream come true, when that dream might never pan out?Especially when you have a wife and a baby girl who wants to spend time with her daddy?By the end of the book, when Gorman explains why he's taking a "hiatus" (not a retirement!) from wrestling to care for his family, you can just feel how bad he wants to step back in the ring.Youcan wonder if you would make similar choices in your own life.

I wholeheartedly recommend it for both wrestling fans and non-fans alike!

Want the inside scoop on pro wrestling?Look no further!
This is by far one of the best books on wrestling I have ever read.It's brutally honest, well-written and absolutely hilarious.I'm frankly amazed by how many famous wrestlers this guy has worked with in his 11-year career as an announcer/ commentator on the pro wrestling circuit -- everyone from Jerry Lawler and Dusty Rhodes to King Kong Bundy and Eddie Guerrero.The best part of this book is the "inside" stories the author shares about the fantastic wrestling matches he has called, the wrestlers who make up the "indie" circuits, and the very insightful tips on what makes a "good" pro wrestler (the answer may surprise you!)Believe me, after reading the two-page Prologue of this book, you will be completely hooked.Even if you aren't the biggest wrestling fan, I highly recommend this book for its human interest value (not to mention the dozens of laugh-out-loud stories this guy can tell).5 stars! ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Strong, wiry, and lightweight, Donald seems to have the perfectcombination of physical attributes for wrestling. And after seeing a highschoolwrestling match, he’s excited to join Hudson City’s middle-schoolteam. The work-outs are grueling, and he loses his first few matches, butDonald’s most difficult obstacle is his temper. Can he channel it to workfor him instead of against him? ... Read more

Product Description
When Terry Davisís Vision Quest first appeared in 1979, it was greeted as an incredibly fresh breath of air. Doris Grumbach called it "a completely successful novel, the best Bildungsroman to come my way in some time." John Irving called it "the truest novel about growing up since Catcher in the Rye," and said, "it's a better novel about wrestling, and wrestlers, than The World According to Garp."

The novel lived up to this billing. Now its re-release in a handsome trade paper edition presents the book to a new generation of readers. For those who have seen the film version but not read the book, the new edition of Vision Quest will provide an entirely different, weightier, and more timely experience. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Excellent Excellent Excellent Read.
Great book. Go find it and read it and think about it for weeks, I have. I find myself going back into the book, reading a chapter here, a chapter there......What an awesome book, I wish I would have read this when i was in high school....If I where an english lit teacher or philosophy prof. this would be manditory reading.I guess since I am originally from spokane that I can relate to this story in certain ways, but then again, I think so can alot of people, but not everyone unfortunately. You will know once you read this book.

This remarkable book helped make me a writer.
This book not only helped me become a writer, it confirmed that there are folks out there working in each moment to be the best people they can be. I've carried the protagonist, Louden Swain, with me every day of my life since I read VISION QUEST in late 1979. And I'm glad for it.

When I came to VISION QUEST in my mid-twenties, I was striving to connect with a life I could care about. I was not a reader, other than the few older novels I was required to read in freshman comp. and American lit. classes. For me, VISION QUEST was revelatory in teaching me that American literature was not something of the past: it didn't die with the likes of Fitzgerald and Steinbeck and Hemingway. Even more important (more enriching) to me, it showed that it was possible to write books and stories that would be accessible and relevant to (and resonant in) many people's lives who would not otherwise be interested in reading. What's more, VISION QUEST helped me recognize and honor the connections between my life and those of others around me. You can't ask for more than that from a book.

And it's not something you often find. For these reasons and others, VISION QUEST is a novel to honor and to celebrate.

The life that Louden Swain lives in this book was something I could indeed recognize as A LIFE! Louden was awake and alive to the possibilities. This was a theme I was (and remain) passionate about pursuing in my own life and work. I hope that I've done an OK job of making that happen.

Davis Miller, author of THE TAO OF MUHAMMAD ALI: A FATHERS AND SONS MEMOIR and THE TAO OF BRUCE LEE: A MARTIAL ARTS MEMOIR

Compelling story ofsport and teenage life
"Vision Quest", like "The Catcher in the Rye", is a novel about adolescence, in the hero Louden Swain's own words, about the "short time he's got left to be a kid."

He's a high-school wrestler who's dropping weight for a match with the state champion but also someone who tries to fill his life with things to do.He reads Kurt Vonnegut novels and med. school textbooks and gets pissed off when the colleges he visits only ever let him talk to the jocks and coaches, rather than the professors he's read about.

Looking at "Vision Quest" now, I realise it is a much funnier book than I supposed when I first read it twenty years ago.Then I was about the same age as Louden and the things he said seemed to make perfect sense.Nowadays, I can appreciate Davis's irony and the perceptiveness with which he makes Louden very much a teenager in his understanding and world-view.My favorite Louden comment is his straight-faced philosophising that, "having a girlfriend is not all fun and games.There's responsibility in it too."

I think the reason VQ is enjoyable and bears re-reading even now, is that it does so many different things very well.Davis covers male bonding, boyfriend-girlfriend relationships, parent-child dynamics and student-teacher struggles.He also captures Louden's dual-nature, as he switches from moments of seriousness, squinting into an uncertain and potentially dangerous future, with Louden's sudden reversals into kiddish playfulness, as he stuffs his team-mate's mouthguard down his shorts.

As well as capturing the atmosphere of the wrestling-room, literature is also a recurring theme.We are told about the novels Louden reads, his English class assignments and his graduation thesis.There is even an analysis of James Agee's "Knoxville Summer 1915".This is is done so seamlessly and with such relish that it made me want to run out and buy these books too.

For me, this a rare example of a completely successful novel.It has not dated (except for a kind of 1960s wonder over racial equality) and Davis has a sharp ear for the dialog, name-calling and absurdity of teenagers.It takes wrestling as a starting-point but is startling in its lack of violence or agression.Rather, it is tender, humorous and poignant, gaining its power from the clarity and truth of its depiction of adolescent life.Terry Davis succeeds in making us care about Louden and Carla, who end up seeming much more than mere fictional characters.Novelists of any stature can hope for little more.

perfect ending to a durned good read
This is one of the most real-world inspiring and beautifully understated pieces of fiction that I have read.The protagonist, Louden Swain, is a 17-and 18-year-old who is doing his very best to become the best (the most alive, capable) person he can figure out how to become.It's durned good to see such a life as Louden's promoted in a fine piece of writing instead of the maladjusts we often find in contemporary, "cool" literature.Although Vision Quest is listed as a young adult title, the writing transcends that genre.This is not so much a book for adolescent readers (although they'll likely enjoy it) as it is a fun read for adults who powerfully connect with good novels.The ending:it's downright perfect.The wrestling match between Louden and his opponent is not the point of the story.The journey of becoming is what matters here.

Good Movie, Bad Book Ending
In the book Vision Quest, there is a story of growing up, preparing to graduate high school and to become self-reliant. The author Terry Davis used a great metaphor for life as the sport of wrestling. He kept referring to the intensity of losing weight and practicing to the struggles of life and how we must all overcome them.

If you have seen the movie, by the same name, then the book might disappoint you as it did me. The book ends at the beginning of the big match between Louden and Shute, whereas the movie keeps going and finishes the match. This is where the plot seems to just drop off in the book, there was so much rising action and then it just STOPS and then the book ends. This was very frustrating, especially when the book was going great and Louden was getting everything he worked for, his life could not have been better. On the other hand having the book just STOP, it allows the reader to finish the story however it feels necessary.

The theme of maturity and coming-of-age is definitely apparent when Louden talks about his Senior Project and how finishing that he will have completed every challenge High School has offered and he will be ready for whatever comes next, which is college in his case. The theme is only of Louden but also includes his friends and girl friend, Carla. Carla was a hitchhiker making her way across the country when she tries to buy a car and ends up being a houseguest at Louden's home. She grows and becomes a fully responsible woman by the end of the book, which a lot of the credit is given to Louden. I believe this is a great book with a bad ending, but judge for yourself. ... Read more