BOOK DETAILS

Paperback: 230 pages

Dimensions: 6x9

Publisher: Crowbar Press

Photos: 205 b&w

Cover: Full color

ISBN: 978-0-9745545-4-9

Item #: cbp04-ik

Price: $19.95

This is a revealing memoir that will take you into the mind of the Russian Bear, both in and out of the ring.
Read the complete review on georgiawrestlinghistory.com
Rich Tate

Scott Teal has done it again and has co-authored yet another championship literary work in the fast moving world of Professional Wrestling!

This time he tag teams with Ivan "The Russian Bear" Koloff in Is That Wrestling Fake? and takes us down another unique path of what the old school kayfabe days of pro wrestling were like.  Here you will read about Ivan’s life long struggles both in and out of the squared circle — his rise in to the main events — how the WWWF title was to exchange hands between Bruno Sammartino, Pedro Morales and himself, and why it was done exactly the way it was done at that time — his travels to many wrestling territories of his time: WWWF, NWA, AWA, WWA, IWA, etc. — how he carried his anti-American act too far and found himself deep in trouble with the FBI — and about his great partners and the tag titles he held.

The book is very different than most other wrestling books you might have read before.  In fact, you might seem to think, like me, that the book is somewhat incoherent until you realize the angle Ivan and Scott are coming from.  The book is not set up in a straight, historical time line; rather, it is set up as if Ivan and Scott were sitting right next to you, sharing a beer, and talking about the good old days.  The thoughts come out as naturally as if you were talking to your best friend on old childhood memories.  Nothing is rehearsed, and the thoughts flow freely from topic to topic; or in wrestling terms, from pillar to post.

Readers who were fortunate to have read Inside Out by Ole Anderson, and Wrestlers Are Like Seagulls by J.J. Dillon, know just how much work it took to make the matches come to look as real to a fight as possible, and for good reason; the people believed it was real, but if it were real, the wrestlers could never have wrestled several times a week as they did then.  That is not to say the wrestlers did not get hurt, or suffer all sorts of physical punishment.  The truth is, THEY DID!

Finally, you will read about Ivan’s reclamation through his faith in God.  It is this part of the book that reminds me of "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck, in that no matter how far from grace a man has fallen in the sight of God, he still maintains the choice to do better, to choose between good and evil – "timshel" or Thou Mayest, is truly ever present in Ivan’s life and book.

Accolades to Ivan and Scott on a great book!

Mark Cappuzzo

I finished the book a few nights ago and I really enjoyed reading it a lot.  Ivan is a very interesting guy and his life is a remarkable story.  I also learned a lot about the wrestling business, at least the way it used to be when it was good from a fan and spectators standpoint.  I assumed that the top guys made a whole lot more money.  Perhaps they do today.  I rattled off some of the names he mentioned to my brother and we had a lot of fun reminiscing, remember this guy, remember that guy, etc.  I hope that the book is a huge success for both you and Ivan.  Please let him know how much the guy who printed his book enjoyed reading it!
Steve Sirlin

Just wanted to let you know that I just finished your book with Ivan Koloff.  I must say, great job again.  I found the book to be very entertaining from a wrestling fans perspective (since 1970) and also I found Ivans story and his trial of his faith to be tremendously inspiring.  I will recommend this book to any and all.
John Mozuke

I have now received and read the J.J., Ole, and Ivan books and all I can say is Bravo!!  All three are great reads and even better than I thought they would be!!  They blow away the sanitized works put out by the WWE.  I can't wait for the Bruiser Brody book.  And do you have an E.T.A. for Stan Hansen?  Also, two more names come to mind when thinking of possible subjects: Kevin Sullivan and Abdullah The Butcher.  Have either ever shown any interest in telling their no-doubt fascinating stories?
Jim Filipski

I just finished Ivan's Is That Wrestling Fake? and was enthralled and wanting more.  It is a good read, full of interesting tidbits on the wrestling business, it's characters, and Ivan's life.  In his book, he proves, without doubt, that God can save the worst of us.
Tim Quinn
Webmaster for ivankoloff.com

Received the Koloff book.  Can't wait to sit down and actually read it cover to cover.  I keep grabbing it and reading bits and pieces here and there.  It is another one of your masterpieces and couldn't be on a finer talent than Ivan Koloff, one of wrestling's all-time finest.  We need one on Donnie Fargo now!
Ken Jugan, aka Lord Zoltan

I loved your Ivan book.  It was great.   I would love to see a book that exposes the deaths related to drugs?  I believe it is just terrible.  Ivan is a friend.  I am happy to see his life detailed in a book.
Paul Jones

I received Ivan book today and thumbed thru it at lunch.  GREAT pics in the book, especially near the end.  I can't wait to read story tonight of Ivan, Bruno Sammartino, and WWWF title swap.  Thanks again for another great piece of work.
Kelly Townsend

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