Slobberknocker

By: Jim Ross, Paul O'Brien

Narrated by: Jim Ross, R. C. Bray

Length: 10 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's Summary

There are few people who have been in the wrestling business longer than Jim Ross. And those who have made it as long as he has (half a century to be exact) probably made enemies or burned bridges. But that's just not JR.

Slobberknocker is the story of how an Oklahoman farm kid with a vivid imagination and seemingly unattainable dreams became "The Voice of Wrestling" to record TV audiences and millions of fans around the world.

Jim opens up about his life as an only child on a working farm, who became obsessed with professional wrestling having first seen it on his grandparents' TV. Even though the wrestling business was notoriously secretive and wary of "outsiders", he somehow got a foot in the door to start a historic career, one where he held almost every job in the business - from putting up the ring to calling matches, from driving his blind, drunk boss toward revenge to consoling two naked 600-pound brothers in the shower room after a rough match.

With all those adventures and responsibilities, he's also recognized as the man who built and nurtured a once-in-a-generation talent roster that took the WWE to new heights, including "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Brock Lesnar, and The Rock, to name a few. Listeners will finally get the opportunity to hear never-before-told stories about the politics, wackiness, and personalities of all the biggest stars.

But this isn't just a wrestling story. It's a story about overcoming adversity and achieving your dreams, as success did not come without significant costs and unforeseen challenges to JR, including multiple bouts of severe facial paralysis called Bell's palsy. Currently he is the host of the podcast The Ross Report.

Any fan of wrestling- from the territory days to today - will be enthralled with stories from the road and behind the scenes. Slobberknocker is the first time Ross tells his story - and you don't want to miss it!

©2017 Jim Ross with Paul O'Brien (P)2017 Novel Audio Inc.

Somewhat disappointed

Jim is the greatest announcer of all time for sure! I felt the book didn’t really go in depth about the wrestling business. I wanted more stories and behind the scenes stuff. It only covers his career up until WrestleMania 15. To Jim’s credit his career was so long so it would be hard to cover everything. Maybe a second book coming later? Hopefully! I would recommend this book for the wrestling fan who grew up listening and watching Jim. Over all I would give this book a 6 out of 10.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Simply a blast from the past.

Good ol’ J.R. Has been the voice of my childhood. I have never enjoyed a book as much as I did this one. Even though you will never see this, thank you J.R.
Not only for sharing your story but reminding me to never give up. This is a must for any wrestling fan!

Fascinating, but Incomplete

Great book, loved the story, and it's great to hear JR narrate his own life! However, he seems far more comfortable speaking off-the-cuff than he does reading from a transcript. His stories are descriptive and entertaining, but the book's timeline ends in 1999 at Wrestlemania 15! What happened to the 18 years since?? Bah gawd, I smell a sequel!

JR at his best

Great book but I expected nothing less. Good listen for wrestling fans and non-wrestling fans.
I gained a greater appreciation for how wrestlers “get over” in the business, and the moving parts that comprise wrestling matches.
JR is truly one of the greatest commentators in sports entertainment and sports.
I feel there is another book or two that would pick up right where this one left off.

A great description of the early days of Jim Ross.

Very detailed book especially regarding JRs childhood and early days in the wrestling business. My only criticism is that it didn’t go into as much detail of the attitude era as I would of liked. All in all a great book I would recommend.

Amazing Story, Wonderful delivery

No chance in being disappointed in this purchase, Awesome journey through Jr's life...Told directly by the man himself...I will be recommending this book with the highest of praise.

Nostalgia at its finest

Having grown up in Tulsa, OK and being an avid Pro Wrestling fan, Jim Ross has been a prominent fixture throughout most of my life. Listening to this audiobook reminded me of the wrestling I watched throughout my childhood and gave some insight into the characters that I never had.

This is a good listen for the wrestling fan and anyone just looking for a good narrative.

the best wrestling announcer of all time

your story moved me so much from the harsh times growing up to your battle with belspalsy.

one of the best books I've read

ithanks JR for telling your story cant wait till the 2nd one people if you love wrestling you have to read this it a must

Great history lesson

I’ve been a fan for a long time, pick up almost every book I can get my hands on to find out more about the superstars that I love to cheer for.
JR did not disappoint with this book, he talks about the good and the bad, he even dives into the crazy.
I must read (listen) for any wrestling fan

Slobber knocker

I really enjoyed this book.
Having it read by the author isn’t always good to hear but Jim Ross really made me want to keep listening (just like he does whenever he’s doing his announcing for any promotion).
The performance is essential to me because audio is a huge part of my life, I’m blind and most of the books haven’t been available in accessible formats until recently.
I gave this rating because JR’s performance kept my attention throughout and to me that’s what audiobooks should always do, just like the original printed books are meant to do.
I look forward to the sequel.

Jaime

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Jim, this was fantastic. Thank you for sharing.

I could not recommwnd this more. Thank you for your honesty and insight, Jim. God Bless.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Very Enjoyable

A great insight to JRs life. left me wanting more. I hope he releases the rest as it only goes up to late 90s. I was gripped through the whole book. love hearing JR read it.

The voice of my childhood talks about his life

Have always loved JR and this book reaffirmed my admiration for him, 5 stars all day long. Getting to hear more about his humble beginnings and how he broke into the wrestling business. Can't wait till part 2 is released.

Great book, very entertaining

I really enjoyed this book, JR narrates it perfectly fine and it is filled with funny and interesting stories. A must for any wrestling fan.

Great stuff

Great from beginning to end. I loved it in every way. Very highly recommended read.

loved hearing Jr's story. need the next part now. get writing JR. great listen, recommended

All wrestling fans should listen to this

a great insight into the world of wrestling and the early territory days.. great listen .

Good Ol' JR can commentate, but he can't narrate!

This book was spoiled for me by the author's narration. Despite being an albeit ghostwritten autobiography, it sounds like he's reading it upside down and written in a stranger's handwriting. There is a stilted, emotionless delivery which really grates. I would have preferred to have read the book instead as I am certain that JR's voice would have flowed better in my head.

Narration quality aside, this is a fair read. Nowhere near the backstage exposé it could have been, but packs a few new anecdotes that prolific wrestling book aficionados may not have heard before.

Adequate background listening material, really. If only Jim Ross was more bitter and happier to risk burning bridges. All the enjoyable wrestling books come from those dark places!

The best wrestling book

Amazing.. utterly... utterly.. amazing.

The best wrestling book on the market.

Jr is the voice of wrestling.