Book Review

Images of Sports: Wrestling in Akron by Dale Pierce is a book printed by Arcadia Publishing covering the history of both professional and amateur wrestling in Akron, Ohio and its surrounding areas from the early 1900s up to the present day.

Arcadia is renowned for its series  on local and regional history, and although they boast more than 8500 titles, this is currently the only one featuring local wrestling. Author Dale Pierce does not disappoint with his contribution, as rarely does one see pro wrestling history preserved in such a positive manner.

Following a brief introduction, Wrestling in Akron is divided up into four easy-to-read sections:  The Early Years, The Armory Era, After the Armory, and The Amateurs.

Vintage pictures of national greats and local stars such as Farmer Burns, Red Bastien, Lou Thesz, The Sheik, Dominic Denucci, Fred Curry, Killer Brooks, “Maniac” Mike Gordon, Dr. Jerry Graham, Bruno Sammartino, Louie Spicolli, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Frank Williams, Ricky Steamboat, “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert, Joe Rules, The Navajo Warrior, Brian Pillman, Ashley Nicely, Billy Gunn, and a whole host of others are highlighted.

Although the local amateur wrestling scene is touched on only briefly, it is included as an important piece of Akron history, popular to this day.

Also included are pics of various key area landmarks, as well as programs, souvenirs, and autographed index cards.

Each picture includes a short paragraph explaining its importance to the Akron, Ohio area.

If you’re a fan of wrestling, history, or wrestling history, you won’t want to pass on Images of Sports: Wrestling in Akron, as it is a quick, easy read filled by Dale Pierce with valuable information.  It is available at http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/ and other locations. More information can be found on the book’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WrestlingInAkronTheBook

Top 10 Professional Wrestlers Of All Time

This is a project I've been meaning to start for some time.  Who should be included on a list of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time?  I'm starting out with a Top 10, but in future posts I'll revise and expand the list.

But how do you compare a Frank Gotch to a Shawn Michaels?  Puroresu to lucha libre? A cruiserweight to a super heavyweight?

This list will be determined mainly by skill, fame, impact, longevity, influence, and most importantly, legacy.  With this in mind, let us begin.

1)  Bruno Sammartino.  The "Living Legend."  Two-time World Wide Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Champion with a combined reign of 4040 days, over 11 years.  His induction into the WWE Hall of Fame bought legitimacy to the organization.

2)  Andre The Giant.  The "Eighth Wonder of the World."  Standing 7'4", many fans believed him to be undefeated till his loss to Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania III.  Made numerous TV and movie appearances, including the classic The Princess Bride.

3)  Hulk Hogan.  The most famous wrestler of the modern era.  Instrumental in the WWF's nation expansion, the Rock and Wrestling Connection, and WrestleMania.  Made a huge impact as well in WCW as both a hero and later as a member of the NWO.

4)  Ric Flair.  Considered by many to be the greatest professional wrestler of all time.  Sixteen-time World Heavyweight Champion!  Enough said.

5)  Lou Thesz.  Legendary hooker who, when you combine championship reigns, held the NWA World Title for over ten years.

6)  Harley Race.  Respected eight-time NWA World Champion who has been inducted into four different pro wrestling halls of fame.

7)  Rikidozan.  Known as the "Father of Puroesu," Rikidozan brought professional wrestling to Japan and is considered a national hero in that country.

8)  Ricky Steamboat.  One of the most talented pro wrestlers in history.  I have never seen a bad Ricky Steamboat match, and I doubt such a thing exists.  Among other titles, he is a former NWA World and WWF Intercontinental Champion.

9)  El Santo.  Iconic luchador who popularized Mexican wrestling.  Also appeared in comic books and movies.

10)  Gorgeous George.  One of pro wrestling's biggest stars of the 1940s-50s.  His flamboyancy and charisma gained him mainstream popularity.

So that's my Top 10.  I'd love to get some feedback on this.  Who belongs in the Top 10 who isn't listed?  Who is too high or too low on the list?

Who's in your Top 10?

This Will Change The World

I'm set for life.  I've just come up with a revolutionary idea for a new invention that going to make me billions!

You know how when you're busy unpacking boxes, you get a little hungry and feel like a snack?  Sadly, nothing around to eat, but wait!  Look what you just found!  A packet of delicious silica gel!!

But just as you're about to chow down, you notice the words you never want to see:  "DO NOT EAT."  You have no choice but to go back to unpacking your boxes, hungry and disappointed.

Not any more!

My new invention:  EDIBLE SILICA GEL!!

Get in on the ground floor while you still can.  Invest now and you may share in the incredible wealth I am soon to receive.

Here is my plan of action:

1)  Purchase a bunch of silica gel packs (this is where my investors come in)

2)  Purchase a black Sharpie (again, investors)

3)  Using the black Sharpie, cross out the word "NOT" on each and every silica gel pack

4)  Silica gel is now a tasty treat!

5)  PROFIT

Don't delay.  Act now!!!