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The Three Count: My Life in Stripes as a WWE Referee
Highlighting the triumphs and tragedies Jimmy Korderas experienced, this entertaining biography focuses on his 20-year career as a World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) referee. For the first time, Korderas talks about the harrowing experience of being in the ring during Owen Hart’s accident and about the horrific effects of the Chris Benoit tragedy—the most difficult moments of his life in wrestling. The book also includes untold stories from both inside and outside the ring, highlighting the bonds Korderas formed with WWE superstars such as Eddie Guerrero, Edge, John Cena, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Christian, and Chris Jericho. A fun read from a man who, rather than having an ax to grind, wants to inspire wrestling fans and prove that dreams do come true.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2013
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531 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 12, 2013
Jimmy Korderas is an anomaly in the wrestling business. Not only is he one of the few referees (perhaps the only one) to write a book but he’s also one of the few former WWE employees without some sort of an agenda. He’s a self professed glass-half-full kind of guy and tries his hardest to maintain a positive view when it comes to the wrestling industry. But can you blame him? He worked his dream job for over twenty years! Not many people can say they've achieved that level of personal success in their lives.
Jimmy's book is an entirely different animal when it comes down to the tropes of wrestling autobiographies. Most performers often seem to insist on slinging dirt or writing about how fantastic an entertainer they were. Jimmy instead focuses very little on himself and more so on the people around him. He gives us small glimpses into his personal life here and there but relies heavily on situations and stories that are memorable for both good and bad reasons. In fact, there are some real gems in here, one of which includes a match in which a certain foreign object is used by Owen Hart against Edge that would be a crime not to know.
Jimmy weighs in on some of WWE's biggest moments during his time with the company including the build for WrestleMania IV involving the Hebner twins, the Montreal screw job, the infamous "plane ride from Hell"(also what he considers the "real" plane ride from Hell) and the Benoit murder/suicide. Korderas isn't out to offer up some groundbreaking information but rather relays his thoughts on the matter and his reactions as the events unfolded.
Despite his positive attitude, there are some heartbreaking entries involving the untimely passing of the aforementioned Owen Hart as well as former WWE champion, Eddie Guerrero. His tributes are at moments touching but are also filled with some humorous behind the scenes antics. Both are legendary practical jokers, beloved by everyone they've worked with and the tales Jimmy relays are laugh out loud funny.
Korderas gives the reader a peek into the role of a professional wrestling referee. It's amazing how integral their role within a match is. Everything from giving time cues to relaying messages from agents and producers backstage, it's a wonder guys can get through certain match styles where a referee isn't assigned.
Jimmy Korderas should be an inspiration to us all. He took a passion that he had from a very early age and made a career out of it. Sure, there are always negative aspects to every job, even if it happens to be your dream job but it never hurts to remember that you're doing what you truly love in this life and that's how the author wrote this book.
You're a lucky guy, Jimmy.
Jimmy's book is an entirely different animal when it comes down to the tropes of wrestling autobiographies. Most performers often seem to insist on slinging dirt or writing about how fantastic an entertainer they were. Jimmy instead focuses very little on himself and more so on the people around him. He gives us small glimpses into his personal life here and there but relies heavily on situations and stories that are memorable for both good and bad reasons. In fact, there are some real gems in here, one of which includes a match in which a certain foreign object is used by Owen Hart against Edge that would be a crime not to know.
Jimmy weighs in on some of WWE's biggest moments during his time with the company including the build for WrestleMania IV involving the Hebner twins, the Montreal screw job, the infamous "plane ride from Hell"(also what he considers the "real" plane ride from Hell) and the Benoit murder/suicide. Korderas isn't out to offer up some groundbreaking information but rather relays his thoughts on the matter and his reactions as the events unfolded.
Despite his positive attitude, there are some heartbreaking entries involving the untimely passing of the aforementioned Owen Hart as well as former WWE champion, Eddie Guerrero. His tributes are at moments touching but are also filled with some humorous behind the scenes antics. Both are legendary practical jokers, beloved by everyone they've worked with and the tales Jimmy relays are laugh out loud funny.
Korderas gives the reader a peek into the role of a professional wrestling referee. It's amazing how integral their role within a match is. Everything from giving time cues to relaying messages from agents and producers backstage, it's a wonder guys can get through certain match styles where a referee isn't assigned.
Jimmy Korderas should be an inspiration to us all. He took a passion that he had from a very early age and made a career out of it. Sure, there are always negative aspects to every job, even if it happens to be your dream job but it never hurts to remember that you're doing what you truly love in this life and that's how the author wrote this book.
You're a lucky guy, Jimmy.
June 3, 2022
A fun and enjoyable read from one of the best referees in wrestling's past. It was nice to hear stories from a different perspective, though it didn't really delve too deep into the backstage world of WWF/E, which would have been nice. Still, a worthwhile read for fans.
April 3, 2013
I really liked this book. These days, there are far, far, FAR too many wrestling books around, and it is getting harder and harder to work up my enthusiasm for them. We have fallen a long way from the halcyon days of "Have a Nice Day" for sure, with so many of these telling the same stories and treading the same ground (and, of course, devoting 25% of the book to a discussion of whether wrestling is "fake" or not). There are some notable exceptions, however: Jericho's books, Bret Hart's, Terry Funk's- these all add a new piece to the wrestling history puzzle.
As does this. Right off the bat, this is a book written by the unsung heroes of wrestling- the referees. This guys are on the road, getting their hands dirty, keeping the show going, for much less money and recognition than the wrestlers. I have always wondered what being a referee was like, in terms of what goes on in their head while in the ring, and this book goes a long way to helping me understand that oft-forgotten aspect of the show.
Also, the author doesn't insult anyone's intelligence by "proving" that wrestling is real. Man, I'm getting tired of that, as my last few reviews would show. I think that because Mr. Korderas does not depend on being a "tough guy" for his livelihood, that allows him to be refreshingly candid about his life and his approach to the sport. His stories are funny, and he tells them well. He also doesn't bad mouth anyone in this entire book, which was also a nice change from reading the Flair and Bret Hart books. Talk about calling it down the middle (hee hee).
Seeing his perspective on some events that I remember watching back in the day (the Drew Carry Royal Rumble appearance, the refs all going on strike and kicking his ass were two of my favorites) made the book worth it.
This is a story of someone who had a dream, followed the dream, and was always appreciative of the people (and luck) that helped him get where he is today. It reminded me of Chris Jericho's books, and that is a good thing, as they are some of my favorites. He seems like a genuinely nice guy, who tries to get by as best he can, and doesn't try to drag people down. I think that there are a lot of his contemporaries that should read this book and use him as a role model (Superstar Billy Graham for one). I strongly recommend this book for any wrestling fan. It's a different take on a well worn premise, and it helped me to remember what I loved about the sport in the first place. Well done, sir.
As does this. Right off the bat, this is a book written by the unsung heroes of wrestling- the referees. This guys are on the road, getting their hands dirty, keeping the show going, for much less money and recognition than the wrestlers. I have always wondered what being a referee was like, in terms of what goes on in their head while in the ring, and this book goes a long way to helping me understand that oft-forgotten aspect of the show.
Also, the author doesn't insult anyone's intelligence by "proving" that wrestling is real. Man, I'm getting tired of that, as my last few reviews would show. I think that because Mr. Korderas does not depend on being a "tough guy" for his livelihood, that allows him to be refreshingly candid about his life and his approach to the sport. His stories are funny, and he tells them well. He also doesn't bad mouth anyone in this entire book, which was also a nice change from reading the Flair and Bret Hart books. Talk about calling it down the middle (hee hee).
Seeing his perspective on some events that I remember watching back in the day (the Drew Carry Royal Rumble appearance, the refs all going on strike and kicking his ass were two of my favorites) made the book worth it.
This is a story of someone who had a dream, followed the dream, and was always appreciative of the people (and luck) that helped him get where he is today. It reminded me of Chris Jericho's books, and that is a good thing, as they are some of my favorites. He seems like a genuinely nice guy, who tries to get by as best he can, and doesn't try to drag people down. I think that there are a lot of his contemporaries that should read this book and use him as a role model (Superstar Billy Graham for one). I strongly recommend this book for any wrestling fan. It's a different take on a well worn premise, and it helped me to remember what I loved about the sport in the first place. Well done, sir.
May 8, 2019
In a truly one-of-a-kind full-length autobiography authored by a professional wrestling referee, Jimmy Korderas takes the reader on a satisfying ride on his backstage and in-ring career in "The Three Count: My Life in Stripes as a WWE Referee."
It makes little difference that Korderas was usually never more than a mid-card referee in the WWE; the culmination of his ring crew and referee jobs during three notable eras of wrestling coupled with his stories featuring superstars who are household names make this book an extremely relevant, interesting perspective to both casual and die-hard wrestling fans. I thoroughly enjoyed Korderas' behind-the-scenes tales and friendships, from Andre the Giant to Eddie Guerrero to the chairman himself, Vince McMahon. However, for a referee who worked for over 20 years, he really didn't cover many of the specific responsibilities and techniques concerning his profession. Maybe an autobiography isn't the place for that information (even one about a referee, go figure), but that was actually a big part of my curiosity going into this book. Hopefully another referee pulls a Korderas and writes their own book - with their own perspective, stories, and a chapter on referee techniques (please, as a special favor to this reader!)
(But please, follow Jimmy's lead and publish without direct oversight of the WWE. The more freedom you have in expressing your memories and opinions, the greater the product becomes. Just take a look at some of the disappointing WWE-friendly autobiographies throughout the 2000s if you don't believe me...)
It makes little difference that Korderas was usually never more than a mid-card referee in the WWE; the culmination of his ring crew and referee jobs during three notable eras of wrestling coupled with his stories featuring superstars who are household names make this book an extremely relevant, interesting perspective to both casual and die-hard wrestling fans. I thoroughly enjoyed Korderas' behind-the-scenes tales and friendships, from Andre the Giant to Eddie Guerrero to the chairman himself, Vince McMahon. However, for a referee who worked for over 20 years, he really didn't cover many of the specific responsibilities and techniques concerning his profession. Maybe an autobiography isn't the place for that information (even one about a referee, go figure), but that was actually a big part of my curiosity going into this book. Hopefully another referee pulls a Korderas and writes their own book - with their own perspective, stories, and a chapter on referee techniques (please, as a special favor to this reader!)
(But please, follow Jimmy's lead and publish without direct oversight of the WWE. The more freedom you have in expressing your memories and opinions, the greater the product becomes. Just take a look at some of the disappointing WWE-friendly autobiographies throughout the 2000s if you don't believe me...)
June 13, 2022
It's a fine recollection of moments that mattered in the life of a professional wrestling referee, but the structure is a bit awkward. It starts off chronologically, but when Korderas seemingly runs out of things to say and just starts writing essays on friends and events, the book becomes a bit repetitive.
For a condensed version, check out Korderas' episode on Gerald Brisco and JBL's Podcast.
For a condensed version, check out Korderas' episode on Gerald Brisco and JBL's Podcast.
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2021
The first phase of the book was interesting on how he got started in the business along with the trip to Iraq. The last 100 or so pages just felt like a long acknowledgment to everyone he’s ever known and wasn’t very interesting. Probably didn’t need to write this book, not everyone’s career is interesting.
June 30, 2017
This is a simple read. He LOVES WWE. I was hoping for a little more dirt but he constantly talks about his love for the company.
September 24, 2018
Brilliant for any wrestling fan
Very interesting to read a refs perspective of the business and how Jimmy got into it all, this book has it all
Very interesting to read a refs perspective of the business and how Jimmy got into it all, this book has it all
October 5, 2021
Pretty good among wrestling books. Korderas has a style that's so easy to read, and his perspective as a referee is so damn interesting. A good read with lots of great stories.
August 21, 2023
So boring! Go on Jimmy tell us absolutely nothing! Clown
July 15, 2018
Brilliant
A great book and a wonderful insight into Jimmys long career as a referee. Some of the stories are incredible, funny, sad but all are interesting. Recommend
A great book and a wonderful insight into Jimmys long career as a referee. Some of the stories are incredible, funny, sad but all are interesting. Recommend
January 3, 2015
I want to clarify that I enjoyed reading this book, from the point of view that it was written by a fellow Canadian, a wrestling-fan-turned-WWE-employee living the dream, and it contains a perspective rarely heard from in wrestling lit (a referee as opposed to a former promoter or wrestler or manager). Korderas clearly had some fantastic and interesting experiences with the WWE and his story is well worth telling.
The problem is he, and/or his ghost writer (if he had one), isn't a particularly great writer. Sorry - I hate saying that, because I think anyone with the courage to put words to paper and share their story deserves a ton of credit. But often, I found the stories he was telling hampered by repetition, awkward segues, and a bit of a stream-of-consciousness, off-the-top-of-my-head style that was charming, but also distracting at times, especially particularly in serious moments such as discussing the deaths of Owen Hart and the Benoit family - arguably two of the most tragic stories in wrestling history.
This is one of those books, at the end of the day, that I think is well worth a read for someone who is already a wrestling fan and dying for the stories - but the quality of the book, and the depth of the tales told, probably aren't strong enough to merit 'must-read' status for casual fans, and is definitely not on the list of books I'd hold up to non-fans as an example of "THIS IS WHY I WATCH!"
The problem is he, and/or his ghost writer (if he had one), isn't a particularly great writer. Sorry - I hate saying that, because I think anyone with the courage to put words to paper and share their story deserves a ton of credit. But often, I found the stories he was telling hampered by repetition, awkward segues, and a bit of a stream-of-consciousness, off-the-top-of-my-head style that was charming, but also distracting at times, especially particularly in serious moments such as discussing the deaths of Owen Hart and the Benoit family - arguably two of the most tragic stories in wrestling history.
This is one of those books, at the end of the day, that I think is well worth a read for someone who is already a wrestling fan and dying for the stories - but the quality of the book, and the depth of the tales told, probably aren't strong enough to merit 'must-read' status for casual fans, and is definitely not on the list of books I'd hold up to non-fans as an example of "THIS IS WHY I WATCH!"
May 3, 2013
*3.5 Stars* This was another good rasslin' read. Jimmy was a WWE referee for over 22 years and had many, many stories to tell both in the ring and out. It was a feel good story of a guy that was a huge fan that had the chance to do what he loved to do and the sacrifices he made to do so. He never came off as bitter and his stories always found the positive. I was hoping for more "inside" info, but what we got was good. And Jimmy even says in the beginning it was going to be a more positive book and you could tell he wasn't out to burn bridges. I wish I had read this before Hardcore Holly's book, b/c that one was like BAAAAAAAM!! with the in your face, hard hitting, opinionated stories with lots of dirt, and this one was more neutral and light hearted. Both were good reads though. The most intense chapters were the ones on Eddie Guerrero's passing and by far the chilling tale of the night Owen Hart fell from the rafters and died in the ring. It was heartbreaking and shocking, as Jimmy was the referee in the ring when it happened. It's good to read a story where a true fan that's infected with the "wrestling bug" gets to do that for a living and come out with a smile and an overall happy story to tell.
June 19, 2016
For those of us who have read multiple wrestling biographies, this book provides a fun new perspective to the business. Jimmy is, at bottom, a fan like any other - and one with the best seat in the house. He tells many great stories. The best one, which had me laughing hysterically, is a classic in-ring Owen Hart rib. I won't spoil it, but it was so funny that Jimmy himself couldn't stop from laughing while he was trying to ref the match. (See page 135.) Another enjoyable story involves Andre the Giant forcing Jimmy to get drunk before the show. Simply put, this book is fun. Recommended for any wrestling fan.
August 29, 2013
If you're a wrestling fan, I think you would really enjoy this book. It gives you a perspective of someone within the business, but not as a straight up superstar. Someone who started from the bottom and worked his way to main eventing at Wrestlemania. I laughed my head off, I cried (thanks a lot Jimmy!) and I greatly enjoyed it
March 16, 2014
A quick fun read and a first for me reading a ref's biography. Korderas' bio is pretty much like any wrestler's in that they were a fan, somehow got involved, and rose through the ranks. I just truly enjoy seeing how they talk about the other personalities behind the scenes. I kind of want the Hebners to put something out there if they haven't already.
January 2, 2023
This was a solid biography from one of wrestlings long term referees. It gives you lots of insight into the world of the refs, which goes way beyond just the matches. The best part of the book is the Owen chapter, as Jimmy was the ref in the ring, when Owen tragically fell to his death. Worth a read for any wrestling fans
August 10, 2015
Loved this viewpoint!
It's always fun to read a WWE Superstar's autobiography, but I believe this is the first time I've read a referee's autobiography. Korderas made me laugh and cry and reminisce. Most importantly, he offered a unique view into the crazy world that is the WWE.
It's always fun to read a WWE Superstar's autobiography, but I believe this is the first time I've read a referee's autobiography. Korderas made me laugh and cry and reminisce. Most importantly, he offered a unique view into the crazy world that is the WWE.
November 10, 2016
There was nothing wrong with this book, but it's dreadfully boring. It's missing the great stories, mishaps and humor from books wrote from wrestlers and the like. The book is about as boring as the person who wrote it.
May 13, 2015
This book was amazing and fun to read. Jimmy Korderas is really funny and sweet! And this book is the only one that is written by a former employee (a 20 plus ref) who wrote a book as a ref
November 25, 2015
It's refreshing to see Wrestling from the point of View of the Referee instead of the wrestler...
December 15, 2015
Loved these stories, especially the chapters on Owen and Eddie. Very fun, easy read.
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