The Three Count: My Life in Stripes as a WWE Referee

I love wrestling books, but especially ones that are well written by humble superstars. Egos sometimes get in the way of a great book and Jimmy was always a great ref on tv and now reading this, he comes across as an humble guy with great stories. Great book

Jimmy Korderas loves wrestling. He loves "the boys", the fans, travel, set-up, breakdown, and just about anything else you might think of, so long as it involves wrestling. This obvious passion for the business comes out clearly through Korderas' conversational voice.You will find no salacious accounts of wild nights or shots taken at former colleagues. Korderas is careful to remain respectful and shows that a wrestling book without dirt can still be entertaining. Korderas' writing style is sometimes choppy or too self aware, and it can at times draw you away from the story when he writes aloud asking what he should cover next. This minor short coming is roundly overcome by the great humility and love for wrestling world that will hold the wrestling fan's attention adequately.

This is a feel good book about a man who was able to live his dream for 20 plus years as a WWF/WWE ref. He tells multiple stories from how he got started in the business until the biggest moment in his career. It's an easy read, and enjoyable. I think he holds back in some aspects in order to protect people, and not offend them. I completely understand that but I still would have liked to hear exactly how he felt. Overall, it's a great read and gives you insight into the ref position.

I downloaded this book the day it was available and I'm glad I did. Jimmy's stories are very entertaining and you really get a feel of his love for the business. With stories from the 80's to the present day, I could not put this book down. One of the most refreshing aspects of this book is Korderas does not have an ego that gets in the way of telling honest stories as is the problem in several other wrestling books I've read. I would love to see another book published. Don't make the mistake of thinking this is a "boring referee book" because this certainly was not. To any serious wrestling fan who wants to know how WWE runs backstage, do yourself a favor and order this book.

I'm used to reading so many books written by WWE superstars that I found it unique to read one from a different perspective. I've always wondered what goes into being a WWE official and now I know. I found the stories really interesting and fun to read. I also enjoyed seeing what all a referee goes through inside & outside the ring. If anything, I wish there'd been more stories because I enjoyed them so much. Good read especially if you are into the WWE product.

I enjoyed Mike Chioda's book. He seems like a genuinely nice guy who was lucky to live dream, being a WWE ref. He is a really good story teller.I would've liked the book a little better if he dished out more dirt, but can understand why he wouldn't that exposed. The book tends to jump around chronologically at times.If you're a WWE fan interested in learning about life on the road I highly recommend this book.

I liked Korderas' recounting of his career in the wrestling business. He talks about how he got started, his good times and bad times, presents his life in stripes in a professional manner. He took his job seriously, was proud when he was called upon to work big matches and events, shares his insights about the profession and the wrestlers and promoters he encountered along the way.

The 3 Count is a great, quick read from a perspective we haven't read before, a referee. Jimmy Korderas stories of dealing with some of the biggest and unknown wrestlers of the 80s, 90s and 00s are worth the purchase alone.Jimmy even discusses those topics that have been over analysed(deaths of Owen, Eddie and Benoit and Montreal) in a fresh light that doesn't try to repeat the information already out there

Have read a lot of wrestling auto-biographies both good and bad but this is the first book I've seen written by a referee.It's refreshing to hear different stories and see familiar tales told from a different perspective. A lot of wrestlers books devolve into twisting history in order to make them look better so it is enjoyable to see a book from a guy who has no axe to grind or reason to lie. He's honest and witty, the book flows nicely and is well written. There is little in the way of "dirt" but for me that adds to the appeal, it's just a good life story of someone who worked hard and made a life out of a business he loved.

Very interesting to read a refs perspective of the business and how Jimmy got into it all, this book has it all

Great read and wonderful insight into the world of WWE definitly recommend for any WWE fan out there to get.

A great little find that I originally hear spoken about on Live Audio Wrestling.The Author's tenure in the WWE gives him a unique perspective over a number of decades and interesting tales on everyone from Randy 'Macho Man' Savage to the late Eddie Guerrero.Recommended.

never read the insight to a ref before if you love wrestling and what to know what goes on backstage this is for you jimmy gives a great insight to the people behind it all