Written by Dave Meltzer of “The Wrestling Observer Newsletter”
SUMMARY:
Published by Winding Stair Press in 2001, this 182-page hardcover by pro wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer pens posthumous biographical profiles honoring twenty pro wrestling notables, who passed away during the 1990’s. Specifically, this volume reflects on:
- Owen Hart; Brian Pillman; “Ravishing” Rick Rude; André the Giant; and Bruiser Brody.
- Fritz Von Erich; Kerry Von Erich; Yokozuna; The Junkyard Dog; and Giant Baba.
- “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers; “Big” John Studd; Ray Stevens; Louie Spicolli; and Art Barr.
- “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert; Boris Malenko; Dino Bravo; Jumbo Tsuruta; and Gordon Solie.
In straight-shooter fashion, Meltzer’s biographies explore each subject’s pro wrestling career, including his legacy re: the industry; and, to varying extents, the circumstances surrounding each death.
REVIEW:
Mostly overcoming this project’s morbid aura, author Dave Meltzer somberly offers terrific journalism instead of exploiting glorified obituaries. Within each biography, there is intriguing material re: how its subject has earned his place in pro wrestling’s controversial history. Further, Meltzer readily acknowledges the dark irony of pro wrestling as a callous industry/fantasy sport that typically prioritizes greed and protecting other self-interests over any hint of compassion. In some instances, Meltzer discusses (if not directly identifies) personal demons of his subjects, without reducing these matters to tabloid trash. The author also readily acknowledges how some of them (i.e. Giant Baba, Owen Hart, Gordon Solie) were well-respected by their peers.
Tributes, however, suffers from sporadic typos and occasional continuity gaffes (i.e. wrong dates; glaring run-on sentences) that hamper Meltzer’s narrative. As well-researched as this retrospective is, Meltzer’s classy sequel, 2004’s Tributes II (which restructures the profiles of Owen Hart and André the Giant), is a better overall read.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
Meltzer includes a dedication and acknowledgments. Jeff Marek provides the foreword. Meltzer’s index proves handy.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
