Tributes: Remembering Some of the World's Greatest Wrestlers

Tributes: Remembering Some of the World's Greatest Wrestlers is a 2001 collection of wrestling obituaries by renowned sports journalist Dave Meltzer. The 182-page book features a foreword by Jeff Marek and presents revised versions of eulogies previously published in Meltzer's Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The volume covers the lives and careers of major wrestling figures including Owen Hart, André the Giant, Bruiser Brody, and the Von Erichs. Each tribute combines biographical details with behind-the-scenes insights from Meltzer's decades of industry coverage. The entries have been rewritten from their original newsletter format to create a more cohesive narrative style. Through these collected remembrances, the book provides a historical record of professional wrestling's evolution and the individuals who shaped the industry. Meltzer's analytical approach places each subject's career within the broader context of wrestling history, offering readers both individual stories and a wider perspective on the sport's development.

Reviews indicate this book consists of reprinted obituaries from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter covering wrestlers who died between 1997-2003. Readers appreciated: - Meltzer's deep research and insider knowledge - Historical details about lesser-known territories and promotions - The personal stories and behind-the-scenes insights - Coverage of both famous and obscure wrestlers Common criticisms: - Writing can be dry and statistical at times - Some obituaries feel rushed or incomplete - Limited photos included - Content is dated since it only covers through 2003 Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (28 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (12 reviews) One reader noted: "Meltzer's attention to win-loss records and attendance figures can overshadow the human elements." Another praised how it "preserves wrestling history that might otherwise be lost." The book appears to serve primarily as a historical reference rather than a narrative biography collection.

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The Death of WCW by Bryan Alvarez, R.D. Reynolds Documents the rise and fall of World Championship Wrestling through business records, interviews, and television archives.

NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW by Guy Evans Presents an examination of WCW through interviews with over 120 former WCW executives, wrestlers, and staff members.

The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Heels by Greg Oliver Covers the careers and lives of professional wrestling's most notable villains through historical records and interviews with veterans of the industry.

🌟 Dave Meltzer has been publishing the Wrestling Observer Newsletter since 1980, making it one of the longest-running wrestling publications in history. 🌟 André the Giant, featured prominently in the book, was billed at 7'4" tall and once drank 156 beers in one sitting - a feat documented in the WWE record books. 🌟 Owen Hart's tragic death at Over the Edge 1999, covered in the book, led to major safety reforms in professional wrestling and a $18 million settlement between WWE and his family. 🌟 Bruiser Brody, one of the wrestlers profiled, revolutionized the "brawling" style of wrestling that would later influence stars like Mick Foley and Stone Cold Steve Austin. 🌟 Co-author Jeff Marek hosted WWE Aftermath on The Score Television Network and has covered both professional wrestling and hockey, bringing a unique sports journalism perspective to the book.