Rough House

A Father, a Son, and the Pursuit of Pro Wrestling Glory

De: Alison Lyn Miller

Narrado por: Alison Lyn Miller

"Truly, this is a book that belongs on the shelves of not just wrestling fans, but anyone who wants to understand the agonized American soul." —Josephine Riesman, author of Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America

Professional wrestling is both a cultural phenomenon and a multibillion-dollar industry that has launched some of the biggest names in entertainment. But what does it take for a wrestler to break through? In Rough House, journalist Alison Lyn Miller introduces Hunter James, an aspiring star born into a family of wrestlers in Georgia. Hunter lifts, runs, and pounds protein, sculpting himself into a human action figure with the goal of being signed by a major promotion and finishing what his father started. Miller's immersive, unforgettable account shows us what happens when Hunter enters the bruising world of indie wrestling―where gymnasiums become arenas, trampolines serve as training grounds, and young men fight for glory.

Rich with drama, humor, and heart, Rough House is a ringside seat to a coming-of-age story that reveals the escapism, self-actualization, performance, and violence inherent in one of America's most dismissed pastimes. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the spectacle, this true story will leave you cheering for more.

©2026 Alison Miller (P)2026 Tantor Media

Even if you THINK you could not care less about wrestling, listen to/read this book!

I’ll start off by saying I’m most definitely not in the demographic who would normally give a book about wrestling a chance. Admittedly, it’s not a sport I’ve ever paid any attention to. As an almost 40yo woman who is in the middle of the “raising a family” phase of my life, I did not see that changing. However, this book caught my attention when it started showing up on lists with other big-name authors I know and love.

I LOVE to read and every once in a while I decide to branch out and try out a brand new author or topic just to further expand my horizons on writing styles and topics I’ve never looked into. I am SO glad I took a chance on this book. The writing itself is excellent. I could (and hope to in the future!) read anything written by this author. Her descriptive prose makes you feel completely immersed in the stories she tells throughout the book.

Growing up in the 90’s, I knew people who liked wrestling. But not me. Definitely not me. Why would I want to watch fake fighting? I don’t even like real fighting and IT’S ALL FAKE! To this, I now say, “DUH!” Alison goes into kayfabe (the term that refers to the staged performances in wrestling) extensively throughout this book. As someone who loves to read, as I know I already mentioned, I’m always up for a good story. This is something that those of us who like to go to the movies, or watch tv shows, or even go to live concerts with sets and props and costumes understand. It is all staged. Once you understand that, get ready for the fun!

Wrestling fans and performers alike all understand that it is a staged performance, just like any other form of entertainment. Alison does a wonderful job examining this fact and helping the reader to move past the biases that have often existed amongst people outside of the world of wrestling. Admittedly, I had these biases myself. But not anymore! I just finished reading and now I cannot wait to bring my kids to a local match to see what it’s all about. We all love a good story of good (babyface, in wrestling terminology) vs evil (heel). I HIGHLY recommend you pick this book up and then get out there and immerse yourself in the iconic storylines brought to you by the soon-to-be great himself, Hollywood Hunter James. Regardless of whether he’s in the ring playing a babyface or a heel, you are guaranteed to root for his dreams to come true!!!

Thank you, Alison Lyn Miller, for opening my eyes to the fascinating world of wrestling! I can’t wait to see what you do next!

amazingly written

I've known hunters family for years since my own journey in the professional wrestling business. and in my personal and professional opinion this is a must read about the ins and outs of living the professional wrestling dream. hunter James indeed is one to watch and look for to be called up to the big time that all of us aspiring wrestling et s dream of one day accomplishing and achieving in our journeys. give this one a very close listen read or look cause you won't be disappointed