Post by stu on Aug 25, 2012 14:14:28 GMT -5
Folks:
I've really enjoyed reading a book entitled "Minnesota's Golden Age of Wrestling", by George Schire. You can pick it up on amazon.com.
Growing up on Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling/NWA-Crockett wrestling, well, I was aware of the AWA through the Apter mags, and then later, ESPN, but really didn't know a whole, whole lot about it. Got some AWA tapes from Chad a while back which helped tell a lot of the story, but I've still been fascinated by the history of the third member of the original "Big 3" federations/territories.
This book has filled in a lot of gaps for me.
If you're looking for a tell-all, behind-the-scenes book which completely breaks kayfabe, well this isn't for you. The author certainly breaks kayfabe, but then embarks on a year-by-year journey through the history of the AWA. This is largely a detailed account of the various angles, the champions, and the great wrestlers who appeared in Minnesota's rings during the AWA heyday.
Then, at the end, the author ranks the greatest wrestlers to have ever competed in AWA rings, both singles and tag-teams.
For what it is, it is very well done, and I do recommend it. And essentially, here is what it is: A great summary of old-school wrestling angles and feuds that any would-be booker would be better off for having read.
Feuds were simpler back in the day. And in this old fart's opinion, so much more effective. They were almost always about getting revenge for action in the ring, or even better, centered around the chase for the titles.
And man, did titles mean so much more back then. For that matter, one could make the arguement that the AWA did the best job of all 3 major federations in specifically making their tag-team titles special. For one thing, the tag titles were competed for by teams of great singles wrestlers, something I've always liked. This put the tag straps, at least almost, on equal footing with the World Championship in singles competition. And, this promoter is going to do more of that very thing (pair 2 singles greats in a team).
Is it the best book on wrestling I've ever read? No, its not (I'd go with either Matysik's "Wrestling at the Chase" or "Brisco"). But, it sure is fun, wonderfully produced (with almost no typos...rare in a book on wrestling) with fantastic photos, and just a great history of the AWA.
Check it out if you'd like. You could certain do worse for the money!
I've really enjoyed reading a book entitled "Minnesota's Golden Age of Wrestling", by George Schire. You can pick it up on amazon.com.
Growing up on Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling/NWA-Crockett wrestling, well, I was aware of the AWA through the Apter mags, and then later, ESPN, but really didn't know a whole, whole lot about it. Got some AWA tapes from Chad a while back which helped tell a lot of the story, but I've still been fascinated by the history of the third member of the original "Big 3" federations/territories.
This book has filled in a lot of gaps for me.
If you're looking for a tell-all, behind-the-scenes book which completely breaks kayfabe, well this isn't for you. The author certainly breaks kayfabe, but then embarks on a year-by-year journey through the history of the AWA. This is largely a detailed account of the various angles, the champions, and the great wrestlers who appeared in Minnesota's rings during the AWA heyday.
Then, at the end, the author ranks the greatest wrestlers to have ever competed in AWA rings, both singles and tag-teams.
For what it is, it is very well done, and I do recommend it. And essentially, here is what it is: A great summary of old-school wrestling angles and feuds that any would-be booker would be better off for having read.
Feuds were simpler back in the day. And in this old fart's opinion, so much more effective. They were almost always about getting revenge for action in the ring, or even better, centered around the chase for the titles.
And man, did titles mean so much more back then. For that matter, one could make the arguement that the AWA did the best job of all 3 major federations in specifically making their tag-team titles special. For one thing, the tag titles were competed for by teams of great singles wrestlers, something I've always liked. This put the tag straps, at least almost, on equal footing with the World Championship in singles competition. And, this promoter is going to do more of that very thing (pair 2 singles greats in a team).
Is it the best book on wrestling I've ever read? No, its not (I'd go with either Matysik's "Wrestling at the Chase" or "Brisco"). But, it sure is fun, wonderfully produced (with almost no typos...rare in a book on wrestling) with fantastic photos, and just a great history of the AWA.
Check it out if you'd like. You could certain do worse for the money!
