The Hardcore Truth: The Bob Holly Story

Bob Holly's "The Hardcore Truth" is a fantastic wrestling book, probably one of the best I've read. Not only amazing to read the behind-the-scenes drama of WWE from someone who was there the whole time, but someone who held no illusions about his position in the company. There's no stories about Bob Holly heroically diving in to perform CPR on Owen Hart or influencing the giant news stories that happened around him, just a guy who lived his life like his wrestling career: Head down, mouth closed, roll with the punches and give as good as he gets. It ends up being kind of a sad story because of how matter-of-factly Bob states that he gave everything to the business and it destroyed his body, but at the same time Bob holds no regrets and ended up set for life, so it's hard to feel too sad for him when he's clearly very happy with how his life ended up. Most importantly, I came out of this with a lot of respect for someone who had always been a fringe player, and made me appreciate what he gave to the business just a little more than I had before. This is a great read and I highly recommend it for all wrestling fans who yearn to hear more about the bygone Attitude era from someone who saw it all and has no dog in the fight or personal biases. Except for Steve Blackman, apparently, because Bob LOVES that guy.

Some of the reviews seem to overlook the fact that although this book is couched in the first person it was written by the co-author, Williams, who is among other things a professional writer, not Holly. That is not a criticism; it helps explain why this is one of the best of the wrestler autobiographies. Chapters about Holly's development and adventures in wrestling alternate with chapters expressing his opinions about the sport, the business, and the people in it. The book is not for wrestling novices but for people already somewhat familiar with those things. It gives those people what they want: it names names and, though it does not criticize anyone too harshly, makes clear who Holly thinks are the good wrestlers and who the bad, inept, or over-hyped.

From start to finish, Bob Holly tells you like it is. I won't spoil anything but to tell you that this book gives the true wrestling fan what they NEED to know about pro wrestling.

When I read a wrestling biography, I want to read it from someone who tells it like it is, not how they think Vince would react (which is why I shy away from most books printed directly through the WWE). This is such a book. I have always liked Hardcore Holly, but never saw him as more then a talented mid card wrestler. This book changed that perception. This is a guy that loves the business, and has been let down by a company he was extremely loyal to. Those that follow wrestling know that those who leave the big time are often bitter and angry, and aren't always reliable because they often paint things in the worst possible light.. What struck me about Bob was that he did have some gripes with many people, but for the most part was able to point out some positive attributes as well as negative ( a prime example being his description of HHH). Don't get me wrong, he told all kinds of juicy stories that give us insight into what our favorite wrestlers were like behind the ring (which i know is one of my main priorities in reading a wrestling bio) but I feel he was more balanced in his approach, which made him more believable. I know I will never look at Bob Holly the same way again.

This is probably the best wrestling autobiography I've read. Better than Foley, Hart, Flair, or anyone else's, and I've read a good deal of them.

Bob Holly was one of my favorite wrestlers back in the day I'll admit, but that has little to do why I five star this. It's genuinely a great book, that sheds light on Holly himself, but is also full of revealing, entertaining and interesting behind-the-scenes stories, which I think are the best parts of any wrestling autobiography. Holly's honesty is beyond brutal at times, and its fascinating to hear his opinions on other wrestlers past and present.

I found myself laughing loudly at some of his funnier stories, and reading this on my kindle, I found myself utilizing the highlight feature more than I ever have, so I can go back and re-read some of his more enlightening quotes or funnier stories.

Buy this book because you're a wrestling fan, and take full advantage that this is not a WWE publication, so you know that there is no filter for the content. This is my favorite wrestling autobiography I've ever read, and it's prompted me to actually write an amazon review for the first time.

A very open and sincere inside look at the WWE from a superstar who while was never pushed as a main eventer will always be remembered by the wrestling. What I got from this book is that sadly loyalty and dedication are not always recognized but instead taken for granted in other words good guys always finish last.

I have read them all and I will say this(95% through the book)is ending up in my top 3 for sure. I always enjoyed Bob's work and appreciated everything he did he perhaps has written one of the best books on wrestling ever. He shows the highs of wrestling and its lows as a talent and as a man. I enjoyed his insight on Eddie Guerrero and Cris Benoit and what it was like around the time of their tragic passing's.I actually found his blunt honesty to be real funny turned out to be a great book!Very worth the purchase. If you Enjoyed Jericho's books and Foley s this is a must have. I hope he writes a second book.

Very truthful account of the sports entertainment business. Interesting stories and comments on various pro wrestlers and backstage politics. Refreshing!

Great Read for any wrestling fan! Bob was very honest and did not pull any punches. Highly recommend this book.

Bob holly shows the politics of wrestling and is honest in his story telling. It's a must read for true wrestling fans. It right with Mick Foley, chris Jericho, and Bret Hart books