Customer Reviews

World Wrestling Insanity Presents: Shoot First . . . Ask Questions Later

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This was without a doubt one of the worst wrestling books I have ever read. It's a stretch to even call it a wrestling book because James spends so much time talking about himself. Did you know that James's website started after he wrote his first book? Did you know that he really enjoyed talking to Eric Bischoff? Did you know that he wasn't as prepared to interview Ole Anderson as he could have been? If tidbits like those sound interesting, then you'll love this book. But if you're looking for a wrestling book that actually focuses on wrestling, steer clear.

James Guttman's first book was good but a bit snide and bitter about wrestling. What makes this great is that Guttman openly acknowledges that and relates how his opinon of wrestling has changed. Much of the book is his experiences running his wrestling radio show in which he's come to realize that while he thought he was an expert on wrestling before, he now sees he didn't know anything about it. It's fun reading his experiences with interviews gone right and wrong and how they've opened his eyes to the fact that so many fans think they're smart about the business but in truth have no clue what goes on behind the scenes. He mentions the Chris Benoit mess and how had this happened a few years earlier, he'd be screaming for Vince McMahon's head with the rest. But Guttman now realizes that Vince really does care about his company and workers, not the self-absorbed jerk he painted him as in the first book. He's also realized that wrestling is bigger than just one fan's view of it and he shouldn't be held up on that. A terrific examination of the business and speaks volumes of wrestling fandom as to how a lot of fans should realize they're more "marks" than "smarts."

Sorry, this was a gift for my grandson, so I never read this book. According to my grandson, he loved
the book as he follows wrestling all the time.

As a long-time fan of James Guttman's writing, it was a given that "Shoot First, Ask Questions Later" would be an awesome book. In fact, with James' conversational style of writing, the book is very much a page-turner.

Ever wonder what the superstars are really like? It will suprise you and make you smile. And by the time you finish the book, you will have a whole new appreciation for pro wrestling and pro wrestlers.

He also tackles some serious subjects, too, and his thoughts on the sad Benoit situation were some of the most insightful written on the subject.

His insider stories behind the Bad News Brown, Ahmed Johnson and Shawn Stasiak interviews touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes.

I see this book as a companion to the ClubWWI.com interviews. You don't even have to listen to the interviews to enjoy this book.