Evan McClosky's Blog
March 19, 2022
Literary Squared Circle #44 – CRAZY IS MY SUPERPOWER
Today (3/19) is former three-time WWE Divas Champion AJ Lee’s 35th Birthday. To celebrate the occasion, the Literary Squared Circle blog reviews Lee’s 2017 memoir Crazy Is My Superpower: How I Triumphed by Breaking Bones, Breaking Hearts, and Breaking the Rules by AJ Mendez Brooks (Crown Archetype, 2017).
Crazy Is My Superpower is more than just a “wrestling book”. AJ Mendez Brooks, better known to wrestling fans as AJ Lee, describes growing up in a household fraught with mental illness and drug addiction. As a child, she found an escape through videos games and comic books. Her toxic living environment caused Lee to grow up quickly, which included intervening in a violent confrontation between her parents when she was young. It was then that Lee first discovered her inner superhero.
From a young age, Lee often had to act as an adult in her relationship with her parents. Lee was not, however, immune to the demons that haunted her family. She grew up insecure, wanting to fit in, and was eventually diagnosed as suffering from bipolar disorder herself. It wasn’t until she discovered professional wrestling, that she saw an opportunity to escape her dysfunctional family life and become the real-life superhero she wanted to be.
Crazy Is My Superpower details Lee’s training to become a wrestler, as well as her frustration with the fact that women wrestlers, at the time, were not taken seriously and portrayed simply as sex objects to tantalize the predominantly male fanbase. Using her life experience, Lee created a new, unique persona: a nerdy, energetic, somewhat mentally unstable, woman in charge.
Lee is open and honest about her struggles with mental illness. Instead of hiding her bipolar disorder, she chose to embrace it. This was a deliberate attempt to shatter the stigmas associated with it.
In addition to her openness and honesty regarding her bipolar disorder, Lee is also very frank regarding her wrestling training and her relationships with other aspiring wrestlers. She tells the story of how she met her future husband, CM Punk, and describes her role in the “Divas Revolution.” She also discusses how her insecurities resurfaced when she was passed over for the main roster, while other, less talented wrestlers were promoted.
Lee eventually made it to the main roster. She had a comparatively brief, but undeniably successful WWE career. Crazy Is My Superpower is inspirational, funny, captivating, unapologetic, and uplifting. It is not only a great read, but it is an important book which touches on many difficult topics that are not openly discussed enough. Many would try to run away from such topics, but Lee bravely chose to confront them head on. Her story is one that can help and inspire others. I highly recommend Crazy Is My Superpower.
5 Stars out of 5
Crazy Is My Superpower is more than just a “wrestling book”. AJ Mendez Brooks, better known to wrestling fans as AJ Lee, describes growing up in a household fraught with mental illness and drug addiction. As a child, she found an escape through videos games and comic books. Her toxic living environment caused Lee to grow up quickly, which included intervening in a violent confrontation between her parents when she was young. It was then that Lee first discovered her inner superhero.
From a young age, Lee often had to act as an adult in her relationship with her parents. Lee was not, however, immune to the demons that haunted her family. She grew up insecure, wanting to fit in, and was eventually diagnosed as suffering from bipolar disorder herself. It wasn’t until she discovered professional wrestling, that she saw an opportunity to escape her dysfunctional family life and become the real-life superhero she wanted to be.
Crazy Is My Superpower details Lee’s training to become a wrestler, as well as her frustration with the fact that women wrestlers, at the time, were not taken seriously and portrayed simply as sex objects to tantalize the predominantly male fanbase. Using her life experience, Lee created a new, unique persona: a nerdy, energetic, somewhat mentally unstable, woman in charge.
Lee is open and honest about her struggles with mental illness. Instead of hiding her bipolar disorder, she chose to embrace it. This was a deliberate attempt to shatter the stigmas associated with it.
In addition to her openness and honesty regarding her bipolar disorder, Lee is also very frank regarding her wrestling training and her relationships with other aspiring wrestlers. She tells the story of how she met her future husband, CM Punk, and describes her role in the “Divas Revolution.” She also discusses how her insecurities resurfaced when she was passed over for the main roster, while other, less talented wrestlers were promoted.
Lee eventually made it to the main roster. She had a comparatively brief, but undeniably successful WWE career. Crazy Is My Superpower is inspirational, funny, captivating, unapologetic, and uplifting. It is not only a great read, but it is an important book which touches on many difficult topics that are not openly discussed enough. Many would try to run away from such topics, but Lee bravely chose to confront them head on. Her story is one that can help and inspire others. I highly recommend Crazy Is My Superpower.
5 Stars out of 5
March 11, 2022
Literary Squared Circle #43 – BREAKING THE CHAINS
Nikita Koloff celebrated his 63rd birthday earlier this week (3/9). In honor of the occasion, the Literary Squared Circle blog reviews Koloff’s first book Breaking the Chains: A Handbook for Christian Living by Nikita Koloff (WorldComm, 2002).
Despite the overwhelming use of wrestling imagery, Breaking the Chains is not a wrestling book per se. The book is authored by “Nikita Koloff”, not Scott Simpson (the man behind the gimmick). There is a menacing photo of Koloff, with his chain, on the cover of the book. In addition, there are numerous photos of Koloff from his wrestling career throughout. Even the blurb on the back of the book describes Koloff’s professional wrestling resume, including all of the championships he won. However, within its pages, there is very little discussion of Koloff’s wrestling career in the book.
Instead, Breaking the Chains is literally, as the subtitle implies, A Handbook for Christian Living. Koloff briefly gives a testimonial of what led him to become a Christian in 1993. He then proceeds to describe what must be done to live a Christian lifestyle. Actively spread the word of the Gospel, associate with like-minded people, be a role model, do not judge others, etc.
Intersperced throughout are “What if” scenarios which encourage the reader to examine their faith, and motivational quotes to inspire. Koloff dedicates a chapter to sharing what he has learned along the way during his journey as a born-again Christian.
Although much of what is shared is common sense, it is neatly packaged and easily digestible. Koloff states that the keys to being a good Christian are as follows:
1. Read your Bible daily.
2. Pray daily.
3. Attend church regularly.
Those looking for a wrestling memoir will be disappointed. Koloff has authored two other books, one of which focuses more on his wrestling career. Breaking the Chains: A Handbook for Christian Living is just that: a handbook for Christian living. Newer Christians will benefit most from reading this book, however, longtime Christians might also enjoy the book as a refresher of sorts. Koloff’s book is short (less than 100 pages) and jam-packed with helpful tidbits for spiritual living.
One of the few instances in which Nikita Koloff discussed professional wrestling, was the one portion of the book that did not sit well with me. When discussing personal choices, he mentions a few of his contemporaries who struggled with addiction. Koloff called out, by name, wrestlers he considered self-destructive: Brian Pillman, Eddie Gilbert, The Von Erichs, Jay Youngblood, and Bruiser Brody. He then states, “Without judging, I can say that my choices led to more happiness than theirs. Many of them are no longer with us, due to their choices.”
While I get what he was trying to say, to me it came off as being somewhat “holier than thou”. Anytime you start a sentence with “Without judging…” you can almost undoubtedly expect what follows to be judgmental.
Aside from that, I really enjoyed reading Breaking the Chains. It was a quick read that made you stop and consider aspects of your own faith. Whereas “Is That Wrestling Fake? – The Bear Facts by Nikita Koloff’s storyline uncle, Ivan Koloff (see Literary Squared Circle #40) was a wrestling memoir that incorporated Ivan’s testimonial, Breaking the Chains is almost exclusively a book about Nikita’s faith. As a wrestling book, I would not recommend it. But for any current or potential Christians, it is a good place to reexamine or begin your walk with Christ.
4 Stars out of 5
Despite the overwhelming use of wrestling imagery, Breaking the Chains is not a wrestling book per se. The book is authored by “Nikita Koloff”, not Scott Simpson (the man behind the gimmick). There is a menacing photo of Koloff, with his chain, on the cover of the book. In addition, there are numerous photos of Koloff from his wrestling career throughout. Even the blurb on the back of the book describes Koloff’s professional wrestling resume, including all of the championships he won. However, within its pages, there is very little discussion of Koloff’s wrestling career in the book.
Instead, Breaking the Chains is literally, as the subtitle implies, A Handbook for Christian Living. Koloff briefly gives a testimonial of what led him to become a Christian in 1993. He then proceeds to describe what must be done to live a Christian lifestyle. Actively spread the word of the Gospel, associate with like-minded people, be a role model, do not judge others, etc.
Intersperced throughout are “What if” scenarios which encourage the reader to examine their faith, and motivational quotes to inspire. Koloff dedicates a chapter to sharing what he has learned along the way during his journey as a born-again Christian.
Although much of what is shared is common sense, it is neatly packaged and easily digestible. Koloff states that the keys to being a good Christian are as follows:
1. Read your Bible daily.
2. Pray daily.
3. Attend church regularly.
Those looking for a wrestling memoir will be disappointed. Koloff has authored two other books, one of which focuses more on his wrestling career. Breaking the Chains: A Handbook for Christian Living is just that: a handbook for Christian living. Newer Christians will benefit most from reading this book, however, longtime Christians might also enjoy the book as a refresher of sorts. Koloff’s book is short (less than 100 pages) and jam-packed with helpful tidbits for spiritual living.
One of the few instances in which Nikita Koloff discussed professional wrestling, was the one portion of the book that did not sit well with me. When discussing personal choices, he mentions a few of his contemporaries who struggled with addiction. Koloff called out, by name, wrestlers he considered self-destructive: Brian Pillman, Eddie Gilbert, The Von Erichs, Jay Youngblood, and Bruiser Brody. He then states, “Without judging, I can say that my choices led to more happiness than theirs. Many of them are no longer with us, due to their choices.”
While I get what he was trying to say, to me it came off as being somewhat “holier than thou”. Anytime you start a sentence with “Without judging…” you can almost undoubtedly expect what follows to be judgmental.
Aside from that, I really enjoyed reading Breaking the Chains. It was a quick read that made you stop and consider aspects of your own faith. Whereas “Is That Wrestling Fake? – The Bear Facts by Nikita Koloff’s storyline uncle, Ivan Koloff (see Literary Squared Circle #40) was a wrestling memoir that incorporated Ivan’s testimonial, Breaking the Chains is almost exclusively a book about Nikita’s faith. As a wrestling book, I would not recommend it. But for any current or potential Christians, it is a good place to reexamine or begin your walk with Christ.
4 Stars out of 5
March 3, 2022
Literary Squared Circle #42 – SISTERHOOD OF THE SQUARED CIRCLE
March is Women’s History Month. In celebration of women’s history, the Literary Squared Circle blog reviews the 2017 book Sisterhood of the Squared Circle: The History and Rise of Women’s Wrestling by Pat Laprade and Dan Murphy (ECW Press, 2017).
Sisterhood of the Squared Circle is among the most comprehensive books on the subject of women’s wrestling ever written. While many modern wrestling fans think that the pioneers of women’s wrestling are Trish Stratus and Lita, this book traces the rich history of women’s wrestling back a century prior to that. Pat Laprade and Dan Murphy profile over 100 women wrestlers from every era from the real pioneers (Cora Livingston & Clara Mortensen) to the superstars of today (Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks, Bayley, etc.).
Mildred Burke, June Byers, The Fabulous Moolah, Wendi Richter, Sherri Martel, Madusa/Alundra Blayze, Chyna. They’re all here. In addition to the profiles one would expect to find, there are a few interesting entries. Long forgotten African-American wrestlers of the 1950s and 1960s (Babs Wingo, Ethel Johnson, etc.) are featured as are the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW), International wrestlers from Japan, Mexico, United Kingdom, & Australia, and wrestlers from the Chicago-based indie promotion SHIMMER.
Despite clocking in at over 400 pages, Sisterhood of the Squared Circle is a quick read due to the timeline being broken up into easily readable and informative digestible bites. The book is not only an interesting read, but an educational one as well. I learned more about women’s professional wrestling while reading Sisterhood of the Squared Circle than I had from any other book on the subject.
Along with Jeff Leen’s biography of Mildred Burke, The Queen of the Ring, I consider Sisterhood of the Squared Circle to be one of the two most definitive books ever written about the history of women’s wrestling. From the Billy Wolfe Era to The Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Connection. From the Attitude Era to the Divas Revolution. If you have any interest in women’s wrestling and its history, Sisterhood of the Squared Circle: The History and Rise of Women’s Wrestling is a must-read. Check it out. You won’t be disappointed.
4 Stars out of 5
Sisterhood of the Squared Circle is among the most comprehensive books on the subject of women’s wrestling ever written. While many modern wrestling fans think that the pioneers of women’s wrestling are Trish Stratus and Lita, this book traces the rich history of women’s wrestling back a century prior to that. Pat Laprade and Dan Murphy profile over 100 women wrestlers from every era from the real pioneers (Cora Livingston & Clara Mortensen) to the superstars of today (Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks, Bayley, etc.).
Mildred Burke, June Byers, The Fabulous Moolah, Wendi Richter, Sherri Martel, Madusa/Alundra Blayze, Chyna. They’re all here. In addition to the profiles one would expect to find, there are a few interesting entries. Long forgotten African-American wrestlers of the 1950s and 1960s (Babs Wingo, Ethel Johnson, etc.) are featured as are the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW), International wrestlers from Japan, Mexico, United Kingdom, & Australia, and wrestlers from the Chicago-based indie promotion SHIMMER.
Despite clocking in at over 400 pages, Sisterhood of the Squared Circle is a quick read due to the timeline being broken up into easily readable and informative digestible bites. The book is not only an interesting read, but an educational one as well. I learned more about women’s professional wrestling while reading Sisterhood of the Squared Circle than I had from any other book on the subject.
Along with Jeff Leen’s biography of Mildred Burke, The Queen of the Ring, I consider Sisterhood of the Squared Circle to be one of the two most definitive books ever written about the history of women’s wrestling. From the Billy Wolfe Era to The Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Connection. From the Attitude Era to the Divas Revolution. If you have any interest in women’s wrestling and its history, Sisterhood of the Squared Circle: The History and Rise of Women’s Wrestling is a must-read. Check it out. You won’t be disappointed.
4 Stars out of 5
February 24, 2022
Literary Squared Circle #41 – KING OF STRONG STYLE: 1980 – 2014
Since signing with World Wrestling Entertainment in 2016, Shinsuke Nakamura has enjoyed a great deal of success. Nakamura is a two-time NXT Champion, a two-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, a two-time WWE United States Champion, and a former co-holder of the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship with Cesaro. He also won the 2018 Men’s Royal Rumble match. Today (2/24), Nakamura celebrates his 42nd Birthday. To celebrate his birthday, the Literary Squared Circle blog reviews Nakamura’s 2018 book King of Strong Style: 1980 – 2014 by Shinsuke Nakamura (VIZ Media LLC, 2018).
King of Strong Style was written in Japanese and then translated to English. It details the life of Shinsuke Nakamura chronologically from his birth in 1980 to his time competing for New Japan Pro-Wrestling in 2014. The format of the book is a unique one. It reads like an extended interview with Nakamua. The unidentified “interviewer” asks him a question and Nakamura responds. The story of the first 34 years of his life is told, but it is done so conversationally with him at time laughing and reacting to the questions asked by the “interviewer”.
I found it interesting to learn about Nakamura as a person as opposed to just reading his resume as a performer. Nakamura discusses his family life and education, as well as his training and his foray into Mixed Martial Arts. He is open and candid when discussing his relationship with the legendry Antonio Inoki.
Nakamura describes how he broke into professional wresting alongside Hiroshi Tanahashi and Katsuyori Shibata. He gives his honest opinions regarding fellow wrestlers such as: Hirooki Goto, Osamu Nishimura, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Yoshihiro Takayama, Kensuke Sasaki, Masahiro Chono, and even his future WWE contemporary, Brock Lesnar.
Shinsuke Nakamura describes his travels to Brazil, Italy, Mexico, and beyond. He also reminisces about various feuds, alliances, and his numerous championships, which include reigns as IWGP Heavyweight, IWGP Intercontinental, and IWGP Tag Team Champion.
In addition to many great photos of Shinsuke Nakamura both in and out of the ring, there is also a recapitulation of Nakamura’s story in the form of a timeline in the back of the book. King of Strong Style is an exhaustive account of Nakamura’s life and career up to 2014. I found the interview style of the narrative to be somewhat unappealing. It felt like you were reading a magazine interview… a magazine interview that goes on for 300+ pages.
I enjoyed learning about Nakamura’s background, however, I found it difficult to relate to due to the fact that I have not watched a lot of Japanese wrestling. He would describe, in great detail, matches, angles, and wrestlers which I had never seen and was unfamiliar with. A few matches grabbed my interest enough that I sought them out on YouTube to familiarize myself with them.
If I were a bigger fan of Japanese wrestling, I probably would have enjoyed King of Strong Style: 1980 – 2014 more. Fans familiar with Nakamura’s pre-WWE work will most likely enjoy reading about it. Casual fans who only know Nakamura from his work in WWE may want to pass. Overall, I liked the book, but didn’t love it.
3 Stars out of 5
King of Strong Style was written in Japanese and then translated to English. It details the life of Shinsuke Nakamura chronologically from his birth in 1980 to his time competing for New Japan Pro-Wrestling in 2014. The format of the book is a unique one. It reads like an extended interview with Nakamua. The unidentified “interviewer” asks him a question and Nakamura responds. The story of the first 34 years of his life is told, but it is done so conversationally with him at time laughing and reacting to the questions asked by the “interviewer”.
I found it interesting to learn about Nakamura as a person as opposed to just reading his resume as a performer. Nakamura discusses his family life and education, as well as his training and his foray into Mixed Martial Arts. He is open and candid when discussing his relationship with the legendry Antonio Inoki.
Nakamura describes how he broke into professional wresting alongside Hiroshi Tanahashi and Katsuyori Shibata. He gives his honest opinions regarding fellow wrestlers such as: Hirooki Goto, Osamu Nishimura, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Yoshihiro Takayama, Kensuke Sasaki, Masahiro Chono, and even his future WWE contemporary, Brock Lesnar.
Shinsuke Nakamura describes his travels to Brazil, Italy, Mexico, and beyond. He also reminisces about various feuds, alliances, and his numerous championships, which include reigns as IWGP Heavyweight, IWGP Intercontinental, and IWGP Tag Team Champion.
In addition to many great photos of Shinsuke Nakamura both in and out of the ring, there is also a recapitulation of Nakamura’s story in the form of a timeline in the back of the book. King of Strong Style is an exhaustive account of Nakamura’s life and career up to 2014. I found the interview style of the narrative to be somewhat unappealing. It felt like you were reading a magazine interview… a magazine interview that goes on for 300+ pages.
I enjoyed learning about Nakamura’s background, however, I found it difficult to relate to due to the fact that I have not watched a lot of Japanese wrestling. He would describe, in great detail, matches, angles, and wrestlers which I had never seen and was unfamiliar with. A few matches grabbed my interest enough that I sought them out on YouTube to familiarize myself with them.
If I were a bigger fan of Japanese wrestling, I probably would have enjoyed King of Strong Style: 1980 – 2014 more. Fans familiar with Nakamura’s pre-WWE work will most likely enjoy reading about it. Casual fans who only know Nakamura from his work in WWE may want to pass. Overall, I liked the book, but didn’t love it.
3 Stars out of 5
February 18, 2022
Literary Squared Circle #40 – “IS THAT WRESTLING FAKE?” – THE BEAR FACTS
“The Russian Bear” Ivan Koloff passed away 5 years ago today (2/18). Not only was Koloff a former WWWF World Heavyweight Champion, but he was the man who ended Bruno Sammartino’s historic 7 1/2 year championship reign. How it is that Ivan Koloff has not been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame is beyond me. This week, the Literary Squared Circle blog pays tribute to Koloff by reviewing his 2007 memoir “Is That Wrestling Fake?” – The Bear Facts by Ivan Koloff with Scott Teal (Crowbar Press, 2007).
Ivan Koloff is very open and honest is his memoir “Is That Wrestling Fake?" – The Bear Facts. He describes his childhood growing up poor in rural Canada, as well as some of the bad choices he made in his youth. As a young man, Koloff ran afoul of the law and was imprisoned for cattle rustling. After being released from prison, Koloff focused on becoming a professional wrestler. It was through wrestling that he was able to leave home and embark on a wild journey.
Koloff describes his career in depth. Beginning in Montreal, wrestling for the Rougeaus, Koloff initially had success using an Irish gimmick as Red McNulty. Johnny Rougeau is credited with turning him into the Russian heel, Ivan Koloff. This is the gimmick that would take him to the World Wide Wrestling Federation, and to the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship.
After his time in the WWWF, Koloff competed in numerous NWA territories including: Championship Wrestling from Florida, Georgia Championship Wrestling, and Mid-Atlantic. Koloff also struggled with addiction to drugs and alcohol. He is very forthcoming regarding the cost of his addictions, both personally and professionally.
Ivan Koloff found redemption later in life becoming a born-again Christian with the help of his kayfabe nephew, Nikita Koloff. With his new found faith and sobriety, Ivan Koloff set off to spread the gospel and try to save others. “Is That Wrestling Fake?" – The Bear Facts concludes with Koloff’s testimonial and a brief Bible study guide prepared by fellow wrestler and born-again Christian, Blackjack Mulligan.
In addition to the Bible study, Koloff’s book also contains many great photos from throughout his life and career. Koloff also dedicates a chapter to his thoughts about his wrestling contemporaries, all of which are positive. Example: “Bruno Sammartino – My hero; a record setter; a great example; a gentleman; forever indebted to him.”
I really enjoyed “Is That Wrestling Fake?" – The Bear Facts. Koloff’s life was an interesting one. There were many unexpected twists and turns along the way. His honesty and humility came through in the book. I sincerely hope the WWE sees fit to induct him into their Hall of Fame someday. Koloff is more than deserving of the honor.
4 Stars out of 5
Ivan Koloff is very open and honest is his memoir “Is That Wrestling Fake?" – The Bear Facts. He describes his childhood growing up poor in rural Canada, as well as some of the bad choices he made in his youth. As a young man, Koloff ran afoul of the law and was imprisoned for cattle rustling. After being released from prison, Koloff focused on becoming a professional wrestler. It was through wrestling that he was able to leave home and embark on a wild journey.
Koloff describes his career in depth. Beginning in Montreal, wrestling for the Rougeaus, Koloff initially had success using an Irish gimmick as Red McNulty. Johnny Rougeau is credited with turning him into the Russian heel, Ivan Koloff. This is the gimmick that would take him to the World Wide Wrestling Federation, and to the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship.
After his time in the WWWF, Koloff competed in numerous NWA territories including: Championship Wrestling from Florida, Georgia Championship Wrestling, and Mid-Atlantic. Koloff also struggled with addiction to drugs and alcohol. He is very forthcoming regarding the cost of his addictions, both personally and professionally.
Ivan Koloff found redemption later in life becoming a born-again Christian with the help of his kayfabe nephew, Nikita Koloff. With his new found faith and sobriety, Ivan Koloff set off to spread the gospel and try to save others. “Is That Wrestling Fake?" – The Bear Facts concludes with Koloff’s testimonial and a brief Bible study guide prepared by fellow wrestler and born-again Christian, Blackjack Mulligan.
In addition to the Bible study, Koloff’s book also contains many great photos from throughout his life and career. Koloff also dedicates a chapter to his thoughts about his wrestling contemporaries, all of which are positive. Example: “Bruno Sammartino – My hero; a record setter; a great example; a gentleman; forever indebted to him.”
I really enjoyed “Is That Wrestling Fake?" – The Bear Facts. Koloff’s life was an interesting one. There were many unexpected twists and turns along the way. His honesty and humility came through in the book. I sincerely hope the WWE sees fit to induct him into their Hall of Fame someday. Koloff is more than deserving of the honor.
4 Stars out of 5
February 10, 2022
Literary Squared Circle #39 – 30 YEARS OF WRESTLEMANIA
This Sunday is the Super Bowl, and I couldn’t care less.
My Super Bowl takes place in seven weeks, and it’s called “WrestleMania”. Whereas the Super Bowl Sunday has become an unofficial national holiday, WrestleMania is a global phenomenon. In anticipation of this year’s WrestleMania, the Literary Squared Circle takes a look back at 30 Years of WrestleMania by Brian Shields and Dean Miller (BradyGames, 2014).
30 Years of WrestleMania is very similar in style to the WWE Encyclopedia first published in 2008 (updated in 2012, 2016, 2020), which was also co-authored by Brian Shields. The book is chock full of colorful photos and little known facts from the inaugural WrestleMania through WrestleMania XXX. An updated version of the book was published in 2019, aptly titled 35 Years of WrestleMania. Surely, in two years a version celebrating the 40th anniversary of the event will be released.
Each WrestleMania event is profiled with the date, attendance, announcers, celebrities, and event card. There are also stories about each event by those who were involved. In addition to the profiles of each event, there are features on Shawn Michaels (Mr. WrestleMania), WrestleMania Axxess, the WWE Hall of Fame, The Undertaker’s undefeated streak, and Triple H.
30 Years of WrestleMania is a terrific reference guide to all things WrestleMania. It also serves as a fun look back for those who have watched the event from the beginning and also a great history lesson for more recent fans who are interested in the history of the event.
If read cover to cover, the book may seem a little repetitive and monotonous. However, if used as a reference book, or read one entry per sitting, the book is a great resource. Though none of the information regarding the first 30 Manias has changed, if you are considering purchasing the book, you may want to invest in the 2019 updated version or wait for the inevitable next update in two years.
Any fan of WrestleMania will want to check out 30 Years of WrestleMania by Brian Shields and Dean Miller. You won’t be disappointed.
3 Stars out of 5
My Super Bowl takes place in seven weeks, and it’s called “WrestleMania”. Whereas the Super Bowl Sunday has become an unofficial national holiday, WrestleMania is a global phenomenon. In anticipation of this year’s WrestleMania, the Literary Squared Circle takes a look back at 30 Years of WrestleMania by Brian Shields and Dean Miller (BradyGames, 2014).
30 Years of WrestleMania is very similar in style to the WWE Encyclopedia first published in 2008 (updated in 2012, 2016, 2020), which was also co-authored by Brian Shields. The book is chock full of colorful photos and little known facts from the inaugural WrestleMania through WrestleMania XXX. An updated version of the book was published in 2019, aptly titled 35 Years of WrestleMania. Surely, in two years a version celebrating the 40th anniversary of the event will be released.
Each WrestleMania event is profiled with the date, attendance, announcers, celebrities, and event card. There are also stories about each event by those who were involved. In addition to the profiles of each event, there are features on Shawn Michaels (Mr. WrestleMania), WrestleMania Axxess, the WWE Hall of Fame, The Undertaker’s undefeated streak, and Triple H.
30 Years of WrestleMania is a terrific reference guide to all things WrestleMania. It also serves as a fun look back for those who have watched the event from the beginning and also a great history lesson for more recent fans who are interested in the history of the event.
If read cover to cover, the book may seem a little repetitive and monotonous. However, if used as a reference book, or read one entry per sitting, the book is a great resource. Though none of the information regarding the first 30 Manias has changed, if you are considering purchasing the book, you may want to invest in the 2019 updated version or wait for the inevitable next update in two years.
Any fan of WrestleMania will want to check out 30 Years of WrestleMania by Brian Shields and Dean Miller. You won’t be disappointed.
3 Stars out of 5
February 3, 2022
Literary Squared Circle #38 – MY FIGHT / YOUR FIGHT
This past Saturday, Ronda Rousey returned to the WWE as a surprise entrant in the Women’s Royal Rumble Match. On Tuesday, the UFC and WWE legend celebrated her 35th Birthday. To celebrate Rousey’s return to the ring and her birthday, the Literary Squared Circle reviews at her 2015 memoir My Fight / Your Fight by Ronda Rousey with Maria Burns Ortiz (Regan Arts, 2015).
My Fight / Your Fight was written and released prior to Ronda Rousey’s initial WWE run in 2018. The book opens with Rousey as the undefeated UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion describing the final moments before one of her title defenses. She then flashes back to her childhood and begins to tell her life story.
Almost immediately, Rousey addresses her love of professional wrestling. She and her sisters would watch the WWF on Saturday mornings. One of her favorite toys as a child was a Hulk Hogan Wrestling Buddy. However, Rousey did not pursue a career in professional wrestling right away. Instead, she studied judo and competed internationally. In 2008, she won a bronze medal in judo at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Ronda Rousey used her judo skills to break down barriers and become the first woman to compete in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Not only did she become the first female competitor in UFC, but she became a megastar for the promotion. She was awarded the inaugural UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship and successfully defended the title for nearly three years.
Besides telling her professional story, Rousey is also very open regarding her personal life. She addresses her father’s suicide, her relationship with her family (particularly her mother), and toxic relationships she has been with boyfriends. Rousey is very open and frank. She owns up to mistakes she made, and uses them as cautionary tales for others.
In addition to her life story, Ronda Rousey also provides inspiration to readers in My Fight / Your Fight. Each chapter is title is an inspirational quote: “Never Underestimate an Opponent”, Do Not Accept Less than What You’re Capable Of”, “You Can’t Rely on Just One Thing to Make You Happy”, etc.
Additionally, each chapter opens with a small blurb of an inspirational moment from Rousey’s life. These blurbs usually end with more inspirational sayings, for example, “Don’t focus on what you can’t do. Focus on what you can.”
Rousey also describes her training routine and provides the occasional recipe for healthy foods. My Fight / Your Fight concludes with Rousey having successfully defended her UFC title three times and heading into her fourth successful defense. Of course after the book was published, Rousey had two more successful title defenses before being upset by Holly Holm in November 2015.
After losing her UFC comeback the following year, Ronda Rousey became more involved in acting and joined the WWE in 2018. Rousey adopted the “Rowdy” monicker in honor of her favorite wrestler growing up, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. Her ring gear is an homage to Piper and she wears his leather jacket to the ring. Rousey captured the WWE Raw Women’s Championship and together with Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair became the first women to headline a WrestleMania.
Rousey left the WWE following her loss at WrestleMania 35 to start a family. Her appearance and victory in last Saturday’s Royal Rumble marked her return to the WWE after nearly a three year absence. As she embarks on a new chapter in her life, it was nice to look back on all she has accomplished in the past. My Life / Your Life is an inspirational story and it really allows readers to get to know Rousey outside of the Octagon and the wrestling ring.
Hopefully, someday Rousey will pen another book which focuses on her career in the WWE. My Life / Your Life is an interesting memoir and worth your time to read.
4 Stars out of 5
My Fight / Your Fight was written and released prior to Ronda Rousey’s initial WWE run in 2018. The book opens with Rousey as the undefeated UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion describing the final moments before one of her title defenses. She then flashes back to her childhood and begins to tell her life story.
Almost immediately, Rousey addresses her love of professional wrestling. She and her sisters would watch the WWF on Saturday mornings. One of her favorite toys as a child was a Hulk Hogan Wrestling Buddy. However, Rousey did not pursue a career in professional wrestling right away. Instead, she studied judo and competed internationally. In 2008, she won a bronze medal in judo at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Ronda Rousey used her judo skills to break down barriers and become the first woman to compete in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Not only did she become the first female competitor in UFC, but she became a megastar for the promotion. She was awarded the inaugural UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship and successfully defended the title for nearly three years.
Besides telling her professional story, Rousey is also very open regarding her personal life. She addresses her father’s suicide, her relationship with her family (particularly her mother), and toxic relationships she has been with boyfriends. Rousey is very open and frank. She owns up to mistakes she made, and uses them as cautionary tales for others.
In addition to her life story, Ronda Rousey also provides inspiration to readers in My Fight / Your Fight. Each chapter is title is an inspirational quote: “Never Underestimate an Opponent”, Do Not Accept Less than What You’re Capable Of”, “You Can’t Rely on Just One Thing to Make You Happy”, etc.
Additionally, each chapter opens with a small blurb of an inspirational moment from Rousey’s life. These blurbs usually end with more inspirational sayings, for example, “Don’t focus on what you can’t do. Focus on what you can.”
Rousey also describes her training routine and provides the occasional recipe for healthy foods. My Fight / Your Fight concludes with Rousey having successfully defended her UFC title three times and heading into her fourth successful defense. Of course after the book was published, Rousey had two more successful title defenses before being upset by Holly Holm in November 2015.
After losing her UFC comeback the following year, Ronda Rousey became more involved in acting and joined the WWE in 2018. Rousey adopted the “Rowdy” monicker in honor of her favorite wrestler growing up, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. Her ring gear is an homage to Piper and she wears his leather jacket to the ring. Rousey captured the WWE Raw Women’s Championship and together with Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair became the first women to headline a WrestleMania.
Rousey left the WWE following her loss at WrestleMania 35 to start a family. Her appearance and victory in last Saturday’s Royal Rumble marked her return to the WWE after nearly a three year absence. As she embarks on a new chapter in her life, it was nice to look back on all she has accomplished in the past. My Life / Your Life is an inspirational story and it really allows readers to get to know Rousey outside of the Octagon and the wrestling ring.
Hopefully, someday Rousey will pen another book which focuses on her career in the WWE. My Life / Your Life is an interesting memoir and worth your time to read.
4 Stars out of 5
January 27, 2022
Literary Squared Circle #37 – GORDON SOLIE… SOMETHING LEFT BEHIND
The “Dean of Wrestling Announcers” Gordon Solie was born 93 years ago yesterday (January 26th). This week the Literary Squared Circle blog takes a look back at his life and legendary career by reviewing the 2005 book Gordon Solie… Something Left Behind by Gordon Solie, Robert Allyn, and Pamela Allyn (Florida Media, Inc., 2005).
Gordon Solie… Something Left Behind was published 5 years after Solie’s death. It is a collection of previously unpublished writings and photographs from his personal collection. Co-author Pam Allyn is Solie’s daughter. Together with her husband, Robert, they gathered Solie’s personal effects and organized for publication in this book. It was done as a tribute to Gordon Solie’s memory and a gift to his legion of fans.
Something Left Behind begins like a traditional biography. Solie’s childhood is described and there a many great photos which accompany the text. However, after his early days in radio are covered, the book departs from convention. Poems penned by Solie are shared, as are some prose, namely a few short stories. There are also a few drawings done by Solie.
His career in wrestling is covered in great detail with even more fantastic photos of some of the biggest stars of that era: Slave Girl Moolah, The Sheik, Eddie Graham, Buddy Colt, Jack Brisco, Ray Stevens, just to name a few. Solie also shares some great stories, including one about Ted the Wrestling Bear. The book concludes with a poem dedicated to Gordon Solie written by his grandson. The poem is titled “Something Left Behind”, which gave the book its title.
Gordon Solie was a unique voice in professional wrestling. Something Left Behind is a unique book dedicated to his memory. While his poetry and short stories are interesting, they feel somewhat out of place in a wrestling book. The photos and Solie’s wrestling tales are amazing. Overall, the book was a hodgepodge that was very hit-or-miss.
Fans of Solie, or of Championship Wrestling from Florida, will enjoy the trip down memory lane. Those too young to remember him calling matches may be confused by some of the non-traditional elements found in Something Left Behind. The book is a unique one and worth checking out for the photos alone.
3 Stars out of 5
Gordon Solie… Something Left Behind was published 5 years after Solie’s death. It is a collection of previously unpublished writings and photographs from his personal collection. Co-author Pam Allyn is Solie’s daughter. Together with her husband, Robert, they gathered Solie’s personal effects and organized for publication in this book. It was done as a tribute to Gordon Solie’s memory and a gift to his legion of fans.
Something Left Behind begins like a traditional biography. Solie’s childhood is described and there a many great photos which accompany the text. However, after his early days in radio are covered, the book departs from convention. Poems penned by Solie are shared, as are some prose, namely a few short stories. There are also a few drawings done by Solie.
His career in wrestling is covered in great detail with even more fantastic photos of some of the biggest stars of that era: Slave Girl Moolah, The Sheik, Eddie Graham, Buddy Colt, Jack Brisco, Ray Stevens, just to name a few. Solie also shares some great stories, including one about Ted the Wrestling Bear. The book concludes with a poem dedicated to Gordon Solie written by his grandson. The poem is titled “Something Left Behind”, which gave the book its title.
Gordon Solie was a unique voice in professional wrestling. Something Left Behind is a unique book dedicated to his memory. While his poetry and short stories are interesting, they feel somewhat out of place in a wrestling book. The photos and Solie’s wrestling tales are amazing. Overall, the book was a hodgepodge that was very hit-or-miss.
Fans of Solie, or of Championship Wrestling from Florida, will enjoy the trip down memory lane. Those too young to remember him calling matches may be confused by some of the non-traditional elements found in Something Left Behind. The book is a unique one and worth checking out for the photos alone.
3 Stars out of 5
January 20, 2022
Literary Squared Circle #36 – THE WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
The WWE Championship is the among the most prestigious championships in all of professional wrestling. Historically, January has been one of the months in which the WWE title has most often changed hands. This can be attributed largely to the fact that the Royal Rumble is held in January and it is the beginning of the buildup to WrestleMania. In fact, 2022 began with the crowning of a new WWE Champion when Brock Lesnar won a fatal five-way match at the Day 1 pay-per-view to capture the championship for the sixth time.
This current week alone (1/18 to 1/24) has seen 7 title changes between 1971 and 2016. This includes Ivan Koloff’s shocking upset of Bruno Sammartino in 1971 (1/18/71), the birth of Hulkamania as Hulk Hogan dethroned The Iron Sheik in 1984 (1/23/84), and Ric Flair’s historic Royal Rumble win to capture the vacant title in 1992 (1/19/92).
This week the Literary Squared Circle blog takes a look the history of the WWE Championship by reviewing the 2011 book The WWE Championship: A Look Back at the Rich History of the WWE Championship by Kevin Sullivan (Gallery Books, 2011).
The WWE Championship is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in wrestling history. Although he refers to the title as simply the “WWE Championship” throughout the book, the author Kevin Sullivan (no, not THAT Kevin Sullivan!) traces the history of the championship from Buddy Rogers reign as the inaugural WWWF World Heavyweight Championship in 1963 to Sheamus’ second reign as WWE Champion in 2010.
Though all this information is available on the internet with the click of a mouse, old school wrestling historians such as myself will enjoy having a physical record book to refer to when doing research. There are great photos and some behind-the-scenes stories about the title changes from those who were involved in the matches.
The only downside is that the book is very much a World Wrestling Entertainment publication. There is a noticeable focus on the modern day, and anything that goes back more than 20 years is somewhat glossed over. The book is just over 300 pages long, but the pre-Hogan years (1963 to 1983) are covered in just 37 pages. To contrast, post-Montreal Screwjob years (1997 to 2010) are allotted 147 pages.
In the back of the book, there is a “WWE Championship Timeline” which chronologically lists each champion along with the date and location of their title win. Interestingly, the first entry is April 29, 1963 in Rio de Janeiro, when Buddy Rogers defeated Antonino Rocca. The footnote reads, “Note: Buddy Rogers beat Antonino Rocca in the finals of a tournament to be crowned the first-ever WWE Champion.” This, of course, never happened. Rogers was simply recognized as the inaugural WWWF World Heavyweight Champion without winning the fictional tournament.
Personally, I would have liked more statistics. Longest reign, shortest reign, most reigns, etc. I did find it interesting that in the last chapter, the author speculated as to who might be a future WWE Champion. In 2011, Sullivan correctly predicted that The Miz, Kofi Kingston, and Drew McIntyre were future champions. The only one he got wrong was Ted DiBiase (Jr.).
Overall, I enjoyed The WWE Championship: A Look Back at the Rich History of the WWE Championship. Despite its flaws, it was an interesting retrospective of the history surrounding the title. A more accurate and academic study of the title may have come off as dry and turned off potential readers. As the WWE tends to do, it spiced up the history of the WWE Championship with photos and some tall tales. The focus may have been on entertainment over accuracy, but The WWE Championship is still a fun read.
5 Stars out of 5
This current week alone (1/18 to 1/24) has seen 7 title changes between 1971 and 2016. This includes Ivan Koloff’s shocking upset of Bruno Sammartino in 1971 (1/18/71), the birth of Hulkamania as Hulk Hogan dethroned The Iron Sheik in 1984 (1/23/84), and Ric Flair’s historic Royal Rumble win to capture the vacant title in 1992 (1/19/92).
This week the Literary Squared Circle blog takes a look the history of the WWE Championship by reviewing the 2011 book The WWE Championship: A Look Back at the Rich History of the WWE Championship by Kevin Sullivan (Gallery Books, 2011).
The WWE Championship is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in wrestling history. Although he refers to the title as simply the “WWE Championship” throughout the book, the author Kevin Sullivan (no, not THAT Kevin Sullivan!) traces the history of the championship from Buddy Rogers reign as the inaugural WWWF World Heavyweight Championship in 1963 to Sheamus’ second reign as WWE Champion in 2010.
Though all this information is available on the internet with the click of a mouse, old school wrestling historians such as myself will enjoy having a physical record book to refer to when doing research. There are great photos and some behind-the-scenes stories about the title changes from those who were involved in the matches.
The only downside is that the book is very much a World Wrestling Entertainment publication. There is a noticeable focus on the modern day, and anything that goes back more than 20 years is somewhat glossed over. The book is just over 300 pages long, but the pre-Hogan years (1963 to 1983) are covered in just 37 pages. To contrast, post-Montreal Screwjob years (1997 to 2010) are allotted 147 pages.
In the back of the book, there is a “WWE Championship Timeline” which chronologically lists each champion along with the date and location of their title win. Interestingly, the first entry is April 29, 1963 in Rio de Janeiro, when Buddy Rogers defeated Antonino Rocca. The footnote reads, “Note: Buddy Rogers beat Antonino Rocca in the finals of a tournament to be crowned the first-ever WWE Champion.” This, of course, never happened. Rogers was simply recognized as the inaugural WWWF World Heavyweight Champion without winning the fictional tournament.
Personally, I would have liked more statistics. Longest reign, shortest reign, most reigns, etc. I did find it interesting that in the last chapter, the author speculated as to who might be a future WWE Champion. In 2011, Sullivan correctly predicted that The Miz, Kofi Kingston, and Drew McIntyre were future champions. The only one he got wrong was Ted DiBiase (Jr.).
Overall, I enjoyed The WWE Championship: A Look Back at the Rich History of the WWE Championship. Despite its flaws, it was an interesting retrospective of the history surrounding the title. A more accurate and academic study of the title may have come off as dry and turned off potential readers. As the WWE tends to do, it spiced up the history of the WWE Championship with photos and some tall tales. The focus may have been on entertainment over accuracy, but The WWE Championship is still a fun read.
5 Stars out of 5
January 13, 2022
Literary Squared Circle #35 – SUPERFLY
This Saturday, January 15th, marks the 5th anniversary of the death of one of the biggest, and most controversial, stars to ever enter the squared circle. In memory of “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka, the Literary Squared Circle reviews at his 2012 memoir Superfly: The Jimmy Snuka Story by Jimmy Snuka with Jon Chattman (Triumph Books, 2012).
I am not the type of person who skips ahead in books. I read books from beginning to end, and do not jump ahead just because I can’t wait to see what happens. However, I must admit I did break this rule when I received my copy of Superfly: The Jimmy Snuka Story when it was released 10 years ago. Once the book was in my hands, I immediately began looking for where Snuka discusses the death of Nancy Argentino in 1983. (For those wondering, it’s on page 91, “About Nancy Argentino”)
Snuka (through obvious ghostwriter Jon Chattman) describes Argentino as a “friend” with whom he “hangs out” and “sleeps with” when he was on the East Coast. He then tells the story of how the two were driving from Connecticut to Pennsylvania for a television taping. They were drinking beer and Snuka pulled the car over so Argentino could pee. When she was returning to the car, Snuka claims she fell and hit her head. She said she was fine, went to sleep that night, and didn’t wake up the next morning having suffered a fractured skull when she fell.
Snuka discusses being questioned by police, but denies any wrongdoing. He then made himself out to be the victim because so many people have vilified him over the years and none of those accusations are true. The only problem with this version of the events surrounding the death of Nancy Argentino are that they contradict the story Snuka had been telling everyone for nearly three decades.
The established story had been that Snuka and Argentino had been doing drugs and started playfully roughhousing in their motel room. He pushed her and she accidently fell and hit her head on the wall. This is what reportedly caused the injury which led to her demise. Even more interesting, were the results of Argentino’s autopsy results which stated that her injuries were “suggestive of ‘mate’ abuse” and “should be investigated as a homicide”.
After the release of Superfly in 2012, the investigation into Argentino’s death was re-opened. In early 2014, the case was turned over to a grand jury. In September 2015, Jimmy Snuka was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. He plead not guilty. By the time the trial was set to begin, Snuka’s health had deteriorated and he was deemed not mentally competent to stand trial. On January 3, 2017, charges were dismissed. Less than two weeks later, on January 15, 2017, Jimmy Snuka died from stomach cancer at the age of 73.
Of course, all of this happened after Superfly: The Jimmy Snuka Story had been released. Superfly is your average, run-of-the-mill, ghostwritten wrestler autobiography. Despite having the word “brudda” tacked on to the end of seemingly every other sentence, the book comes across as being a secondhand retelling of Snuka’s story.
Snuka’s life and career are covered, though not in great detail. The actual narrative is just over 150 pages. That is followed by a career timeline, a Snuka family tree, a dictionary covering Fijian and Hawaiian terms used by Snuka in the book, and more. The additional materials seem to be there just to get the book over 200 pages.
Despite the rather pedestrian telling of Snuka’s story, there are some great photos sprinkled throughout the book. Superfly: The Jimmy Snuka Story is not a great book, nor is it a particularly bad book. With the exception of the intrigue regarding Nancy Argentino’s death, the book is very forgettable. Snuka was a huge star, and one of the most controversial figures ever in professional wrestling. So many other wrestler memoirs have crazy stories about Snuka that Superfly came off as a watered down telling of the Snuka’s own story.
Unlike Jimmy Snuka’s Superfly Splash off the top of the cage onto Don Muraco in Madison Square Garden, his book Superfly: The Jimmy Snuka Story missed it’s mark. Fans of Snuka will want to check this book out. All others might want to pass on this one, brudda.
3 Stars out of 5
I am not the type of person who skips ahead in books. I read books from beginning to end, and do not jump ahead just because I can’t wait to see what happens. However, I must admit I did break this rule when I received my copy of Superfly: The Jimmy Snuka Story when it was released 10 years ago. Once the book was in my hands, I immediately began looking for where Snuka discusses the death of Nancy Argentino in 1983. (For those wondering, it’s on page 91, “About Nancy Argentino”)
Snuka (through obvious ghostwriter Jon Chattman) describes Argentino as a “friend” with whom he “hangs out” and “sleeps with” when he was on the East Coast. He then tells the story of how the two were driving from Connecticut to Pennsylvania for a television taping. They were drinking beer and Snuka pulled the car over so Argentino could pee. When she was returning to the car, Snuka claims she fell and hit her head. She said she was fine, went to sleep that night, and didn’t wake up the next morning having suffered a fractured skull when she fell.
Snuka discusses being questioned by police, but denies any wrongdoing. He then made himself out to be the victim because so many people have vilified him over the years and none of those accusations are true. The only problem with this version of the events surrounding the death of Nancy Argentino are that they contradict the story Snuka had been telling everyone for nearly three decades.
The established story had been that Snuka and Argentino had been doing drugs and started playfully roughhousing in their motel room. He pushed her and she accidently fell and hit her head on the wall. This is what reportedly caused the injury which led to her demise. Even more interesting, were the results of Argentino’s autopsy results which stated that her injuries were “suggestive of ‘mate’ abuse” and “should be investigated as a homicide”.
After the release of Superfly in 2012, the investigation into Argentino’s death was re-opened. In early 2014, the case was turned over to a grand jury. In September 2015, Jimmy Snuka was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. He plead not guilty. By the time the trial was set to begin, Snuka’s health had deteriorated and he was deemed not mentally competent to stand trial. On January 3, 2017, charges were dismissed. Less than two weeks later, on January 15, 2017, Jimmy Snuka died from stomach cancer at the age of 73.
Of course, all of this happened after Superfly: The Jimmy Snuka Story had been released. Superfly is your average, run-of-the-mill, ghostwritten wrestler autobiography. Despite having the word “brudda” tacked on to the end of seemingly every other sentence, the book comes across as being a secondhand retelling of Snuka’s story.
Snuka’s life and career are covered, though not in great detail. The actual narrative is just over 150 pages. That is followed by a career timeline, a Snuka family tree, a dictionary covering Fijian and Hawaiian terms used by Snuka in the book, and more. The additional materials seem to be there just to get the book over 200 pages.
Despite the rather pedestrian telling of Snuka’s story, there are some great photos sprinkled throughout the book. Superfly: The Jimmy Snuka Story is not a great book, nor is it a particularly bad book. With the exception of the intrigue regarding Nancy Argentino’s death, the book is very forgettable. Snuka was a huge star, and one of the most controversial figures ever in professional wrestling. So many other wrestler memoirs have crazy stories about Snuka that Superfly came off as a watered down telling of the Snuka’s own story.
Unlike Jimmy Snuka’s Superfly Splash off the top of the cage onto Don Muraco in Madison Square Garden, his book Superfly: The Jimmy Snuka Story missed it’s mark. Fans of Snuka will want to check this book out. All others might want to pass on this one, brudda.
3 Stars out of 5
