Books Ring of Hell: The Story of Chris Benoit and the Fall of the Pro Wrestling Industry
Books and Publications Average Rating:

Rating: - 'A Must-Have On Any Wrestling Fan's Bookshelf'
Through the jarring, incisive and sometimes hilarious narration of author Matthew Randazzo V, "Ring Of Hell" is to wrestling literature what "Pulp Fiction" was to cinema -- an instant, inimitable classic. His Denis-Leary-esque storytelling sets the perfect tone in illustrating the helter-skelter world the book's central character, Chris Benoit, immersed himself in at a very early age.

A Pulitzer Prize-worthy account of wrestling business as Benoit knew it, the book is filled with stories from wrestlers, writers and other industry colleagues, weaving a fair and balanced look into Benoit's world, an intercontinental journey that saw him start a wide-eyed, smallish Canadian kid enamored with a childhood wrestling hero, only to warp into a freakishly dedicated, talented and self-destructive athlete at the top of his craft.

Randazzo does a masterful job of setting the stage with vivid descriptions of the promotions -- some of them highly physically and psychologically abusive -- that Benoit immersed himself in en route to wrestling stardom.

The book is also strewn with fascinating character sketches of individuals integral to Benoit's life and career, such as wife Nancy, Tom "Dynamite Kid" Billington, Stu Hart, Kevin Sullivan, Brian Pillman, Paul Heyman and Eddy Guerrero.

Simply said, this hardback wildly succeeds at entertaining, informing and engaging its readers, making it a must-have on any wrestling fan's bookshelf.

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Rating: - Wake-up call my a**
Mr. Randazzo is an opportunistic scumbag. Using the term "baby-killer" on every page does not a good book make.

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Rating: - Do you like pro wrestling? You'll love this book!!!
Excellent book about pro wrestling business. Lots of facts about Chris Benoit but also about other aspects of the business. Well written and entertaining.

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Rating: - "You know it's sad, but true...."
I am one of those former "crazy Philly fans" who sat ringside at ECW for years. Oh the stories I could tell....whew....The toughest thing about being a female ECW fan, besides the boys thinking you're a rat, was watching the guys put their bodies through hell for us. I did not like the blood crazed matches - I am a purist.

Chris Benoit is still my favorite wrestler. I know the pain he went through in the ring. And I know the "high" of hearing the fans pop and feeling he got when a match went well was one of the things that was hard to walk away from or hear any arguments about.

Nancy was an inspiration. Despite "marrying a midget" (only an ECW fan, and Steve Austin will get that), she was a strong sexy and smart role model. No valet/manager/eye candy has compared to her - period.

My heart broke when details of this crime came to life. I thought those two would pull if off - the happily ever after wrestling couple.

Oh the book? Hmmm....between Jericho's book, Eddy's book, Dynamite Kid's book and Mic Foley's books I kinda got the jist of it (read them all). I agree with everyone, who is a fan of pro wrestling who, says that this book seems a little bit caustic. But the business itself isn't something that's full of glamour. Wrestlers who don't "pay dues" don't have as much respect as one who have. And paying dues isn't meant to be pretty. Neither are the drugs, the booze or the sexual escapades. But it is real.

If you are a dirt sheet reading, smart mark you may feel a little insulted by his tone (I was). But I ould not put it down.

Now excuse me while I wonder why CM Punk is no longer getting his push.......