Swimming with Piranhas: Surviving the Politics of Professional Wrestling »

Howard Brody is a wrestling promoter and was president of the National Wrestling Alliance from 1996 to 2001. He is the coauthor of Dusty: Reflections of an American Dream. He lives in Las Vegas. James E. Cornette is a legendary wrestling manager.

Exposing wrestling’s inner workings and back-office deal making, this memoir is a hard-hitting firsthand look at the sport from Howard Brody, one of its most controversial promoters. Beginning with how he became involved with professional wrestling and produced his first television program, it then focuses on his time as president of the National Wrestling Alliance and reveals the truth behind the rumors surrounding his departure from the organization. Brody’s relationships with many of wrestling’s most powerful and creative figures—Vince and Linda McMahon, Eric Bischoff, Paul Heyman, Tod Gordon, Antonio Inoki, Hiro Matsuda, the Funks, Dusty Rhodes, Jim Cornette, and Hulk Hogan—are discussed in detail, revealing many little-known details about the behind-the-scenes negotiations involved in booking and promoting shows. From dealing with building and talent managers to working with radio and television stations, Brody explains the nuances of booking promotions, discusses the nature of negotiating and selling wrestling to television networks and sponsors, and divulges fascinating details about many aspects of working in the wrestling business.

Scripps News

Fascinating new memoir.

Acknowledgments IX

Foreword XI

Introduction XIII

1 Where Have You Wrestled? 1

2 Political Science 101 12

3 There's No Substitute For Experience 30

4 Changing Times 62

5 Eureka! 79

6 WOW! No, WWOW! 100

7 Flight Of The Bumblebee 126

8 Running On Empty 148

9 Riding The Roller Coaster 167

10 1994 196

11 The Good, The Bad And The Downright Scary 222

12 Journey Of A Ring Warrior 246

13 King Of The Carnies 278

14 Hail To The Chief 301

15 Life After The NWA 372

16 Against All Odds 399

17 Final Thoughts 409