Legendary St. Louis promoter Sam Muchnick and the magical television wrestling show broadcast from the opulent Chase Hotel from 1959 to 1983 are captured in this informative, amusing, and sometimes poignant story of one of wrestling's greatest eras. The high-class establishment of the Chase Hotel and the rough-and-tumble world of professional wrestling made strange bedfellows, but they worked together to produce an addicting spectacle under the direction of Muchnick. Ric Flair, "King Kong" Brody, and Andre the Giant are just some of the many characters who are featured in the engrossing, funny, and touching tales. Any fan of pro wrestling will delight in the history, humor, and uniqueness of Sam Muchnick and the Chase.

Larry Matysik's profile page

Larry Matysik started working for Sam Muchnick in 1963. He also worked for Vince McMahon and the World Wrestling Federation from 1984 to 1993, and has since been involved in independent wrestling promotions. He lives in Belleville, Illinois.

"A fond look backwards at the glory days of wrestling."  —Shelf Life

"Simulates the sensation of sitting around a table...listening to your uncles tell stories of their youths."  —Sauce Magazine 

"With objectivity and candor...Larry Matysik brings to life an honest, hard-hitting, and emotional account."  —Left Bank Books

"Details St. Louis' rich wrestling tradition as one of the country's top venues throughout the 1960s and 1970s."  —Belleville News-Democrat

"Consider Matysik's book an essential read."  —St. Louis Post-Dispatch