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How I Helped Kill Kayfabe: From Internet Geek to Wrestling Insider
How I Helped Kill Kayfabe From Internet Geek to Wrestling Insider Author:Bob Ryder A compelling chronicle that details Bob Ryder's involvement in wrestling journalism and his insider role in three of the industry's most important promotions—Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), and World Championship Wrestling (WCW)—this autobiographical account documents the Internet's effect ... more »on professional wrestling's secretive entertainment empire. Ryder details the breakdown of the mindset known as kayfabe, a word derived from carnival slang that describes the protection of industry secrets from the fans. He tells how he and his peers were able to get the scoops that drove the WWF crazy in the early 1990s and provides insightful commentary into the rivalry between wrestling journalists like himself, Dave Meltzer, and Wade Keller. Ryder eventually immersed himself in the entertainment side of the industry, attending many ECW events that allowed him behind the scenes of the hardcore outfit's most controversial moments, such as sitting next to Olympic gold medalist and WWF superstar Kurt Angle during the Raven/Sandman crucifixion or watching Sabu rip his arm apart at "Born to Be Wired." At WCW, he was backstage for the debut of Rowdy Roddy Piper and the ascent of Vince Russo. He incurred the ire of Goldberg and he booked Ric Flair's last title win. The most explosive, history-making moments in contemporary professional wrestling history are all detailed, from Bret Hart's jump from the WWF to WCW and Hulk Hogan's heel turn to Owen Hart's tragic death and the author's own role in the birth of the TNA.« less