Grappler: Memoirs of a Masked Madman

What a great read. Great read.My only criticism is: It's too short.Not really, it's over 200 pages, but I wish it was double or triple that amount. That's how much I enjoyed Lynn's book.Very well written and edited. It almost feels as if he's sitting in front of you, relaxing in a rocking chair just spinning his yarns.I only knew the Grappler from the Apter mags of my youth. Only saw him in his short World Class run on ESPN. I knew he had been in all the territories that I didn't get to see on tv. I also knew that he was a booker. The creative guy who masterminds all of the great (and some not so great) storylines, that captivate the thousands of fans every week. So I was really excited when I saw he was releasing this book. I had high expectations, as I love reading about all the crazy characters of this sport (both in and out) of the ring. The out of the ring stories are usually the best! Let me tell you: this book is a home-run. Many of the stories he relates, are ones I have never heard. He touches on every territory that he was in, year by year. Then he pulls back the curtain and lets us in some of the fun and sometimes frightening situations he found himself in.The best part is that Lynn's is written for true fans of pro-wrestling. He doesn't waste time telling the origins of the sport, or describing individual wrestlers histories. He assumes you know all the basics coming in. All the stuff that has been written and rewritten, and retold in dozens of other wrestling books. He hits the ground running. I've read alot of the pro-wrestling books that have been published ("Too many" my wife says, rolling her eyes), and I will say with all honesty: This is, far and away, one of the best.Between a great introductory chapter, and succinct epilogue, is a great story. The mean and nasty Grappler actually comes across as a very humble guy. He lays it all out there, and he lets us know about the good and bad decisions he has made (and the ramifications of both). Lots of ups and downs, and I found myself rooting for him all along the way. There isn't much gossip or dirt in this book. No mudslinging. It doesn't need it. It is an inspiring tale. It shows how hard-work, humility and dedication pays off That nice guys can come in first. Go Grappler!

I love the old territory days, and the Grappler covers territories I was not that familiar with, particularly Portland. A really fun read, I'd put it up there with Dutch Mantell's books.

Having heard so much about the Grappler from my husband, El Rojo, and finally meeting Lynn in person, reading this book give me more insight into Lynn. Initially I have to say, yes! I was rather star struck. However through all the stories I have heard, never once have I heard about the loaded boot. I was told about his injury and that he had a raised boot, but I gotta say honestly, I really thought it was from the injury. My hubby just got through a monster belly laugh when informed about that! This book, it was written perfectly! Reading it was just like visiting with family and listening to their wild stories in the the living room. I had to stop many times just to laugh and laugh hard. Sometimes wiping my eyes from the laughing tears! Now I have to buy the book and donate to the Grapplers retirement fund. A special request from my loving Rojo! The book is available on Amazon, thank you God! Now I still watch wrestling mind you, and this revealing book has taken nothing from my enjoyment of this sport. Wrestling is not fake. If you think so, have one of those tough guys DDT you! Then tell me if the pain is fake.....love the book!!!

Grappler - By far the best book ever written about professional wrestling. The Grappler (Lynn Denton) begins life as a teenager in Humble, TX who after attending his first Professional Wrestling show and was hooked a few weeks later he used his life savings of $3,000.00 (still in high school) to become a student at Joe Mercer’s wrestling school. From there we travel with Lynn / The Grappler for the next 35 years to both big and small wrestling venues from coast to coast and into Canada. We learn about the small paydays long work schedules with no days off no time to heal injuries. One of the things I’ve learned from this book is that professional wrestlers in the old territories days maybe not so much now had no job security of any kind and could be out of work at a moments notice on the whims of the promotion owner or the booker. Lynn goes on to explain the reasons for the steroids and pain killers so prevalent in wrestling. Is Professional Wrestling Real ? Real is such a misunderstood word. Well maybe the winners and losers are predetermined but the slaps, punches, falls and holds are real and still hurt resulting in sprains, pulled muscles and broken and fractured bones are all to real. These days The Grappler is doing some work for Championship Wrestling from Hollywood seen Nationally on MAV-TV and it’s fun watching a promotion modeled on the old local territories promotions. If you’re a fan of Professional Wrestling you must to read this book because if you don’t you may be paid a visit my a masked bad guy with a loaded boot.

First, the negative. Unknown to me, this book is print on-demand. I ordered it four months ago, and the copy I received was poorly bound. Five pages came loose from the book as I read it.However, I re-ordered a copy recently. This time, no such issue occurred with the binding. It arrived a day early and in flawless condition.Truly it is what is on the inside that is best. The stories are great, especially from his time in Mid-South and Pacific Northwest. One gets a fantastic view of the Grappler’s career: highs, lows, successes, setbacks, and necessary adjustments to changes. Denton’s narration is both entertaining and concise. He wastes no words, and the book wastes no reader’s time. Beat it!…One cannot.

I have a couple from when this book originally came out a few years ago. I was on Amazon and saw this gem and had to buy another copy just because. I have read this book a few times before and I will reread it for sure. And I will say you will learn something new every time you read it. I love this book so much it’s beautifully done for a man who is a absolute legend. Thank you Joe V and Lynn Denton.

Very factual read, "did it in a night" not one of the names of american wrestling I know edspecially well but enjoyable..

A fascinating read, gives you a real feel for the territories. Not too long, either. Very easy reading. Couldn't recommend it enough.

I was hooked after the very first chapter of this book, Beat it! If you can!

Although I've heard of "the grappler " I've never really seen len denton work inside the ring, however after reading literally every wrestling autobiography out there and wanting more I purchased the last one left that I didn't own... and man was I shocked at how much I love this book! I planned to read one chapter today out by the pool while on holidays but I wasn't able to put it down once I started. At only 235 pages it's a relatively short read but that's not a complaint, it's full of well told stories and I'm getting looks from other people out here because I'm constantly chuckling.I sat the book down and instantly came to write this review because if you're a wrestling fan ( and even if you're not) buy this book, it's up there with my favourite autobiographies, an absolutely fantastic read.

I voraciously read through this amazing book non-stop. If you're a fan of pro-wrestling from the 70s, 80s and/or 90s this book is an absolute must read. Are you interested in the back story behind the invention of the Jake the Snake's DDT? Then this is the right book for you."The Grappler" Lynn Denton as an author is honest, humble, articulate and really funny.My advice when reading this book: have Youtube on standby so you can watch a lot of the classic wrestling moments he talks about.One last thing - this book would make an absolute fantastic miniseries!!