Turning the Tables: The Story of Extreme Championship Wrestling

by John Lister

ECW was the upstart promotion which revolutionised the wrestling industry. Turning The Tables is the first published history of the company which grew from a run-down bingo hall to become a national pay-per-view competitor... then crashed in a sea of debt. John Lister (author of Slamthology) gives an independent, objective and informative account that reveals hidden secrets and shatters common myths. From a little-known truth about ECW's most famous feud to a blow-by-blow account of what really happened in Revere, this book will give you the true story behind America's most controversial wrestling group.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports

196 pages, Paperback

First published October 30, 2005

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between the official WWE Rise and Fall of ECW and this book by John Lister, you have the complete full version of ECW. This book was honest, detailed and incredibly compelling. It shows the passion ECW fans felt but also takes a look at the many controversies and negative events. If you want to supplement your knowledge about that wrestling company’s history I highly recommend this.

[Pryder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent enough counterpoint to The Rise & Fall of ECW book by WWE.

There's not a lot of new information here if you have already read the other book. Still they actually reference drug use once or twice in this one and do better at being objective than the WWE sanctioned book.

[Richard Tubb · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard to explain the influence that the ECW promotion had on modern Pro Wrestling, but this book from noted Wrestling writer John Lister gives the best written history of Extreme Championship Wrestling that I've yet read.

From the early days of Eastern Championship Wrestling, to the Natiobal Wrestling Alliance (NWA) double cross, and to the national expansion of Extreme Championship Wrestling, this book covers it all.

I really enjoyed the authors Insights into the backstage politics of the promotion, it's influence on the established promotions of the day - WCW and WWF, and how promoter Paul Heyman tried (and failed) and turn the rabid following of this company into a profitable endeavour.

If you're a Wrestling fan, then you'll undoubtedly enjoy reading this book about a promotion that changed the landscape of Pro Wrestling forever.

[Scott Cumming · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sharp, entertaining ride through the ECW from inception to death. We get whisked though the main points of the story, but never really get to know the players too well other than where they are causing trouble.

Living in the UK, I didn't get to see ECW in its pomp, but it is clear how big of an influence it was on the industry and I became acquainted with many of the stars from their roles in the WWE where the success often didn't translate.

This book taught me plenty and will have me running to the internet to catch what action I can.

[Adam Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could have seen it live

I am the Monday Night Wars generation but ECW was never on television in my area. I never saw them live despite seeing WCW several times in the local civic center. They came within a two hour drive for me and yet I didn't go. The Big Two had me in their clutches and there was no way out. After reading this I wish I had.

Long live ECW!

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great and quick read. I loved seeing some of the stories on ECW and what happened with them

[Kenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was OK, but not spectacular...

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read

[Juxhin Deliu · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has some interesting analysis on ECW financial recording and a decent rendition of its history, other than being explicitly non-WWE apologetic, but it is quite short and reductive. Its main strenght points lie on the objectivity and clear analysis of datas and facts regarding ECW, without empty exaltation on the legacy of the revolutionary cult called ECW.