World Wrestling Insanity Presents: Shoot First . . . Ask Questions Later (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"James Guttman provides an intelligent look at the sport, and the people behind their ring images, showing them in human terms."  —Shelf Life

Product Description

Featuring original interviews from the author’s webcast, this wrestling reference is an all-access, behind-the-scenes look at professional wrestling. More than 100 of its most-beloved stars reveal the truth behind the sometimes-twisted business of sports entertainment, making startling revelations about the way the industry truly works—the desperation that some stars face in a world that’s constantly looking for the next big thing, the pitfalls created and falsehoods spread by wrestling news sources, and what it all really means for grapplers and fans. And for the first time, this investigation offers juicy gossip about the stars. Questions such as Who’s the nicest guest off-air, and who was the most abrasive? What’s the inside scoop on the Ole Anderson shoot? and What were crazy pre-interview conversations really like? are all answered in this firsthand account about the madness that surrounds this explosive sport.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Ecw Press (December 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1550228366
• ISBN-13: 978-1550228366
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,322,292 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars One of the worst wrestling books I have ever read, December 5, 2008

By	Marshall Newman - See all my reviews

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.

4.0 out of 5 stars A great look at the business and how one fan changed his view of it, August 9, 2009

By	Michael A. Weyer - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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."

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read for every pro wrestling fan..., November 17, 2008

By	Mallory Mahling (Alabama) - See all my reviews

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.