Recent Review by Brian Kelley at Missouri Wrestling Revival

I just purchased the brand new book by Dennis T McHawes called Blood Tables and Chairs and could not put the book down . McHawes wrestled as one of the Midwest favorite indy stars in 90’s going by the name of the DRILL INSTRUCTER.

Myself I had the chance to see the DI several times in Boonville Missouri with his tag team partner Johhny Jett and later when he became and important member of Harley Race’s World League Wrestling.

The books first words are …..ST Louis –The checkerdome-1982 and young Dennis is at his very first wrestling match. He is excited and makes no qualms about it. McHawes does not deny that he was a fan of wrestling and because of that you find yourself cheering him on. The DI would debut at the historic South Broadway Athletic club and goes in detail of how he went about getting his foot in the door.

Throughout the book MWR readers will recognize some of the names that he worked with throughout the book. The Magic Man, Trevor Murdoch, Rick Ruby, Matt Murphy, Pete Madden, Derek Stone and Steve Fender are all included as McHawes lets us in on his ups and downs in his career.

During his time with Harley, Mchawes had the opportunity of working and partying with wrestling stars like Meng, Abdullah and even the great Harley Race himself.

The book was an easy read when he shares stories of Koko B Ware and former NHL Star Tony Twist, gave a true insight of how it felt to share a dream with tag team partner and friend Johnny Jett only to have life move them in opposite directions. What he thought about certain promoters and what kind advice not to take from the Iron Sheik.

The highlights of the book for me were his trips to working in the WWE. He lets his guard down for us (the reader) and we are able to truly feel how much he and other wrestlers really wanted to impress.

You will not want to miss his reflection of his relationship with Race. Most of us never get to work so closely and become friends with one of the greats. In all walks of life you have friendships that have highs and lows, in the end McHawes comes off as thankful for the people who helped him.

Borders Book Signing

The Borders in Sunset Hills sponsored a book signing on Saturday 6/19. The signing was a success and I would like to thank everyone that came out. I would also like to thank Susan Allen of Border's management for the opportunity.

Stay tuned possible additional signings will be scheduled.

New Book Review on Amazon

The following was posted recently by a reader on Amazon.com:

In Blood, Tables and Chairs, author Dennis McHawes gives readers an inside look at the subculture of independent pro wrestling, where combatants with dreams of stardom ply their trade in small arenas for little-to-no pay.

McHawes wrestled across the Midwest, most notably for former world champion Harley Race's promotion, and earned some big-time opportunities. He shares stories of life in the ring and on the road, exposes some of the best and worst sides of the business, and recalls his experiences with some of the biggest names in wrestling in an honest, plain-spoken, and entertaining way.

I definitely recommend this book. I bought it on Kindle, read it all in one sitting, and ordered the print copy. McHawes is a great storyteller who kept me, as a reader, flipping pages.

I can't wait for Volume II.

Give this book a chance. You won't be disappointed.

Now Available the Kindle version of Blood, Tables and Chairs

Amazon.com has just now released the Kindle version of Blood, Tables and Chairs!  It is available for $3.99 and can viewed on the Kindle, iPhone, iPad and Blackberry.

To purchase an autographed copy of Blood, Tables and Chairs

This site was created so you can purchase Blood, Tables and Chairs directly from the author.  Just click on the purchase link at the top of the page.

The Story Behind the Book

A back jarring, bone breaking, bloody look at life on the road as an independent professional wrestler. A combat veteran of Desert Storm, Marine, Dennis McHawes, left the military and began his battles in the squared circle. He enters the brutal, secretive and sometimes hilarious world of professional wrestling. From packed arenas to empty banquet halls, The Drill Instructor takes you through a career that span the better part of 9 years and thousands of miles. It is an honest look of how the business works and the people that make up one of America's favorite hobbies. This explores the dark side of wrestling as well as bright, comical side of what happens in the ring. The story is told from a unique perspective that is rarely told, the guy trying to make it and having short trips to the big stage and then returning to the small venues. The travels include spots around the entire Midwest and the names are some of the biggest in the sport today and yesterday. A must read for the wrestling fan as well as those who enjoy a good story. There are no punches pulled and there is plenty of Blood, Tables and Chairs