Wrestling's Underbelly From Bingo Halls to Shopping Malls

Choreographed fights. Larger-than-life freak performers. Sold-out stadiums. Big money contracts. Ask the average person about the professional wrestling industry, and they’re likely to respond with answers such as these. They’re likely to think of individuals such as The Rock or Hulk Hogan—wealthy stars with a global following. But what lies beneath the glitz and the glamour of WWE is a world of small shows inside cramped buildings. A world of shoe-string budgets and community access television. A world of unknown, hungry wrestlers with salaries of $20 a night and dreams of superstardom. It’s called the independent pro wrestling business. And, for hundreds of aspiring WWE stars, it’s the necessary vehicle for exposure and for progression. Wrestling’s Underbelly: From Bingo Halls to Shopping Malls is the story of James Jimmy Van” VanderLinden, a Canadian wrestling promoter and writer. Follow his journey from a small town to the big city, looking to fulfill his dream, a dream to create compelling television for a national wrestling company. James’ aspirations lead him to the independent wrestling world, where he meets a group of colorful characters who show him the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. And, when James’ opportunity to write for WWE finally arrives, he’s presented with a situation that he never expected.Van, Jimmy is the author of 'Wrestling's Underbelly From Bingo Halls to Shopping Malls' with ISBN 9781413770117 and ISBN 1413770118.