# Living the Gimmick

Canonical: https://www.bookquiver.com/ben-peller/living-the-gimmick/9780759550049

![Living the Gimmick](https://quivercdn.com/covers/grand-central-publishing/ben-peller/living-the-gimmick_978-07-5955-004-9.png?v=2026-05-09%2018%3A28%3A55)

- Book: [Living the Gimmick](https://www.bookquiver.com/ben-peller/living-the-gimmick) ([Living the Gimmick.md](https://www.bookquiver.com/ben-peller/living-the-gimmick.md))
- Authors: [Ben Peller](https://www.bookquiver.com/ben-peller)
- Publisher: grand_central_publishing
- ISBN: 978-07-5955-004-9
- Pages: 1
- Published: 2000-10-15
- Language: en_GB
- Binding: Softcover

## Description

From the time he was able to body slam a pillow, Michael dreamed of becoming a professional wrestler, vanquishing imaginary enemies and nagging self-doubt with every drop kick he landed. As his buddies hit the books, Michael got hit. When they left for college, he enrolled in Shane Stratford's Wrestling Academy, where cash -- and a particularly punishing " audition" -- afforded him a first look into a world part circus, part sport, and all spectacle. From penny-ante matches to national notoriety, Michael rises through the ranks of professional wrestling. Hopped up on speed, pumped up on steroids, and fueled by a frustration he can't quite name, he adopts and discards identities in a bid to find the " gimmick" that will make him complete. His search will bring him in contact with people weird and wonderful: athletes and actors, crazy fans and crooked managers, the full rich range of folks who revel in the ring. Combining elements of sports narrative a la " North Dallas 40, " the behind-the-scenes authenticity of " Pumping Iron, " and a flair for the bizarre that recalls John Irving, " Living the Gimmick" is a novel not soon forgotten.