Pure Dynamite: The Price You Pay for Wrestling Stardom

by Dynamite Kid
Pure Dynamite: The Price You Pay for Wrestling Stardom cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Biography and Memoir
Technical
  • ID: 4526
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781445767482
  • Published: 2025-01-22
  • Reviews: 3

Pure Dynamite: the Price You Pay for Wrestling Stardom is a gripping memoir by Tom Billington, who wrestled as the Dynamite Kid and with Davey Boy Smith as the British Bulldogs. The book chronicles his journey from humble beginnings in England to the heights of success in the WWF, where he faced off against legends like Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan. Billington's story is not just about triumph but also about the severe physical and personal toll of a wrestling career, including years of steroid use and the resulting damage to his health./n/nConfined to a wheelchair due to injuries, Billington's tale is a stark reminder of the price paid for fame in the wrestling world. Painfully candid, Pure Dynamite strips away the glamour to expose the harsh realities of professional wrestling, making it as much a cautionary tale as a fairytale of success.

Reviews
Online World of Wrestling · 2025-10-21
brutal 4.00

The book offers a raw and unfiltered look at the wrestling life, capturing the highs and lows with vivid detail. It's a must-read for fans of the sport who appreciate authenticity and grit.

This memoir doesn't shy away from the brutal realities of professional wrestling. The author's experiences are laid bare, from the physical toll to the personal sacrifices, making it a compelling read for those who admire the sport's raw intensity. The stories are gripping, and the honesty is refreshing, though it might be too stark for some readers. Overall, it's a powerful testament to the wrestling life, warts and all.

Quick quotes

    I loved the Bulldogs and what I saw of Kid as a solo star. I expected a book filled with humorous stories, anecdotes about himself and others.

    Of course I knew he was a controversial and difficult personality, but I didn’t expect the book to be as bitter as it is.

    It's a classic bitter-and-twisted self-portrayal of the Dynamite Kid's career, offering a raw and unfiltered look at the wrestling life.

WhatCulture · 2013-04-12
fascinating 4.50

The book is praised as one of the better pro wrestler autobiographies, offering a unique insight into the life of a wrestling legend. It's a valuable addition to any wrestling enthusiast's collection.

This book stands out among wrestling autobiographies for its candid portrayal of the author's career. It provides a rare glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of a wrestling icon, making it a fascinating read for fans. The stories are engaging, and the book's honest depiction of the wrestling world is both enlightening and entertaining. It's a must-have for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes reality of professional wrestling.

Quick quotes

    One of the better pro wrestler books out there.

    While you may not agree with everything, it's a compelling read.

    It's a valuable addition to any wrestling enthusiast's collection.

411Mania · 2008-08-28
compelling 4.00

The book is described as a bitter and twisted self-portrayal, offering a raw and unfiltered look at the wrestling life. It's a compelling read for those who appreciate authenticity and grit.

This memoir is a no-holds-barred account of the author's wrestling career, capturing the highs and lows with vivid detail. The book's honest and sometimes brutal portrayal of the wrestling world makes it a compelling read for fans who appreciate authenticity. The stories are gripping, and the book's raw intensity is both enlightening and entertaining. It's a powerful testament to the wrestling life, warts and all.

Quick quotes

    Bret Hart accurately described the Dynamite Kid as the Ty Cobb of wrestling.

    A classic bitter-and-twisted self-portrayal of the Dynamite Kid's career.

    Offering a raw and unfiltered look at the wrestling life.

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