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Review of Cowboy & The Cross by "Cowboy" Bill Watts

About.com Rating four out of Five

By Eric Cohen, About.com

The Bottom Line

Bill Watts has first hand experience about some of the most controversial events in the business. He holds no punches back when describing his life both inside and outside of the ring. He has been involved with almost everyone that ever mattered in the business and tells stories that have never been published elsewhere. If you are a fan of wrestling history, you owe it to yourself to buy this book.
Pros
  • Bill Watts talks about all phases of the wrestling business
  • He does not shy away from any controversial issues, including corruption in Louisiana
  • An in depth analysis of the Atlanta territorial battle
  • Talks about how he came about owning and running a territory
  • A great insight into the problems that plagued and eventually killed WCW
Cons
  • The chapter on his Oklahoma University experience is tough to follow
  • Part of a story is missing as the event which led to a trial is not explained prior to the trial

Description

  • The book is written by Bill Watts and Scott Williams
  • The book runs 330 pages
  • He details the corruption he faced with the Louisiana government
  • He is an old school tough guy and shows his respect for those like him
  • He is brutal to the people he views as phonies (Bischoff & The Ultimate Warrior)

Guide Review - Review of Cowboy & The Cross by "Cowboy" Bill Watts

The story begins with his tough childhood followed by his time at Oklahoma University. From there he got involved in professional wrestling and tells many stories about the different wrestlers and promotions he wrestled in. He also tells many stories from the road and some of them are very violent. He later was involved in the writing end of the business and later owned his own territory.

He details the corruption he faced in Louisiana. A few months after writing this book, the incompetence of their government was on nationwide display. In another topical story, his UWF was destroyed due to the exact opposite problem the country is facing today, low oil prices.

His WCW tenure is best explained by a story he tells wondering why anyone would want to see Titanic since everyone knows the boat sank. His belief was that no one would see wrestling if they knew it was fake so he made some moves to make it seem more real. His vision for the company was ruined by the executives that thought a movie with a one-eyed midget would bring in the big bucks. He fully discusses the controversy that surrounded his leaving the company. The book ends with him discussing his religious philosophy.

Overall Recommendation: Buy this Book

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