Ringside
Ringside

Author: Scott Beekman

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published: 2006-06-30

Total Pages: 219

ISBN-13: 0313026785

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Despite its status as one of the oldest and most enduringly popular sports in history, wrestling has been pushed to the background of the current American sports scene. Most people today would have a hard time even considering wrestling (with some of its modern theatrics) in the same terms as track and field or boxing. But until the 1920s, wrestling stood as a legitimate professional sport in this country, and a widely practiced amateur one as well. Its past respectability may not have endured, but the advent of cable television in the 1980s offered the sport a renewed opportunity to play a determining role in American popular culture. This opportunity was not wasted, and wrestlers now assume places in politics and film at the highest levels. Ringside, the first work to fully examine the history of professional wrestling in this country, provides an illuminating and colorful account of all of the various athletes, entertainers, businessmen, and national outlooks that have determined wrestling's erratic route through American history. This chronological work begins with a brief account of wrestling's global history, and then proceeds to investigate the sport's growth as a specifically American institution. Wrestling has continued to survive in the face of technological developments, scandals, public ridicule, and a lack of centralized control, and today this supremely adaptable entertainment form represents, in sum, an international industry capable of attracting enormous television and pay-per-view audiences, along with massive amounts of advertising and merchandizing revenue. Ringside focuses on the business of wrestling as well as on the performers and their in-ring antics, and offers readers a fully nuanced examination of the development of professional wrestling in America.

The History Of Professional Wrestling Vol. 1
The History Of Professional Wrestling Vol. 1

Author: Graham Cawthon

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2013-09-25

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781492825975

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Since 2002, The History of WWE.com has served as the premiere online resource for the in- and out-of-the-ring histories of multiple wrestling companies. Now, for the first time in print, you have access to the thousands of dates, cities and ring results that comprise pro wrestling's past. You can now find the hidden gems, the main events that drew thousands and the ones that only drew flies. This first volume in "The History of Professional Wrestling" series contains EVERY known result from the World Wrestling Federation from it's inception in 1963 all the way through 1989. Did you know...? While Buddy Rogers was recognized as WWWF World Champion for the better part of 4 months, he wasn't presented with the title belt until mere weeks before his title loss to Bruno Sammartino? The WWWF was operated as a territory in the northeastern United States. But in the days before a national or global audience, it was not uncommon to see the heavyweight champion in Japan, Canada, Florida, Nashville, Indianapolis, or California. And he would often bring his belt to defend against the local star. Bruno Sammartino was "defeated" for the heavyweight crown a few times by the likes of Gorilla Monsoon, Ray Stevens and Prof. Tanaka. The title was returned on a technicality. WWWF action aired on HBO as early as 1973. Top names like King Kong Bundy, Curt Hennig, Jim Duggan, Eddie Gilbert, and Mick Foley all had their start on TV as enhancement talent during the timeframe of this book. Many marquee matches at TV tapings never saw the light of day in the U.S. but some were later televised exclusively in Europe or Canada. During the expansion of the 1980s, fans of other wrestling organizations didn't always appreciate the WWF product when it debuted in their area. Often, even with Hulk Hogan on the card, hosting events in a new part of the U.S. was not an immediate success when it came to attendance. And there are countless others you'll come across in this incredible "History of Professional Wrestling" series!

The Comic Book Story of Professional Wrestling
The Comic Book Story of Professional Wrestling

Author: Aubrey Sitterson

Publisher: Ten Speed Graphic

Published: 2018-10-02

Total Pages: 186

ISBN-13: 0399580506

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From the host of the critically acclaimed pro wrestling podcast Straight Shoot, this graphic novel history of wrestling features the key grapplers, matches, and promotions that shaped this beloved sport and form of entertainment. As a pop culture phenomenon, professional wrestling--with its heroic babyfaces and villainous heels performing suplexes and powerbombs in pursuit of championship gold--has conquered audiences in the United States and around the world. Now, writer/podcaster Aubrey Sitterson and illustrator Chris Moreno form a graphic novel tag team to present wrestling's complete illustrated history. Featuring legendary wrestlers like Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan, and The Rock, and modern-day favorites like John Cena, Kenny Omega, and Sasha Banks, the book covers wrestling's progress from the carnival days of the Gold Dust Trio to the dominance of the WWF/WWE to today's diverse independent wrestling scene, and it spotlights wrestling's reach into Mexico/Puerto Rico (lucha libre), the U.K. (all-in), and Japan (puroresu).

Shooters
Shooters

Author: Jonathan Snowden

Publisher: ECW Press

Published: 2012-08-09

Total Pages: 401

ISBN-13: 177090221X

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From William Muldoon to Brock Lesnar, this history covers those who have divided themselves as tough guys on the professional wrestling circuit and legitimate confrontations. From catch wrestling master Billy Robinson to the Japanese professional wrestler who gave birth to the global phenomenon that is modern mixed martial arts (MMA), this investigation travels from the shadowy carnival tent and the dingy training hall to the bright lights of the squared circle and the Las Vegas glitz of the octagon. Billy Riley's legendary Wigan Snake Pit and the rigorous UWF Dojo in Tokyo are explored, revealing the secret history of both professional wrestling and the rising sport of MMA. Squared circle icons Strangler Lewis and Lou Thesz and Olympic heroes Danny Hodge and Kurt Angle are also featured.

Professional Wrestling in the Pacific Northwest
Professional Wrestling in the Pacific Northwest

Author: Steven Verrier

Publisher: McFarland

Published: 2017-11-29

Total Pages: 231

ISBN-13: 1476670021

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Introduced in the Pacific Northwest in 1883, professional wrestling has a long and storied history in the region and has contributed significantly to Northwest culture. This entertaining account of the wrestling industry in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia provides a detailed look at more than 130 years of events in the ring and behind the scenes. The author draws connections between developments in wrestling and the changing identity of the Pacific Northwest.

I'm Sorry, I Love You: A History of Professional Wrestling
I'm Sorry, I Love You: A History of Professional Wrestling

Author: Jim Smallman

Publisher: Hachette UK

Published: 2018-08-23

Total Pages: 357

ISBN-13: 147225421X

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'Clever, funny, authoritative and illuminating' - Times Literary Supplement 'Filled with passion, humour, and a little bit of welcome weirdness. A must-read for every die-hard wrestling fan' - Mick Foley For fans of books from Chris Jericho, Steve Austin, Daniel Bryan, Mick Foley and Jim Ross. 'We have all felt every emotion today. Remember today, the next time a family member or workmate tells you that wrestling is stupid. We've laughed, we've cried, we've screamed our lungs out. Professional wrestling is the greatest thing in the entire world.' - Jim Smallman, 2016 Comedian and PROGRESS Wrestling founder Jim Smallman takes us on a wild ride through the history of pro-wrestling, from its beginnings at the turn of the twentieth century to the pop-culture, pay-per-view juggernaut that it is today. Join Jim as he looks at the most defining and iconic moments in wrestling's history and attempts to nail down just why this ludicrous, over the top, compelling quasi-sport means so much to so many people.

The Wrestlers’ Wrestlers
The Wrestlers’ Wrestlers

Author: Dan Murphy

Publisher: ECW Press

Published: 2021-04-27

Total Pages: 368

ISBN-13: 1773056875

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A walk-through wrestling history, starting with the founding fathers such as Ed “Strangler” Lewis and the incomparable Lou Thesz, to modern-day masters such as Daniel Bryan and Kurt Angle. The Wrestlers’ Wrestlers spotlights elite performers and analyzes exactly what made them your favorite wrestler’s favorite wrestlers. Authors Dan Murphy and Brian Young interviewed more than 40 in-ring veterans, historians, referees, and promoters to get a unique insider’s look at the people who have made a lasting impact on the world of professional wrestling. It offers a special peek “behind the curtain” and a rare look into the top stars’ thoughts on their peers, their influences, and their personal favorites. The Wrestlers’ Wrestlers is a history of professional wrestling but also a tribute to the frequently misunderstood art itself. Featuring stars of the 1920s to today, this essential read deserves a prominent spot on the bookcase of every fan and historian.

The Fabulous, Freaky, Unusual History of Pro Wrestling
The Fabulous, Freaky, Unusual History of Pro Wrestling

Author: Angie Peterson Kaelberer

Publisher: Capstone

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 26

ISBN-13: 1429647892

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Welcome to the exciting world of pro wrestling! Get ready to discover how the sport grew from its beginnings in carnivals and traveling shows to become the huge TV hit it is today. Learn about your favorite stars, the classic matches, and the sport's famous families. The Fabulous, Freaky, Unusual History of Pro Wrestling is filled with fun facts about one of the rowdiest and wildest sports of all time!

Pioneers of Professional Wrestling
Pioneers of Professional Wrestling

Author: Tim Corvin

Publisher: ArchwayPublishing

Published: 2014-01-20

Total Pages: 124

ISBN-13: 1480804592

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This historic collection explores the origins of mixed martial arts and professional wrestling in the United States and features profiles of more than 30 mat stars of the era, wrestling in art, over 100 antique photos and more. There is perhaps no sport more primitive or more widely dispersed than wrestling. In its early days, many of the pros were Civil War soldiers who wrestled in camps, while others were lumberjacks, miners, and railroad men. In Pioneers of Professional Wrestling, author Tim Corvin takes a look at how mixed martial arts and todays professional wresting began. He provides insight into this competitive, hand-to-hand combat sport from 1860 through 1899 by delving into the sports history; discussing the evolution of professional wrestling; describing the various wresting styles; and offering biographies of the sports pioneers. A reference guide on the origins of mixed martial arts and professional wrestling, This book contains detailed listings of all available match results, newspaper clippings, tobacco cards, lithographs, and many fun facts, such as: Abraham Lincoln was one of the American frontiers fiercest grapplers William Muldoon and Clarence Whistler wrestled to a 7+ hour draw Farmer Burns had such a strong neck that he could drop six feet on a hangmans noose to no effect, then whistle Yankee Doodle while hanging Evan Strangler Lewis was the dirtiest wrestler in the game and often maimed his opponents The Terrible Turk was so violent he caused riots

The Squared Circle
The Squared Circle

Author: David Shoemaker

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2014-11-04

Total Pages: 401

ISBN-13: 1592408818

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A breakthrough examination of the professional wrestling, its history, its fans, and its wider cultural impact The Squared Circle grows out of David Shoemaker’s writing for Deadspin, where he started the column “Dead Wrestler of the Week” (which boasts more than 1 million page views)—a feature on the many wrestling superstars who died too young because of the abuse they subject their bodies to—and his writing for Grantland, where he covers the pro wrestling world, and its place in the pop culture mainstream. Shoemaker’s sportswriting has since struck a nerve with generations of wrestling fans who—like him—grew up worshipping a sport often derided as “fake” in the wider culture. To them, these professional wrestling superstars are not just heroes but an emotional outlet and the lens through which they learned to see the world. Starting in the early 1900s and exploring the path of pro wrestling in America through the present day, The Squared Circle is the first book to acknowledge both the sport’s broader significance and wrestling fans’ keen intellect and sense of irony. Divided into eras, each section offers a snapshot of the wrestling world, profiles some of the period’s preeminent wrestlers, and the sport’s influence on our broader culture. Through the brawling, bombast, and bloodletting, Shoemaker argues that pro wrestling can teach us about the nature of performance, audience, and, yes, art. Full of unknown history, humor, and self-deprecating reminiscence—but also offering a compelling look at the sport’s rightful place in pop culture—The Squared Circle is the book that legions of wrestling fans have been waiting for. In it, Shoemaker teaches us to look past the spandex and body slams to see an art form that can explain the world.