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Several new pro wrestling books have been released:
THE LENS OF BRAD MCFARLIN: VOLUME 1 DETROIT TERRITORY 1969-74
Readers are in for a real treat as long-time Detroit photographer Brad McFarlin has opened up his vault and shared his images of some of the greats from the height of the Big Time Wrestling promotion.
Introducing The Lens of Brad McFarlin: Volume 1 Detroit territory 1969-74.
They’re all here: The Sheik. Bobo Brazil. Ernie Ladd. Pamerpo Firpo. Abdullah the Butcher. Mark Lewin. Tony Marino. Johnny Valentine. Tex McKenzie.
Don’t forget the locals who worked in the factories and businesses around the area while wrestling on the side: Lou Klein, Al Costello, Hank James, George Steele. We didn’t forget the guest stars, the Canadians driving in for shows, the women, the little people, and the bear. And will you recognize the young wrestlers on their way to stardom? Oooh yeaaahhh!
As well, Brad McFarlin shares personal stories, from a home visit from Lord Athol Layton, to drinking with Killer Tim Brooks during a snowstorm—but the tale of hanging out with Crazy Chris Colt and rock legend Joe Cocker will leave you shaking your head in disbelief.
Featuring an introduction by Brian R. Solomon, the author of the award-winning biography Blood and Fire: The Unbelievable Real Life Story of Wrestling’s Original Sheik, and curated and produced by Greg Oliver under his OliverBooks imprint, The Lens of Brad McFarlin will find a home on bookshelves of both casual and hardcore wrestling fans.
The Lens of Brad McFarlin: Volume 1 Detroit territory 1969-74
ABOUT THE AUTHOR/PHOTOGRAPHER
Beginning at a young age, Brad McFarlin had an eye for a camera. As he contributed to countless wrestling magazines, he befriended many wrestlers like Ron Dupree and, years later, morphed into manager
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THE BEST AT BEING THE WORST
The 15-year odyssey of pro wrestling's "Kid Ref" surviving Impact, GCW, MLW & Mexico's deathmatch wrestling scene.
https://amazon.com/author/krislevin
"It functions both as memoir and exposé, offering insight into a world that often operates far from its public-facing spectacle." —Paltrocast
Bridges burnt. Blackballed. One of wrestling's most controversial referees reveals the secret inner-world of pro wrestling and the politics of television production. Kris Levin examines the industry's abusive underbelly, exposing scandals, gruesome injuries, and murderers, recounting adventures alongside wrestling's top stars in a true journey of friendship, community, and illusions from the fairy tale world of pro wrestling.
Before becoming one of the world's most experienced ultraviolent officials, Kris Levin climbed from the ECW Arena to globally broadcast pay-per-view and television main events across North America. Kris captures inside the rise of Game Changer Wrestling and the fall of CHIKARA, working for Ring of Honor, Major League Wrestling, and Impact, promoting New York City's first all-women's wrestling company and later Camp Leapfrog.
Available now on Amazon for $9.99 (eBook), $24.99 (paperback).
Kris Levin has been a creator, writer, director, and producer for brands including Angry Wrestling Vet, IWTV, and Ripley's Believe It or Not! He can be found online at TalesFromTheMat.com, and on Substack at KrisLevin.substack.com.
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True Confessions of a Pro Wrestling Junkie - A Survivor's Tale of the Wild, Whacky, and Weird World of Heroes and Villains by Donnie Laible
"An insiders account of pro wrestling, beginning in the territories days of the 1970s through 2000. Writing stories and contributing photographs for all the wrestling newsstand magazines, and then realizing my dream as an in-ring performer has many highs and just as many lows associated with the backstage bullying going on. As a masked manager - The Bug, I accompanied Nikolai Volkoff, Rick Martel, The Honk Ton Man to the ring and during televised interviews. My friendships with Lou Thesz, "Hotstuff" Eddie Gilbert, Big John Studd, "Kangaroo" Al Costello, and "Killer" Kowalski allowed me to listen and learn of their adventures, as well as pitfalls they experienced. A frightening event after an evening in Boston after an ECW show forced me to turn my back on the wrestling business for good."
You can order the book at this link.
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