Jones, Patrick. The Main Event.

Jones, Patrick.    The Main Event.                   Millbrook Press/21st Century/Copper Beech  64p           $31.93  978-0-7613-8635-3          2013                        ms/jr                       VG-BN                             Nonfiction           

Professional wrestling, unlike Greco-Roman wrestling, is not a sport, but “sports entertainment”.  Jones provides a thorough history of the carefully choreographed, over-the-top, and completely staged programs that provide entertainment and excitement for thousands of fans.  The fans understand, although the reader may be surprised to learn, that there is an art to making the blows and throws appear real, even if the outcome is predetermined. 

Despite the fixed outcomes and staged fighting, sometimes damage can occur(for example, when Yukon Eric’s ear was torn off in a bout with Killer Kowalski), or when both sides are unaware of or haven’t been properly informed of the predetermined outcome.  Still, in nearly a century of the sport, this type of thuggish behavior is not the norm.  Participants are firmly categorized as “babyfaces” (i.e., good guys) or “heels” (villains).

Jones, clearly a fan, shares the stories of famous ring personalities and their most well-known bouts and signature moves.  These include Gorgeous George, Andre the Giant, the Rock, and Hulk Hogan.  Combined with colorful and dynamic photographs, this book encourages readers to sit back and enjoy the show!

Professional wrestling-History                                                                                                                    --Hilary Welliver