I finished reading Joe's book, Assassin: The Man Behind the Mask, a short while ago.
Despite the anticipation for the Bruiser Brody book, in my heart, I have to say the Assassin book was the one I enjoyed the most. I have all the typical wrestling books and consider myself a knowledgeable person in regard to being a fan of old-school wrestling, i.e., the days of territorial wrestling/the NWA. I felt Joe really gave good insight to the travels, troubles and experiences of pro wrestling in the days before cable TV and the WWE. With the details, dates, and names Joe remembered and provided, I really had a good mental picture of what his life – and that of the other wrestlers/promoters/refrees – was like. I think Joe's book is one of the best wrestling books I have ever read. My thanks to the both of you for the content and production of the book.
I do have to note that one of my favorite parts of the book was the description of the use and making of the original Assassin wrestling masks. Thinking of Dick Beyer trying on women's girdles on his head, with his wife in Woolworth's, makes me realize we would have fewer wrestlers from "parts unknown" if it had not been for there wives !!
Please pass along my appreciation to Joe for sharing his life's history with "old fans" like me. William Burnett
Sometimes it just can't be helped. You can't live in every era. You can't see every match or performer at his peak. Even for a seasoned wrestling fan (or old fart, take your pick) like myself, the name of Joe Hamilton and The Assassin doesn't instantly provoke memories of matches or times gone by. I was but a mere babe when Hamilton was one half of the hottest touring tag team of the 60s, The Assassins. Yet when I did first see him on TV two decades later, he left me with a twitch that'll never be cured.
It was during a WCW PPV that had a legends theme with vets coming back and doing some matches. Hamilton was wearing his classic US style wrestling hood, incredibly plain compared to the stylish Lucha masks we see so much of today. All he did was cut some promos on Dusty Rhodes, constantly referring to him as Jellybean. But to this day, whenever one of my closest friends and I refer to Dusty, we still call him that. We might not have been around for the heyday of the Assassin, but he was still able to make an impression, even in the final stages of his career.
Well, I'm happy to say that even if you have no connection or perception of the Assassin as a character, as a wrestling fan, you can't help but both enjoy and be somewhat awestruck by parts of his story. This book chronicles an era of professional wrestling that almost seems like it was 1000 years ago rather than just 40. Back then, there were no wrestling schools, so anybody wanting to get on board had to gain the confidence of veteran workers and then get stretched and beat on for months before that first match. Then they worked their way across North America, staying in territories guided by a promoter of, more often than not, dubious character until they were burnt out and moved on.
Like JJ Dillon's and Ole Anderson's books (also co-authored by Scott Teal), Hamilton offers up glimpses into every side of the business since he too has done it all from worker to booker. It's almost become sad to read some of these veterans' autobiographies and seeing how solid their booking minds are in comparison to those of today. Sure wrestling is a completely different beast than it was in Hamilton's time, but there are some basic booking principles that needed to be remembered, even in 2006.
Although you may be shaking your head in disbelief at the stupidity of modern booking after reading Hamilton's approach, the stories he weaves about his run-ins in with fans are even more mind-boggling. He was a prime heel in the era when people were convinced that these guys lived the dastardly life 24/7 and fans weren't afraid to show how much they hated them by physically attacking their person or smashing up their car. Many heels from the past casually mention this kind of stuff in passing and may have one or two stories to tell. Not the Assassin. He devotes a whole chapter to these crazed fanatics that would trash their cars, challenge them to fights or just try to stab them.
It really does seem like a whole other world. But on the other hand, look how effective it was. There probably isn't anyone showing up to stab Edge at the next WWE show. It's a perfect example of the Catch-22 of pro wrestling: it has to be realistic enough that fans can get emotionally involved, yet still maintaining the showbiz side that separates it from anything else. Even more than the story of Hamilton, that seems to be the real message here.
This really is a book that should be read by all wrestling fans, especially the younger ones who grew up on the 80s and 90s product just so they can see how different it really was. Even more important, maybe it will finally show some of those that were so excited to break kayfabe just why it was there in the first place. Dan "The Mouth" Lovranski Live Audio Wrestling
A compelling read from start to finish, and the way it flows, it is very easy to hear Hamiltons voice telling the stories as your eyes follow the words. He goes very deep into his past, sparing very little. The only thing lacking is details into the early version of Deep South Wrestling, and I felt more could have been said about the Power Plant days. However, as a bigger fan of the old days than the more recent ones, he didn't disappoint. Hamilton's best partner may have been Tom Renesto, but co-author Scott Teal is perhaps close behind. Rich Tate
Webmaster for GeorgiaWrestlingHistory.com
I received the book on Tuesday and immediately delved into what I consider one of the best autobiographies written by any wrestler. I loved the stories about he and Tom Renesto and the various territories they worked, and since I'm a big Missouri Mauler mark, I especially loved seeing the pics of Larry Hamilton in his youth. I've always considered Joe tremendously underrated (one of the best interviews and kneedrops ever in the business), but hopefully with this book, he'll get exposure with a whole new audience and get the due he so justly deserves. This ranks up there with Seagulls as one of the top five wrestling related books published in the last two decades. Barry Rose
Webmaster for Championship Wrestling From Florida Archives
I had to fly from California to the East coast today and instead of starting with client work on the plane, I began reading just a little bit of Assassin: The Man Behind the Mask. That little bit turned into reading the whole book, word for word and cover to cover, as I flew from Los Angeles to Columbus, Ohio via Houston. I found this read to be the most enjoyable of the Crowbar Press series and I believe I have read them all.
With the large cast of names continuously woven into Joe's story, I felt like I had a ringside seat through one of the most formidable eras of professional wrestling history. I gained both new insights, as well as confirmations of existing perceptions, by looking at wrestling though the eyes of the Assassin. I especially enjoyed the candid comments on the many names that have been instrumental to the sport the past fifty years. I also appreciated the detailed index with a list of who who's in professional wrestling to allow me to quickly revisit interesting quotes about some of my favorite wrestlers. Overall, a great book both in terms of content and style.
Being an attorney, I tend to look subconsciously for typos and gramatical errors. I found the book to be very professionally edited. However, I believe a word may have snuck by the sensors on page 263. (grin) I was looking for a little tear in my eye as I approached the end of the book, but it ended a little too soon for me to work up any residue. If I could have asked for my content, I would have liked to have heard Joe's thoughts on the passing of Tom Renesto and the circumstances surrounding the Assassins' participation in the Andy Knaufman/Jerry Lawler incident.
Overall, a great book, written with conviction. Thanks for such a professional product. Robert K. Oates
Screening Committee Chairperson, Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
Just by reading its table of contents, and knowing that Joe Hamilton has been in the wrestling business for a half century, I knew going in that this book would have plenty of insight, and sure enough, it did not fail to deliver. Scott Teal, the Tennessee Titan, has brought forth yet another fine effort when it comes to wrestling history — Assassin: The Man Behind the Mask (not to be confused with Alice Cooper's rockin' tribute to mad slashin' Jason).
Mr. Hamilton's autobiography is a fantastic look at wrestling history and history in general. I enjoyed reading about some of the regional territories that didn't exactly get a whole lotta ink in the old Apter mags, like Vancouver, Knoxville, and the short-lived 1970s Tennessee version of the UWA (which Lou Thesz was involved in).
The "ribs" and road stories are fun comic relief (such as graceful Tex McKenzie having a true case of the "blues"), but for me, the real meat and potatoes in this book involve Hamilton giving us a behind-the-scenes look at his tenures as a booker, ring crew leader and wrestling school teacher, as well as his valuable lessons regarding the psychology of wrestling (which some of today's young wrestlers should learn more of). He also offers his views relating to the downfall of WCW.
It's great that an old school main eventer, who truly paid his dues and survived some personal hardships growing up, is still involved in the wrestling business today. These days, I can just picture Hamilton as Yoda, passing along his wisdom to many young Luke Skywalkers ("May The Flame be with you!").
A straight up "thumbs up"! John Watanabe
Radio host for Highway Radio in Barstow, CA, Salem Communications' KDAR Christian Radio in Oxnard, CA, and play-by-play announcer for the new Urban Empire Wrestling
I just finished reading the book and it was excellent. Jody's stories were great and there were a lot of super photographs from his glory years. I learned alot about the Hamilton and Renesto team (I never saw that version of the Assassins). Also, Jody was funny as hell many times during the book. I got the impression as I was reading that I was being directly talked to by the great Masked Assassin, as opposed to reading a book by him. Just an excellent read.
His feelings about certain people in the business now would probably surprise a lot of people, but his honesty is a great part of the book. As a person who only saw him in a team as the Assassins with the late Ray Hernandez, I really enjoyed the history and stories before then. Again, excellent job, Scott, and send my best wishes to Mr. Hamilton, a definite true legend in this business. Ken Motley
Posted on the WrestlingClassics Message Board
Assassin: The Man Behind the Mask is the latest book to come from Scott Teal and Crowbar Press (www.1wrestlinglegends.com). As usual for Teal and company, this book is an enjoyable and excellent account of the days of old-school.
The Assassins were one of the greatest tag teams of the 1960s and 1970s-arguably of wrestling history. The one constant through all the various incarnations of the Assassins is Joe Hamilton. Hamilton narrates his life in an easily readable fashion. His stories are compelling and his opinions are blunt, honest and always entertaining.
This book can be summed up in one word: sincerity. Sincerity is a major component of Hamilton's philosophy about wrestling, the wrestling business, and life itself. Joe Hamilton's sincerity comes through on every page. You may, or may not, agree with his opinions, but at no time will you ever get the feeling that Joe Hamilton is anything but a sincere man.
The book gives ample space to Hamilton's life, career and adventures in wrestling. The road tales are highly enjoyable, and at no time do Hamilton's criticsms of his fellow workers come off as vindictive. As a matter of fact; when Hamilton does have something nasty to say about someone, he always prefaces the statement as his opinion, not as a statement of fact.
The book gives ample space to the people who worked with or battled against Hamilton in the ring (and out of the ring — his half-brother Larry (The Missouri Mauler) Hamilton; Tom (Assassin #2) Renesto; Eddie Graham; Mr. Wrestling 2; The Kentuckians; and dozens of others are all given their due. The most interesting part of the book for me was the amount of time Hamilton devotes to explaining the business of wrestling, and how egos can destroy good business.
If you read nothing else, you MUST read the Foreword to the book. Joe Hamilton states his opinion of "smart marks." In my view, he hits the nail directly on the head. This is the story of a man who lived the business.
Read this book. Harry Grover
Another great story. I guess the most striking thing about his career was his ability to focus on business and not get caught up in politics — the mark of a true professional. Obviously, he was confident that his ability would make the next venue a successful venture.
The fact that this book does not come off as being ego-driven makes it an enjoyable read.
It is nice to hear credit being given to his mentors, and about that desire to learn along with attention to detail. A "roll with the punches" attitude definitely served him well.
What an incredible and unique experience to be 19 years old and on top at Madison Square Garden in an era when the business was so over with the fans!
I particularly enjoyed the Don Leo Jonathan tales. He was truly awesome. When he came in for his title shot against Pedro Morales in the early seventies, I said, "This is it for Pedro." Even though I realized that match results were predetermined, I saw no way that the powers in control could expect the fans to buy any other outcome. When Pedro prevailed, I began to lose interest. At that point in his career, Don Leo may not have wanted the burden of being champion, however, to many, he was a world beater. It was no surprise to hear Joe Hamilton say that Don Leo wasn't intimidated by a bear. Given his physical prowess and Judo background, it is difficult to imagine him being taken in a valid contest. I have read that Lou Thesz respected him, but I would have loved to asked him about DLJ in person.
I could go on and on, thanks again the entertaining book.
I look forward to the Russian Bear's book. Steve Crocker
The best wrestling book thus far. Growing up in Florida from age 13-26, the Assassin was a mainstay on West Palm Beach cards. I found the Gunkel war very interesting, and as another reviewer said, it was almost as if I could hear Jody's reading the book to me. So many tidbits, and I thought I had heard it all.
I started the book here in Canada, took it on the plane to Germany, then Italy. I finished it up in Rome. I will be re-reading soon, just in case jet lag made me gloss over a few spots.
All in all, a fantastic read. I keep all my books in great condition, but Jody's looks like a dog-eared relic, due to travel. I even thought I was getting in trouble on the plane, as I got a couple of strange looks due to the cover! Pete Jarvis, a proud 40-year wrestling fan
