Gene Kiniski

Gene Kiniski (1928-2010) was internationally known to a generation of wrestling fans and to Canadians everywhere as "Canada's Greatest Athlete." Older fans and wrestling historians remember him best for his accomplishments in the ring, his run-'em-over approach to the game, his growly demeanor, and his razor wit he could unleash at will. Drawing on recollections from fellow wrestlers, promoters, and friends, this first biography of Kiniski gives a full account of the life of a champion pro wrestler who won over fans throughout the United States, Canada, and Japan in a career spanning more than three decades.

St. Louis was the capital and Muchnick the ruler of pro wrestling before Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Entertainment took over. Muchnick and St. Louis paved the way for the multi-billion-dollar sports entertainment industry broadcast worldwide from the stadia and showpiece venues of the States. The centre of this magical operation was a TV programme called Wrestling at the Chase', which ran from 1959 to 1983 from the majestic Chase Hotel. Matysik, Muchnick's protege and longtime ringside announcer, recalls with touching fondness the legends of his time.'

A comprehensive look at the colourful villains, bad guys and heels who give professional wrestling so much of its character - from Gorgeous George and before to Ric Flair and the modern supervillains!

The heroic feats of ring gladiators have taken wrestling fans on an emotional journey—living vicariously through every body slam, dropkick, and piledriver. The investment of the crowd is demonstrated by their roars of excitement, their cheers for their heroes, and their catcalls at nasty ring villains. (Un)Controlled Chaos: Canada’s Remarkable Professional Wrestling Legacy re-lives those unforgettable moments between the ropes. It provides a fascinating snapshot of the world behind the curtain, and a glimpse into the lives of the men and women who have both competed in the ring and served as the very architects of the industry.

In Fritz Von Erich: Triumph and Tragedy, author Donald G. Smith brings to the page the account of how a Depression baby, born in Texas to the local sheriff and his homemaker wife, became a high school football hero and eventually ended up in the flash, glam and often dangerous world of professional wrestling. Jack Adkisson married the love of his life at age 21, dropped out of college and worked a series of odd jobs from fireman to debt collector. With a child on the way he received a phone call that would change his life. Professional Wrestling had discovered Jack Adkisson, soon to become uber villain Fritz Von Erich, whose deadly Iron Claw would destroy his many opponents while finding time to spawn a wrestling dynasty—with a little help from his wife Doris! In this book, Smith gives a balanced and unbiased look at the life of one of Pro-Wrestling’s greatest villains and major promoters.

A comprehensive, illustrated history of the glory days of old-school, professional wrestling--a must-have for wrestling fans!

Bill Watts leads readers on a tour through his checkered life, starting with his stormy upbringing and his tumultuous years at the University of Oklahoma and culminating in a reawakened spirituality that snatched him back from the brink of destruction. The legendary pro wrestler talks frankly and fearlessly about his ugly encounters with the top names in the ring and his uglier encounters with the life and world surrounding the sport.