Puss Reboots: Blog: November 2008: Ring of Hell

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Ring of Hell: 11/09/08

Chris Benoit in June of 2007 killed his wife and son before killing himself. The thesis of RIng of Hell by Matthew Randazzo V is that the stresses of being a pro-wrestler contributed to Benoit's breakdown.

Ring of Hell isn't about the murder as it is about the pro-wrestling. The book outlines the history of the "sport" and its mob ties and the ways in which the stars are encouraged to bulk up on steroids and to self medicate their injuries with alcohol and pain killers and illegal drugs.

From all accounts, Benoit didn't start out as one of those who was a partier or a user. He did however use steroids to bring his light weight frame up in bulk so he'd be able to wrestle. Years of nothing but travel under poor conditions, constantly taking a beating for a sport he loved and the stress of trying to prove himself and reinvent himself, he finally was broken by the lifestyle he loved and had sacrificed for his entire adult life.

I'm not a pro wrestling fan. I've never watched a match. I wasn't expecting to like the book. In the end I came away having learned a lot about pro wrestling (but I still don't want to watch it!) and found the book to be well written. It has a nice balance of background information for novices like me and specifics for fans who might read the book as well.

Comments (6)

Comment #1: Monday, November, 10, 2008 at 13:31:10

Callista

If I don't win this book from your contest I'm most definitely ordering it for my hubby!

Comment #2: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 21:07:01

Pussreboots

Good luck.

Comment #3: Thursday, November, 13, 2008 at 16:09:25

Breeni Books

This is good to hear. I used to watch wrestling back in the day...when The Rock was center stage. I was avoiding the book because I never really liked Chris Benoit, but I might give it a try now that I've read your review! No need for an entry, of course.

Comment #4: Friday, November 13, 2008 at 21:41:52

Pussreboots

I have to admit that I was reluctant to read it when it showed up unexpectly in my mail box. Although I'm still not interested in watching wrestling, I did enjoy the book and I did learn a bunch.

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