Rating: 
Summary: Everyone Will Enjoy Gary Michael Cappetta's "Bodyslams!"
Review: I was just suring around looking for an interesting site, browsing through a few search engines when I came across bodyslams.com.While I'm not a huge wrestling fan, I have always been intrigued by the outrageous spectacle. As a kid I watched Hulk Hogan. From time to time I still tune in and am amazed at how pro wrestling has changed. And that's why I began reading through the bodyslams.com website, which supplies a closer look at what this book is all about. Intrigued by what Gary Michael Cappetta had to say on this site, I decided to buy "Bodyslams!", which takes you behnd the scenes for an honest and intelligent look at pro wrestling, including the dozens of WWF and WCW wrestlers, promoters and colorful characters that Gary has worked with. It is an incredible list of wrestling stars inluding Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, Vince McMahon (Jr.& Sr.), Mick Foley, Ric Flair, Harley Race, Verne Gagne and on and on. I also ordered "Fall For The Dream", Cappetta's script of fiction that is based upon the real people that Gary writes about in "Bodyslams!" Once I picked up "Bodyslams!", I couldn't put it down. I read it in a couple of days. "Fall for the Dream" was just as fascinating, just as informative and just as entertaining. I'd recommend these two books if you want to: - know how wrestling evolved into what you see on TV today - learn about the personal side of today's superstars and yesterday's legends - feel what it was like to witness Mick Foley losing his ear - experience the terrifying knife fight between Arn Anderson and Sid Vicious - see how it feels to be on TV performing for millions and on the road (throughout North America and Europe) with wrestling superstars - go on the road with Ric Flair, Abdullah The Butcher, Buff Bagwell, Vader, Steve Austin, Jim Cornette, The Undertaker, Sting, The Steiner Brothers, Dusty Rhodes or Jesse Ventura. These books are for you if you are an avid fan or if you are just curious about this unique sub-culture. Both books are intelligently and thoughtfully written by a man who has kept a healthy perspective about life, while living out his dream among wrestling insiders who are sometimes treacherous, sometimes warm and supportive. Both the good and the bad became Cappetta's disfunctional family. And amazingly, Gary has maintained his love of wrestling after so many years of witnessing the underbelly of the "sport". After reading "Bodyslams!" and "Fall For The Dream" I'd love the opportunity to sit down with Gary Michael Cappetta to find out more. (bodyslams.com tells about Gary's upcoming book tour and where you can meet him.) I strongly suggest that you visit bodyslams.com (as I did) and that you read these two incredibly fascinating books.
Rating:
Summary: Bodyslams! - The Best Book Ever Written About Pro Wrestling
Review: I've read all of the wrestling books that have been written in recent years. I have also read the autobiographies by Lou Thesz and Bruno Sammartino. Without a doubt, Gary Michael Cappetta's "BODYSLAMS!" is the most revealing, most informative, most literate, funniest and even the most heart warming book ever written about professional wrestling. Foley was careful not to tell too much about his buddies in the WWF. Chyna, The Rock and Goldberg also still on promoters' payrolls, haven't been wrestling long enough to lend a rich perspective of the wrestling game. Page avoids the truth about the behind the scenes politics that gave him his spot with WCW. And who cares what JR is cooking? This book has it all. If you want a comprehensive look at how it all began, why wrestling is where it's at today and Gary's thoughts about how the game can be healthy in future years, then you must read "BODYSLAMS!". Cappetta's behind the scenes stories provide an up close and personal look at dozens of current superstars, as well as many of the legends of this sport. Gary worked with them all. From Gagne to Hogan. From Bruno Sammartino to The McMahon Family. His profiles of Steve Austin, Ric Flair, The Undertaker, Buff Bagwell, Mick Foley, Abdullah the Butcher, Eric Bischoff and Andre the Giant are priceless. Gary tells the full story about the night Mick Foley lost his ear. He was at the hotel fight between Arn Anderson and Sid Vicious and he holds nothing back. The portraits of Vince and Shane McMahon stand the test of time, given the way The McMahons now monopolize wrestling. And Gary's love of the game shines through on every page of the book. If you have to choose one book that tells it all about pro wrestling, then "BODYSLAMS!" has got to be at the top of your list. Simply put, it's the best book ever written about pro wrestling!
Rating:
Summary: Bodyslams! - The Best Book Ever Written About Pro Wrestling
Review: I've read all of the wrestling books that have been written in recent years. I have also read the autobiographies by Lou Thesz and Bruno Sammartino. Without a doubt, Gary Michael Cappetta's "BODYSLAMS!" is the most revealing, most informative, most literate, funniest and even the most heart warming book ever written about professional wrestling. Foley was careful not to tell too much about his buddies in the WWF. Chyna, The Rock and Goldberg also still on promoters' payrolls, haven't been wrestling long enough to lend a rich perspective of the wrestling game. Page avoids the truth about the behind the scenes politics that gave him his spot with WCW. And who cares what JR is cooking? This book has it all. If you want a comprehensive look at how it all began, why wrestling is where it's at today and Gary's thoughts about how the game can be healthy in future years, then you must read "BODYSLAMS!". Cappetta's behind the scenes stories provide an up close and personal look at dozens of current superstars, as well as many of the legends of this sport. Gary worked with them all. From Gagne to Hogan. From Bruno Sammartino to The McMahon Family. His profiles of Steve Austin, Ric Flair, The Undertaker, Buff Bagwell, Mick Foley, Abdullah the Butcher, Eric Bischoff and Andre the Giant are priceless. Gary tells the full story about the night Mick Foley lost his ear. He was at the hotel fight between Arn Anderson and Sid Vicious and he holds nothing back. The portraits of Vince and Shane McMahon stand the test of time, given the way The McMahons now monopolize wrestling. And Gary's love of the game shines through on every page of the book. If you have to choose one book that tells it all about pro wrestling, then "BODYSLAMS!" has got to be at the top of your list. Simply put, it's the best book ever written about pro wrestling!
Rating: 
Summary: A little disappointing
Review: If you are a serious wrestling fan you won't learn too much new from this book. A lot of what is described in this book will already be known to most serious wresting fans who have been following the game since longer than 1990. I was hoping to find out more about those in the business and interesting behind the scenes events but, except for a few things, I didn't really learn anything new. Gary comes across as the decent and good person he probably is, but maybe his being a gentleman is the reason there isn't a whole lot of information in here (even though it isn't a very short book). Maybe Gary just couldn't bring himself to dish the dirt. Gary also teases with information and then doesn't follow through. For example, he states tha Mr. Fuji and Ivan Putski (WWWF stars from the 70s) tormented lesser wrestlers and jobbers but he gives no examples. What did they do? I wanted to know. Some good stuff in here but I was disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: What An Incredible Journey!
Review: If you ever wondered what it would be like to live the life of a famous wrestling personality and if you want to know how the main eventers relate to each other behind the scenes, then this book is for you. People who are still active in the business have to think twice before voicing their opinions to the public. They have to depend on the promoters for a paycheck and the fans' attention to warrant their place on the roster. Cappetta has neither of these concerns to hold him back. And that is just one of the major differences between "Bodyslams!" and everything else that has recently been published. The guy who had the least to say on WWF, ESPN and WCW broadcasts certainly makes up for the years when his introductions made ring entrances more exciting and when his victory announcements made the outcomes of matches seem more important then they ever were. There was a whole lot going on with Gary Michael Cappetta. At the time, no one ever thought to ask. In "Bodyslams!" we finally find out. And while Gary pulls no punches, there is nothing malicious in this book. Whenever he has something negative to say about an individual (Sic Vicious, McMahon, Bagwell etc.) he either lets us form our own opinions by reporting their words and actions, or fully explains the reasons for his conclusions. Cappetta lets the readers decide for themselves. One thing that impressed me throughout "Bodyslams!" is Cappetta's love of wrestling, despite all of the cons and underhandedness that he has seen. And his respect for the many top stars that he knows comes through loud and clear from the many stories in which Gary expresses his admiration for the many superstars that he has traveled with (Austin, Flair, Steamboat, Sammartino, Eaton, Arn Anderson, etc.). The format of the book is also something to note. Quotes from Tennessee Williams, Mike Lupica, James Michener and George Burns in a wrestling book? Who would have guessed. Also impressive is a listing of the more than 300 cities in seven countries where he has announced. And there is a name / promotion / city index so that you can sneak a peek to read about your favorite wrestler, promotion or hometown before getting into the book. The only disappointment that I experienced with Gary Michael Cappetta's "Bodyslams!" is that ended. But then again, it could have been a 5,000 page book and I would have felt the same way. This is must reading for fans of Cappetta, for wrestling fans in general or for outsiders who want to know what makes wrestlers tick and what has made the spectacle of wrestling one of the most lasting and fun forms of entertainment throughout the years.
Rating:
Summary: This Book Is A Winner
Review: One of the very best books ever written about wrestling. Cappetta pulls no punches in describing the personalities he dealt with and what life was like working for the federations. Insightful, intelligently written, one can only hope he does a follow-up.
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Summary: Wrestling Interview Journalist Chris Yandek Review
Review: The book is amazing. This is the whole story from someone who was not a wrestler, but without a doubt had fun with the wrestlers. The story about The Undertaker and Buzz Sawyer totally shows a side of a great man, and a great soul in the wrestling business fighting to be the star he is now. Gary is a man who got a chance to love what he does. You want to see what the wrestling business was like then and now get this book. He is a great interview as well. Chris Yandek is a Contributing Writer for the St.Petersburg Times Online Wrestling Section at Ringfury.com and a Columnist at 1Wrestling.com He has Interviewed People from The Legion of Doom Road Warriors Hawk and Animal to Former WWF Superstar and now Hollywood Movie Star Rena Mero to Brother of Bill Goldberg, Steve Goldberg to WWF Superstars and Divas Trish Stratus, Molly Holly, and Jacqueline. He is also a segment producer for Tampa Bay's Pro Wrestling Weekly with Shannon Rose and Barry Horowitz....
Rating:
Summary: An Amazing Story!!! Highly Recommended
Review: This book, without having the benefit of the big marketing push of some of its other wrestling autobiographical brethen, seems to have easily slipped pass the radar. This is very unfortunate because having read many of the other wrestling autobiographies of recent years, I easily attest that this book is just as compelling (if not even moreso) a story as those others. This book is a GREAT living history of the wrestling business over the past 30 years. I highly recommend this book to ALL wrestling fans. Gary recounts countless stories of his travels throughout the world and the many legendary (and even non-legendary) wrestling personalities that he's met and worked with over the years. It is truly a great story of a man and his very unique experiences traveling and working around the world (literally). What sets this book apart from its contemporaries, however, is his true no-holds barred storytelling. Gary pulls no punches as he discloses the VERY unseedy side of the wrestling business along with some of its more "infamous" incidents. From his humble beginnings as a fan to his early years working with the McMahons to his journeys through the independent wrestling promotions to his years with Ted Turner's WCW, you'll gain a very clear cut picture of just how the wrestling business truly is. It is an amazing story. The story definite benefits from Gary's unique perspective on the business, not as a wrestler, but as a side man. It is definitely a unique view. I also heavily recommend this to anyone WANTING TO GET INTO THE BUSINESS. You will benefit from his knowledge. Here's my rundown: Good: AWESOME anecdotes of road trips with wrestlers. Great "inside the business" scoops. You'll get a true feel for what it is like being a wrestler always on the go. This is definitely the most worthwhile aspect of the book. Once the story really picks up its very compelling. Nice: Each chapter is introduced with quotes from other people who've written biographies. It is a nice touch which sets a nice tone leading into each chapter. Bad: A fair amount of grammatical and spelling errors. Nothing worse than glaring spelling errors to marr a good book. UGLY: Quite a few factual errors. Three come to mind. First, Mick Foley's wife's name is Colette, not Nicole. Second, Mark Callaway actually REPLACED Sid Vicious to team with Dan Spivey as the Skyscrapers. The book recounts Callaway teamed with Sid. Third, I've heard stories contrary as to how Steve Austin got his ringname. It was a promoter who dubbed him Steve Austin, not Austin himself who dubbed himself so because he was a big "Bionic Man" fan. Overall, an awesome read. Even if you are NOT a wrestling fan, you'll amaze at this man's interesting life and experiences. You will not be disappointed by this book. Therefore, BUY (or borrow) and read this one. Highly Recommended (if not for some grammer, spelling, factual errors, it would be a HIGHEST recommendation).
Rating: 
Summary: Eye opening
Review: This is a great read for someone who is interested on what really goes on behind the scenes. You will discover that it's not all glitz and glamour in the wrestling world. Gary has class because he's honest but not cruel. He made me nostalgic for the "good old days" of wrestling. Gary makes the point that wrestling has turned into something that it didn't start out as. I believe sometimes wrestling does push the limits but I'm not sure it would reach as many people as it does today without these changes. A definite must-read for old school wrestling fans.
Rating:
Summary: The Standard To Measure All "Wrestling Insider" Books!
Review: What a peak behind the scenes! Gary Cappetta has written what must be the ultimate insider look at the spectable of professional wrestling. I've been a fan since the olden days when all a wrestler had to do to be a "bad guy" was raise a foreign flag. Gary takes us inside the world where very few people ever dare to go and you will enjoy the trip. I write for Gary's website and he's one of the nicest people you would ever sit and talk with. This book is like having Gary on the phone or in your home sharing his experiences as an announcer for both the WWF and the WCW. He's been there, done that, and this is the "t-shirt". You will love it!
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