Rating: 
Summary: I honestly expected more from Roddy....
Review: I just finished reading Piper's book, and I have to say, I was extremely disappointed. Following Hot Rod's career as I have, and knowing that he was, and will always be, one of professional wrestling's most colorful and entertaining characters, I found his book somewhat... dull. His experience, his insight, his intimate knowledge of the "sport" all come through in the pages of his book, but are buried by the repetition, aimless direction, and obviously ghostwritten style that doesn't even try to sound anything like him! Especially distracting was Piper's willingness to get off on seemingly numurous tangents that only he found interesting, such as the "sickness" passages... Surely, I understand his disdain and contempt for the "sickness", as he calls it, but I still don't understand what it means! I expected to read a book that chronicles one man's rise from obscurity to greatness, carving a niche in history in his own inimitable style, a la Mick Foley. Instead, what I read was a muddled, confusing, bitter collection of stories by a man who has made millions in this sport for himself and his family, and who still feels he needs to be mad at the world. I'm sorry and disappointed, Roddy, that you weren't able to get your story across to me in a more interesting and captivating fashion. I guess Mick Foley, whose first book is still the gold standard for wrestling autobiographies, has spoiled me.
Rating: 
Summary: I got mine autographed!
Review: I really liked this book a lot. Roddy tells the fascinating story of his career. He doesn't try to make himself out to be a great guy, and he is honest about bad behavior on his part. The book is written conversationally and I, for one, could hear Roddy's voice in my head while I was reading. The only disappointment to me was that it should have been longer. He didn't talk much about his time in WCW, and there were other topics that he didn't spend much time on. Fans of '80s wrestling should really enjoy this book. By the way, I met Roddy at a book signing, and he was super nice. He was gracious and friendly to everyone, and happy to talk to everyone and pose for pictures. Really a class act.
Rating:
Summary: I got mine autographed!
Review: I really liked this book a lot. Roddy tells the fascinating story of his career. He doesn't try to make himself out to be a great guy, and he is honest about bad behavior on his part. The book is written conversationally and I, for one, could hear Roddy's voice in my head while I was reading. The only disappointment to me was that it should have been longer. He didn't talk much about his time in WCW, and there were other topics that he didn't spend much time on. Fans of '80s wrestling should really enjoy this book. By the way, I met Roddy at a book signing, and he was super nice. He was gracious and friendly to everyone, and happy to talk to everyone and pose for pictures. Really a class act.
Rating: 
Summary: An entertaining, if somewhat overblown read
Review: I USED to have all the respect in the world for Roddy Piper. That is, until I read this book. Whether or not the various anecdotes to be found within are true, false, honest or embellished upon is immaterial when you consider the sheer egotism of the man behind the pen.If 'In The Pit With Piper' is taken seriously, then it must be wholly believed that Roddy Piper - and not Vince McMahon, Hulk Hogan, nor any other number of wrestling luminaries - was solely responsible for the wrestling boom in the eighties, and that he's the only man in the business with enough clout and experience to save it today. Roddy Piper is perhaps the last of the true old-school veterans; the ones who refused to move with the times. This book exposes Piper as a selfish anachronism of a man; trying to make waves in a pool that's outgrown him beyond his own scope and expectations. Perhaps Piper could be viewed in a more sympathetic light if someone else had dug up the dirt and splayed Piper's attitudes and opinions all over the pages of this book. But as the words, revelations and ego all belong to Piper himself, it's hard to feel sorry for what he has become. The actual content is interesting enough, with Piper's life covered in close detail from his childhood streetlife to the professional void that he was trapped in at the time of the book's completion - some time before his failed attempt at a WWE revival. Naturally, he'll blame Vince McMahon for that, too. Overall? A fair read with some interesting stories spoiled only by the arrogance of the man telling the tale, and not a patch on Mick Foley's fair and honest account of how pro wrestling really is. Piper's mistrust and paranoid point of view sours what could have been a memorable reading experience
Rating:
Summary: ROWDY -- I CAN BELIEVE YOU'RE STILL ALIVE!
Review: I'm a casual wrestling fan having watched it on and off for the last thirty years. "In the Pit" is a VERY easy read with insight in the world of wrestling but mostly its about him. I have a great deal of respect for Rowdy Piper because its clear he didn't compromise his integrity!!!! His story goes into great detail about the extensive good times, the bond between fellow athletes and quick behind the scenes look (i.e. lack of health benefits and how controlling the promoters are) -- which I wish he would have expanding on. Yet the story is very compelling and revealing, as his stories are positively hysterical. The book is entertaining but it does to jump around a bit. It is indeed written in true in Rowdy fashion, its as if he and I were sitting in bar and him recounting his roller coaster life. After I put I down, I was left with two thoughts -- 1) God Bless His Wife Kitty and 2) I hope he writes another book soon.
Rating:
Summary: somewhat of a let down
Review: I've been a fan of wrestling autobiographies since I first read Mick Foley's book "Have a Nice Day". Since then I've tried to get my hands on every new biography that has been released. I finally got a chance to read Roddy Piper's book. I only saw the tail end of Piper's career in the WWF (back when it was the WWF), missed the WCW era, and was disappointed with his latest brief run with WWE. I knew the Piper was a legend of the ring and had a long standing feud with Hogan back when the WWF was just starting up with Wrestlemania. What I didn't know much about was his prior success. Roddy Piper takes us on a little trip starting from when he first broke into wrestling as a teenager. We follow young Piper as he rises in the ranks and starts bringing in the crowds in territory after territory until he finally lands in the WWF. Since I have no knowledge of Piper's past, and I do know of his skill on the mic, I can believe it. It was a different era for wrestling. Shortly after Piper writes about Wrestlemania II, he talks about the "sickness" in wrestling that has infected the wrestlers and has influenced their self-destructive lives. I respect the fact that Roddy Piper did not let himself off the hook in being better (morally) than he was, but it also felt like he was puffing himself up quite a bit, too. Unlike some of the other wrestling biographies, this one did not flow very smoothly. The quality of writing felt lower than in other books. The tone fit Piper very well, but the execution made the book feel a little choppy and this made it somewhat less engaging to read. While I respect the impact that Roddy Piper made on the business, and I remember how entertaining he used to be in the ring and on the mic, I cannot recommend this book. It just wasn't as interesting as it could have been and after such a long wait to get a chance to read it, it was a let down.
Rating:
Summary: somewhat of a let down
Review: I've been a fan of wrestling autobiographies since I first read Mick Foley's book "Have a Nice Day". Since then I've tried to get my hands on every new biography that has been released. I finally got a chance to read Roddy Piper's book. I only saw the tail end of Piper's career in the WWF (back when it was the WWF), missed the WCW era, and was disappointed with his latest brief run with WWE. I knew the Piper was a legend of the ring and had a long standing feud with Hogan back when the WWF was just starting up with Wrestlemania. What I didn't know much about was his prior success. Roddy Piper takes us on a little trip starting from when he first broke into wrestling as a teenager. We follow young Piper as he rises in the ranks and starts bringing in the crowds in territory after territory until he finally lands in the WWF. Since I have no knowledge of Piper's past, and I do know of his skill on the mic, I can believe it. It was a different era for wrestling. Shortly after Piper writes about Wrestlemania II, he talks about the "sickness" in wrestling that has infected the wrestlers and has influenced their self-destructive lives. I respect the fact that Roddy Piper did not let himself off the hook in being better (morally) than he was, but it also felt like he was puffing himself up quite a bit, too. Unlike some of the other wrestling biographies, this one did not flow very smoothly. The quality of writing felt lower than in other books. The tone fit Piper very well, but the execution made the book feel a little choppy and this made it somewhat less engaging to read. While I respect the impact that Roddy Piper made on the business, and I remember how entertaining he used to be in the ring and on the mic, I cannot recommend this book. It just wasn't as interesting as it could have been and after such a long wait to get a chance to read it, it was a let down.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Book of the ICON, that is "Rowdy" Roddy Piper
Review: If you're a true wrestling fan, ths is a must have. Piper talks about:
*his days on the street, literally homeless
*being stabbed numerous times
*Alot of great funny road stories. REALLY amusing stuff!!
*Wrestling on the indys in Portland, Charolette, and L.A., and overseas
*Talks abot his bad experience with Ole Anderson and Jim Barnett, a promoter while working in Atlanta.
*Being "ribbed" (practical joke) on his first WWF appearance in New York City and returning 10 years thereafter.
*Piper also talks about how he met his wife and talks about his family.
*His dog-collar matches that are still remembered with Greg Valentine.
*Talks about his dislikes and a real shoot with Mr. T. and where Mr. T messed up at WM2.
*The creation of Piper's Pit (and he gets in detail of how the infamous coconcut incident with Jimmy Sunka appeared).
*His WrestleMania 3 farewell match against Adrian Adonis.
*Being stabbed in the back by some of "the boys" (wrestlers). *Steriod charges on WWF and how the FBI was looking for him.
*Broadcasting with Vince McMahon and doing voice overs.
*From WWF, going hollywood, and later going to WCW --he touches alot of these subjects.
*This and MUCH more. --When I purchased this book, it seemed as if it was not enough pages to cover the legendary status of a man who's been on top for so many years. However, he was completely honest and he was very accurate w./in detail of the life he led and what made him a superstar. He also talks about the tricks of putting on a memorable interview an segments (especially with Hulk Hogan). Its only [a price], so don't be cheap.. you won't regret it. Also has black n white and color pics in the book of his family and his wrestling years. GREAT READ and a 10++++. Hot Rod, you are a true icon in the sport. Thank you!
Rating:
Summary: Best book i read by a wrestler.....if not the best book ever
Review: If your think about buying this book then buy it cause I myself dont like reading but when I started to read this book I couldn't stop. He really does paint a picture for you like you wouldn't believe. He shares stories you just can't make up it. I feel like I know the guy personal. If you want to know more about Roddy Piper or how life is as a pro wrestler, then take my word for it this is the book for you.
Rating:
Summary: Some CRAZY stories told IN THE PIT!
Review: In The Pit has some of the most crazy stories you will ever hear. Piper tells how Killer Tim Brooks saved Piper's life by cutting part of Piper's penis off. Roddy also tells stories of being sexually harmed by wrestlers when he was a teenager. (some of them later worked for the WWF in the 1980's) In the Pit also answers some good behind the scences wrestling questions like "Why Sid was fired by the WWF the first time around?". Hint: it was not due to steriods or anything related to it!!
My only problem with the book is Piper protects the name of a wrestler that was blacked balled from wrestling for stealing money from WWF superstars in the lockeroom during their matches. Piper tells the story perfectly but protects the name of the wrestler. Book is also too short! (230 some pages) Should have been close to 400 pages. Great read even if you aren't a wrestling fan because Piper was apart of some historic nonwrestling events. The Mount ST Helen's Volcano eruption and the killings sprees inflicted by the world famous Hillside Strangler are two major events Piper was involved in!!! Hope this is helpfully!!!
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