Stranglehold: An Intriguing Behind the Scenes Glimpse into the Private World of Professional Wrestling - Softcover

Nelson, Larry; Jones, James R.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0967708702 ISBN 13: 9780967708706

Publisher: Chump Change Pub Llc, 2000

Synopsis

Stranglehold by former AWA wrestling announcer and personality Larry Nelson is one of professional wrestling's obscure treasures. Amazon.com is the exclusive source for remaining copies of this limited edition collectors item. This self-published and promoted piece was lost in the shadows of higher-budget, glossier rasslin' publications when released in 2001. Amazingly, used copies of Stranglehold have sold for as much as $27 on e-Bay. Get yours NEW, while they last, for less than ten bucks!.

About this title

About the Author

Larry Nelson has worked and played with the biggest names in profesional wrestling. In what would be a dream scenario for millions of wrestling fans worldwide, Mr. Nelson reaped the advantages and disadvantages of rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous. All the trappings and intrigue of the excessive, fast paced, self indulgent lifestyle of show biz were part of Nelson's daily routine. This signature voice, play-by-play, color commentator and 1980's ESPN producer, traveled with the owners, producers, directors, and stars of three professional wrestling organizations. Nelson entered broadcasting in 1973. He joined the AWA as announcer in 1983, and later became head announcer. He spent six fascinating years touring with the stars. He retired from the business after a successful run on ESPN sports. James R. Jones, an accomplished history author and railroad DVD producer, assembled Nelson's story into book format. Jones met Larry Nelson while both were radio announcers in Denver, Colorado.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

"... At Wrestlerock, Stan Hansen.. got to the Metrodome just in time. No one had a chance to tell him he must stop and give me a brief comment until he was headed for the aisle, breathing fire and snorting bullets. So, it was his character that got this irritating request. I was about halfway to the ring, waiting and along came "The Lariat" in his typical rage. When he got close enough and I'd moved forward to ask my question, Stan "The Lariat" Hansen knocked Larry "The Announcer" on his ass. When he was within range, he threw his forearm at me. I tried to duck, but it got me just hard enough that I went down. When a person is totally caught by surprise, no clear thoughts make it to the brain cells. I was sprawled on the ground, in a state of total confusion, when he began to kick me! "What," I wondered, "has come over this maniac?" One, two, three times I felt his boot pound my prone figure- not hard, and with the flat of his boot. Had he wanted to hurt me, he could have shattered my ribs with three forceful kicks. Because I had never "taken a bump" before this, it took me a moment to size up the situation at hand. "I am in on the action," I decided. "I am part of the Wrestlerock entertainment!" After the kicks, Stan raged on toward the ring. Though I remained on the ground for a bit, I was neither stunned, bruised, bloodied or broken. "The Lariat" gave me a role to play, and I was determined to do it right. I began my act by faking a wince, then "attempted" to push myself up, but couldn't and collapsed. I played the part of a broken victim to the best of my ability. I soon tried again, and went for a groggy look as I made it to my feet.... At that very oment, for those few seconds in the spotlight, I understood how wrestlers become addicted to the business and cling on to it as long as their bodies allow..."

Edition details

• Publisher: Chump Change Pub Llc
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0967708702
• ISBN 13: 9780967708706
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 152
• Editor: Chiarella Marilee