brandonsears

Jimmy Korderas is an anomaly in the wrestling business. Not only is he one of the few referees (perhaps the only one) to write a book but he’s also one of the few former WWE employees without some sort of an agenda. He’s a self professed glass-half-full kind of guy and tries his hardest to maintain a positive view when it comes to the wrestling industry. But can you blame him? He worked his dream job for over twenty years! Not many people can say they've achieved that level of personal success in their lives.

Jimmy's book is an entirely different animal when it comes down to the tropes of wrestling autobiographies. Most performers often seem to insist on slinging dirt or writing about how fantastic an entertainer they were. Jimmy instead focuses very little on himself and more so on the people around him. He gives us small glimpses into his personal life here and there but relies heavily on situations and stories that are memorable for both good and bad reasons. In fact, there are some real gems in here, one of which includes a match in which a certain foreign object is used by Owen Hart against Edge that would be a crime not to know.

Jimmy weighs in on some of WWE's biggest moments during his time with the company including the build for WrestleMania IV involving the Hebner twins, the Montreal screw job, the infamous "plane ride from Hell"(also what he considers the "real" plane ride from Hell) and the Benoit murder/suicide. Korderas isn't out to offer up some groundbreaking information but rather relays his thoughts on the matter and his reactions as the events unfolded.

Despite his positive attitude, there are some heartbreaking entries involving the untimely passing of the aforementioned Owen Hart as well as former WWE champion, Eddie Guerrero. His tributes are at moments touching but are also filled with some humorous behind the scenes antics. Both are legendary practical jokers, beloved by everyone they've worked with and the tales Jimmy relays are laugh out loud funny.

Korderas gives the reader a peek into the role of a professional wrestling referee. It's amazing how integral their role within a match is. Everything from giving time cues to relaying messages from agents and producers backstage, it's a wonder guys can get through certain match styles where a referee isn't assigned.

Jimmy Korderas should be an inspiration to us all. He took a passion that he had from a very early age and made a career out of it. Sure, there are always negative aspects to every job, even if it happens to be your dream job but it never hurts to remember that you're doing what you truly love in this life and that's how the author wrote this book.

You're a lucky guy, Jimmy.