Tiller Press Under the Black Hat: My Life in the WWE and Beyond

I enjoyed this book as much as the previous one. JR is one of if not the best all around voices of pro wrestling. At least from my era. I liked the shorter chapters which gave us his point of view on things but didn’t stretch out just to make the book longer. He speaks w/such integrity about so many of the great things as well as the horrific things he’s witnessed and been a part of. I’ve known from many of the books I’ve read prior stories but to be directly on the inside of the WWE and to see just how much of a bully and inconsiderate a-hole Vince McMahon was/is kind of makes me dislike WWE just a little. Overall this was a great read and if I’ve learned anything it’s JR is someone I’d love to have about 12 beers w/and just listen to his stories.

A very good book. This book picks up right where Slobberknocker finished. As I said the writing got better towards the end of that book I am glad that continued into and throughout this book.J.R's relationship with the WWF/WWE is like the ultimate toxic relationship no matter how badly one side treats the other one they are too in love with them to leave or they just keep coming back. I think he says it best"Wrestling was my mistress, but she did not always love me back"The first book was Jim's start in the business now he is well established, though many fans know him for his voice and story telling. Many people probobly did not know his work behing the scenes. Also how much and how hard he works. This is something that really resonates and appeals to me about the story. I have always respected hard work over ability. However when you take someone with all the passion and talent of Jim Ross works harder than anyone not named Vince, you can see the effects and results on the industry.The book takes takes place from the Attitude era, the good, bad and some terrible angles/storylines. Many of the terrible angles involved Good Old J.R the character not by choice.This book just has a great nostalgic feel to people like me who were along for the ride of these eras. Even though I switched to altunitives to the WWE after a couple of the terrible angles I still heard or knew everything going on. There are a couple of cross references to story's brought up in Chyna's and Mick Foley and Chris Jericho's book. I would day Jim Ross has seen it all in the business but I had no idea exactly how involved he was. As much as I respect hard work Jim's love and obsession of the business had wrestling at the top everything and everyone else was second onwards. I wish Jim luck in the future. Never the end as he said retirement never lasts in this business.

The book helps “pull back the curtain” on the wrestling business although most stories have been told in some regard on the Grilling JR podcast.0I would have like a bit more steak and less sizzle at times but as a “non-reader” - I finished the book in three days.

I was an avid wrestling fan for 10 years from 1998 to 2008. I loved listening to good ole JR call the matches. This book is a must read for any and all fans of Jim Ross.

This is quite simply one of the absolute greatest wrestling books ever written. I would place this book on par with other favourites such as Mick Foley's Have a Nice Day, and Chris Jerhicos, A Lion's Tale. If you are a fan of wrestling, buy this book right now!