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A**T
A must for any wrestling fan
This book isn't really for the casual wrestling fan. The author William Regal goes into great detail about his early wrestling days across Europe which the casual fan could get slightly bored by. For me personally as someone who grew up not far from Regal and is a huge wrestling fan it was a very interesting book. The decline of British wrestling is in sharp contrast to the American wrestling scene which under WWE and previously WCW has exploded across the world. Regal has performed in both and paints a very vivid scene of the sport in both countries. Regal isn't one for gossip like his character in ring he tells his opinion in a stark, honest fashion. Apart from wrestling the other main theme discussed in this book is drug addiction. Regal without excuses for his past behaviour tells of his own addiction in a raw brutally honest narrative. It is compelling reading and does nothing to glamorise drug taking. The only fault I personally could find with this book is that it stops in the mid 2000s. I would love for there to be a sequel and I asked Mr Regal on twitter if he would ever write another book, to which he replied he might do in the future. I would recommend this book to any serious wrestling fan.
K**L
A really honest, open book
I heard Regal on "Talk is Jericho" the other day and loved the interview. Afterwards, I was reminded he had written a book. this is a really enjoyable book and is inspiring as well. regal chronicles his battle with drugs and alcohol and doesn't hold back. The refreshing thing is how he takes ownership of it. He doesn't blame the business, the travel or anything but himself.It is awesome to see how things are better for him now. He tells some great stories and is just a great book about someone who followed his dreams.P.s.- there is a really funny story about a road trip with ric flair, arn Anderson, regal and someone else that is just laugh out loud funny.
S**E
Fantastic!
An engrossing read! I couldn't put it down! Very open and honest accounting of Regal's life. I will caution you however, there is not a lot of gossip or inside details on angles and storylines here. What is here is how Regal got started in the business and his love of it. And of course his battle with drugs and alcohol. I highly recommend this book if you're looking for something interesting to read that does touch on wrestling to a good deal, but is mostly a personal account of one's life in the public eye.
K**R
So enjoyable!
I loved this book from beginning to the end I actually felt mournful when I got to the last page it was that enjoyable of a read. I wish we where able to get a hold of these wrestlers easier the WWE has made sure they keep us at arms length now must keep the fakeness of being in Hollywood looking real but Regal is somebody I would love to talk to about drugs and how to stay off them. Would also love to have an autograph pic of him but that will never happen. God bless you Regal if you read this review. You are a blessing to us all who struggle. P.s write another book!
R**D
A good read even if it's a bit dated
I love pro wrestling, and enjoy reading wrestling biographies any chance I can. One of my favorite heels ever was William Regal, who had an undeniable ring presence. I also feel he is one of the most criminally underrated wrestlers ever. I found his biography highly enjoyable. So the potential reader is aware, this book was published 2005-2005 so some important things have since happened that make it odd to read in parts (for example Regal speaks highly of Chris Benoit). However I still felt like I got to know Regal better after reading his book.
T**D
Entertaining and unassuming
A humble and thoroughly enjoyable autiobiography. Regal's narrative voice is straightforward and unpretentious, and he's not out to dish out the dirt on anyone but himself. Refreshingly honest about his struggles with substance abuse and the unglamarous life of a pro wrestler, the autobiography is at its best when he retells experiences and looks at what they taught him -- I wish there'd been a lot more anecdotes but that's just me being greedy. It's lovely to read 2005-era Regal being excited at every opportunity to teach fresh talent, considering his current position at NXT.Info for Kindle users: There are some formatting issues, particularly at the beginning of the book, where paragraphs repeat in the oddest places. It absolutely doesn't ruin the book (but can be occasionally distracting) and the issue mostly clears up after the first couple of chapters.
K**S
William is Really Regal
This book was amazing! It is the kind of wrestling biography I love which goes in depth about the person and their rise to stardom. It also shows that all that glitters is not gold, as the ups and downs of being a pro are just as if not harder than the road to get there. I would not want to ruin even one page so I will just end by saying if you like thorough stories of wrestlers and the wrestling business then do not miss this. If you like books like Booker T's and bob backlund's recently released bio then you will enjoy this the same if not more.
M**0
Awesome
Love reading about Regals career and his real life account of battling with drugs. Made me a bigger fan of the man and I got through the book in 2 days.
P**M
Great for a WWE or a W.O.S fan.
The honesty in this book is amazing, Regal has taken drugs i have never hear of and has had more chances given to him by Vince than any other wrestler, possibly because he is the best matt wrestler the WWE has ever had. He has some great stories about his days in blackpool and the U.S. I however bought this book to hear about him and the other top Brits and i wasn't disapointed, they all get a mention, Finlay, Rocco, Marty jones, Dave taylor and lots more.
M**R
Great read.
Some genuinely rubbish editing aside, what a good read.He's still a Northern bloke and proud of it which is proper cool as is the glossary of British terms at the back for the American readers. "Thick ear" being in print is a great moment.Puts over the old school British wrestling as well which is cool as it seems to be pretty much forgotten which is sad considering just how big it actually was (modern promotions would kill for the kind of figures British wrestling could pull back in the day)Very honest about his drug usage and what he turned into when he was at the height of his addiction. Amazing he didn't die from it frankly.Really flew through this.
T**M
Pulls no punches
I really enjoyed this book it would appeal more to a British wrestling fan as Mr Regal tells about his early days on Holiday camps and small venues around the country.I thought he was a cracking wrestler and loved watching him as TV Champ with WCW when he used to work over and rough up the Americans with his no nonsense British style.I have watched many of his Japanese matches and the one he had with Chris Benoit were all his problems with drug addiction to pain killers started.Unlike meat heads like Billy Graham who just wanted to build muscle mass Regals problems were with pain.Got to hand it to him he turned his life around and I for one admire him for it.You should and could of been a world champ William but I am happy your just still with us.A very enjoyable book by a very underrated Wrestler.
S**D
Up there with Brets
Always been a fan due to being English but this read also shows dedication and shows all aspects of addiction Great read
K**M
A spectacular book from one of the best ever!
A spectacular book from one of the best ever! I cannot recommend this book enough. Engaging, upsetting & uplifting. A+++