Missy Hyatt: First Lady of Wrestling

When it comes to Pro Wrestling literature, the true test of the books appeal comes from the number of times you remove it from your book shelf, dust it off, and begin rereading it again because the stories told from within both captivate and remind you of the Pro Wrestling History you grew up with. Mick Foley's first book "Have a Nice Day; a Tale of Blood and Sweat socks" is a perfect example of that type of book. In it there was the perfect mixture of a captivating story, insider information, and a chronicled history of his early career involvement in the old territorial system, which old time fans can relate too and find the inner workings of the business at that time interesting. In contrast, there are works circulating out there involving Pro Wrestlers such as The Rock, Kurt Angle, and the performer formally know as Chyna, that leave the reader questioning his or her decision on the purchase. Being a hard core fan of Pro Wrestling, one will more than likely purchase any book in which an in ring performer tells their story, but in the case of the aforementioned WWF creations, with the exception of Foley, I found myself likening the purchase to that of spending money on an outfit I will only wear once before packing it away. The stories of The Rock, Angle, and Chyna (well, maybe not Chyna's) can be likened to that of a movie that is a good rental for a Friday night, but not one you would purchase for your collection. The reason being is that these 3 Sports Entertainers are still in the midst of living their stories. Instead of adding to their history, they chose to ride the wave of Pro Wrestlers telling their stories in book form rather than waiting for their lives to provide them with the proper material to make their Pro Wrestling Career an Eventful tale to be told and looked upon with historical impact. With that being said, I would like to express my views on one of the newer books put out by an older performer in Pro Wrestling. "Missy Hyatt: The First Lady of Wrestling" was probably the most anticipated and hyped Pro Wrestling book to hit the markets since I can remember. Missy promised a juicy tell all book that would reveal "the dirt" on many Pro Wrestling performers from both past and present. From some, I have heard that the book did not live up to their expectations. Complaints ranged from the book being too short, the events were not chronologically correct, and that there were not any jaw dropping revelations in between the pages. Now, I've been a die-hard Pro Wrestling fan for 20 years. That means my early exposure to the product occurred during the early 1980's. Not only was Missy Hyatt starting her career during this period but also in doing so she was revolutionizing the role of the Pro Wrestling Valet along with holding the title of "Pro Wrestling's Sexiest Women". Missy had the looks, the interview skills, and the charisma that is unmatched by any of the current crop of female eye candy you see on WWF TV there days.

Missy Hyatt the person would no doubt be the biggest female wrestling star in history if she would have just come along a few years later. Missy Hyatt the book is incredibly intertaining for two reasons: 1) it tells you what was going on in the world of wrestling through Missy's eyes and 2) it tells you about all the sex that Missy was having at the time. Throw in some really cool pics, and a tone to the book that is very conversational, and it is a book that all wrestling fans will enjoy.

I enjoyed this book so much it only took me 1 day to read it, I could not put it down. Her views on pro-wrestling made me love the sport even more. Thanks Missy.....why this is not on the NY Times Best seller list is a mystery!

Missy Hyatt was one of the first "modern day" wrestling divas and a pretty big star throughout the 80's and early 90's. This book is the story of her life and her career in the world of professional wrestling.The writing style is pretty decent and comes across more as a "talk-story" session at the coffee shop. It's very easy (and fast) to read. Many of the wrestling fans "in the know" know about Missy's legendary promiscuity which the quotes on the back cover will allude to, but to be honest, the book is "relatively" clean and not the sleezy "kiss and tell all" book you'd think it would be. Of course she does give a laundry list of sorts of the many, many men she's been with in her life, but it's nothing overly filthy. In a movie rating it would be about a PG-13.Overall, this book is just a neat story about a pretty average girl named Melissa and the MANY cool experiences, places and people she's had, seen and met throughout her life, not only in her wrestling career, but also as a celebrity.In the book you get:- A quick rundown of her childhood- Her start in the wrestling business as a "groupie"- Her pretty messed up relationship with Jake "The Snake" Roberts- Her relationship with "Hollywood" John Tatum- The formation of the "Missy Hyatt" character in WCCW and her program with Sunshine and Scott Casey- Her stay in Bill Watt's UWF and program with Jack Victory, Dark Journey and the Missing Link and great stories about Sting, Steiner and J.R.- The cute story of her courtship, life and marriage (and eventual divorce) to the late, great "Hot Stuff" Eddie Gilbert while in the UWF.- Her and Eddie's travels through the Memphis territory and the CWF- Her BRIEF stint as a WWF Superstar with "Missy's Manor" and some great tales about her meeting with Vince McMahon- Her rocky career in the WCW with some great tales about her meeting with Ted Turner, Ric Flair and Eric Bischoff- Her relationship with Jason Hervey (Wayne Arnold (the big brother) from the Wonder Years)- Her many, many flings thereafter (football players, hockey players, other wrestlers...)- Her career in ECW with the Sandman and friendship with Paul Heyman- Her current whereabouts (current career and college, but no mention of her `adult' website).Overall, Missy's got some GREAT stories to share about all the people and places she's been to (and been with), and met. She has tons of great stories from the road and "backstage/off-camera" anecdotes about a lot of the others in the business. Among others she shares things about are Paul E, the Freebirds, Luger, Buff Bagwell, Road Warrior Hawk, Tommy Rich, Brutus Beefcake, Dr. Tom Pritchard, Shane McMahon and a HILARIOUS story about Val Venis.I particularly enjoyed her stories about her relationship with Eddie Gilbert, being a fan of both of their work. It's just really sad things didn't work out between them and I could sense a lot of that sadness when she talked about him. It's obvious that there were still some strong feelings ther

Missy. The First Lady. Melissa. Call her what you want. But you can't help but not call her successful. Missy Hyatt has done some things that many may never do. She was indeed "The First Lady of Wrestling," and this is her saga in the business. To be blunt, her saga is something. She was in the Big 3. She's "assisted" many a superstar. She was even married to the late and great Eddie Gilbert. This book tells many a tale of the ups and downs of her career. Sure, she may have left out the odd thing here and there, but that's besides the point. The information and stories contained within the book more than make up for things. In fact, the price of the book more than makes up for the tales she has to tell. Inside you'll find out about some of her "men," who are duds, who are studs, and even some input to some of her more classic angles. I have been looking forward to this book since I first heard about it and was amazingly happy with the read. I had no idea she even did "Missy's Manor" in the WWF early on. I loved her in WCW, and even that short stint in the WWF around '96, '97. I'm now looking into some of the more retro ECW footage to see her star power there. If you're a fan of wrestling, this book is for you. If you love the women of wrestling, this book will shed some light on who the real woman is who set the standards of today. Just pick up the book and you won't be disappointed.