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Slobberknocker: My Life in Wrestling Hardcover – Illustrated, 3 Oct. 2017
There are few people who have been in the wrestling business longer than Jim Ross. And those who have made it as long as he has (half a century to be exact) probably made enemies or burned bridges. But that’s just not JR. He’s recognized as the man who built and nurtured a once-in-a-generation talent roster that took the WWE to new heights, including “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Brock Lesnar, and The Rock to name a few. Readers will finally get the opportunity to hear never-before-told stories about the politics, wackiness, and personalities of all the biggest stars.
Jim opens up about his life as an only child on a working farm, who became obsessed with professional wrestling having first saw it on his grandparent’s TV. Even though the wrestling business was notoriously secretive and wary of “outsiders,” he somehow got a foot in the door to start a historic career, one where he held almost every job in the business—from putting up the ring to calling matches, from driving his blind, drunk boss towards revenge, to consoling two naked 600 pound brothers in the shower room after a rough match.
This isn’t just a wrestling story. It’s a story about overcoming adversity and achieving your dreams, as success did not come without significant costs and unforeseen challenges to JR, including multiple bouts of severe facial paralysis called Bell’s Palsy.
Currently the host of the podcast The Ross Report, any fan of wrestling—from the territory days to today—will be enthralled with stories from the road and behind the scenes. Slobberknocker is the first time Ross tells his story—and you don’t want to miss it!
- Print length352 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherSports Publishing
- Publication date3 Oct. 2017
- Dimensions15.24 x 3.05 x 22.86 cm
- ISBN-10168358113X
- ISBN-13978-1683581130
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Review
—Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, former WWE champion and Hollywood superstar
“Jim Ross is not only the greatest wrestling play-by-play man ever, he's the architect behind the greatest roster in WWE history. He's also a master storyteller and this book is the perfect forum for his more than forty years of tales from his time in the business. So put on your black Resistol and get ready for an amazing read that is anything but bowling shoe ugly!”
—Chris Jericho, former WWE champion and New York Times bestselling author
“[The] book is unique, introducing [JR] as a person to readers but also covering some of the most seminal moments in wrestling.”
—Justin Barrasso, Sports Illustrated
“While Slobberknocker is not a traditional wrestling book by any means, with Ross having stepped into the ring under duress only on a couple of occasions, there are some incredible nuggets of wrestling history built into a book that covers so many years. WWE fans will certainly be interested in hearing about Ross' transition into the WWE.”
—Tim Fiorvanti, ESPN.com
“For many wrestling fans, Jim Ross is the voice of a generation—bringing respectability, drama, humor and a dose of realism to WWE programming for more than a decade. It’s those qualities that he brings to his new memoir Slobberknocker: My Life in Wrestling. The mix of tales from backstage and Ross’ personal journey from humble beginnings to the top of his profession make this a wrestling memoir worth reading.”
—Jay Reddick, Orlando Sentinel
“Slobberknocker delivers on what most fans will be expecting. . . . Working with co-writer Paul O'Brien (his initial collaborator, Scott Williams, died unexpectedly in 2016), he delivers one of the best-written wrestling memoirs in memory.”
—Jon Langmead, SLAM!
"An earnestly written and mostly entertaining memoir tailor-made for fans already familiar with the ringside legend."
—Kirkus Reviews
“JR is a legend on and off the screen. He has been a driving force behind a big generation of wrestling and WWE fans and has helped grow one of the greatest media marketing forces in history, and that's just the tip of the iceberg, his personality and ability to connect to some of the most powerful entertainers of our generation is unparalleled. Any book from JR will be a must read.”
—Mark Cuban
“My pal, Jim ‘JR’ Ross, stands as the powerful driving force that millions of wrestling fans around the world have come to rely upon for an entertaining attachment with the world of sports entertainment. JR's colorful presence with his ever-present, famous black cowboy hat makes his place at the microphone speak and spark, taking the wrestling experience to the top of the game. Let this enjoyable venture into JR’s journey through a lifetime of fun and fascination stroll the highest of highs with his dedication to total WWE perfection around the world.”
—Billy F. Gibbons, ZZ Top
"I’ve enjoyed observing JR’s unique approach to everything he does, fueled by a great passion and love for OU and all its athletic teams, but particularly our football team. I remember seeing JR for the first time on the sideline and recognizing the iconic look with the black hat, and immediately knowing it was the famous wrestling world’s JR. Getting to know him through the years, he’s become a great friend and I’ve been so fortunate to hear the tremendous stories of his career and all of the interesting people he’s met. I’m sure you’ll be entertained by these stories and acquaintances just as much as I have. Boomer Sooner.”
—Bob Stoops, head football coach, University of Oklahoma
“To be sure, his legendary career . . . provides tons of material for Ross to work with. However, the way he's able to tell stories with a flair for the narrative and more than a dash of humor is quite remarkable. . . . This has instantly become one of my favorite wrestling books, something I could easily see reading over and over again because it's such a fun and interesting read.”
—Bulldog’s Bookshelf
“I realized very quickly at the beginning of my WWE career that if I was going to be successful at my craft, then one of the main components I needed was a conduit between myself and the global audience watching from home?that conduit was Jim Ross. I needed a trusted voice to make the audience at home feel the performance I was giving in the ring. Proud to say we reached our global audience in a very big way. ”
—Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, former WWE champion and Hollywood superstar
“Jim Ross is not only the greatest wrestling play-by-play man ever, he's the architect behind the greatest roster in WWE history. He's also a master storyteller and this book is the perfect forum for his more than forty years of tales from his time in the business. So put on your black Resistol and get ready for an amazing read that is anything but bowling shoe ugly!”
—Chris Jericho, former WWE champion and New York Times bestselling author
“[The] book is unique, introducing [JR] as a person to readers but also covering some of the most seminal moments in wrestling.”
—Justin Barrasso, Sports Illustrated
“While Slobberknocker is not a traditional wrestling book by any means, with Ross having stepped into the ring under duress only on a couple of occasions, there are some incredible nuggets of wrestling history built into a book that covers so many years. WWE fans will certainly be interested in hearing about Ross' transition into the WWE.”
—Tim Fiorvanti, ESPN.com
“For many wrestling fans, Jim Ross is the voice of a generation—bringing respectability, drama, humor and a dose of realism to WWE programming for more than a decade. It’s those qualities that he brings to his new memoir Slobberknocker: My Life in Wrestling. The mix of tales from backstage and Ross’ personal journey from humble beginnings to the top of his profession make this a wrestling memoir worth reading.”
—Jay Reddick, Orlando Sentinel
“Slobberknocker delivers on what most fans will be expecting. . . . Working with co-writer Paul O'Brien (his initial collaborator, Scott Williams, died unexpectedly in 2016), he delivers one of the best-written wrestling memoirs in memory.”
—Jon Langmead, SLAM!
"An earnestly written and mostly entertaining memoir tailor-made for fans already familiar with the ringside legend."
—Kirkus Reviews
“JR is a legend on and off the screen. He has been a driving force behind a big generation of wrestling and WWE fans and has helped grow one of the greatest media marketing forces in history, and that's just the tip of the iceberg, his personality and ability to connect to some of the most powerful entertainers of our generation is unparalleled. Any book from JR will be a must read.”
—Mark Cuban
“My pal, Jim ‘JR’ Ross, stands as the powerful driving force that millions of wrestling fans around the world have come to rely upon for an entertaining attachment with the world of sports entertainment. JR's colorful presence with his ever-present, famous black cowboy hat makes his place at the microphone speak and spark, taking the wrestling experience to the top of the game. Let this enjoyable venture into JR’s journey through a lifetime of fun and fascination stroll the highest of highs with his dedication to total WWE perfection around the world.”
—Billy F. Gibbons, ZZ Top
"I’ve enjoyed observing JR’s unique approach to everything he does, fueled by a great passion and love for OU and all its athletic teams, but particularly our football team. I remember seeing JR for the first time on the sideline and recognizing the iconic look with the black hat, and immediately knowing it was the famous wrestling world’s JR. Getting to know him through the years, he’s become a great friend and I’ve been so fortunate to hear the tremendous stories of his career and all of the interesting people he’s met. I’m sure you’ll be entertained by these stories and acquaintances just as much as I have. Boomer Sooner.”
—Bob Stoops, head football coach, University of Oklahoma
“To be sure, his legendary career . . . provides tons of material for Ross to work with. However, the way he's able to tell stories with a flair for the narrative and more than a dash of humor is quite remarkable. . . . This has instantly become one of my favorite wrestling books, something I could easily see reading over and over again because it's such a fun and interesting read.”
—Bulldog’s Bookshelf
About the Author
Paul O’Brien is an award-winning filmmaker and bestselling author from Wexford, Ireland. His Blood Red Turns Dollar Green novels—a crime trilogy set in wrestling’s territory days—have been bestsellers in Canada, Australia, Germany, Mexico, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States. Paul is currently developing those novels for TV.
Vincent K. McMahon is the chairman and CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. A third-generation sports entertainment promoter, he has built the WWE into the top wrestling organization in the world, including taking the company public in 1999.
Product details
- Publisher : Sports Publishing; Illustrated edition (3 Oct. 2017)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 352 pages
- ISBN-10 : 168358113X
- ISBN-13 : 978-1683581130
- Dimensions : 15.24 x 3.05 x 22.86 cm
- Best Sellers Rank: 573,049 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- 624 in Wrestling (Books)
- 3,765 in Rock & Pop Musician Biographies
- 7,686 in Sports Biographies (Books)
- Customer reviews:
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Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book engaging and enjoyable for wrestling fans. They praise the well-written, easy-to-read narrative with engaging stories and fascinating insights into the world of professional wrestling. The author's voice is praised as authentic and brilliant. However, some customers feel the book lacks depth and insight, reading more like a CV than a biography.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book enjoyable and interesting for wrestling fans. They describe it as a brilliant read and consider it the greatest show on earth.
"Great book, interesting and easy to read. Pretty good condition too...." Read more
"Great book from the greatest of all Time I would recommend this to anyone looking to get in to the wrestling businesses" Read more
"I have to say the book is good but not the Slobbetknocker I though it would be...." Read more
"I thought this was a great book gives you a good insight to the upbringing of Jim Ross and explains the raise of the greatest wrestling commentator..." Read more
Customers enjoy the engaging story. They find the tales behind the commentary fascinating, funny, nostalgic, and emotional. The book provides an insightful look into the author's life and world. It keeps readers interested for hours and is recommended by them.
"Great book, interesting and easy to read. Pretty good condition too...." Read more
"...Jim Ros sis a great story teller in his commentary, I think my expectations were super high...." Read more
"Where to begin? JR weaves an awesome tale of his history in the business, with the classic era of Mid-South Wrestling being a particular..." Read more
"...Jim writes with clairty and honesty - a fantastic storyteller just like when he calls the matches in the ring." Read more
Customers find the book well-written and easy to read.
"Great book, interesting and easy to read. Pretty good condition too...." Read more
"...Jim writes with clairty and honesty - a fantastic storyteller just like when he calls the matches in the ring." Read more
"Absolutely amazing read from the voice of the WWE! Fantastically written with laugh out loud moments brilliant read and enjoyable when will the..." Read more
"Fantastic book! Insightful, humorous and gripping! It’s extremely well written and I wish there was more! JR is a legend!" Read more
Customers enjoy hearing the voice of JR. They find it great to hear the man himself telling his life story.
"...insight to the upbringing of Jim Ross and explains the raise of the greatest wrestling commentator of all time this book is great for any JR fan..." Read more
"Great autobiography of good ol Jr. The best commentator of all time." Read more
"...JRs voice shines throughout. Looking forward to Part 2 and beyond..." Read more
"Great to hear the man himself telling his life's story. A must for any JR fan :)" Read more
Customers enjoy the book's humor. They find it insightful and engaging, with humorous moments that make them laugh out loud.
"...Filled with humorous anecdotes from his time on the road with some major superstars, Jim reveals all the goings-on "behind the scenes" of this great..." Read more
"...To hear the tales behind the commentary was fascinating, funny, nostalgic and occasionally emotional...." Read more
"...Fantastically written with laugh out loud moments brilliant read and enjoyable when will the sequel Bahw gaud be out" Read more
"Fantastic book! Insightful, humorous and gripping! It’s extremely well written and I wish there was more! JR is a legend!" Read more
Customers find the book lacking depth and detail. They say it lacks insight and reads more like a CV than a biography. The book is also vague with little humor.
"...Lacking detail is an issue. But I still enjoyed it." Read more
"...Unfortunately it's vague, with not a lot of humour and very few funny road stories from someone who's probably been in the business 40+ years...." Read more
"...It skips over any real insight and so reads more like a CV than a biography; "and then I worked here. Next I worked here..."...." Read more
"...but no, short on detail and depth, this book is wafer thin. What must have been major life events, covered in a couple of pages...." Read more
Reviews with images
Great, interesting book.
Top reviews from United Kingdom
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- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 May 2023Great book, interesting and easy to read. Pretty good condition too.
Strangely still had its libary stamps unvoided inside so obviously at some point it had been stolen from a library in the USA, no idea how it got to the UK but mine now lol.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great, interesting book.Great book, interesting and easy to read. Pretty good condition too.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 May 2023
Strangely still had its libary stamps unvoided inside so obviously at some point it had been stolen from a library in the USA, no idea how it got to the UK but mine now lol.
Images in this review - Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 September 2022Great book from the greatest of all
Time
I would recommend this to anyone looking to get in to the wrestling businesses
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 April 2020I have to say the book is good but not the Slobbetknocker I though it would be. Jim Ros sis a great story teller in his commentary, I think my expectations were super high. To be fair the last ces chapters where he gives his behind the scenes feelings of some key WWF era angles like the Hell in the Cell match and the Montreal screw job were more of what I was expecting through out the book.
The life in wrestling is the perfect title as Jim Ross lives and breathes wrestling. Everything else is secondary if it is lucky or third place. A perfect example of this is Jim writes a while chapter on how he got his foot in the door of the closed off wrestling business and in the last line of that chapter "I was married". That is the first I hear of his wife I had to re-read it to make sure I did not miss this somewhere in the chapter.
The first 2/3 of the book is Jim's early life and his start in the business, climbing the ranks slowly but learning which prepared him for hitting his stride in the WWF. I saw Jim's passion for the business and even with is workaholic work ethic the business still demanded more.
I have read better behind the scenes road stories book I would not really call this book an autobiography as it is more about the wrestling business that Jim's personal life. It is reall the when Jim is talking about the angles, stars and his back stage relationships with the people he signed, scouted and worked with that tips this book from ok the good for me. I do hope that the trend at the end of this book carries on in his next book.
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 March 2020Where to begin?
JR weaves an awesome tale of his history in the business, with the classic era of Mid-South Wrestling being a particular highlight.
Filled with humorous anecdotes from his time on the road with some major superstars, Jim reveals all the goings-on "behind the scenes" of this great industry and takes you on a journey like no other.
I highly recommend this book, particularly if you are a wrestling fan; you will love it!!
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 March 2020I thought this was a great book gives you a good insight to the upbringing of Jim Ross and explains the raise of the greatest wrestling commentator of all time this book is great for any JR fan wrestling or not the only fault I have is the book stops in 1999 but I suppose the new book coming out will give us a more up to date insight of his recent endeavours
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 October 2017If you're a wrestling fan this is another one of those must read autobiographies. Good ole JR has had an incredible life in wrestling both in front and behind the camera. He was the voice of my childhood- growing up Pro wrestling was my passion and his voice will stay with me forever. To hear the tales behind the commentary was fascinating, funny, nostalgic and occasionally emotional. Jim writes with clairty and honesty - a fantastic storyteller just like when he calls the matches in the ring.
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 April 2023but otherwise boring.
It lacks excitement.
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 November 2017Outstanding book from an outstanding individual. When I used to sit and watch JR on Raw, he made it seem like this was the greatest show on earth. His passion and words made its need to see TV and it’s the same with this book. To know how much responsibility he had and how his passion stayed with him through good and bad, it only increases my respect for the man. What a great life story. Thank you Jim.
Top reviews from other countries
- Martin VReviewed in Brazil on 1 March 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars bah gawd!
this book here is a slobberknocker, King! bah gawd!
- Hanoz SukheshReviewed in India on 27 August 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars The Voice of Professional Wrestling
To hear the story behing JR's journey to the WWE is a story of passion, grit and struggle. A must read !
- John FosterReviewed in Canada on 22 April 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Tougher than a $2 steak
The best thing about this book is that you hear every word in JR's voice crystal-clearly in your head. It's really written how he sounds. Complete with the witty one-liners you'd expect, some you wouldn't, but all hilarious nonetheless and very fun to read. The chapters are short, so it's easy to pick up and put down periodically. The most interesting material covered in this book is his time with Bill Watts in Mid South Wrestling, that is definitely the strongest part of the book. You will form a new understanding of both JR and Watts and the potential Mid South had to be a true contender in the national spotlight. It also covers his first 6 years in WWE, but I wasn't as impressed by those stories. His devotion to the wrestling business is absolutely irrefutable and there's very few people alive today that remain committed on that stratospheric level.
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in Australia on 1 November 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars From One of the best Announcers to a great Author
"JR" was introduced into my house by mistake. As my father would give me $5 to rent a few videos, he was an amateur wrestler so I thought he would enjoy a few Wrestling Videos. He hated them but I instantly loved them. The stories, the moves, the reason for the battles to take place.
JR is wrestling his stories, his moves through out his career and the battles that he dealt with have defined who he is and with this book he has brought his incredible story to life.
I'm now inspired to follow my dreams and never give up.
Everyone should read this as soon as the can.
- AnonymousReviewed in the United States on 11 June 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars A Real Slobberknocker
BY GAWD WHAT A BOOK! Hopefully you read that in Good Ol' JR's voice. This book is a quick easy read for any raslin' fan. It cover's JR's childhood and parts of his personal life but it also provides a lot of information about how he came up in the business. There's a lot of good info about the Territory Days as well as the behind the scenes stuff within the various promotions. My favorite parts though were th anecdotes about his adventures with various Wrestlers over the years. They are hilarious and help fans feel like they know the performers better. Honestly this book left me wanting more...a lot more. It doesn't cover much of the Attitute Era and his time in WWE. I'm pretty sure that's in his most recent book which I'll probably buy too.