What do you think?
Rate this book
Crazy Like A Fox: The Definitive Chronicle of Brian Pillman 20 Years Later
"The best biography ever done on a wrestler" - Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer "May very well be the most compelling pro wrestling biography in the history of the genre" - Alex Marvez, Sporting News "Transcends wrestling bios" - Mike Johnson, PWInsider.com "This is the best book of 2017. The amount of research this author did, it's unbelievable." - John Pollock, POST Wrestling An alpha male with a beta body, looking to thrive in worlds where beta males with alpha bodies are the primary requirement. He was a complex paradox, a walking contradiction. He lived more in 35 years than most do in a lifetime, the product of an arduous infanthood. His overachievement is awe-inspiring. Tales of his conflicts and conquests became the stuff of legend. His borderline genius and tragic demise made him an icon shrouded in mystique. He was Brian Pillman, and two decades later the most comprehensive look at one of professional wrestling's most fascinating stories has been compiled. Discover unheard details of his upbringing, the incredible story behind chasing an NFL roster spot and his introduction to pro wrestling in the crazy Stampede circuit. Revel at his trials and tribulations in WCW and the WWF, walking the fine line between the cusp of superstardom and political turmoil. Reflect in the most detailed, inside breakdown of his Loose Cannon gambit ever produced, the scam that turned him into the talk of the business, before fatally drowning in personal tragedy and addiction. With exclusive interviews with some of Brian's closest friends and family, Crazy Like A Fox is a must-read for Pillman fans, and a breathtaking look at the bizarre world of wrestling to boot…
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 24, 2018
172 people are currently reading
432 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 27, 2018
Crazy Like a Fox is the biography of wrestler Flyin' Brian Pillman.
As I've mentioned in other reviews, I've been a wrestling fan through most of my life. I knew of Brian Pillman but didn't see him wrestle until my family got cable sometime around 1991. WCW as a whole didn't impress me but I liked Brian Pillman, particularly his matches with Jushin Liger a year or two later. Anyway, when I heard about this book, I knew I had to read it.
The first thing I noticed was the writing style, more of a journalistic style than most wrestling books. Let's face it, the only time you normally notice the writing in a wrestling book it's because it's terrible. Quite the opposite here.
Actually, content-wise, the book failed my litmus test of not getting to the wrestling part by the 15% mark but that was actually an asset in this case. Most wrestlers predictably come to the industry via the failed jock route. Pillman had it rough coming up, born with throat polyps that threatened his life and his voice, and determined to succeed at football despite being undersized.
Once Pillman started training at the Hart brothers' school, things caught fire. I was glued to the book, reading it in two sittings. I was so enrapt that I bought the ebook so I could sneak read it at work even though I had the physical book sitting at home.
The book is packed with road stories and behind the scenes machinations that I won't spoil here. Suffice to say, the sheer number of times WCW missed the boat on Brian was nauseating. A few times I caught myself getting excited about prospective angles, forgetting that they never came to fruition. So many missed opportunities. I couldn't help but imagine a WCW with Brian Pillman as a headliner instead of the old guard or Brian going to the WWF healthy.
The Loose Cannon parts were some of my favorites. I was watching wrestling heavily at the time but there was still stuff I missed. There were also some stories of an adult nature that would never be included in a book put out by the WWE!
Since Brian has been gone for 20+ years at this point, the stories were cobbled together from interviews with the people who knew him. There's a palpable sadness, especially toward the end, since I knew how things were going to end. In fact, I was at In Your House: Badd Blood in 1997 when Brian's death was announced. Pillman's wife's behavior regarding the memorial shows in his honor were an extra turd in the shit sandwich.
The book ends on a hopeful note at least, with Brian Pillman Jr going into the business to pick up where his father left off.
For the longest time, Larry Matysik's Wrestling at the Chase: The Inside Story of Sam Muchnick and the Legends of Professional Wrestling was my measuring stick for a wrestling book. Now, it's this one. Five out of five stars.
As I've mentioned in other reviews, I've been a wrestling fan through most of my life. I knew of Brian Pillman but didn't see him wrestle until my family got cable sometime around 1991. WCW as a whole didn't impress me but I liked Brian Pillman, particularly his matches with Jushin Liger a year or two later. Anyway, when I heard about this book, I knew I had to read it.
The first thing I noticed was the writing style, more of a journalistic style than most wrestling books. Let's face it, the only time you normally notice the writing in a wrestling book it's because it's terrible. Quite the opposite here.
Actually, content-wise, the book failed my litmus test of not getting to the wrestling part by the 15% mark but that was actually an asset in this case. Most wrestlers predictably come to the industry via the failed jock route. Pillman had it rough coming up, born with throat polyps that threatened his life and his voice, and determined to succeed at football despite being undersized.
Once Pillman started training at the Hart brothers' school, things caught fire. I was glued to the book, reading it in two sittings. I was so enrapt that I bought the ebook so I could sneak read it at work even though I had the physical book sitting at home.
The book is packed with road stories and behind the scenes machinations that I won't spoil here. Suffice to say, the sheer number of times WCW missed the boat on Brian was nauseating. A few times I caught myself getting excited about prospective angles, forgetting that they never came to fruition. So many missed opportunities. I couldn't help but imagine a WCW with Brian Pillman as a headliner instead of the old guard or Brian going to the WWF healthy.
The Loose Cannon parts were some of my favorites. I was watching wrestling heavily at the time but there was still stuff I missed. There were also some stories of an adult nature that would never be included in a book put out by the WWE!
Since Brian has been gone for 20+ years at this point, the stories were cobbled together from interviews with the people who knew him. There's a palpable sadness, especially toward the end, since I knew how things were going to end. In fact, I was at In Your House: Badd Blood in 1997 when Brian's death was announced. Pillman's wife's behavior regarding the memorial shows in his honor were an extra turd in the shit sandwich.
The book ends on a hopeful note at least, with Brian Pillman Jr going into the business to pick up where his father left off.
For the longest time, Larry Matysik's Wrestling at the Chase: The Inside Story of Sam Muchnick and the Legends of Professional Wrestling was my measuring stick for a wrestling book. Now, it's this one. Five out of five stars.
March 14, 2018
Crazy Like a Fox is the story of the career of Brian Pillman.
Heralded as one of the greatest wrestler biographies ever written, author Liam O’Rourke takes you through the unique, albeit brief, career of Brian Pillman. Through his early days playing football in the NFL and CFL, to his final days as a performer with WWE, O’Rourke dives deep into the life of the ultra-talented, often under-appreciated, Flyin’ Brian.
I can’t fathom a more comprehensive look at one wrestler’s career written by what is essentially an outsider to the business. O’Rourke leaves no stone unturned by conducting long-form interviews with men and women who played a large role in Brian’s life and career. Conversations with Dave Meltzer, Bruce Hart, Brian’s sister Linda, Jim Cornette and many of his peers helped to paint an intricate portrait of Brian now twenty-one years after he’s passed.
Even though I’d describe myself as an information-sponge when it comes to wrestling lore, I felt like I had a harder time getting going with this book than a rusted out 1993 Ford Taurus. That might just be on me though as I just didn’t find myself enamored with Pillman’s time on the gridiron. However, I do appreciate that it is important as his struggles as an undersized nose tackle mirrored that of an undersized pro wrestler. Brian was seemingly always fighting an uphill battle.
Once we get to Brian’s gamble with grappling, I was in for the long-haul. I really enjoyed the stories about his time with Stu Hart’s Stampede Wrestling in Calgary (if you haven’t read it, I highly recommend Heath McCoy’s book, Pain & Passion) and his transition to WCW. Due to Brian’s size, he had to struggle the majority of his life to gain the acceptance of both the fans and his contemporaries. O’Rourke made me feel Pillman’s constant disappointment over his consistent stop/start pushes as a featured performer as well as trying to figure out what would get him to the next level.
Seeing as half the book is devoted to the final two years of his life and career, it’s easy to see where the meat of the story lies. O’Rourke doesn’t disappoint diving deep into the blurring of the on-screen persona and the behind-the-scenes behavior of Pillman that made him the most must-see performer of the era. Pillman’s erratic character was both ahead of its time as well as something that could not possibly work today given that the average fan is much smarter to the business than ever before. The lengths Pillman would go to convince both the audience as well as the boys backstage that he was crazier than a shithouse rat were unprecedented. While he let a few select people believe they were all-in on his plan, you come to find out that no one was really given full access to Pillman’s grand vision. This allowed Pillman to accomplish things in wrestling that just didn’t seem possible in 1996. The “Loose Cannon” character was groundbreaking in that it would prove you could successfully blur the lines between reality and fiction allowing a brand new story-telling device to the world of pro wrestling.
Pillman’s untimely death is covered with care spotlighting both the grief of those he left behind as well as the lingering influence Pillman would have on a new generation of performers. The outpouring of support from his peers is highlighted in the final pages by covering the four annual tribute shows that would follow in his passing where performers would work for free leaving all proceeds to fall to Pillman’s widow Melanie as well as his children. While the years that would follow would not treat Melanie nor Pillman’s family well, there is hope in that Brian’s son, Brian Pillman Jr, has enrolled in wrestling school with visions of following in his father’s footsteps.
With Crazy Like a Fox, O’Rourke has written one of the best wrestling biographies I have ever read. I can’t recommend it enough.
Heralded as one of the greatest wrestler biographies ever written, author Liam O’Rourke takes you through the unique, albeit brief, career of Brian Pillman. Through his early days playing football in the NFL and CFL, to his final days as a performer with WWE, O’Rourke dives deep into the life of the ultra-talented, often under-appreciated, Flyin’ Brian.
I can’t fathom a more comprehensive look at one wrestler’s career written by what is essentially an outsider to the business. O’Rourke leaves no stone unturned by conducting long-form interviews with men and women who played a large role in Brian’s life and career. Conversations with Dave Meltzer, Bruce Hart, Brian’s sister Linda, Jim Cornette and many of his peers helped to paint an intricate portrait of Brian now twenty-one years after he’s passed.
Even though I’d describe myself as an information-sponge when it comes to wrestling lore, I felt like I had a harder time getting going with this book than a rusted out 1993 Ford Taurus. That might just be on me though as I just didn’t find myself enamored with Pillman’s time on the gridiron. However, I do appreciate that it is important as his struggles as an undersized nose tackle mirrored that of an undersized pro wrestler. Brian was seemingly always fighting an uphill battle.
Once we get to Brian’s gamble with grappling, I was in for the long-haul. I really enjoyed the stories about his time with Stu Hart’s Stampede Wrestling in Calgary (if you haven’t read it, I highly recommend Heath McCoy’s book, Pain & Passion) and his transition to WCW. Due to Brian’s size, he had to struggle the majority of his life to gain the acceptance of both the fans and his contemporaries. O’Rourke made me feel Pillman’s constant disappointment over his consistent stop/start pushes as a featured performer as well as trying to figure out what would get him to the next level.
Seeing as half the book is devoted to the final two years of his life and career, it’s easy to see where the meat of the story lies. O’Rourke doesn’t disappoint diving deep into the blurring of the on-screen persona and the behind-the-scenes behavior of Pillman that made him the most must-see performer of the era. Pillman’s erratic character was both ahead of its time as well as something that could not possibly work today given that the average fan is much smarter to the business than ever before. The lengths Pillman would go to convince both the audience as well as the boys backstage that he was crazier than a shithouse rat were unprecedented. While he let a few select people believe they were all-in on his plan, you come to find out that no one was really given full access to Pillman’s grand vision. This allowed Pillman to accomplish things in wrestling that just didn’t seem possible in 1996. The “Loose Cannon” character was groundbreaking in that it would prove you could successfully blur the lines between reality and fiction allowing a brand new story-telling device to the world of pro wrestling.
Pillman’s untimely death is covered with care spotlighting both the grief of those he left behind as well as the lingering influence Pillman would have on a new generation of performers. The outpouring of support from his peers is highlighted in the final pages by covering the four annual tribute shows that would follow in his passing where performers would work for free leaving all proceeds to fall to Pillman’s widow Melanie as well as his children. While the years that would follow would not treat Melanie nor Pillman’s family well, there is hope in that Brian’s son, Brian Pillman Jr, has enrolled in wrestling school with visions of following in his father’s footsteps.
With Crazy Like a Fox, O’Rourke has written one of the best wrestling biographies I have ever read. I can’t recommend it enough.
July 19, 2021
this book will exceed your expectations. great treatment of pillman's early life, his football days, and so much detail on the many phases of his wrestling career (in particular, the tragic "loose cannon" phase) that even diehards will walk away satisfied. tons of people went on the record, incl. many of pillman's closest confidants.
big takeaways: what chris benoit was to meltzer match-grading - the human 5-star masochist who snapped his suplexes for our applause - pillman, particularly late-stage pillman, was to "dirt sheet gossip." flyin' brian, who maintained close relationships with the likes of meltzer and mark madden, cultivated the press in a way like few before or after him...the first great meta performer, the man who "worked the boys," which became an unbearable trope in, for example, the last days of nitro.
fun fact: brian pillman called mark madden to chat while he was having sex with sunny sytch. if you don't know who madden is, google him. then let that one sink in.
big takeaways: what chris benoit was to meltzer match-grading - the human 5-star masochist who snapped his suplexes for our applause - pillman, particularly late-stage pillman, was to "dirt sheet gossip." flyin' brian, who maintained close relationships with the likes of meltzer and mark madden, cultivated the press in a way like few before or after him...the first great meta performer, the man who "worked the boys," which became an unbearable trope in, for example, the last days of nitro.
fun fact: brian pillman called mark madden to chat while he was having sex with sunny sytch. if you don't know who madden is, google him. then let that one sink in.
August 21, 2018
This book ruled
February 11, 2018
Fascinating look back at one of my favourite wrestlers, who had a very colourful life, to say the least. A huge amount of research has gone into this book and insight from people throughout Brian's life added greatly to a life we thought we knew but had so much more to learn. Only thing lacking was some photos to compliment the very visual occasions described. That and one last proof read to eliminate a few errors that remain. Overall a fantastic read though.
December 25, 2017
Brian Pillman was a complex character. It's not easy to describe him to those that didn't know about him. He had to fight for everything he ever attained in life. He was so ahead of his time in so many aspects.
Liam O'Rourke did so much research and got so many people (including myself) to contribute stories for his book about Brian Pillman. I can't say enough good things about this story. If you're a fan of Professional Wrestling history, this is a must read. It absolutely is.
I'm proud of my small contribution to the story, and even I had no part in, I would have read this book anyway. Brian Pillman had a significant influence on me. I was lucky enough to be one of a few people he talked to on AOL in the mid-90s. I've been lucky enough to maintain frienships with a few of the people I met from those days.
I'm actually having a hard time writing a review because of how much things in this book meant to me. I'll just restate how important of a chronicle is it. I really cannot recommend it enough.
Liam O'Rourke did so much research and got so many people (including myself) to contribute stories for his book about Brian Pillman. I can't say enough good things about this story. If you're a fan of Professional Wrestling history, this is a must read. It absolutely is.
I'm proud of my small contribution to the story, and even I had no part in, I would have read this book anyway. Brian Pillman had a significant influence on me. I was lucky enough to be one of a few people he talked to on AOL in the mid-90s. I've been lucky enough to maintain frienships with a few of the people I met from those days.
I'm actually having a hard time writing a review because of how much things in this book meant to me. I'll just restate how important of a chronicle is it. I really cannot recommend it enough.
February 15, 2018
The best pro wrestling book!
I have read a good 30 books on pro wrestlers and this without a doubt the best one. Just the right amount of time was spent on each portion of his life, I never got bored.
I have read a good 30 books on pro wrestlers and this without a doubt the best one. Just the right amount of time was spent on each portion of his life, I never got bored.
January 16, 2018
A subject that always hits close to home, not just because I was a big fan, but I attended the St. Paul house show where Brian Pillman wrestled his last match.
The big picture stuff is here: the throat operations as a child, the football career, the start in Calgary, the success and struggles in WCW, the evolution of the Loose Cannon, the car wreck, the WWF and, finally, dying way too young.
But it's the little details I never knew before that make this book a classic in the genre of pro wrestling biographies. Details that will make you laugh out loud, boil with anger, break your heart, and ultimately give hope for the future of Pillman's children.
It's the best wrestling book of the last 10 years. Highest recommendation.
The big picture stuff is here: the throat operations as a child, the football career, the start in Calgary, the success and struggles in WCW, the evolution of the Loose Cannon, the car wreck, the WWF and, finally, dying way too young.
But it's the little details I never knew before that make this book a classic in the genre of pro wrestling biographies. Details that will make you laugh out loud, boil with anger, break your heart, and ultimately give hope for the future of Pillman's children.
It's the best wrestling book of the last 10 years. Highest recommendation.
May 22, 2018
Very good book if you are wrestling fan. Gave it four stars because I imagine that it could be redundant if you saw Pillman wrestle when he was alive. As someone who just missed him because I got deep into wrestling during the Austin/McMahon feud, I loved this book.
April 17, 2018
One of the best biographies on wrestlers.
Brian Pillman was considered constantly misused by management. Just when his big breakthrough was coming, life got in the way.
Brian Pillman was considered constantly misused by management. Just when his big breakthrough was coming, life got in the way.
July 16, 2019
Pretty okay book. Pillman lived a wild life. This is a good biography, for a fan, if a little generic.
May 8, 2023
A smooth read.
Brian Pillman is definitely a legendary character in the annals of pro wrestling, with so very much of his story mythologized by one of his good friends (and professional BS artist), Dave Meltzer. Unfortunately for this book, Meltzer's influence runs deep; he practically is the uncredited co-author, given how heavily he is quoted and he carries the lion's share of 'insider stories' on facets of Pillman's career to which he honestly had zero actual knowledge about, since he wasn't there to witness them. Sadly, many writers of wrestling books in the modern age still seek out Meltzer as a legitimate source on the wrestling business, and this writer does himself and readers no favours by devoting so very much time to Meltzer's various takes on events in Pillman's career; yes, he was personal friends with Pillman and they communicated often but I would have preferred more of an effort towards obtaining comments and recollections from those who actually were 'in' the wrestling business and made the decisions and/or participated in the matches and promos that highlighted Pillman's career.
The material regarding Pillman's Stampede Wrestling run is exactly the opposite of the above critique; in that case, readers get invaluable insight from Bruce Hart, who actually 'was' the decision maker and tag-team partner of Pillman. Top marks for the Stampede timeframe.
The WCW era is muddled and uncertain; again, the lack of many sources outside of Meltzer leads to far too many pages of recounting random matches in full, move-by-move detail. That may be entertaining to some, but it just will bore others. It feels padded and virtually every exchange and report that regards Eric Bischoff has been challenged and/or debunked 'by' Bischoff himself (see: '83 Weeks' podcast, episode #11, 2018). As a result, the vast bulk of Pillman's career, including the thought-process behind the creation of the 'Loose Cannon' gimmick (which, honestly, remains one of the freshest and most cutting-edge ideas in wrestling in my opinion, as someone who was dialed into wrestling big-time when it was happening and definitely was interested in Pillman's antics), should be taken with a grain of salt.
I objected also to the writer's depiction of the main-event stars from the 1980's generation. In keeping with the narrative of depicting Pillman as a scrappy underdog who overcame the perception he was too small to make it, which was the prevalent view both in Pillman's NFL a nd wrestling careers, the writer takes plenty of snide, mini-Meltzer-esque potshots at the 'dinosaurs' and 'roid heads' who dominated the business. That myopic view is nothing more than a hand-me-down opinion from Meltzer and his dirtsheet ilk; without the Hogans, Warriors (all of them, whether Road, Ultimate OR Modern Day), Savages, or half a hundred 'other' larger-than-life wrestlers who paved the way in the 1980's and sacrificed just as much, if not more, in pain, depression, addiction and emotional distress as Pillman, then he and the younger and smaller talents like him wouldn't have had a wrestling business to enter and excel in. It also felt like the writer was airing his own grievances against the 'dinosaurs' (who drew more money and left far greater of a pop cultural imprint than Pillman and many others ever did or will), rather than simply relaying how Pillman himself may have felt. In that way, he was serving himself, not Brian Pillman, the actual subject of his book.
I applaud the inclusion of commentary from Pillman's family members and non-wrestling close friends; they provide the insight into the man that certainly not many other sources could provide. I wish the writer did not also air the dirtiest of laundries regarding Brian's wife, Melanie..was this done perhaps to secure the involvement 'of' his other family members? There is several lengthy chapters near the end that document the Pillman Memorial Shows that were done for several years and involved big-star talent from all the extant federations at the time..but all of it serves as a prelude for several sustained attacks on this woman. It doesn't help the story whatsoever, it isn't balanced out with any pro-Melanie comments whatsoever, and it seemed excessive and unnecessary. Clearly the writer never attempted to reach out to her or anyone who could speak on her behalf (or, if he did, he fails to report that). He mangles several names as well; it is Bruce Prichard not 'Pritchard' (and yes, it makes me think 'don't put a t in his name, put one on your back', for you podcast fans out there). That basic mistake is quite glaring when writing a wrestling book! Do more editing and fact-checking!
All in all, despite some real issues with this book and some of the writer's quirks and over-indulging dirtsheet sources, he really does manage to provide a highly-readable, entertaining work that weaves together the major moments of a man's life that was tragically cut short. Pillman was and remains compelling.
Brian Pillman is definitely a legendary character in the annals of pro wrestling, with so very much of his story mythologized by one of his good friends (and professional BS artist), Dave Meltzer. Unfortunately for this book, Meltzer's influence runs deep; he practically is the uncredited co-author, given how heavily he is quoted and he carries the lion's share of 'insider stories' on facets of Pillman's career to which he honestly had zero actual knowledge about, since he wasn't there to witness them. Sadly, many writers of wrestling books in the modern age still seek out Meltzer as a legitimate source on the wrestling business, and this writer does himself and readers no favours by devoting so very much time to Meltzer's various takes on events in Pillman's career; yes, he was personal friends with Pillman and they communicated often but I would have preferred more of an effort towards obtaining comments and recollections from those who actually were 'in' the wrestling business and made the decisions and/or participated in the matches and promos that highlighted Pillman's career.
The material regarding Pillman's Stampede Wrestling run is exactly the opposite of the above critique; in that case, readers get invaluable insight from Bruce Hart, who actually 'was' the decision maker and tag-team partner of Pillman. Top marks for the Stampede timeframe.
The WCW era is muddled and uncertain; again, the lack of many sources outside of Meltzer leads to far too many pages of recounting random matches in full, move-by-move detail. That may be entertaining to some, but it just will bore others. It feels padded and virtually every exchange and report that regards Eric Bischoff has been challenged and/or debunked 'by' Bischoff himself (see: '83 Weeks' podcast, episode #11, 2018). As a result, the vast bulk of Pillman's career, including the thought-process behind the creation of the 'Loose Cannon' gimmick (which, honestly, remains one of the freshest and most cutting-edge ideas in wrestling in my opinion, as someone who was dialed into wrestling big-time when it was happening and definitely was interested in Pillman's antics), should be taken with a grain of salt.
I objected also to the writer's depiction of the main-event stars from the 1980's generation. In keeping with the narrative of depicting Pillman as a scrappy underdog who overcame the perception he was too small to make it, which was the prevalent view both in Pillman's NFL a nd wrestling careers, the writer takes plenty of snide, mini-Meltzer-esque potshots at the 'dinosaurs' and 'roid heads' who dominated the business. That myopic view is nothing more than a hand-me-down opinion from Meltzer and his dirtsheet ilk; without the Hogans, Warriors (all of them, whether Road, Ultimate OR Modern Day), Savages, or half a hundred 'other' larger-than-life wrestlers who paved the way in the 1980's and sacrificed just as much, if not more, in pain, depression, addiction and emotional distress as Pillman, then he and the younger and smaller talents like him wouldn't have had a wrestling business to enter and excel in. It also felt like the writer was airing his own grievances against the 'dinosaurs' (who drew more money and left far greater of a pop cultural imprint than Pillman and many others ever did or will), rather than simply relaying how Pillman himself may have felt. In that way, he was serving himself, not Brian Pillman, the actual subject of his book.
I applaud the inclusion of commentary from Pillman's family members and non-wrestling close friends; they provide the insight into the man that certainly not many other sources could provide. I wish the writer did not also air the dirtiest of laundries regarding Brian's wife, Melanie..was this done perhaps to secure the involvement 'of' his other family members? There is several lengthy chapters near the end that document the Pillman Memorial Shows that were done for several years and involved big-star talent from all the extant federations at the time..but all of it serves as a prelude for several sustained attacks on this woman. It doesn't help the story whatsoever, it isn't balanced out with any pro-Melanie comments whatsoever, and it seemed excessive and unnecessary. Clearly the writer never attempted to reach out to her or anyone who could speak on her behalf (or, if he did, he fails to report that). He mangles several names as well; it is Bruce Prichard not 'Pritchard' (and yes, it makes me think 'don't put a t in his name, put one on your back', for you podcast fans out there). That basic mistake is quite glaring when writing a wrestling book! Do more editing and fact-checking!
All in all, despite some real issues with this book and some of the writer's quirks and over-indulging dirtsheet sources, he really does manage to provide a highly-readable, entertaining work that weaves together the major moments of a man's life that was tragically cut short. Pillman was and remains compelling.
July 11, 2019
I've heard a lot about how good this book is. It won the Book of the Year award from Wrestling Observer Newsletter, and it's easy to see why. Pillman led a fascinating life, with his journey from childhood health problems to the NFL to professional wrestling, and Liam O'Rourke keeps the story engaging throughout. It's packed with comments and insights from people in the industry who knew Brian Pillman well. His career is detailed thoroughly, which helps emphasize the constant theme of coming so close only to have the rug pulled out from under him, time and time again.
The highlight of the book is the development of the "Loose Cannon" gimmick. It really showed how Pillman was in tune with not only the business, but society as a whole. While it should have been hard to succeed in the top two promotions with a gimmick probably best suited for Extreme Championship Wrestling, he made it work, even when he could barely move due to his car accident. Of course, it details his tragic end, along with some excellent scientific discussion of what exactly happened to his heart and why.
I appreciated the inclusion of the Brian Pillman Memorial Shows. I remember the feeling of the time, and how only Pillman's death could bring the WWF and WCW together. I can see why the follow-up was added, although it was mostly things I wish I didn't know about how the kids grew up after his death.
The book reminded me of the brilliance of the Loose Cannon, and it reinforced everything I already believed about Vince McMahon and his drug testing sham. One thing that I found surprising is that it improved my opinion of Bruce Hart--I don't know that he could have saved Brian, but I trusted his story about his desire to help.
The story was engaging, exciting, and heartbreaking. The only thing holding it back from 5 stars is the writing itself. With some thorough proofreading, this book would be so much better. Unfortunately, the writing mechanics were really distracting at times. Poor Kip Frey became Frye, became Frey, became Frye, became Frey, and kept on going back and forth. The writing errors in the first chapter were also particularly noticeable, which was a difficult start.
Aside from the writing, though, the book was all that I could have asked for and more--insights from Brian's wife Linda, writers like Dave Meltzer and Mark Madden, wrestlers such as Raven and Shane Douglas, and other personalities like Jim Cornette. It's called the Definitive Chronicle of Brian Pillman, and it certainly lives up to the name.
The highlight of the book is the development of the "Loose Cannon" gimmick. It really showed how Pillman was in tune with not only the business, but society as a whole. While it should have been hard to succeed in the top two promotions with a gimmick probably best suited for Extreme Championship Wrestling, he made it work, even when he could barely move due to his car accident. Of course, it details his tragic end, along with some excellent scientific discussion of what exactly happened to his heart and why.
I appreciated the inclusion of the Brian Pillman Memorial Shows. I remember the feeling of the time, and how only Pillman's death could bring the WWF and WCW together. I can see why the follow-up was added, although it was mostly things I wish I didn't know about how the kids grew up after his death.
The book reminded me of the brilliance of the Loose Cannon, and it reinforced everything I already believed about Vince McMahon and his drug testing sham. One thing that I found surprising is that it improved my opinion of Bruce Hart--I don't know that he could have saved Brian, but I trusted his story about his desire to help.
The story was engaging, exciting, and heartbreaking. The only thing holding it back from 5 stars is the writing itself. With some thorough proofreading, this book would be so much better. Unfortunately, the writing mechanics were really distracting at times. Poor Kip Frey became Frye, became Frey, became Frye, became Frey, and kept on going back and forth. The writing errors in the first chapter were also particularly noticeable, which was a difficult start.
Aside from the writing, though, the book was all that I could have asked for and more--insights from Brian's wife Linda, writers like Dave Meltzer and Mark Madden, wrestlers such as Raven and Shane Douglas, and other personalities like Jim Cornette. It's called the Definitive Chronicle of Brian Pillman, and it certainly lives up to the name.
May 22, 2021
Just like many of you, I was led to this book after watching the Dark Side of the Ring episode on Flyin' Brian.
Pillman deployed an academic approach to excel in two areas that the general public would believe are mostly populated by mindless brutes. His acumen and ability to read the game placed him years ahead of his peers allowed him to achieve levels of success that were unexpected for someone of his size. And yet, while he was alive, he was never taken as seriously as he wanted to because he was considered "too short" for the big roles.
The book is beautifully written, chronicling the tragedy of Brian Pillman from start to bitter finish, making use of a commendable number of interviews to provide an image of Pillman built through the eyes of the people who knew him personally, including many friends but, perhaps more importantly, his family. No punches are pulled and the bad is delivered along with the good, attempting to weave a retrospective thread through Pillman's life so that by the end of the book we can try to answer the question people have been asking for the last couple of decades: for someone who had overcome so many odds since childhood and who was intellectually so far ahead of his peers, why did the end happen the way it did? Of course, we will never have the answer, and the book is not disingenuous enough to try to provide one. What it does do well is pose the question to those who were closest to Brian and who are still around to tell his tales, and give us enough information to make our own conclusions.
Even for readers with no interest in professional wrestling, there are many relatable stories, situations, and lessons to be learned throughout. A book I wholeheartedly recommend.
Pillman deployed an academic approach to excel in two areas that the general public would believe are mostly populated by mindless brutes. His acumen and ability to read the game placed him years ahead of his peers allowed him to achieve levels of success that were unexpected for someone of his size. And yet, while he was alive, he was never taken as seriously as he wanted to because he was considered "too short" for the big roles.
The book is beautifully written, chronicling the tragedy of Brian Pillman from start to bitter finish, making use of a commendable number of interviews to provide an image of Pillman built through the eyes of the people who knew him personally, including many friends but, perhaps more importantly, his family. No punches are pulled and the bad is delivered along with the good, attempting to weave a retrospective thread through Pillman's life so that by the end of the book we can try to answer the question people have been asking for the last couple of decades: for someone who had overcome so many odds since childhood and who was intellectually so far ahead of his peers, why did the end happen the way it did? Of course, we will never have the answer, and the book is not disingenuous enough to try to provide one. What it does do well is pose the question to those who were closest to Brian and who are still around to tell his tales, and give us enough information to make our own conclusions.
Even for readers with no interest in professional wrestling, there are many relatable stories, situations, and lessons to be learned throughout. A book I wholeheartedly recommend.
April 15, 2020
Twenty-plus years after his passing, Brian Pillman finally gets a biography worthy of his creative genius and it is a gripping read that delves deep into the psychological aspects of the wrestling business and how Brian Pillman brilliantly cons the con men with his Loose Cannon persona — only it ended in tragedy. Brian worked himself into a shoot and the recklessness he portrayed became the recklessness he lived, and died young from.
The narrative thrust of Brian’s life as an ill child who suffered multiple surgeries and was undersized his whole life is captivating. Despite all the roadblocks, Brian made the NFL and then worked for both WCW & WWF when no one thought he’d ever make it in either industry. Then, in a quest for a guaranteed big money contract, Brian ran the greatest deception in wrestling history, working both the fans and promoters in an unprecedented fashion: a long-con that paid off financially but ruined his mental and physical well-being. The chapters detailing his Loose Cannon years are a must-read.
Now I knew Brian’s personal life was shaky at best, and wrestling is a sleazy industry, but even so, some of Brian’s antics, particularly his race-baiting rhetoric, and misogynistic behavior, are difficult to read about. Also after 20 years, and being such a folk hero to football players and wrestlers, with memories starting to get hazy, I also feel there is a lot of embellishing going on.
The narrative thrust of Brian’s life as an ill child who suffered multiple surgeries and was undersized his whole life is captivating. Despite all the roadblocks, Brian made the NFL and then worked for both WCW & WWF when no one thought he’d ever make it in either industry. Then, in a quest for a guaranteed big money contract, Brian ran the greatest deception in wrestling history, working both the fans and promoters in an unprecedented fashion: a long-con that paid off financially but ruined his mental and physical well-being. The chapters detailing his Loose Cannon years are a must-read.
Now I knew Brian’s personal life was shaky at best, and wrestling is a sleazy industry, but even so, some of Brian’s antics, particularly his race-baiting rhetoric, and misogynistic behavior, are difficult to read about. Also after 20 years, and being such a folk hero to football players and wrestlers, with memories starting to get hazy, I also feel there is a lot of embellishing going on.
December 19, 2018
A well-written biography of 90s wrestling star the 'Loose Cannon' Brian Pillman released around the time of the 20th anniversary of his untimely death.
I was a big fan of WWE in the mid to late 90s and remember the "Pillman's got a gun!' and Harry Foundation portions of his career well. He was also one of the few wrestlers to stick in my mind from a brief period watching early 90s WCW on Saturday afternoon ITV when he was part of the Hollywood Blonds with Steve Austin.
Reading this book, it is not hard to understand why he stood out so much. A real student of the game who always seemed on the verge of greatness but never quite made the big time, the book candidly lays out the barriers he faced from promoters and backstage politics as well as his own personal vices, which undoubtedly contributed to him never quite making the main event scene.
It is a curiosity of the wrestling business that his most successful character work came at a time when he either couldn't wrestle or was seriously hampered in the ring. It is harrowing to read through the final this of the book as his downward spiral becomes increasingly out of control.
Still, it is a compelling story and easy enough to blast through the book in just a couple of days. Definitely worth the time of any wrestling fan past or present.
I was a big fan of WWE in the mid to late 90s and remember the "Pillman's got a gun!' and Harry Foundation portions of his career well. He was also one of the few wrestlers to stick in my mind from a brief period watching early 90s WCW on Saturday afternoon ITV when he was part of the Hollywood Blonds with Steve Austin.
Reading this book, it is not hard to understand why he stood out so much. A real student of the game who always seemed on the verge of greatness but never quite made the big time, the book candidly lays out the barriers he faced from promoters and backstage politics as well as his own personal vices, which undoubtedly contributed to him never quite making the main event scene.
It is a curiosity of the wrestling business that his most successful character work came at a time when he either couldn't wrestle or was seriously hampered in the ring. It is harrowing to read through the final this of the book as his downward spiral becomes increasingly out of control.
Still, it is a compelling story and easy enough to blast through the book in just a couple of days. Definitely worth the time of any wrestling fan past or present.
November 17, 2018
The best wrestling autobiography I've read, an enthralling look at the life of wrestling's most unique star, Brian Pillman. I couldn't put the book down, he was just such a unique and interesting guy, and hearing everything explained from an in-depth perspective as opposed to the quick and obviously controlled glance of WWE's 2006 documentary, was fascinating.
Ever since seeing Pillman on TV as a kid in the 90s, he captured my attention. Though I suppose the intricacies of the Loose Cannon gimmick I didn't really understand until later on growing up when I started watching the old wrestling stuff again back in the mid 2000's, I've always wanted to find out more about Pillman as he's always been one of my favourites and the 'what if's' should he have still been with us today are always incredible but at the same time, very sad, to think about.
This book was exactly what I was looking for as a study on Brian Pillman's life and career, and anyone who is a Pillman fan or wrestling fan in general should consider it a must-read. Even if not a fan, it tells a unique story of wrestling's most captivating star and you will find lots of things to love about him, his story and a unique look at the wrestling industry as a whole.
Ever since seeing Pillman on TV as a kid in the 90s, he captured my attention. Though I suppose the intricacies of the Loose Cannon gimmick I didn't really understand until later on growing up when I started watching the old wrestling stuff again back in the mid 2000's, I've always wanted to find out more about Pillman as he's always been one of my favourites and the 'what if's' should he have still been with us today are always incredible but at the same time, very sad, to think about.
This book was exactly what I was looking for as a study on Brian Pillman's life and career, and anyone who is a Pillman fan or wrestling fan in general should consider it a must-read. Even if not a fan, it tells a unique story of wrestling's most captivating star and you will find lots of things to love about him, his story and a unique look at the wrestling industry as a whole.
December 13, 2021
This is one of those rare books that transcend a simple prowrestling bio and become something far better. You get Pilman's entire story and you can see early on that Pilman has had to struggle most of his life to finally get to a place where he was getting the attention he deserved. He was told most of his career that he was never big enough to be a main event wrestler but then something happened. The loose cannon was born and you can still see its influence in wrestling today. Just reading about that era of his career was great, but actually seeing them play out on your television was something else entirely If Pilman had lived where would he have gone? What would he have done? Crazy Like A Fox is for the fans of Pilman and for those who have heard about the man, but got into wrestling too late. This is a must read and one that I highly reccomend.
September 3, 2024
Maybe more of a 3.5 than a 3, but it was closer to a three than 4. So maybe closer to a 3.49?
There were a couple of frustrating things. A few typos and grammar issues, and I don't think I've even seen a book where the punctuation is outside of the quote marks. So, a sentence "would look like this", instead of "looking like this."
I also thought there would have been should have been a final chapter kind of wrapping up Pillman's life. Instead, it gets into how his ex-wife became selfish with money from tribute shows, how his kids grew up with issues, and a final update on how they are doing at the time of the book's writing.
Overall, as someone who has been a wrestling fan since the 80s, I never saw Pillman as a main eventer. This book tried to convince me he was, but I just never saw it. Sure, he had some great matches with Flair and Liger, but didn't everyone at that time?
There were a couple of frustrating things. A few typos and grammar issues, and I don't think I've even seen a book where the punctuation is outside of the quote marks. So, a sentence "would look like this", instead of "looking like this."
I also thought there would have been should have been a final chapter kind of wrapping up Pillman's life. Instead, it gets into how his ex-wife became selfish with money from tribute shows, how his kids grew up with issues, and a final update on how they are doing at the time of the book's writing.
Overall, as someone who has been a wrestling fan since the 80s, I never saw Pillman as a main eventer. This book tried to convince me he was, but I just never saw it. Sure, he had some great matches with Flair and Liger, but didn't everyone at that time?
February 24, 2025
This wrestling book is a must-read! As someone who grew up watching the big three (ECW, WWF, and WCW) wrestling promotions, this book perfectly captures what Brian Pillman meant to the wrestling world. It’s not just a wrestling book, it’s a great non-fiction book that can educate even the most die-hard fans about what Pillman was all about and what he brought to the sport.
I learned so much about Pillman the wrestler as well as who he was a person. There are so many great quotes from Jim Cornette, Dave Meltzer, Raven, Kim Wood, Mark Madden, and others in the book.
One of the best things about this book is that it doesn’t sugarcoat anything. It tells the whole story: the good, the bad, and the ugly. This gives you great perspective on Pillman and the wrestling business in the 90s. It’s a must-read for anyone who’s a fan of wrestling or just wants to learn more about Brian Pillman.
I learned so much about Pillman the wrestler as well as who he was a person. There are so many great quotes from Jim Cornette, Dave Meltzer, Raven, Kim Wood, Mark Madden, and others in the book.
One of the best things about this book is that it doesn’t sugarcoat anything. It tells the whole story: the good, the bad, and the ugly. This gives you great perspective on Pillman and the wrestling business in the 90s. It’s a must-read for anyone who’s a fan of wrestling or just wants to learn more about Brian Pillman.
April 28, 2018
I’m always hesitant of wrestling books that are written by authors that didn’t know the subject personally, as the facts can be incorrect, or stories can lack detail. This book blew away any of my expectations. It’s packed with even the most intricate details of Brian’s life and was full of quotes from those who knew him best. There were stories I knew nothing about until I read this. The book was honest, yet tactful when touching upon Brian’s demons in life, just as it was his strengths. The honesty was refreshing too from those around him.
A couple of quotes from the final chapters really touched my heart. If anyone wants to truly get to know Brian Pillman this is a perfect book for you.
A couple of quotes from the final chapters really touched my heart. If anyone wants to truly get to know Brian Pillman this is a perfect book for you.
October 3, 2021
I've been a huge wrestling fan for the majority of my life. Brian Pillman was one of my favorites when I was growing up... however I was pretty young when I watched him in WCW/ECW and then WWF, so I wasn't aware of his life at the time.
This is by far one of my favorite wrestling biographies I've read, and I've read a lot.
This goes into great detail about his life in and out of the ring, including his days before wrestling. I also love how much attention was put into telling the inception of The Loose Cannon. Brian put so much work into his character, and this book does a phenomenal job covering it.
I highly recommend for anyone looking for a biography that tells a fantastic (and often sad) story of a great wrestler.
This is by far one of my favorite wrestling biographies I've read, and I've read a lot.
This goes into great detail about his life in and out of the ring, including his days before wrestling. I also love how much attention was put into telling the inception of The Loose Cannon. Brian put so much work into his character, and this book does a phenomenal job covering it.
I highly recommend for anyone looking for a biography that tells a fantastic (and often sad) story of a great wrestler.
December 16, 2021
As a massive wrestling fan, I've made a point of watching as much as I could regarding Pillman.
Being someone who got into wrestling in 99 as a child, I never got to see him live, however, like a lot of the legends taken too quickly, I've been through his back catalogue. What he was was incredible, what he could have been is something we'll never know.
The recent dark side of the ring series led me to this book.
It's a fantastic read, meticulously researched and written with passion and a clear love for Brian. Out of all the media I've consumed on his career, this has been the best.
His matches were great , promos legendary, his personal life difficult and his mark on the business unquestionable.
A good read covering the life of an extremely interesting, talented and tragic man.
Being someone who got into wrestling in 99 as a child, I never got to see him live, however, like a lot of the legends taken too quickly, I've been through his back catalogue. What he was was incredible, what he could have been is something we'll never know.
The recent dark side of the ring series led me to this book.
It's a fantastic read, meticulously researched and written with passion and a clear love for Brian. Out of all the media I've consumed on his career, this has been the best.
His matches were great , promos legendary, his personal life difficult and his mark on the business unquestionable.
A good read covering the life of an extremely interesting, talented and tragic man.
February 27, 2024
Absolutely one of the best wrestling autobiographies there is. The life story and legacy of Brian Pillman is written with probably the most dedication and passion I've seen out of any of the wrestling books I've reviewed and makes for a completely compelling and honorable book. I can't express enough how this is the total package of what I look for in a good wrestling biography, hell, what I look for in any biography. Great interviews, consistency, natural flow, and of course a one of a kind life story that is approached by author Liam O'Rourke with evident admiration for the wild innovations Pillman brought towards modern wrestling. I heard a lot of great things about Crazy Like a Fox and they all proved to be so true - this should be first up on your wrestling book to-do list.
January 22, 2025
As a pro wrestling fan from Europe who mostly knew about Pillman's ECW stint and WWF days, I struggled a bit at the start with all the American football information that the writer assumes his readers know and understand. That aside, the book is a well written insight into the man's life, highlighting the life experiences and professional struggles that led to his peaks and downfall. It feels like it's constantly building towards a climax, much like Pillman's efforts did throughout his life. There's a good bit of insight into the inner workings of the football and wrestling business, without going overboard with the stories and rumors. Likewise, there's a good chunk of input from people who knew Pillman, without anyone ever being portrayed as a saint or a villain. All in all a good read.
April 15, 2018
Ahead of his time.
First and foremost, I want to say that I really miss Brian Pillman. I remember watching him in WCW as a part of one of my absolute favorite tag teams, the Hollywood Blondes. I remember watching him in WWE as the Loose Cannon. I was only 11 when he passed away, but I remember feeling an intense sadness. Brian Pillman was destined for amazing things. And this book reminded me of that. It also reminded me of his struggles and gave far more insight into his struggles than I knew. This book is an absolute must read for any wrestling fan. Whether they knew of Brian or not.
First and foremost, I want to say that I really miss Brian Pillman. I remember watching him in WCW as a part of one of my absolute favorite tag teams, the Hollywood Blondes. I remember watching him in WWE as the Loose Cannon. I was only 11 when he passed away, but I remember feeling an intense sadness. Brian Pillman was destined for amazing things. And this book reminded me of that. It also reminded me of his struggles and gave far more insight into his struggles than I knew. This book is an absolute must read for any wrestling fan. Whether they knew of Brian or not.
April 27, 2018
In-depth, insightful, thorough biography of Brian Pillman - one of the more interesting professional wrestlers of the attitude era. He was a contemporary of Steve Austin (they travelled together and tag-teamed as the Hollywood Blondes before Austin became Stone Cold and Pillman went Loose Cannon). Pillman was smart and used a lot of wrestling's carnival/conman history to his advantage when he crafted the Loose Cannon persona. Pillman was very influential as one of the pioneers of the attitude era storytelling style. A bad car accident and untimely death kept Pillman from reaching his full star potential. O'Rourke does an outstanding job chronicling Pillman's wrestling career.
May 17, 2021
I was a fan of wrestling and loved Flyin Brian Pillman he was one of the first to show that you don't need to be big and musclebound strong to really wrestle as a smaller and more agile person. The high Flyers are what I loved.
This book tells of his abilities and his nature and how his life went down a dark path which eventually resulted in his death.
It shows the tragic side of the Wrestling Entertainment industry during the time of the late 80s and early 90s.
Such a sad book to read but it shows a lot about what this industry is like and how it's easy to fall to the darker sides of this sport.
This book tells of his abilities and his nature and how his life went down a dark path which eventually resulted in his death.
It shows the tragic side of the Wrestling Entertainment industry during the time of the late 80s and early 90s.
Such a sad book to read but it shows a lot about what this industry is like and how it's easy to fall to the darker sides of this sport.
June 22, 2019
One of the best books on pro wrestling written!
I really enjoyed this book. As a teen I watched "Flyin" Brian Pillman wrestle on TV. I enjoyed reading about his history with the Hart family, the challenges he endured and rereading about his death made me sad again twentysome years later.
The author wrote a well written book and you could tell he took his time researching and interviewing people. I'm my opinion this book is one of the best books written about pro wrestling.
I really enjoyed this book. As a teen I watched "Flyin" Brian Pillman wrestle on TV. I enjoyed reading about his history with the Hart family, the challenges he endured and rereading about his death made me sad again twentysome years later.
The author wrote a well written book and you could tell he took his time researching and interviewing people. I'm my opinion this book is one of the best books written about pro wrestling.
Read
January 16, 2023Fabulous book on Brian Pillman. There were some really interesting behind the scene stories stemming from his time in the NFL, Stampede Wrestling, WCW and the WWF that weren't previously widely known. This book as difficult to put down at times and the writer creates such an enjoyable book. I found myself going to Youtube to find specific segments after reading them in the book. A really enjoyable book but ultimately a sad story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews