Bodyslams!: Memoirs of a Wrestling Pitchman [Paperback]

Gary Michael Cappetta (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 10, 2006

Asking key questions such as What do you do if you are in Germany and you have Mick Foley's recently torn-off ear in your possession? and How do you stop a fight between Arn Anderson and Sid Vicious?, this memoir documents 20 years of the author's experience as an announcer for the WWF, independent pro wrestling venues, and the WCW. Exploring the lives of the wrestlers and the power struggles of their employers, the book simultaneously provides a very personal perspective on pro wrestling and a more global view of the dangerous games that pro wrestlers and their corporate employers play to acquire wealth, fame, and power.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Bodyslams! is the most realistic book about pro wrestling."  —Chicago Sun-Times

"What makes Bodyslams! a must-read is Cappetta's analysis and scrutiny of the wrestling business as a whole."  —John Molinaro, Slam! Wrestling

"From the first page, Cappetta takes his readers on an odyssey into the secretive world of professional wrestling. He ends up seeing the good, the bad, and everything in between, all without losing his unquenchable passion for the business."  —Chris Sabga, editor, IGN Wrestling

About the Author

Gary Michael Cappetta was a teacher before he joined the WWF as an announcer in 1974, where he worked for 20 years. He lives in Jackson, New Jersey.

Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: ECW Press; Expanded edition (January 10, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1550227092
• ISBN-13: 978-1550227093
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,238,989 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bodyslams! - The Best Book Ever Written About Pro Wrestling, April 13, 2001

By 

Derek - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bodyslams! Memoirs of a Wrestling Pitchman (Paperback)

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!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book, January 28, 2003

By 

GARRY D MORERE (Lincoln Park, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bodyslams! Memoirs of a Wrestling Pitchman (Paperback)

As a referee, I have had the pleasure of working some shows that Gary Michael Cappetta has appeared at. Being only 19 years old and anti-WCW in my teen days as a fan, I will admit that I hadn't seen any of his work, or any that I can remember of the few times I watched WCW while he was still employed there. I went to his site out of curiosity and read the positive reviews of the book. After talking to him, I learned a great deal from Mr. Cappetta, so I got the book. It was without a doubt one of the best reads I have ever picked up. His knowledge of the business, the art, the "game", and so on in the book is just amazing. I would recommend this book in a heartbeat to anyone breaking into the business or anyone looking for a good modern history of professional wrestling, because Mr. Cappetta is one of the few who has been there and seen it and done it all.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What An Incredible Journey!, May 19, 2001

By 

Shannon Smith (Los Angeles, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bodyslams! Memoirs of a Wrestling Pitchman (Paperback)

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.