Professional wrestler Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, a WWE Hall of Famer and former Intercontinental Champion, has released his long-awaited autobiography, The Hammer: The Life and Times of Greg Valentine. The book, published by Crowbar Press, provides an unfiltered account of his decades-long career in the ring and his life outside of professional wrestling.
A Career Defined by Longevity and Intensity
Greg Valentine, born John Wisniski Jr., is widely recognized for his tenure in the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). According to WWE’s official athlete profile, he is a multi-time champion, having held the Intercontinental Championship and multiple tag team titles throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Known for his technical prowess and the "Figure-Four Leglock," which he famously utilized to secure victories, Valentine was a staple of the professional wrestling circuit for over four decades. His autobiography details the physical toll of his career, documenting the grueling travel schedules and the evolution of the industry from the territory era to the global expansion of the 1980s.
Inside the Autobiography
In The Hammer, Valentine addresses his upbringing as the son of wrestler Johnny Valentine and his decision to follow in his father’s footsteps. The book covers several major chapters of his professional life:
- The Territory Days: Insights into the NWA regional system where he honed his craft before his mainstream success.
- WWE Stardom: Behind-the-scenes stories regarding his feuds with legends such as Tito Santana and Ric Flair.
- The Hall of Fame: Reflections on his 2004 induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, where he was recognized for his contributions to the sport.
The text distinguishes itself from typical wrestling memoirs by focusing on the specific "working" style of his generation. Unlike modern athletic-focused portrayals, Valentine’s account emphasizes the psychological aspects of "working" a crowd and the importance of maintaining a consistent persona over long periods.
Why This Memoir Matters to Wrestling History
The release of this book provides a primary source perspective on the transition of professional wrestling into a television-centric business. While many memoirs from this era focus on the controversies of the 1990s, Valentine’s work offers a contrast by grounding its narrative in the traditionalist values of the 1970s.
According to the publication details provided by Crowbar Press, the book includes archival photos and personal anecdotes that have not been widely circulated in previous wrestling documentaries. For historians and fans of the sport, the autobiography serves as a record of the "Golden Age" of wrestling, capturing the perspective of a performer who worked alongside the biggest names in the industry before the advent of the modern digital era.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who published Greg Valentine’s autobiography?
The book, The Hammer: The Life and Times of Greg Valentine, is published by Crowbar Press.
Does the book cover his father’s career?
Yes, the autobiography includes details regarding his relationship with his father, Johnny Valentine, and how his family background influenced his entry into professional wrestling.
Is the book available in digital formats?
As of the latest updates from the publisher, the book is available in both physical and digital formats through the official Crowbar Press website and major online book retailers.