New Release: Voices of Wrestling NJPW 2016 Year In Review by Rick Kraetsch

Voices of Wrestling's third annual look at New Japan Pro Wrestling was released on ebook in early January. The first two books were well received by both new and long-term NJPW fans.

Voices of Wresting 2016 Year In Review has been added to our aStore. US CA

Re-release On Ebook: Fritz Von Erich: Master Of The Iron Claw

Ron Mullinax's 2005 Fritz Von Erich: Master of The Iron Claw was released in ebook format earlier this week. Mullinax, who worked with Von Erich in his final days, re-tells Von Erich's story as it was told to him. Though I have not read it since it was a new release, I remember it being an entertaining read, though it was a very controversial release.

Available for order at Amazon US and Amazon Canada.

New Releases: Bad To The Bone by Ron Starr

Territorial wrestler "Rotten" Ron Starr released his autobiography Bad To The Bone: 25 Years of Riots and Wrestling a couple of months back. Written with Rock Rims and featuring a foreword from Mick Foley. Starr was one of the most sought after names in the territory days and worked in every majore territory in the country during his over 25 years in the industry.

Available for order here.

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.

New Releases: Ryback Reeves & Ric Drasin

Former WWE Superstar Ryback released Wake Up It's Feeding Time earlier this month.

Wrestler, bodybuilder, actor, Ric Drasin has also released The Time of My Life in late 2016.

Both titles have been added to the Amazon Store.  USA CA

Review: Inside Out: How Corporate America Destroyed Professional Wrestling By Ole Anderson

Inside Out: How Corporate America Destroyed Professional Wrestling

By Ole Anderson w. Scott Teal

Crowbar Press, 2003

Paperback, Ebook

Long time wrestler and booker Ole Anderson is a legendary name in professional wrestling. A former member of both the Minnesota Wrecking Crew and The Four Horsemen, Anderson's name should be near the top of any list of legendary tag team competitors. Anderson was also a prominent booker in the Georgia and Carolina territories for periods between the 1970s and 1990s. Inside Out is his first book.

Anderson makes a very persuasive argument regarding the corporate expansion of the wrestling industry in the mid 1980s and its detrimental impact on the wrestling industry.  Though Anderson presents a relentless thesis against the current structure of the industry, it is not a pre-requisite to agree with all of his arguments in order to enjoy the book.

Review: Accepted: How the First Gay Superstar Changed WWE By Pat Patterson w. Bertrand Hebert

Accepted: How the First Gay Superstar Changed WWE

By Pat Patterson, Bertrand Hebert, Vince McMahon (Foreword)

ECW Press, 2016

Hardcover, Ebook

Pat Patterson is a true legend in the world of professional wrestling. Widely considered to be one of the best creative minds in the industry's history, Patterson was also one of the top in-ring performers in the territorial era. A successful singles and tag wrestler (most notably with Ray Stevens) Patterson truly made his mark after joining the WWF/E as a wrestler -- he was he first WWF Intercontinental Champion - and later as a key player behind the scenes. Accepted is Patterson's first book, it is co-written by Bertrand Hebert (Mad Dogs, Midgets and Screwjobs) and features a foreword by Vince McMahon.

Accepted was one of 2016's most anticipated releases. Patterson, often referred to as Vince McMahon's second in command during a very dynamic period in wrestling history, is in a very unique position to relate stories about the era. He is also seen as one of the best