Customer Comments

An Excellent Book, March 16, 2001
Reviewer: Richard M. Williams from New York
This book is just incredible. It has amazing photos, well-written text, and is just a great read. I was glad to see that it didn't "disrespect" the first few WrestleManias in order to praise the so-called "WWF Attitude" of the last 3 events. I've heard some people complain about the price for the book, but believe me it's well worth it. Basil Devito tells really interesting stories about what went on before, during, and after each WrestleMania event. There are only 2 negatives I have regarding the book- first, they should have printed the results of each WrestleMania match. They included the lineups of each event, but no results which I thought was kind of dumb. Second, the DVD that's included with the book is just basically a shorter version of the "WrestleMania History" disk that was included with the WrestleMania 16 DVD. If you own that DVD, you already have most of what's on here. But other than those two small points, this is a must-have book for any wrestling fan.

WWF History Lesson, May 28, 2001
Reviewer: Louis Rusconi from El Cajon, California United States
If WWF's Wrestlemania was a college course, this would be the required text! Great photos and writing make this an entertaining and informative read! It's great that this has been documented for history and in ten years they should do a companion book.Two let downs about this book: #1 It comes with a Dvd video. I only have VHS, so I guess I will have to wait to when I an forced into purchasing a Dvd player. It's kind of presumptous of the publishers to assume everyone has a dvd player.#2 I follow wrestling pretty close and know much of the "inside scoop", and this was written clearly from an "event-based" point of view, not from how it really happened.I guess the writer wanted to steer clear of any of the "backstage politics" and just cover the historical events that took place.Which is great, not everyone wants to know all that stuff. Bottom line, this book is great and should be purchased by any wrestling fan. It is a testimony of how great the WWF is and has been and will continue to be!

Customer Comments

Eye opening, June 19, 2001
Reviewer: Lisa from New Jersey
This is a great read for someone who is interested on what really goes on behind the scenes. You will discover that it's not all glitz and glamour in the wrestling world. Gary has class because he's honest but not cruel. He made me nostalgic for the "good old days" of wrestling. Gary makes the point that wrestling has turned into something that it didn't start out as. I believe sometimes wrestling does push the limits but I'm not sure it would reach as many people as it does today without these changes. A definite must-read for old school wrestling fans.

What An Incredible Journey!, May 19, 2001
Reviewer: Shannon Smith from Los Angeles, California
If you ever wondered what it would be like to live the life of a famous wrestling personality and if you want to know how the main eventers relate to each other behind the scenes, then this book is for you.

People who are still active in the business have to think twice before voicing their opinions to the public. They have to depend on the promoters for a paycheck and the fans' attention to warrant their place on the roster. Cappetta has neither of these concerns to hold him back. And that is just one of the major differences between "Bodyslams!" and everything else that has recently been published.

The guy who had the least to say on WWF, ESPN and WCW broadcasts certainly makes up for the years when his introductions made ring entrances more exciting and when his victory announcements made the outcomes of matches seem more important then they ever were. There was a whole lot going on with Gary Michael Cappetta. At the time, no one ever thought to ask. In "Bodyslams!" we finally find out.

And while Gary pulls no punches, there is nothing malicious in this book. Whenever he has something negative to say about an individual (Sic Vicious, McMahon, Bagwell etc.) he either lets us form our own opinions by reporting their words and actions, or fully explains the reasons for his conclusions. Cappetta lets the readers decide for themselves.

One thing that impressed me throughout "Bodyslams!" is Cappetta's love of wrestling, despite all of the cons and underhandedness that he has seen. And his respect for the many top stars that he knows comes through loud and clear from the many stories in which Gary expresses his admiration for the many superstars that he has traveled with (Austin, Flair, Steamboat, Sammartino, Eaton, Arn Anderson, etc.).

The format of the book is also something to note. Quotes from Tennessee Williams, Mike Lupica, James Michener and George Burns in a wrestling book? Who would have guessed. Also impressive is a listing of the more than 300 cities in seven countries where he has announced. And there is a name / promotion / city index so that you can sneak a peek to read about your favorite wrestler, promotion or hometown before getting into the book.

The only disappointment that I experienced with Gary Michael Cappetta's "Bodyslams!" is that ended. But then again, it could have been a 5,000 page book and I would have felt the same way.

This is must reading for fans of Cappetta, for wrestling fans in general or for outsiders who want to know what makes wrestlers tick and what has made the spectacle of wrestling one of the most lasting and fun forms of entertainment throughout the years.

Customer Comments

THE BEST BOOK EVER WRITTEN ON FINISHING HOLDS., June 4, 2001
Reviewer: Joseph J. Truncale,Soke: Bushi Satori Ryu from Chicago, Ill area
The very first thing I want to say about this fantastic book is that: IT IS BY FAR THE BEST BOOK EVER WRITTEN ON GRAPPLING FINISHING HOLDS. There are plenty of books out that claim to be "the encyclopedia" of this or that; however, this book lives up to its name. The author is a true living legend, who has competed world wide and who has taught numerous famous martial artists his grappling techniques. This book covers so much material that this review could never do it justice. Mr. LeBell's unique sense of humor comes through in this book, as he spices the lessons with amusing drawings etc. This text book teaches the entire realm of grappling finishing holds. from how to grip, to how to apply armbars, arm locks, wrist locks, leg locks, chokes, neck locks and many, many other grappling techniques. In conclusion, all martial artists, whether you are a beginner or black belt, should have a copy of this great book in your own personal library. It is well worth the price, which can't be said for most books.