Rating: 
Summary: An AWA Book that reflects why the AWA went under
Review: In an attempt to join the bandwagon of Pro Wrestling books, Larry Nelson had a great idea. Too bad that he loved these people so much, that he was afraid to actually name some of the actual men and women that starred in the more interesting aspects of the bussiness. The book is shallow and leaves you thinking if Verne held Larry on a Headlock, to shut his mouth. The book is entertaining, although I would not recommend it to anyone under 21 or still in awe of the bussiness (MARKS) it infers that the reader already has a knowledge of the bussiness and its darker side, while leaving a lot of room for imagination.Not a bad attempt, but I bet you that Larry has a LOT more stories, of the wild and fun world of Pro Wrestling.
Rating: 
Summary: Stranglehold
Review: Incredible! I am a huge old school Awa fan and this great book does not disappoint. Do not miss this great book!
Rating:
Summary: AWA history... finally
Review: Larry Nelson supplies a lot of amazing facts here -- shocking, some of them. But there are a lot of innacurracies (title switches, calling Harley Race "Harvey" and such, not to mention plain historical errors). I also find the book repeating the same facts with the same adjectives over and over -- it gets bothersome after a while. I just wish Nelson and his co-writer had spent more time fleshing this book out, as it has a very core.
Rating:
Summary: A decent read for those who remember the 1980's AWA...
Review: Larry Nelson was a second rate announcer (he even admits at one point in the book that he was not a good wrestling announcer) for a second rate wrestling league, and even the book itself could be considered second rate, but there were some entertaining moments and it is definitely worth a look by wrestling fans, especially those who remember the AWA of the 1980's. The book starts with a "brief" history of professional wrestling. Completely a waste of time, as most people reading this will already know everything (and probably more than him). Those who don't know, will really learn nothing. The main good thing that stand out for me would be the stories. Gossip, rumors, and firsthand accounts about sleazy things wrestlers did were admittedly fun to read. Stories about Gene Okerlund and Hulk Hogan's alleged recreational activities, Hawk's inappropriate behavior, a couple of different ones about Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty, Bruiser Brody and Stan Hansen almost tearing apart a bowling alley, and many others were included in the book. Thank goodness they were in the book, because Mr. Nelson just wasn't that interesting himself. Or at least the book wasn't ably written to let us know. He basically speaks in vague generalities about his drinking, coke snorting, and his family. He does go into detail (embarrassingly) when describing the women he encountered (mostly just lusted after)during his tenure in the business. However, the book demonstrates some worth later on. The event WrestleRock (and behind the scenes info) is detailed; Eric Bischoff's very first contact with the wrestling business is revealed; and the three year run of the Superstars of the AWA television program is passionately described, and later the dying days of the AWA. The book has flaws, but there is some good stuff for a wrestling fan to enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Best Wrestling Book Ever!
Review: This is a must-read for all wrestling fans. As an independent pro wrestler myself, I have heard a lot of wild stories, but none from the AWA. Everybody who was somebody in the wrestling business was in the AWA at one time or another, and Larry Nelson was there to see and hear all! There are great stories here about the world's most famous wrestlers, and they've never been told before. Some of these stories WILL shock you!
Rating: 
Summary: Don't waste your time
Review: This was a very disappointing book. The stories start to blur after a while, because the topics are always the same -- drugs, booze, and women. There are numerous spelling errors and Nelson's recollection of matches, title swithces, etc. are frequently incorrect. I was hoping to get more stories on the wrestlers relating to their work. But, it was just one endless stream of after-hours tales. The book has a feel to it that it was rushed through writing and editing. Not worth the time to read.
Rating:
Summary: Don't waste your time
Review: This was a very disappointing book. The stories start to blur after a while, because the topics are always the same -- drugs, booze, and women. There are numerous spelling errors and Nelson's recollection of matches, title swithces, etc. are frequently incorrect. I was hoping to get more stories on the wrestlers relating to their work. But, it was just one endless stream of after-hours tales. The book has a feel to it that it was rushed through writing and editing. Not worth the time to read.
Rating: 
Summary: Definitely intriguing. Sometimes funny. Mostly mis-spelt!
Review: Well, I've just finished reading Larry's book. It's good, and I would recommend it but for heaven's sake Larry - learn to spell. I must be honest I'd only just heard of Larry as I'm a Brit, but I'd just purchased an AWA tape from a good supplier and found the AWA shows to be just what I was looking for in the modern wrestling climate. Anyway, I digress. Larry's extremely graphic insight into the world of the AWA and it's associates kept me wanting to pick up the book at every given opportunity. And I'm glad I've bought this little gem. Bleieve it or not Larry and I have LOTS in common; he was a radio presenter, like I have been in the past. He moved on to become a familiar face in the territories wrestling shows, as well as nationally recognised, and so have I [not nationally alas]. And we both partied hard!! Again, BUY THIS BOOK if you want to know about what being in the 3rd big promotion in the US was all about - the days before WWF and WCW were dominant. You won't be disappointed by Larry's very personal take on things!
Rating:
Summary: Interesting??!!
Review: When I had purchased Stranglehold, I wanted to read it more to get a fix about the "out of the ring" goings-on in the AWA, which Larry certainly covered fairly well in this book. I had seen AWA wrestling from its ESPN days all the way to its "death". The only problem I have with it is that is seems very rushed, the stories don't go into great, great detail and the overall editing/publishing is pretty awful. Lots of errors. Larry would have been better off with having somebody write it for him as it seemed "jumbled", for lack of a better term, in paragraphs. But overall, I'd give it 3 1/2 stars since I am a wrestling junkie and this did cure a fix.
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