April 29, 2002

7:44 PM

"The reality, or substance, of professional wrestling is the ability to perpetuate a fantasy... I can look back and credit my tremendous success to what some would term insanity. I never distinguished between fantasy and reality. I made my fantasy reality for over 60 years." Lou Thesz, perhaps the greatest pro wrestler of the 20th century, died yesterday. His autobiography, Hooker, is one of the best books about pro wrestling ever written.
posted by tranquileye (6 comments total)

you know, even if it's not quiet the same depth as thesz' book, mick foley's 'have a nice day' is also a really good read.
posted by jcterminal at 8:33 PM on April 29, 2002

Another one is "Pure Dynamite" by Tom 'Dynamite Kid' Billington. It really shows you the shitty side of the business. As one half of the british bulldogs, the Kid was one of the most amazing wrestlers I ever saw. It was like he was dancing in the ring. Now, the guy can't even walk.
posted by jpoulos at 9:39 PM on April 29, 2002

I'll have to snag a copy of Hooker... But my money's on Gorgeous George as the most influential pro wrestler of all time. Why, even James Brown has copped a few licks (his cape) from Curious George!
posted by shinybeast at 9:45 PM on April 29, 2002

Oops. Did I say Curious? Hehehe...
posted by shinybeast at 9:46 PM on April 29, 2002

George had the most mainstream appeal of that era, but Thesz was more popular among those in the business, I think. And he was certainly a more respected figure. Even today, Stone Cold Steve Austin uses a "Lou Thesz Press" regularly.
posted by jpoulos at 9:52 PM on April 29, 2002

Lou Thesz :: Gorgeous George
Ric Flair :: Hulk Hogan

Unfortunately, best and most famous hardly ever mesh...
posted by herc at 12:18 AM on April 30, 2002