Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006, pro wrestler Bret Hart provides an extensive, blow-by-blow chronicle of his rise to fame from family owned Stampede Wrestling to the big time. This popular Canadian wrestler grew up in Calgary where he and his brothers followed their father, Stu Hart into the admittedly staged world wrestling circuit. From “the dungeon” of the family basement where moves were carefully worked out in advance, to the tiring road trips, choreographed bouts, steroid abuse and personal tragedy, Hart allows readers an unusual insiders view of professional wrestling during a turbulent time when promoters were settling turf disputes.
Wrestling fans will eat up this longwinded expose’ as it details Hart’s many fights with Vince McMahon who comes off as a scheming, backstabbing, self-serving promoter. This detail creates a bit of a sour grapes feel as Hart goes into the betrayals and personal losses suffered while on tour. Those with only a mild interest in the WWF will find the many squabbles and childish schemes tiresome if enlightening although they provide an appreciation for the behind the scenes efforts that keep the “sport” lively.
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