12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
somewhat of a let down, October 13, 2003
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.
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book of the ICON, that is "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, November 23, 2002
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!
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent and honest, February 12, 2004
There are so many awful books coming out which cater to Vince McMahon and dance around the truth and Roddy Piper does not go that route. He is honest about everything in his career. He doesn't hold back. This is an incredible read that really takes you into the ongoings of every major part of Roddy's career.
He tells it like it is. You really learn all about Piper's life, his career and all the controversy of drug abuse in the wrestling business that Vince McMahon likes to censor from his books. This isn't Jerry Lawler or Hogan's puff piece. This is one of the best wrestling autobiographies to put in your library. It is definitely one of the best books I have ever read and I recommend it to all real wrestling fans, not the casual fans.
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