[Jimmy Van]

In about a month's time, I'll be releasing a book entitled "Wrestling's Underbelly: From Bingo Halls to Shopping Malls". It's about the independent wrestling business, my trials and tribulations working in the industry, stories from my dealings with the likes of Jim Neidhart, Jim Duggan and The Ultimate Warrior, and even my dealings with WWE. The book is split into two parts, one being non-fiction (i.e. my indy wrestling memoirs) and the other being fictional (i.e. my WWE storyline samples submitted at the request of WWE).

Here exclusively for you guys on the Open Forum is a preview of the book in the way of a free chapter. You can check it out at this link:

Check it out at this link: http://www.jimmyvan.com/book/chapter5.pdf

Post your thoughts after you read it, since I'm interested in your feedback!

[HellKat]

Hey JV,

It was a great read. Lots of nostalgia there (Owen Hart tragedy, was watching it on PPV myself too and still have a copy of it somewhere). Sorry to hear your boss at the AWA screwed you. However, you recalled a lot of great memories for the wrestling fans of the era. I can't wait to read the rest. Liked the pic of you and the Bushwackers, LOL. Very cool. Couldn't believe they had a guy look like X-Pac too, major gimmick infrigement.

[AudioSavior]

JV, you will have to tell me when it is released and I will go and pick it up.

[Mr. Kennedy]

Me too, that was great and I can't wait too see the rest. BTW, do you still look like that?

[Jimmy Van]

Thanks for the early feedback guys, keep it coming.

And no I don't still look like that I was performing for the AWA as a character at the time (I included my old 8x10 shot in the book, and you'll be surprised when you see it) and grew a goatee for whatever stupid reason went through my head at the time. A recent shot of me will be on the back cover, taken about two weeks ago actually.

[The Phantom]

Awesome read JV, I will defiantly pick this up when it comes out. Thanks for the taster. I always enjoy stories from behind the scenes in the business.

[Dr. Giganto]

Reading that chapter really put some things into perspective.

You know, for everything we say about Vince McMahon, and how he "mistreats" his workers, like Matt Hardy, Charlie Haas, etc., it makes me realize Vinnie Mac is pretty damn benevolent for a wrestling promoter

[Crockerinho]

That was a good read

How widely available will the book be? Will it be as easy to get off as the wrestecrap books?

[Jimmy Van]

It'll be available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble's website, Chapters/Indigo's website in Canada. I'm not sure yet whether it will be available in actual stores, I'm awaiting word on that.

[Mr. Kennedy]

I hope so since I don't like ordering stuff online and would prefer going to Barnes & Noble in person, although I might consider buying this online if I have to.