Review: A Star Shattered: The Rise And Fall Of Wrestling Diva By Tammy Sytch

A Star Shattered: The Rise And Fall Of Wrestling Diva

By Tammy "Sunny" Sytch

Riverdale Avenue Books, 2016

Paperback, Ebook

Tammy Sytch was a very prominent professional wrestling personality in the mid/late 1990s.  While also known for her tenures in SMW, ECW and WCW, it was during her role as Sunny in the pre-Attitude Era WWF/E that Sytch became a household name for wrestling fans. In the years since leaving the wrestling industry, Sytch has battled numerous personal issues.  A Star Shattered is Sytch's first book.

On the positive side, Sytch pulls very few punches with this book. She is very open with her memories and emotions regarding her pre, during and post wrestling life.  Uncommon to many books written by ex-wrestlers, especially those who have struggled after departing the industry, Sytch's passion for the business remains very apparent.  While she may have a case for post-wrestling bitterness, her love for wrestling - both as a fan and successful mainstream performer - remains evident. For the most part, the book is a very easy read.

Review: 1984: The Year Wrestling Changed Forever By Dusty Wolfe

1984: The Year Wrestling Changed Forever: 
Wrestling's Most Pivitol Year: The Territories ENDED and the WWE Came To Power
By Dusty Wolfe
Self Published, 2014
Ebook

Long time journeyman Dusty Wolfe's self published ebook is a quick look at the 1984 professional wrestling scene. Wolfe has wrestled throughout the world and is best remembered for his time as a recurring enhancement worker in the WWF/E and WCW. 1984: The Year Wrestling Changed Forever is one of several books/articles written by Wolfe. His best known work is his 2008 autobiography Journal of a Journeyman.

Review: Dusty: Reflections Of Wrestling's American Dream

Dusty: Reflections Of Wrestling's American Dream

Dusty Rhodes and Howard Brody

Sports Publishing, 2005

Hardcover, Paperback, Ebook, Audiobook

"The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes had a remarkable career as a professional wrestler and booker that has spanned 40+ year period. Rhodes made his wrestling debut in the late 60s and became one of the biggest names in the history of the industry.  Rhodes first gained national prominence as a member of the Texas Outlaws with Dick Murdoch, he later had a long and historic run in Eddie Graham's Championship Wrestling From Florida, as a main event star in NWA Mid-Atlantic, a memorable stint in early 90s WWF and as commentator with World Championship Wrestling.  Rhodes also served as the booker with most of these organizations during his respective tenures. As is common with both top stars and powerful people in the industry, Dusty Rhodes is a very polarizing person/character.

Review: Hart Strings By Julie Hart

Review: Hart Strings: My Life With Bret and the Hart Family
Julie Hart
Tightrope Books, 2013
Paperback, Ebook

As ex-wife of Bret "The Hitman" Hart, Julie Hart is in a great position to provide some insight into some very interesting areas such as the Montreal Screwjob, the death of Owen Hart, the whole Hart clan or how the wrestling industry directly affects the spouse and children of its top stars. While she certainly touches on these - some are a mere grazing - Hart's book is far more about the life of a woman who has at times battled and overcome many obstacles in her life.

While her perseverance  and candour are both admirable - Hart comes across as a credible and strong person - the choices she  (or her editors / collaborators) made about what to include in and what to omit