Review: The Three Count: My Life In Stripes As A WWE Referee By Jimmy Korderas

The Three Count: My Life In Stripes As A WWE Referee
Jimmy Korderas, Adam "Edge" Copeland (Foreword)
ECW Press, 2013
Paperback, Ebook

For over 20 years, Jim Korderas was a main stay with the WWF/E. While best remembered as a referee, Korderas began his career with the WWF in 1985 as a driver and member of the ring crew working for Jack Tunney at the WWF Toronto office. Korderas soon became a full-time referee and held the position - apart from a brief hiatus - until 2009. The book recounts Korderas' career from his entry into the business - at the apex of the Hulkamania era, through the New Generation, Attitude and Ruthless Aggression Eras - until the years immediately following his 2009 departure. Since leaving the WWF/E, Korderas has made a name for himself in the broadcasting world as a regular co-host of
WWE Aftermath on Sportsnet. The Three Count: My Life In Stripes As A WWE Referee is Jim Korderas' first book.

The Three Count is one of the best overall pro wrestling books to be released since the late 90s wrestling book boom. While not an encyclopedia of pro wrestling history and/or psychology or a salacious tell-all that some readers crave, Korderas tells an interesting and entertaining story. In many respects it is the story of an Everyman who through drive, talent and a willingness to learn earns the opportunity to work - and live - his dream job. Korderas comes across as an eager, likeable, humble and very funny person who has truly enjoyed all of what his profession has had to offer. Korderas had a WWF/E tenure that spanned the Hulk Hogan to John Cena eras, yet does not have - or at least show - any "political baggage" nor is there the slightest hint of a personal axe to grind. The book is a great overview of two decades of the WWF/E from someone who is both "inside" and "outside looking in" the WWF/E during key periods of company and industry growth and decline. It also provides very unique looks into the life of a WWF/E pro wrestling referee and an even more unique look into that of a member of the WWF/E travelling ring crew.

While most of the book is written in a lighthearted and retrospective tone, similar to Mick Foley's early books, he does not shy away from some of the more tragic moments he encountered while employed by the WWF/E. Most notably are the deaths of Owen Hart, Eddie Guerrero and Chris Benoit. Korderas was in a tragically unique situation when Hart passed away and he writes about the event - one that, due to its significance, would have been noticeably absent if it had not been addressed - with the logic of one who has spent a lot of time reflecting, but the emotion of one who is not too far removed.

Considering Korderas' tenure - both in terms of length of time and the specific years in which he was an employee - some readers may expect some more of wrestling's darker underbelly is addressed. While a few of these issues are mentioned, very few result in more than simply that. The author is absolutely in a position to expose a lot of "the dirt," however opts not to. Ultimately, this helps the book's overall structure and tone.

The Three Count: My Life In Stripes As A WWE Referee is very highly recommended for any fan who likes books about professional wrestling. While it is a few years old, the narrative is framed around Korderas' career and is, therefore, not out-dated. Korderas' story is, first and foremost, one of a wrestling fan and most of us should have no trouble relating.