What do you think?
Rate this book
Wrestle Maniacs
A dozen dark fiction masters bring their twisted vision to the world of professional wrestling. Twelve original stories of crime, horror, humor, and taboo. Ohhh, yeahhh! This ain’t no kayfabe, baby. This is hard-hitting wrestling fiction that grips like a Camel Clutch, and pins the reader to the page for the count of one, two…THREE! Includes a confrontational foreword by ring legend 'Pulverizing' Pat McCrunch (as told to Jeff Strand)… An all-new story starring Nick 'The Widowmaker' Bullman from James Newman’s wrestling noir, "Ugly as Sin"… And ex-boxer turned strip club bouncer Reggie Levine ("Tijuana Donkey Showdown," "Damn Dirty Apes") returns for another action-packed misadventure. Whether you like it or not, learn to love it, because it's the best thing going, WOOOOO!!
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2017
17 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Adam Howe
26 books185 followersAdam Howe writes the twisted fiction your mother warned you about. A British writer of fiction and screenplays, he lives in London with his partner, their daughter, and a hellhound named Gino. Writing as Garrett Addams, his short story Jumper was chosen by Stephen King as the winner of the international On Writing contest, and published in the paperback/Kindle editions of King’s memoir. His fiction has appeared in Nightmare Magazine, Thuglit, Mythic Delirium, Year’s Best Hardcore Horror, and other places. He is the author of One Tough Bastard, Scapegoat (with James Newman), Tijuana Donkey Showdown, Die Dog or Eat the Hatchet, and Black Cat Mojo, and the editor of the Wrestle Maniacs anthology. In the pipeline: The Polack, a gritty 1930s noir co-written with Joseph Hirsch. Stalk him at Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter @Adam_G_Howe.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 14, 2017
Wrestle Maniacs is a short story anthology featuring stories about professional wrestling.
Let's face it: apart from Hoodtown, Champion of the World, and Ugly As Sin, there isn't a ton of pro wrestling fiction out there. When Adam Howe hit me up to read an ARC of this, I went for it like a series of Ric Flair chops in the corner.
I expected Wrestle Maniacs to be entertaining but I was pretty surprised at the overall quality of the collection. I've read a handful of the authors before, like Adam Howe, Gabino Iglesias, and James Newman but a lot of them were new to me and people I'll seek out later.
The stories run the gamut. There's comedy, tragedy, action, gore, and WRESTLING! There aren't many anthologies dedicated to one subject that actually cover a lot of ground. There was fiction loosely inspired by the tragedy of the Von Erich family, of Chris Benoit's murder/suicide, and the Montreal Screwjob. There were also really entertaining tales of luchadors and wrestlers that suddenly find themselves in a shoot. Or something out of the Twilight Zone, in one case.
My favorites were A Fiend in Need, Last of the High Flying Van Alstynes, and Rassle Hassle but there wasn't a jabronie in the bunch. I hope Wrestle Maniacs does well enough that Adam Howe and Honey Badger Press do another wrestling anthology in the future. Four out of five snap suplexes.
Let's face it: apart from Hoodtown, Champion of the World, and Ugly As Sin, there isn't a ton of pro wrestling fiction out there. When Adam Howe hit me up to read an ARC of this, I went for it like a series of Ric Flair chops in the corner.
I expected Wrestle Maniacs to be entertaining but I was pretty surprised at the overall quality of the collection. I've read a handful of the authors before, like Adam Howe, Gabino Iglesias, and James Newman but a lot of them were new to me and people I'll seek out later.
The stories run the gamut. There's comedy, tragedy, action, gore, and WRESTLING! There aren't many anthologies dedicated to one subject that actually cover a lot of ground. There was fiction loosely inspired by the tragedy of the Von Erich family, of Chris Benoit's murder/suicide, and the Montreal Screwjob. There were also really entertaining tales of luchadors and wrestlers that suddenly find themselves in a shoot. Or something out of the Twilight Zone, in one case.
My favorites were A Fiend in Need, Last of the High Flying Van Alstynes, and Rassle Hassle but there wasn't a jabronie in the bunch. I hope Wrestle Maniacs does well enough that Adam Howe and Honey Badger Press do another wrestling anthology in the future. Four out of five snap suplexes.
October 5, 2020
Rasslin' - hooo-yeahhh!
I'm not a big fan of anthologies, since it is almost inevitable there will be a story or too I'm not going to like, and that could ruin the experience for me. However, this one featured a number of authors I liked or had my eye on, so I went for it and I'm glad I did.
Even though I was a wrestling fan when I was growing up, it wasn't as readily available in my country, so I had to settle for Wrestlemania once a year.
Once things started to change, it was into the Stone Cold Steve Austin era. I also liked The Hardy Boys, Sting, Shaun Michaels, Goldberg and the Road Warriors. I thought Shane O'Mac had a screw loose for some of the things his did, but Mankind was INSANE!
However, nobody came close to my all time favorite: The Undertaker.
And, as I got older, my interest waned in the sport, until I was only really interested in Wrestlemania again - once a year. However, when Undertaker's Wrestlemania streak ended, I just didn't care about it anymore. You see, I think the magic of wrestling was not knowing anything about anybody. Hell, I didn't even know their real names outside the ring. You only saw them doing that character, whether good or bad, so it becomes like a violent soap opera, of sorts. Sure, we know wrestling is fake (as far as the stories and matches go), but the things some of them did in that four-squared ring was an art onto itself. After all, you know an action movie is fake, you don't expect the people to really fight or shoot each other, but you could enjoy it for what it was.
Yet, we all get older, and you start reading about these people, their real lives, their own personal demons - No matter what the policy of the WWE might be, I liked the Chris Benoit wrestling character, and nobody could have known how badly it would end. Nobody can condone or, perhaps, ever forgive him, but to refuse the fact that I was a fan of his character would be a blatant lie.
You see, the bad guys might be the nicest ones in real life, and vice versa, but it gets harder to buy into a fantasy when you know about the reality.
So, I think my days as a wrestling fan is over, but I was still curious what these writers could do with it as a background. And, despite skipping two stories that didn't grab me, the best stories was by Bradshaw, Keaton and Parent, but my favorite in this collection was by Adam Howe - RASSLE HASSLE. Adam, buddy, the gimp mask cracked me up for two days - genius!
So, yeah, you don't really have to be a wrestling fan to enjoy this, if you like the writers it might be worth it to check it out.
I'm not a big fan of anthologies, since it is almost inevitable there will be a story or too I'm not going to like, and that could ruin the experience for me. However, this one featured a number of authors I liked or had my eye on, so I went for it and I'm glad I did.
Even though I was a wrestling fan when I was growing up, it wasn't as readily available in my country, so I had to settle for Wrestlemania once a year.
Once things started to change, it was into the Stone Cold Steve Austin era. I also liked The Hardy Boys, Sting, Shaun Michaels, Goldberg and the Road Warriors. I thought Shane O'Mac had a screw loose for some of the things his did, but Mankind was INSANE!
However, nobody came close to my all time favorite: The Undertaker.
And, as I got older, my interest waned in the sport, until I was only really interested in Wrestlemania again - once a year. However, when Undertaker's Wrestlemania streak ended, I just didn't care about it anymore. You see, I think the magic of wrestling was not knowing anything about anybody. Hell, I didn't even know their real names outside the ring. You only saw them doing that character, whether good or bad, so it becomes like a violent soap opera, of sorts. Sure, we know wrestling is fake (as far as the stories and matches go), but the things some of them did in that four-squared ring was an art onto itself. After all, you know an action movie is fake, you don't expect the people to really fight or shoot each other, but you could enjoy it for what it was.
Yet, we all get older, and you start reading about these people, their real lives, their own personal demons - No matter what the policy of the WWE might be, I liked the Chris Benoit wrestling character, and nobody could have known how badly it would end. Nobody can condone or, perhaps, ever forgive him, but to refuse the fact that I was a fan of his character would be a blatant lie.
You see, the bad guys might be the nicest ones in real life, and vice versa, but it gets harder to buy into a fantasy when you know about the reality.
So, I think my days as a wrestling fan is over, but I was still curious what these writers could do with it as a background. And, despite skipping two stories that didn't grab me, the best stories was by Bradshaw, Keaton and Parent, but my favorite in this collection was by Adam Howe - RASSLE HASSLE. Adam, buddy, the gimp mask cracked me up for two days - genius!
So, yeah, you don't really have to be a wrestling fan to enjoy this, if you like the writers it might be worth it to check it out.
January 8, 2018
I'm two hundred and thirty two pounds of scar tissue, gristle, and regret. You see this here body? It's formed from burritos, bourbon, barbiturates and bad decisions.*
Professional wrestling was not a part of my childhood. My father was entirely in control of the television, and we watched cop shows and situation comedies. And, hey, I'm not complaining - it helped make me what I am today. But, I'll never forget that one Saturday afternoon at my grandparents' house, parked in front of the TV with Grandpa and my cousins, watching a large beast named Haystacks Calhoun do some pretty mean things to other people. The decades passed, and though I occasionally heard names like Andre the Giant, and Hulk Hogan, I was blissfully unaware of wrestling's existence . . . until my youngest son became a fan in his late teens.
I started watching because I felt sorry for the boy, sitting all alone in front of the TV, and because it seemed like a good way to share his hobbies. And, oddly enough . . . I kind of enjoyed it. It was entertaining, plus, there was the added draw of seeing lots of (mostly) well-built men in tiny underpants. And, YES! I KNOW IT'S FAKE! That's part of the appeal to me. I don't want to watch men (and women) actually hurting one another. If I did, I'd watch boxing.
Weeks turned into months, and before long, I had my favorites - The New Day, Neville, Cesaro. But, in that strange world known as the WWE, everyone comes and goes so quickly. I took a few months off, and hardly recognized the players when I returned. Why are my sweet Usos now bad guys? Why is everyone booing Roman Reigns, but cheering the much more obnoxious Seth Rollins? And, Neville - yoo hoo! Where are you?
Truly, it's easier to keep up with the Kardashians.
The wrestling world presented in this collection of stories is about as far from the McMahon family's sanitized version as you can get.
The characters in these tales get down and dirty, their matches are sweaty, nasty brawls. And, occasionally, the participants find themselves fighting for their very lives. The stories are all well written - some quite funny, others dead serious. All in all, it's a pretty gritty read, and not recommended for lightweights. Plus, there're bodily fluids a-plenty, so don't do like I did and read it while you're eating.
*From Glassjaw by Duncan P. Bradshaw
Professional wrestling was not a part of my childhood. My father was entirely in control of the television, and we watched cop shows and situation comedies. And, hey, I'm not complaining - it helped make me what I am today. But, I'll never forget that one Saturday afternoon at my grandparents' house, parked in front of the TV with Grandpa and my cousins, watching a large beast named Haystacks Calhoun do some pretty mean things to other people. The decades passed, and though I occasionally heard names like Andre the Giant, and Hulk Hogan, I was blissfully unaware of wrestling's existence . . . until my youngest son became a fan in his late teens.
I started watching because I felt sorry for the boy, sitting all alone in front of the TV, and because it seemed like a good way to share his hobbies. And, oddly enough . . . I kind of enjoyed it. It was entertaining, plus, there was the added draw of seeing lots of (mostly) well-built men in tiny underpants. And, YES! I KNOW IT'S FAKE! That's part of the appeal to me. I don't want to watch men (and women) actually hurting one another. If I did, I'd watch boxing.
Weeks turned into months, and before long, I had my favorites - The New Day, Neville, Cesaro. But, in that strange world known as the WWE, everyone comes and goes so quickly. I took a few months off, and hardly recognized the players when I returned. Why are my sweet Usos now bad guys? Why is everyone booing Roman Reigns, but cheering the much more obnoxious Seth Rollins? And, Neville - yoo hoo! Where are you?
Truly, it's easier to keep up with the Kardashians.
The wrestling world presented in this collection of stories is about as far from the McMahon family's sanitized version as you can get.
The characters in these tales get down and dirty, their matches are sweaty, nasty brawls. And, occasionally, the participants find themselves fighting for their very lives. The stories are all well written - some quite funny, others dead serious. All in all, it's a pretty gritty read, and not recommended for lightweights. Plus, there're bodily fluids a-plenty, so don't do like I did and read it while you're eating.
*From Glassjaw by Duncan P. Bradshaw
December 4, 2017
I don't know much about wrestling. The ring is a place I've never visited, but I've always been curious about those larger than life characters who pounce into the squared circle. Here is a collection of short stories that will appease any reader's appetite, whether you are a fan of wrestling or don't know the first thing about the sport. The stories are gutsy and stout-hearted, guttural with the cries of defeat and hard times. The author line-up is incredible, and each story is written by a pro. Fast, funny, heartbreaking and slimed with blood and other bodily fluids, this is a trip you don't want to miss. Author and editor Adam Howe worked hard to get this book out there, so I encourage you to show support to his new endeavor - Honey Badger Press. Now, we all know that the honey badger don't give a shit. However, I do, so please give this book a chance. You don't want me drop your head on the turnbuckle.
DISCLOSURE: I was given a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. There was no wrastlin' involved. Thank you.
DISCLOSURE: I was given a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. There was no wrastlin' involved. Thank you.
November 7, 2017
Is there no end to this kid's talents? Hands-down, my favorite author. And a swell guy, too. But aside from his literary ability, his rapist-like wit, and enviable good looks, it's his modesty I most admire.
November 21, 2017
I’m not a wrestling nerd (not that there’s anything wrong with that) and the only wrestling I’ve ever seen on tv was while clicking thru the channels to find something else to watch. So why would I pick up this collection? Well…because I recognize a few of my favorite go-to authors are in here and I know that they won’t disappoint me. They didn’t. Some of my favorite characters from these authors make appearances here as well. Very cool. There were a couple that didn’t really work for me as well, but that is really not uncommon for me with an anthology of shorts. I’m sure others mileage may vary. Overall, I dug it.
*Disclaimer - I received an advanced copy of this title in exchange for an honest review and this was it.
*Disclaimer - I received an advanced copy of this title in exchange for an honest review and this was it.
December 13, 2017
Well, that was entertaining... and kind of light-hearted.
My favorite stories were about wrestlers who struggled with knowing where the line between kayfabe and reality was or stories that made me doubt it, as the audience. Eryk Pruitt's story was great in that regards (big surprise, right?) but also James Newman's and Ed Kurtz' which really explored the human side to this vaudeville. Shout out to Tom Leins too, who mixed True Detective and pro-wrestling with surprising results.
There's kind of an idiosyncratic character to this collection. You really have to be into pro-wrestling to "get" it, but it's a labor of love and you have to admire the passion that went into it.
My favorite stories were about wrestlers who struggled with knowing where the line between kayfabe and reality was or stories that made me doubt it, as the audience. Eryk Pruitt's story was great in that regards (big surprise, right?) but also James Newman's and Ed Kurtz' which really explored the human side to this vaudeville. Shout out to Tom Leins too, who mixed True Detective and pro-wrestling with surprising results.
There's kind of an idiosyncratic character to this collection. You really have to be into pro-wrestling to "get" it, but it's a labor of love and you have to admire the passion that went into it.
December 15, 2017
This gritty, entertaining anthology of short wrestling-based fiction sounds like it's a thing that shouldn't exist. But it DOES. It DOES exist, and it is fantastic.
Now, don't be off-put by its rasslin'-centricity. With many stories, the oft-maligned sports entertainment is simply the delivery system to get good fiction into your brain. And that's where good fiction belongs, right? Can we agree on that? Great.
This, more than anything else, is just a superb collection of grit lit. At turns dark, bloody, thoughtful, demonic, tragic, hilarious.
Go snap into this one, OHHHHH YEAHHHHHH!
(sorry)
Now, don't be off-put by its rasslin'-centricity. With many stories, the oft-maligned sports entertainment is simply the delivery system to get good fiction into your brain. And that's where good fiction belongs, right? Can we agree on that? Great.
This, more than anything else, is just a superb collection of grit lit. At turns dark, bloody, thoughtful, demonic, tragic, hilarious.
Go snap into this one, OHHHHH YEAHHHHHH!
(sorry)
May 2, 2020
A collection of stories about Professional wrestling.
Some interest here. I got most of the references to the tragic side of the show, like Chris Benoit, The Von Erichs, and Jake Roberts. However, the authors tried too hard to be exploitive, and it just turned boring.
Some interest here. I got most of the references to the tragic side of the show, like Chris Benoit, The Von Erichs, and Jake Roberts. However, the authors tried too hard to be exploitive, and it just turned boring.
December 26, 2017
An anthology featuring stories about wrestling? Okay. To be honest, I'm not that big a fan, though I did love to watch it as a teenager and all the way up into my 20's. Thing is, you don't have to be a big fan of wrestling to enjoy these stories. That said, these are the ones that stood out for me:
GLASSJAW by Duncan Bradshaw. This story is told to Mickey by Ronny, an aging pro, who now helps newer wrestlers learn the ropes, so to speak. This was my first Bradshaw story and I was impressed!
EL NEUVO SANTO'S LAST FIGHT by Gabino Iglesias. I keep seeing this author's name around and I follow him on Twitter, but I think this is my first story by him. LOVED it! Even mobsters aren't safe from a wrestler's fury. It's best for you not to EVER threaten a man's family, be you "connected" or not.
A FRIEND IN NEED...A NICK BULLMAN STORY by James Newman. Nick Bullman is the main character from UGLY AS SIN, also written by James Newman. Nick had an accident with his face many years ago and as such, no longer wrestles. But he's always there when a friend needs him. In this case, though, his friend is no longer sane.
RASSLE HASSLE by Adam Howe. The return of Reggie Levine! If you've read any of Adam Howe's stories in the past, then you are already familiar with Reggie. The good news is you don't have to have read Howe's other stories to "get" this one. Reggie always gets himself caught up in some crazy stuff while trying to do the right thing and this tale is no exception.
DULUTH by Ed Kurtz. This collection was my first exposure to the word "kayfabe" which is "the portrayal of staged events as real or true." The invention of film/movies gave a whole new dimension to the world of wrestling. For some wrestlers though, it brought home what was really important-and it wasn't wrestling.
I enjoyed almost all of the stories in this anthology and I surprised myself by being kind of sad when this book was over. I think Hulk Hogan would be pleased with me.
Highly recommended for fans of excellent short stories, and most especially to fans of professional wrestling!
You can rastle up your copy here: Wrestle Maniacs
*I was provided with a free e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This is it!*
GLASSJAW by Duncan Bradshaw. This story is told to Mickey by Ronny, an aging pro, who now helps newer wrestlers learn the ropes, so to speak. This was my first Bradshaw story and I was impressed!
EL NEUVO SANTO'S LAST FIGHT by Gabino Iglesias. I keep seeing this author's name around and I follow him on Twitter, but I think this is my first story by him. LOVED it! Even mobsters aren't safe from a wrestler's fury. It's best for you not to EVER threaten a man's family, be you "connected" or not.
A FRIEND IN NEED...A NICK BULLMAN STORY by James Newman. Nick Bullman is the main character from UGLY AS SIN, also written by James Newman. Nick had an accident with his face many years ago and as such, no longer wrestles. But he's always there when a friend needs him. In this case, though, his friend is no longer sane.
RASSLE HASSLE by Adam Howe. The return of Reggie Levine! If you've read any of Adam Howe's stories in the past, then you are already familiar with Reggie. The good news is you don't have to have read Howe's other stories to "get" this one. Reggie always gets himself caught up in some crazy stuff while trying to do the right thing and this tale is no exception.
DULUTH by Ed Kurtz. This collection was my first exposure to the word "kayfabe" which is "the portrayal of staged events as real or true." The invention of film/movies gave a whole new dimension to the world of wrestling. For some wrestlers though, it brought home what was really important-and it wasn't wrestling.
I enjoyed almost all of the stories in this anthology and I surprised myself by being kind of sad when this book was over. I think Hulk Hogan would be pleased with me.
Highly recommended for fans of excellent short stories, and most especially to fans of professional wrestling!
You can rastle up your copy here: Wrestle Maniacs
*I was provided with a free e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This is it!*
November 21, 2017
Wrestle Maniacs is a collection of dark, often humorous fiction based in the world of professional wrestling.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Many of the stories are inspired by behind-the-scenes events, veteran performers or storylines that happened in the past. That’s not to say all the stories are riffs on genuine circumstances; some are wildly original – Patrick Lacey’s “Kill To Be You”, a sci-fi infused tale about a struggling wrestler turned actor, being my favorite of the bunch.
A few stories veer into the uncomfortable. Adam Howe’s “Rassle Hassle”, although gut-bustingly funny, along with Jason Parent’s “Canadian Donkey Punch”, had moments that were nearly gag-inducing with overly graphic descriptions. I’d like to think I have a strong stomach but even I found myself pulling away from some of the more extreme scenes. I’m not sure if this is a compliment or a complaint.
I appreciate Adam Howe’s effort to bring the sordid world of professional wrestling into the realm of weird and violent fiction. Wrestling is tailor-made for some truly screwed up tales given the litany of the you’ve-got-to-be-kidding-me true stories. If you’re a fan of the grappling arts, you’re guaranteed to find something in here to latch onto but leave your pretentious perspective at the door.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Many of the stories are inspired by behind-the-scenes events, veteran performers or storylines that happened in the past. That’s not to say all the stories are riffs on genuine circumstances; some are wildly original – Patrick Lacey’s “Kill To Be You”, a sci-fi infused tale about a struggling wrestler turned actor, being my favorite of the bunch.
A few stories veer into the uncomfortable. Adam Howe’s “Rassle Hassle”, although gut-bustingly funny, along with Jason Parent’s “Canadian Donkey Punch”, had moments that were nearly gag-inducing with overly graphic descriptions. I’d like to think I have a strong stomach but even I found myself pulling away from some of the more extreme scenes. I’m not sure if this is a compliment or a complaint.
I appreciate Adam Howe’s effort to bring the sordid world of professional wrestling into the realm of weird and violent fiction. Wrestling is tailor-made for some truly screwed up tales given the litany of the you’ve-got-to-be-kidding-me true stories. If you’re a fan of the grappling arts, you’re guaranteed to find something in here to latch onto but leave your pretentious perspective at the door.
February 6, 2018
An anthology of speculative fiction all sharing one thing in common, the central theme of this themed anthology; wrestling. It could only be the brainchild of the guy behind Die Dog or Eat the Hatchet (Comet Press, 2015) and Tijuana Donkey Showdown (Comet Press 2016), award-winning author Adam Howe. The flagship release from his new publishing endeavour, Honey Badger Press, it is a collection of twelve stories from some of the best authors in speculative fiction.
Some readers may be put off by the idea of a wrestling-themed anthology. To those people we can only say: look at the names of the authors, and check out the stories. First and foremost, these are storytellers. Mostly the wrestling plays a small role in the stories, the authors instead delivering stories of noir, familial drama, laugh-out-loud action-comedy and even some science fiction. The wrestling merely adds some colour to the proceedings. It would have been nice to see some stories from female authors (which was the original intention before Howe had to release the book through his own small press – a point that he addresses in ‘A Word From Your Editor’ at the rear of the book). Hopefully we will see a Diva Edition of Wrestle Maniacs in the not-too-distant future. For now, we have this wonderful anthology upon which to feast our eyes. There is something for everyone in this impressive and thoroughly entertaining collection from some of the best names writing speculative fiction today.
To read the full review, including detailed reviews of each story, please visit This Is Horror.
Some readers may be put off by the idea of a wrestling-themed anthology. To those people we can only say: look at the names of the authors, and check out the stories. First and foremost, these are storytellers. Mostly the wrestling plays a small role in the stories, the authors instead delivering stories of noir, familial drama, laugh-out-loud action-comedy and even some science fiction. The wrestling merely adds some colour to the proceedings. It would have been nice to see some stories from female authors (which was the original intention before Howe had to release the book through his own small press – a point that he addresses in ‘A Word From Your Editor’ at the rear of the book). Hopefully we will see a Diva Edition of Wrestle Maniacs in the not-too-distant future. For now, we have this wonderful anthology upon which to feast our eyes. There is something for everyone in this impressive and thoroughly entertaining collection from some of the best names writing speculative fiction today.
To read the full review, including detailed reviews of each story, please visit This Is Horror.
February 16, 2018
If you are a fan of wrestling or like twisted, convoluted tales that will tax your imagination, Wrestle Maniacs is for you. Some of the stories are sad, some are hilarious, and some are down right frightening. Twisted. Horrific. Every punishment you can imagine in the ring and many you never would have dreamt of, are contained herein.
Gabino Iglesias had me gagging and trying not to upchuck as I read his brutal, bloody story, El Neubo Sant’s Last Fight.
Adam Howe had me laughing my ass off, as Reggie, a shit magnet, finds himself in some of the most hilariously funny, yet dangerous situations in the book, in Rassle Hassle.
Gory, gross, disgusting and some seemingly normal stories, along with some horror, scifi, mystery, thrills and chills. Off the wall!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Wrestle Maniacs by Adam Howe & Company.
See more at fundinmental
Gabino Iglesias had me gagging and trying not to upchuck as I read his brutal, bloody story, El Neubo Sant’s Last Fight.
Adam Howe had me laughing my ass off, as Reggie, a shit magnet, finds himself in some of the most hilariously funny, yet dangerous situations in the book, in Rassle Hassle.
Gory, gross, disgusting and some seemingly normal stories, along with some horror, scifi, mystery, thrills and chills. Off the wall!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Wrestle Maniacs by Adam Howe & Company.
See more at fundinmental
November 14, 2017
There is not enough fiction that is inspired by professional wrestling. This book successfully goes above and beyond the call of duty of filling that need. Some of the stories are inspired by real life events that happened in wrestling history, and others veer into scifi and horror territories.
The stories move along at a brisk pace, and the only thing that I wanted after it was over for there to be more.
This is a must read for any wrestling fan, and any fan of good storytelling.
The stories move along at a brisk pace, and the only thing that I wanted after it was over for there to be more.
This is a must read for any wrestling fan, and any fan of good storytelling.
December 18, 2017
I'm young enough to remember that Wrestlemania III came as a double VHS set and I remember my Mum staying up with me and my little brother to let us watch RAW on Friday nights. I'm even nerdy enough to refer to my 6 month old's sleepy eyes as "Undertaker eyes".
So, alas, when I discovered this anthology of wrestling short stories I knew I had to dive in. It was buoyed by the fact it had a bunch of authors I was eager to read.
Warning to the wise that these stories are not for the faint of heart delving into murder, mutilation, monsters and a bit of ass-sucking (you'll see). There are loads of excellent stories here and I've added a good few authors to my ever-growing reading list. The headliners of this would be James Newman and Adam Howe, who's stories deal in returning characters and perhaps lead to them being more well-formed and having the addition of some backstory.
Other highlights came via Tom Leins, Eryk Pruitt, Gabino Iglesias and Jason Parent. All the tales involve the squared circle somehow, but wrestling knowledge isn't a prerequisite to reading some great fiction.
This book is definitely the "Hardcore" champion of wrestling lit and I'd thoroughly recommend it.
So, alas, when I discovered this anthology of wrestling short stories I knew I had to dive in. It was buoyed by the fact it had a bunch of authors I was eager to read.
Warning to the wise that these stories are not for the faint of heart delving into murder, mutilation, monsters and a bit of ass-sucking (you'll see). There are loads of excellent stories here and I've added a good few authors to my ever-growing reading list. The headliners of this would be James Newman and Adam Howe, who's stories deal in returning characters and perhaps lead to them being more well-formed and having the addition of some backstory.
Other highlights came via Tom Leins, Eryk Pruitt, Gabino Iglesias and Jason Parent. All the tales involve the squared circle somehow, but wrestling knowledge isn't a prerequisite to reading some great fiction.
This book is definitely the "Hardcore" champion of wrestling lit and I'd thoroughly recommend it.
November 29, 2018
This anthology didn't do it for me. Rassle Hassle, by Adam Howe, was great because I love the main character, Reggie Levine, and all the the craptastic adventures he ends up in. The other story I dug was, Kill to be You, by Patrick Lacey. Unfortunately, I felt the others fell short. Such is the beast of any anthology, you win some, you lose some.
January 9, 2018
More a treat for horror/dark crime fans than true devotees of professional wrestling, Wrestle Maniacs, unlike the sport it’s based upon, pulls no punches in its all-out brutality. Funny, disgusting, and over the top, when it hits it mirrors its subject matter in a way few short story anthologies can hope to emulate, and when it misses you’re left with the sweaty, sticky spectacle of a Montreal Screwjob.
The book begins with a foreword by Jeff Strand that’s blessedly brief and leads into Tom Leins’s terrific Real Americans, a hard-core tale of drugs, crime, and former wrestling professionals with names like Gringo Starr and Fingerfuck Flanagan. This story really sets the tone for the remainder of the book.
Nick Bullman, the protagonist of James Newman’s Ugly as Sin, returns in the offering A Fiend in Need, though you don’t have to have read the former to be entertained by the latter. This theme of returning characters continues with Joseph Hirsch’s Three Finger Bolo, a gut-wrenching tale of dirty, bloody fighting featuring “Bam-Bam” Abruzzi, the father of Hirsch’s Ritchie “Redrum” Abruzzi in the novel My Tired Shadow.
Fans of lucha libre aren’t left out of the wrestling spectrum with Hector Acosta’s From Parts Unknown, an arresting, bizarre tale of homecoming, and Gabino Iglesias’s revenge story El Nuevo Santo’s Last Fight. You might be forgiven if you thought that David James Keaton’s El Kabong was also a story of luchadores, but it’s not: it starts with the unforgettable line, “While I was still stumbling around trying to figure out why my pants suddenly didn’t seem to have any leg holes, police officers were pounding on my door eager to tell me my wife was found dead in a guitar case.”
Eryk Pruitt twists up the reader like a fish in a Boston Crab in his Last of the High-Flying Van Alstynes, a tale of loss, family, and mental illness. We travel back to pro wrestling’s pre-television days in Ed Kurtz’s Duluth, and Duncan P. Bradshaw’s Glassjaw, another story with a single word as a title, takes place in dialogue rather than action.
Patrick Lacey’s Kill to Be You is not only out there, but way on the other side of the galaxy. The universe, even. And you’ll definitely want to skip lunch before reading Jason Parent’s Canadian Donkey Punch. Just…just trust me on that.
The editor of the anthology, Adam Howe, has the funniest offering in the book (natch) with a Reggie Levine Clusterfuck (sic) titled Rassle Hassle. This time, Reggie finds himself in the wild and wacky world of wrestling, where his unique willingness to do almost anything to help a friend (or a casual acquaintance calling himself a friend) comes in quite handy. I only threw up once reading it, so that’s good.
You don’t have to like professional wrestling to enjoy this collection, particularly if you’re a pseudo-intellectual like me who looks down his nose at such low-brow fare. All you have to remember is the words of wrestling great Ric Flair: “Whether you like it or not, learn to love it, because it’s the best thing going. Woooooo!”
The book begins with a foreword by Jeff Strand that’s blessedly brief and leads into Tom Leins’s terrific Real Americans, a hard-core tale of drugs, crime, and former wrestling professionals with names like Gringo Starr and Fingerfuck Flanagan. This story really sets the tone for the remainder of the book.
Nick Bullman, the protagonist of James Newman’s Ugly as Sin, returns in the offering A Fiend in Need, though you don’t have to have read the former to be entertained by the latter. This theme of returning characters continues with Joseph Hirsch’s Three Finger Bolo, a gut-wrenching tale of dirty, bloody fighting featuring “Bam-Bam” Abruzzi, the father of Hirsch’s Ritchie “Redrum” Abruzzi in the novel My Tired Shadow.
Fans of lucha libre aren’t left out of the wrestling spectrum with Hector Acosta’s From Parts Unknown, an arresting, bizarre tale of homecoming, and Gabino Iglesias’s revenge story El Nuevo Santo’s Last Fight. You might be forgiven if you thought that David James Keaton’s El Kabong was also a story of luchadores, but it’s not: it starts with the unforgettable line, “While I was still stumbling around trying to figure out why my pants suddenly didn’t seem to have any leg holes, police officers were pounding on my door eager to tell me my wife was found dead in a guitar case.”
Eryk Pruitt twists up the reader like a fish in a Boston Crab in his Last of the High-Flying Van Alstynes, a tale of loss, family, and mental illness. We travel back to pro wrestling’s pre-television days in Ed Kurtz’s Duluth, and Duncan P. Bradshaw’s Glassjaw, another story with a single word as a title, takes place in dialogue rather than action.
Patrick Lacey’s Kill to Be You is not only out there, but way on the other side of the galaxy. The universe, even. And you’ll definitely want to skip lunch before reading Jason Parent’s Canadian Donkey Punch. Just…just trust me on that.
The editor of the anthology, Adam Howe, has the funniest offering in the book (natch) with a Reggie Levine Clusterfuck (sic) titled Rassle Hassle. This time, Reggie finds himself in the wild and wacky world of wrestling, where his unique willingness to do almost anything to help a friend (or a casual acquaintance calling himself a friend) comes in quite handy. I only threw up once reading it, so that’s good.
You don’t have to like professional wrestling to enjoy this collection, particularly if you’re a pseudo-intellectual like me who looks down his nose at such low-brow fare. All you have to remember is the words of wrestling great Ric Flair: “Whether you like it or not, learn to love it, because it’s the best thing going. Woooooo!”
December 12, 2017
Author Adam Howe has started his own publishing label - Honey Badger Press - "Fearless, Ferocious, FUBAR Fiction" - "grit-lit that just don't care" - and this is the first release.
I have never been a Wrestling fan, but I did not hesitate in purchasing this book - not only to support Howe's new label, but in all honesty soley for Howe's included story, Rassle Hassle (an all-new Reggie Levine story!)
As expected, Howe's story is worth the price of the book (what Adam puts Reggie through... man-oh-man!), though surprisingly it ultimately wasn't my favorite story in this collection - that honor goes to Gabino Iglesias' El Nuevo Santo's Last Fight - I loved this story!
I also really enjoyed Duncan P. Bradshaw's Glassjaw. These were the top three stories, in my opinion - each one worth getting this book.
While some of the stories in this collection are hit-or-miss, there are some others still worth mentioning - James Newman's A Fiend in Need, Patrick Lacey's Kill to be You, and Tom Lein's Real Americans were some of the other stand out stories.
All-in-all, whether you are a fan of Wrestling, or not, chances are you will enjoy a good bit of these stories!
I have never been a Wrestling fan, but I did not hesitate in purchasing this book - not only to support Howe's new label, but in all honesty soley for Howe's included story, Rassle Hassle (an all-new Reggie Levine story!)
As expected, Howe's story is worth the price of the book (what Adam puts Reggie through... man-oh-man!), though surprisingly it ultimately wasn't my favorite story in this collection - that honor goes to Gabino Iglesias' El Nuevo Santo's Last Fight - I loved this story!
I also really enjoyed Duncan P. Bradshaw's Glassjaw. These were the top three stories, in my opinion - each one worth getting this book.
While some of the stories in this collection are hit-or-miss, there are some others still worth mentioning - James Newman's A Fiend in Need, Patrick Lacey's Kill to be You, and Tom Lein's Real Americans were some of the other stand out stories.
All-in-all, whether you are a fan of Wrestling, or not, chances are you will enjoy a good bit of these stories!
August 12, 2018
I enjoyed the hell out of this anthology. It’s a whole bunch of weird, and gruesome fun. And it contains another addition to Adam Howe’s fantastic Reggie Levine misadventures! Check it out! And keep your fingers crossed for the possible divas, and/or tag team sequels. WOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
February 28, 2019
In my role as someone who grew up watching what was then called WWF wrestling, and then also Stampede Wrestling with my dad, I have certain opinions and minor knowledge on this topic. As a writer, I have other opinions also.
I feel very strongly that some of these writers don't know jack shit about professional wrestling, and nor have any real interest in the subject, that they threw something together when they saw an anthology looking for submissions.
Too, I feel that some of these writers do know jack shit and have an interest, but are just, you know. Ill-suited to write about it thrillingly.
It's a short story anthology, you know? With or without such a specific theme, it's always going to be both the best and worst of times.
Anyway!
Gabino Iglesias has a story in this, and I was so excited to realize that, because I love his Twitter so so much, and I have his books but haven't read them yet, and people keep saying, you know, you need to be conversant in Spanish or else have some technology in order to appreciate his stuff properly, and his story is exquisite, but more importantly in this instance...
There's another, earlier story in the book that was written by a Latinx author, but even though it's mainly written in English, lyrically, it's littered with Spanish words and phrases in a way that felt very contrived to me, and so I was like oh no, I'm such an asshole, I'm so sorry man, but then Gabino Iglesias used the language in a way that was far more organic, and so I realized, you know, it's not (necessarily) me.
The other thing I want to say is, Adam Howe has a story around about the middle of this collection that I loved so fucking much that now I want to read every other thing he's ever written or ever will write, in the whole entire goddamn fucking world.
I would not have paid the purchase price of this book for that story in advance, but I'm glad to have paid it now, just for his story. And that's no bullshit.
I feel very strongly that some of these writers don't know jack shit about professional wrestling, and nor have any real interest in the subject, that they threw something together when they saw an anthology looking for submissions.
Too, I feel that some of these writers do know jack shit and have an interest, but are just, you know. Ill-suited to write about it thrillingly.
It's a short story anthology, you know? With or without such a specific theme, it's always going to be both the best and worst of times.
Anyway!
Gabino Iglesias has a story in this, and I was so excited to realize that, because I love his Twitter so so much, and I have his books but haven't read them yet, and people keep saying, you know, you need to be conversant in Spanish or else have some technology in order to appreciate his stuff properly, and his story is exquisite, but more importantly in this instance...
There's another, earlier story in the book that was written by a Latinx author, but even though it's mainly written in English, lyrically, it's littered with Spanish words and phrases in a way that felt very contrived to me, and so I was like oh no, I'm such an asshole, I'm so sorry man, but then Gabino Iglesias used the language in a way that was far more organic, and so I realized, you know, it's not (necessarily) me.
The other thing I want to say is, Adam Howe has a story around about the middle of this collection that I loved so fucking much that now I want to read every other thing he's ever written or ever will write, in the whole entire goddamn fucking world.
I would not have paid the purchase price of this book for that story in advance, but I'm glad to have paid it now, just for his story. And that's no bullshit.
November 13, 2017
Wrestle Maniacs is a short story anthology about, you guessed it, wrestlers.
These wrestlers are a little different though. They're past their prime and dealing with some frankly bizarre issues such as uncontrollable murderous urges, being hunted by a shady group of Communists who may or may not exist and demanding that snake venom be sucked out of their buttocks before they will get in the ring.
The quality of the writing is consistently high and the stories themselves range from disturbing to stomach churning to outright hilarious. There is also a pervading sense of futility in the stories which gives the characters a human edge.
I give this book 5 "WOOOOOO'S!" and 5 "OH YEEEAH'S!" out of 5.
These wrestlers are a little different though. They're past their prime and dealing with some frankly bizarre issues such as uncontrollable murderous urges, being hunted by a shady group of Communists who may or may not exist and demanding that snake venom be sucked out of their buttocks before they will get in the ring.
The quality of the writing is consistently high and the stories themselves range from disturbing to stomach churning to outright hilarious. There is also a pervading sense of futility in the stories which gives the characters a human edge.
I give this book 5 "WOOOOOO'S!" and 5 "OH YEEEAH'S!" out of 5.
i-need-dis
November 12, 2017REGGIE
November 23, 2017
A few years back the writer-publisher Don Herron said that the best piece of noir fiction he'd read in years was Tom Kakonis's "Double-Down," making a statement to the effect that the book was about poker, which was a game he hated and couldn't care less about. I'm going the long way around the barn to say that a collection of stories about something like wrestling lives or dies by the quality of the stories, irrespective of one's interest in the...sport.
What makes this book not only readable but really good is that the quality of the fiction pieces selected is not only high, but the theme is varied from story to story. There's a story about a real-life suicide with a true crime vibe; there's a parallel dimension tale about a down-at-heel wrestler that has the feel of vintage Philip Dick (my favorite in the collection), as well as supernatural forays and other tales just hard-to-categorize. There's action and blood and viscera, but there's also some pathos, humor, and flights of pure imagination thrown in for good measure. Better-known writers as well as some up-and-coming are represented in the collection.
Full disclosure requires me to mention I have a story appearing in here, but I'm reviewing the book sans my contribution, since, when I'm not in a self-loathing mood, I am, to quote John Fante, an old hand at being spellbound by my own prose. "Wrestle Maniacs" not only stands quite ably sans my contribution but might even be improved by it. The reader will have to judge for themselves on that front. That said, recommended.
What makes this book not only readable but really good is that the quality of the fiction pieces selected is not only high, but the theme is varied from story to story. There's a story about a real-life suicide with a true crime vibe; there's a parallel dimension tale about a down-at-heel wrestler that has the feel of vintage Philip Dick (my favorite in the collection), as well as supernatural forays and other tales just hard-to-categorize. There's action and blood and viscera, but there's also some pathos, humor, and flights of pure imagination thrown in for good measure. Better-known writers as well as some up-and-coming are represented in the collection.
Full disclosure requires me to mention I have a story appearing in here, but I'm reviewing the book sans my contribution, since, when I'm not in a self-loathing mood, I am, to quote John Fante, an old hand at being spellbound by my own prose. "Wrestle Maniacs" not only stands quite ably sans my contribution but might even be improved by it. The reader will have to judge for themselves on that front. That said, recommended.
October 29, 2022
Most of this collection was complete garbage. Like 'that author never needs to write another word-' trash. Jeff Strand's introduction does a great job in providing an equally shitty rival to the lowly aformentioned shitheels. Thank whatever super power out there that governs the universe that we got what's probably the worst of the crop right out of the way from the jump. Tom Leins' "Real Americans" and James Newman's "A Fiend In Need." The former being just down right shitty, and the latter being a strange continuity error filled, shitty shitty shitty TV on the head death scene having shitty satire on the Benoit murders. I almost DNFed it right here, but my indefatigable countenance as a sadist ushers me on.
On to Eryk Pruitt's "The Last of the High-Flying Van Alstynes"- Inspired by the Von Erich family curse, which is a great story, this one is just very mid. From there we get one of the two shiniest turds of the bunch, Adam Howe's "Rassle Hassle." I guess he's used the protagonist from this story before, so those of you eagerly awaiting his return, here you have it. This was one of only two pretty good contributions to this anthology over all. Adam Howe is also the editor on this romp. Which leaves me wondering if he purposely surrounded himself with jobbers so he could come out smelling like the undisputed champ here. If that line sounded corny AF to you and you loved it, then this book is for you.
We get two more entries from the midcarders before another slobber knocker in the form of Joseph Hirsch's "Three Finger Bolo." Whatever the F*** "El Kablong" by some three named hack was trying to convey was bookended well by two other stories that saved the collection from going into the waste can at the drive in. <--- True story.
Just kidding. After the main event, "Canadian Donkey Punch" by Jason Parent- a modern retelling of the Montreal Screw Job, I'm going back to the drive in this weekend, paying my whole family's way in, and this is definitely going to take it's rightful place as undisputed champion of the landfill. And then we are going to drive home before the movies even start and watch some wrasslin. Just like it should be.
2 stars because I was able to finish it.
On to Eryk Pruitt's "The Last of the High-Flying Van Alstynes"- Inspired by the Von Erich family curse, which is a great story, this one is just very mid. From there we get one of the two shiniest turds of the bunch, Adam Howe's "Rassle Hassle." I guess he's used the protagonist from this story before, so those of you eagerly awaiting his return, here you have it. This was one of only two pretty good contributions to this anthology over all. Adam Howe is also the editor on this romp. Which leaves me wondering if he purposely surrounded himself with jobbers so he could come out smelling like the undisputed champ here. If that line sounded corny AF to you and you loved it, then this book is for you.
We get two more entries from the midcarders before another slobber knocker in the form of Joseph Hirsch's "Three Finger Bolo." Whatever the F*** "El Kablong" by some three named hack was trying to convey was bookended well by two other stories that saved the collection from going into the waste can at the drive in. <--- True story.
Just kidding. After the main event, "Canadian Donkey Punch" by Jason Parent- a modern retelling of the Montreal Screw Job, I'm going back to the drive in this weekend, paying my whole family's way in, and this is definitely going to take it's rightful place as undisputed champion of the landfill. And then we are going to drive home before the movies even start and watch some wrasslin. Just like it should be.
2 stars because I was able to finish it.
August 11, 2021
Coming from the UK our wrestling in the UK was very different to the U.S we had our characters but it wasn't as commercial, staged or dramatised for the TV. UK wrestling was quite serious and that was one hugely different thing we noticed when U.S wrestling became viewable over here.
So I wasn't sure how I was to find this book. Although I was a fan back in the day you don't have to be to read this. It could be quite graphic and violent in parts but then other bits, quite humorous and then there were parts where you just had to suspend you belief for a while.
I think the main thing is it's just different you just don't see this sport in books in this genre much at all. A whacky wrestling anthology but enjoyable.
So I wasn't sure how I was to find this book. Although I was a fan back in the day you don't have to be to read this. It could be quite graphic and violent in parts but then other bits, quite humorous and then there were parts where you just had to suspend you belief for a while.
I think the main thing is it's just different you just don't see this sport in books in this genre much at all. A whacky wrestling anthology but enjoyable.
May 22, 2022
I've been a fan of professional wrestling since i was a little kid. And this book was a perfect little bite to follow along and entertain with stories that use professional wrestling for inspiration. The stories range from comedy to horror, but they all share the quality of being entertaining. Some of the stories are inspired by real life characters and events from the colorful world of professional wrestling. If you're a fan of wrestling or good fiction, you should enjoy these stories.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews