Review: Is Wrestling Fixed? I Didn't Know It Was Broken By Bill Apter

Is Wrestling Fixed? I Didn't Know It Was Broken

By Bill Apter, Jerry Lawler (Foreword), Joey Styles (Afterword) 

ECW Press, 2015

Paperback, Ebook, Audiobook

Bill Apter is at the top of the short list of well-known and well respected professional wrestling journalists. The long time editor of Pro Wrestling Illustrated and its sister magazines was such a guiding force in the publications that they are still, years after his departure, referred to as "The Apter Mags." Is Wrestling Fixed? is Apter's autobiographical look at his almost 50 years covering the professional wrestling industry. 

While best remembered as a kayfabe guarding journalist - unlike Dave Meltzer, Wade Keller, etc - who was semi-complicit in the pro wrestling ruse of yesteryear, this book is not "a work." Apter's story is that of a young wrestling fan who gradually grows from "unofficial" freelance photographer to staff contributor for Stanley Weston's family of magazines to being one of the key players in the professional wrestling industry. While many of the variables pertaining to the professional wrestling industry and journalism as a whole have changed, Is Wrestling Fixed? is certainly a good read for those with an interest in covering the sport.

One of the strong suits of Apter's - and of that of his writing staff at the PWI family of magazines - was their ability to avoid overshadowing the stories they were reporting/creating. Rarely, unless it was in the form of an editorial, did Apter or his people shift the focus of their stories from wrestling and wrestlers to the reporter covering the story. In a very strange way Apter continues to do this even in his own autobiography. This makes for a very good read as the tone of the book is very often how wrestling and wrestling journalism worked/works and how the writer has responded. While in no way does Apter present himself as someone who is simply in the right place at the right time, he gives great insight into how he has reacted, adapted and answered to many challenges he encountered while at the forefront of two very volatile industries during times of unprecedented change.

Apter comes across as a very modest, intelligent and genial person and is a very good story teller. Those who are so inclined should consider getting the audio book - read by Apter - as it is, for the lack of a better term, a very casual listen and gives the listener the sense of being around a table or on a car ride with the author. Having also read the ebook version, there is still an element of this, however, it is much more noticeable on the audiobook. Listeners will also be treated to some of Apter's impressions which, naturally, don't work so well in print. While Apter is most proud of his Dusty Rhodes, it is his Jimmy Snuka that was the most impressive.

Some readers may hope for, though they should not necessarily expect, some commentary on many of the less than pleasant elements of professional wrestling. With his years of experience and personal/professional relationships with most of the key players in the professional wrestling industry yet as still somewhat of an outsider, Apter is in a great position to give an informed commentary on most of the controversial topics that are present in the professional wrestling industry. Readers may also like a bit more from Apter regarding how both industries (journalism and wrestling) have changed for the better/worse throughout his tenure. 

Is Wrestling Fixed? I Didn't Know It Was Broken! is an enjoyable read from one of the wrestling industry's best known and most respected non-wrestling names.