Duration: 0:00

2 views

0

Simon Garfield's "The Wrestling" offers an engaging exploration into the golden era of British professional wrestling, shedding light on a cultural phenomenon that captivated millions. Through a series of interviews with prominent figures from the wrestling world, Garfield delves into the lives and careers of these athletes, presenting a vivid tapestry of a uniquely British entertainment form.
The narrative centers on iconic personalities such as Big Daddy, known off-stage as Shirley Crabtree. With his massive physique and charismatic persona, Big Daddy became a national hero, embodying the archetype of the lovable giant. Garfield delves into Crabtree's life beyond the ring, revealing a complex individual whose influence extended into British popular culture.
In contrast, Mick McManus epitomized the quintessential wrestling villain. His slicked-back hair and notorious low blows made him the wrestler audiences loved to hate. Garfield's portrayal uncovers a man deeply passionate about wrestling, dedicated to his craft, and respected among peers despite his in-ring persona.
The enigmatic Kendo Nagasaki, born Peter Thornley, added a layer of mystique to the wrestling scene. Always masked and seldom speaking, Nagasaki's samurai-like demeanor captivated audiences. Garfield explores Thornley's adoption of this persona, highlighting themes of identity and performance.
Giant Haystacks, or Martin Ruane, stood as another towering figure. His massive size and fierce presence made him a natural antagonist, especially in his legendary rivalry with Big Daddy. Garfield presents Ruane as a gentle giant off-stage, using his physicality to carve a path away from his humble beginnings.
The book also touches on figures like Jimmy Savile, who, before his controversial later life, dabbled in wrestling as a gateway into public entertainment. This inclusion underscores the crossover appeal wrestling had during its peak.
Garfield's approach is largely oral history, allowing wrestlers to share their stories in their own words. This method provides authenticity, capturing the camaraderie, rivalries, and the gritty reality of life both inside and outside the ring. However, this reliance on firsthand accounts sometimes leads to a fragmented narrative, requiring readers to piece together the broader context of the wrestling world.
The book examines the decline of British wrestling, attributing it partly to television executives like Greg Dyke, who deemed the sport too downmarket, leading to its removal from mainstream broadcasting in 1988. This decision marked the end of an era, as American wrestling styles began to dominate, overshadowing the uniquely British form that had thrived for decades.
Garfield's work is not just a chronicle of wrestling but a reflection on British working-class entertainment. The sport's popularity among the working class, its role in community gatherings, and its reflection of societal values are themes woven throughout the narrative. The wrestlers' personas often mirrored societal archetypes, from the underdog to the villain, providing a mirror to the audience's own experiences and aspirations.
Critics have praised "The Wrestling" for its affectionate and comprehensive portrayal. The Independent lauded it as "an affectionate account packed with drama, humour, tragedy and intrigue," capturing the essence of a bygone era. Readers have echoed this sentiment, with one noting it as a "gritty look at a piece of nostalgia," reminiscing about the days when wrestling captivated the nation.
However, some readers have expressed a desire for more contextual analysis beyond the interviews. The book's structure, heavily reliant on direct quotations, occasionally lacks a cohesive narrative thread, making it challenging for those unfamiliar with the era to fully grasp the significance of certain events or figures.
In conclusion, "The Wrestling" serves as a heartfelt tribute to a distinctive aspect of British cultural history. Garfield's compilation of voices from the wrestling world offers readers an intimate glimpse into the lives of those who defined an era. While the book may benefit from additional contextual analysis, it succeeds in preserving the stories of these larger-than-life characters, ensuring that the legacy of British professional wrestling continues to be remembered and appreciated.
Sources