Customer Reviews

It's Good to Be the King...Sometimes

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I have held up Mick Foleys book Have a Nice Day: A Tale of Blood, Guts, and Sweatsocks as the pinnacle of wrestling autobiography. Since I have read that book, nothing has come close to being nearly as good or as honest. I was skeptical about reading Jerry Lawlers autobiography because all I knew of him was the joke he has become as a WWF/E announcer. I was aware that he was a legend in Memphis wrestling and that he had the famous angle with Andy Kaufman (I learned about this from the film Man on the Moon). That was all I knew of Jerry Lawler. I decided to read the book anyway and Im glad that I did. While Mick Foley is a more sympathetic person and it is easier to care for Foley, Jerry Lawler has written (with a co-writer) one of the best wrestling biographies on the market.

Even though the narrative jumps around a little bit, this is a straightforward and mostly chronological account of Jerry The King Lawlers life and career in professional wrestling. We are introduced to a young Jerry Lawler going to local wrestling events with his father, but having no interest in being a wrestler himself. It was only through his art (he originally wanted to be an artist) that he even had any contact with the world of professional wrestling and the men outside the ring. It was only later, as a radio DJ that Lawler ended up with the exposure and interest to try to be a professional wrestler. Since then, Lawler has led a charmed career in the ring. We learn about the scope of his career in Memphis and finally his entry into the WWF (later WWE).

If Lawlers professional life has been charmed, his personal life has not been. While Jerry Lawler reveals that he has never drank alcohol or done any drugs, he does admit that his one vice has always been women and sex. Lawler freely admits that he has been a horrible husband and father and that he has not been able to stay faithful to his wives. The pattern has been that near the end of a marriage, Lawler meets a very young woman (early 20s) and ends up leaving his wife for the other woman. The only exception to this is his last wife, Stacy Carter. Stacy (former WWF Diva, the Kat) married Lawler when she was 19 and she ended up leaving him. Lawler has continued his interest in young women. Lawler makes no excuses for his lifestyle and he does not attempt to wallow in pity (nor does he try to incite others to pity him).

This is a very honest book and revealing of many aspects of the culture of professional wrestling. Jerry Lawler does throw in a bit too many jokes and references that one would expect from Jerry Lawler the announcer, but as a whole, this is one of the best wrestling biographies that I have read. In terms of quality, I would place this one second behind Foleys first autobiography.

As someone that grew up watching Memphis wrestling, I enjoyed this book quite a bit. Is it an in-depth history with lots of information on dates, ratings, attendance records...no? At the same time, Lawler buries nobody (he mentions "ego" issues between him and Bill Dundee but doesn't state who is at fault; never criticizes Austin Idol - who blackmailed the Memphis promotion on the pay-off of the famous cage hair versus hair match and had a frequent no-show problem). Lawler does come across as sexist and as a bad husband/father, the latter two he owns up too.

Lawler does a good job of explaining how he got into the wrestling business, the importance of "selling," (I hope every active wrestler reads that section), and talks about some of the stars/gimmicks created in Memphis (Fabulous Ones, Kimala, Rock and Roll Express). Not a lot of in-depth discussion about many of the wrestlers (very little about people like Tommy Rich, Eddie Gilbert, Dutch Mantell, Jim Cornette, etc.). He does give high praise to Handsome Jimmy Valient and talks at length about working with Andy Kaufman - which sounded like it was much better than working with Jim Carrey or Roddy Piper.

If you didn't see Memphis wrestling during the late '70s/early '80s, it's probably impossible to understand how huge wrestling was and what a star Jerry Lawler was in the community. This book, while probably not providing a lot of new information to wrestling historians, is an easy read/enjoyable trip through memory lane.

Thanks for all the great memories, Jerry.

It's Good to be King sometimes is a great read. Jerry Lawler talks about why Jim Carrey is a crazy ..... while Andy Kaufman is just a normal guy. Lawler also tells a good story about how Elvis Presley would have became a pro wrestler in the Memphis area if it wasn't for his tragic death. Learn why the Kat(Lawler's ex-wife) is not a very nice person! I can't believe Lawler still wants the Kat back after all those stories he tells about her. Also, learn the true story according to the King on his first constrovial departure from the WWE. Some great Jerry Lawler artwork is include in the book as a extra bonus! My only negative feedback on the book is Lawler does not mention his classic feud with Saved by the Bell's Dustin Dimond(Screetch Powers) in the Memphis area and doesn't even mention Brandon Baxter's name in the entire book. Brandon and the King had a classic feud in the USWA were Brandon told the King and the other USWA legends they were to old to wrestle and it was really funny stuff. Jerry Lawler also fails to mention the sex scandel he had with a teenage girl in the 1990's. This book would have been a good chance to clear his name once and for all! The book is still a great read even though it has it's flaws. I hope this book review has been helpfully!

I enjoyed this book immensely, but Jerry Lawler's description of his early years in the business, coupled with the detailed look at Southern Pro Wrestling in the 1970s, absolutely stole the show for me. This book is invaluable for fans of the pro wrestling regional territories of days past, and Lawler recounts his experiences on both the mainstream and independent circuits of that era.

This book has great accounts of Southern Wrestling personalities like legendary heel Sam Oliver Bass, successful ---albeit eccentric, cheap and often irrational--- promoter Nick Gulas, and wrestler/promoter Jerry Jarrett. The book also has a look at the local promotional wars throughout the years, which is one of my favorite features in the book; with pro wrestling being a big-money corporate player these days, it is fascinating to see how profitable but homegrown promotions competed.

Jerry Lawler talks in detail about his problems with fidelity, the toll his fooling around had on the women in his life, and the confession that it is his only vice. While he places most of the blame on himself, and is very complimentary to most of the women in his life, it is interesting to read his comments on vices. He does not drink or drug, and claims sex as his only vice. At one point he says something to the effect that this particular addiction has no repercussions; well, maybe not on the brain cells or the liver, but he seems to be overlooking the emotional toll it took on his relationships.

When finishing this book, Jerry Lawler comes off overall as a good guy, who you would love to hang out with. About the only thing that did not click with me were the numerous bad one-liners. It's true that the bad jokes are part of his character and work well on WWE TV, but somehow the "joke within a joke" does not translate well into print.

If you love pro wrestling history as much as I do, this is a great and timeless read. The descriptions of old small town shows and Tennessee pop-culture are so tangible I found myself wishing I could be there. Pick this book up!

This was a great book, perhaps one of the better wrestling books that have come out lately. Jerry Lawler goes into his personal life with great detail as well his great career. This is a book that will have you laughing and shaking your head at some of the stories. Learn about all the ribs (pranks) that he played on people and even the ribs played on him. He goes into great detail about why he left the WWF when his wife Stacy Carter AKA The Kat was released for no reason. He talks about his painful ongoing divorce.

This was a great read and I would highly recomend it.

Jerry "The King" Lawler joins the ever-growing list of wrestlers who have decided to write an autobiography on their life in and out of the ring. "It's Good To Be The King... Sometimes" chronicles Lawler's life from his days as the self-proclaimed "King" of the Memphis territories to his current career as a commentator on the WWE's Monday Night RAW broadcasts. While I didn't find this book to be in the same leauge as some of the others (particulary those written by Mick Foley), it is a good read and covers some interesting topics like Lawler's departure from the WWF due to his wife's release, his many problems with females including his most recent wife, Stacy leaving him, and many other intruiging stories. If nothing else, "Good To Be King" makes for an entertaining read.

It's good to be king sometimes is so far the best wrestling autobiography out there. Jerry Lawler is truly The King, and with this book he takes you all the way through from when he was a struggling DJ to his first stay with the WWE to his nasty divorce from wife Stacy "KAT" Carter, to his long awaited return to the announce booth beside Good Ol' JR. In this book you will certainly laugh, with and at the King, as well as cry with the King. This book truly takes you through the ups and downs of the biggest kid in wrestling life. I recommend it and stand by my 5 star rating of this incredibly awesome book.

... definitely not for kids. "The King" comes across as a sex addict, especially in a certain chapter. Otherwise, it is a very well-written book.The saddest part in the story was the way Stacy left him and how it tore him to pieces emotionally. I still do recommend this book (it was better-written, in my honest opinion, than Roddy Piper's book), but not for anyone under 17 or 18 because of Jerry's extensive details about his sexual escapades.

There are some readers out there who claim that Mick Foley's first book, Have A Nice Day, stands as the best Wrestling tell all biography. Whereas Mick Foley gives some quality insight into today's stars, I tend to rate Jerry Lawler's Its Good To Be The King....Sometimes a bit higher as it deals with more aspects of the business from someone who is a bit more level headed. Heck Jerry even criticizes himself soemtimes which is refreshing since so many Sports Entertainment Stars hae such big egos.

I was very entertained by the way the book opened up with The King and good Old JR giving a modern day commentary of Jerry Lawler's first match. Its refreshing to see that Mr. Lawler can truly laugh at himself.

A good account is given of Jerry's growing up years and how he got his breaks into the Wrestling business. One certainly learns that Jerry Lawler was a budding young artist but also lacked some discipline and focus in his teenage/young adult life. Its very interesting to learn that Mr. Lawler did not partake in drugs or alcohol. Sex was a totally different story and I enjoyed his candor when discussing his sons particularly wrestler Brian Christopher.

Mr. Lawler gives good accounts of his role as an owner, wrestler, and announcer in the world of sports entertainment. He gives a clear perspective of the issues without delving into a countless number of matches. Whereas I would have liked to read more about his relationship with more of today's WWE stars, you at least get a clear persepctive from someone who has not as masochistical as Mick Foley.

Most interesting are the stories of Lawler's three wives and countless groupies. The Stacey Carter saga was drawn out quite a bit. Was it necessary to spell out every agonizing moment? However, it was quite poignant to note that Lawler was really at his breaking point for a long long time after Stacey had left him. It shows you that even Wrestlers have feelings.

Overall Jerry Lawler does an excellent job in discussing his life in and out of the wrestling ring. Certainly a portrayal of a man with strenghts, weaknesses, vices, and feelings like anyone else. Quite refreshing indeed.

Jerry Lawler is truly the King of Memphis pro wrestling, but he is also one of the biggest fans of the Cleveland Browns and has an extensive Coca-Cola collection. I guess it's good to also be the King in collectibles!

In a pretty straight-forward story of his life, Lawler sometimes delivers great insider information that is truly historical in nature. Other times the King falls flat trying to deliver bad yuks best saved for TV, or the circular file.

The book ended any lasting speculation on whether the David Letterman appearance in the early-1980s with Andy Kaufman was a work, which it was. But from the high-spots of some of the early matches with the comic, Lawler equally covers how he had to tell Kaufman that the feud had run its course in the territory.

Later, Lawler tells of his appearance in a film on Kaufman's life and the rude and bizarre behavior of Jim Carrey - who portrayed Kaufman. Carrey tried to bait Lawler into actually punching him out, seemingly to take Kaufman's stunt to reality.

There are plenty of anecdotes from early in his life to his career as a promoter and wrestler to keep even the most casual fan amused; including the time when Lawler was close to having Elvis Presley in the squared-circle.

Lawler does not mince words when he talks about the pitfalls of life on the road, his marital infidelity and not being a good father. It is ironic or poetic justice that his career with WWE was almost undone when he actually tried to save the marriage to his third wife, Stacy "The Kat" Carter, by leaving the company when her contract wasn't renewed.

The high points - like in the ring - are important in the history of territorial promotions and the bridge it set for Vince McMahon's vision for the worldwide promotion that is the WWE. Lawler is a true survivor.