Examines the rise and fall of Extreme Championship Wrestling, and how that organization revolutionized sports entertainment.

Hardcore History: The Extremely Unauthorized Story of ECW offers a frank, balanced look at the evolution of the company, starting even before its early days as a Philadelphia-area independent group called Eastern Championship Wrestling in 1992 and extending past the death of Extreme Championship Wrestling in 2001. Writer Scott E. Williams has pored through records and conducted dozens of interviews through records and conducted dozens of interviews with fans, company officials, business partners, and the wrestlers themselves to bring readers the most balanced account possible of this bizarre company.

From the creators of the official WWE Encyclopedia, WWE 50 gives you the behind-the-scenes knowledge to become the ultimate WWE fan! Learn the Real Story Behind Key Events in WWE History: The split from the National Wrestling Alliance. Controversial figures and events from all eras. National expansion and the perilous risk involved. The legal and financial strife that nearly devastated WWE. Triumph in the Monday Night Wars. Innovations of WrestleMania, Raw, SmackDown, Survivor Series, and more! With Stunning Visuals and Insider Commentary.

James Dixon pairs up with Justin Henry in compiling the third book of the Titan series: Titan Screwed Titan Screwed provides a look at the WWF from January 1997 through WrestleMania XIV, covering every major element of the WWF's evolution into the Attitude Era. Stories detailed include the rise of Stone Cold Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels losing his smile, the heel turn of Bret Hart, WWF vs. ECW with Jerry Lawler pulling the strings, the death of Brian Pillman, Austin vs. Tyson, the seedy story elements that overtook WWF programming, the birth of the nefarious Mr. McMahon, and of course, Montreal: the build-up, the secret plotting, the match, the moment, and the aftermath in all of its incredible details. Exclusive author-conducted interviews for Titan Screwed include Ken Shamrock, Rob Van Dam, Jim Cornette, ""The Patriot"" Del Wilkes, Dr. Tom Prichard, Danny Doring, former ECW owner Tod Gordon, and more. ***Includes foreword from WrestleCrap's RD Reynolds***

An invaluable resource for any wrestling fan of the era. The sixth in the series from www.historyofwrestling.co.uk this is the complete guide to every WWE DVD release from May 2002 to December 2004, with full in-depth reviews and analysis of every disc (and extras), awards, match ratings, and much, much more. Read all about the start of the Ruthless Aggression Era, with debuts of future main event mainstays John Cena, Randy Orton and Batista all taking place in the time period covered. Learn about the Brand Extension, The Death of Al Wilson, Katie Vick, Evolution, the return of the WWE Hall of Fame, RAW's tenth anniversary spectacular, the rise of Brock Lesnar, and so much more. As usual the book is a monster, with over 300,000 words crammed in covering every pay per view, DVD release and special.

Dive into the heart-pounding world of professional wrestling with "The History of the WWE" by James Bren. This comprehensive and meticulously researched book takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the iconic moments, legendary rivalries, and unforgettable events that have defined the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). From the early days of its inception to the electrifying spectacles of WrestleMania, Bren captures the essence of WWE's evolution, introducing readers to the trailblazing superstars who have left an indelible mark on sports entertainment. Uncover the gripping narratives behind the rise of household names like Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and the trailblazing women who sparked the "women's evolution." Bren's narrative skillfully navigates pivotal eras, exploring the Attitude Era's raucous rebellion, the ruthless aggression that followed, and the captivating drama of the modern-day "New Era." Witness the birth of iconic championships, the emergence of unprecedented women's matches, and the groundbreaking moments that have shaped WWE into a global phenomenon. But this isn't just a tale of triumphs; it's a candid exploration of the controversies, backstage politics, and the human stories that often lurked beyond the ring. Delve into the scandals, triumphs, and tragedies that have shaped the WWE into a multifaceted cultural phenomenon. With meticulous detail and engaging storytelling, James Bren captures the raw intensity of wrestling's most iconic moments. Whether you're a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the squared circle, "The History of the WWE" is an immersive chronicle that will leave you captivated, entertained, and with a newfound appreciation for the unparalleled world of WWE. Get ready for a ringside seat to the captivating journey that is the history of the WWE.

Filled with insightful analysis and compelling arguments, this book considers the influence of sports on popular culture and spotlights the fascinating ways in which sports culture and American culture intersect. This collection blends historical and popular culture perspectives in its analysis of the development of sports and sports figures throughout American history. American History through American Sports: From Colonial Lacrosse to Extreme Sports is unique in that it focuses on how each sport has transformed and influenced society at large, demonstrating how sports and popular culture are intrinsically entwined and the ways they both reflect larger societal transformations. The essays in the book are wide-ranging, covering topics of interest for sports fans who enjoy the NFL and NASCAR as well as those who like tennis and watching the Olympics. Many topics feature information about specific sports icons and favorite heroes. Additionally, many of the topics' treatments prompt engagement by purposely challenging the reader to either agree or disagree with the author's analysis.

In 2001, the professional wrestling scene in the western world changed almost overnight. From three major promotions at the start of the year, just one remained by the start of April, ending more than a decade of competition. But success breeds complacency, and the five years since World Wrestling Entertainment stood triumphant over its rivals has seen unprecedented shifts in wrestling. Charting the highs and lows of the business in that time, Wrestling's Sinking Ship offers a unique look at the fall and rise of sports entertainment's most controversial characters. From necrophilia to exploitation, nostalgia to racism... oh, and don't forget that fake gay wedding!