Review: Chris and Nancy: The True Story of the Benoit Murder-Suicide and Pro Wrestling's Cocktail of Death by Irvin Muchnick

Chris and Nancy: The True Story of the Benoit Murder-Suicide and Pro Wrestling's Cocktail of Death
Irvin Muchnick, Phil Mushnick (Foreword)
ECW Press, 2009
Paperback, Ebook, Audiobook

This review was written in 2011.  Minor edits were made for this posting.

Journalist Irvin Muchnick's 2009 book Chris and Nancy: The True Story of the Benoit Murder-Suicide and Pro Wrestling's Cocktail of Death is an interesting marriage of pro-wrestling and true crime. Muchnick, a prolific author whose work has appeared in publications such as People and Sports Illustrated, is an unapologetic critic of the shortcomings of the professional wrestling industry.  His wrestling related work frequently deals with premature deaths, drug use and abuse within the industry and the generally dangerous life choices made by many of the industry's practitioners. Muchnick's other works include: Wrestling Babylon, Concussion Inc, and Justice Denied: The Untold Story of Nancy Argentino's Death in Jimmy Superfly Snuka's Hotel Room. He is nephew of late Kansas City promoter and former N.W.A. President Sam Muchnick.

Review: Hardcore History The Extremely Unauthorized History of ECW By Scott E. Williams

Hardcore History: The Extremely Unauthorized History of ECW

Scott E. Williams, Shane Douglas (Foreword) Photos By George Tahinos

Sports Publishing, 2006

Hardcover, Paperback, Ebook, Audiobook

In the industry's peak period of the mid-late 1990s, WWF and WCW battled for the top spot in what is now called The Monday Night Wars.  While revisionist history typically marginalises the impact of the era's indy promotions, the ECW has remained a near mythical cult like industry leader. Extreme Championship Wrestling was not only the home for many of wrestling's most memorable performers, its edgy and unapologetic presentation was the inspiration for many of the industry wide changes that lead to the lead to the largest international boom in wrestling history.