Every city has its wrestling heroes, sung and unsung. Sometimes it’s the unsung heroes who prove to be the most interesting.
Everybody knows that Jim Cornette hail from Louisville, Kentucky, but you can’t appreciate the full story of the city without knowing about Heywood Allen, Blacksmith Pedigo, Jim Mitchell, Stu Gibson, and even Kenny Starmaker Bolin.
The big name everyone knows from Des Moines is NWA founder Pinky George. But when you dig a little deeper, you’ll discover the name Alphonse “Babe” Bisignano and a story so outrageous, it captured the mind of a pro wrestling historian who lives half the world away from Iowa.
Eat Sleep Wrestle is proud to be the publisher for the Professional Wrestling Historical Society’s own Jimmy Wheeler and his first book, The Italian Temper: The Story of How Alphonse “Babe” Bisignano Turned Out All Right.
Babe was a boxer, bootlegger, restaurateur, promoter, cook book author, entrepreneur, and of course, a professional wrestler. Alphonse “Babe” Bisignano had a tumultuous childhood which left him striving for more. This colorful story of an icon in the city of Des Moines, Iowa, takes you along his journey from shining shoes to a friend of the White House. From dodgy dealings to a pillar of the community. Babe had anecdotes for days, and you’ll understand exactly why once you’ve read the about his incredible life.
While all aspects of his life are covered, Jimmy Wheeler of the Professional Wrestling Historical Society naturally dove deep into the pro-wrestling side of Babe’s life. He had quite the connection with the business. Starting in the 1930s there are tales of hijinks on the road, behind the scenes goings on, the confrontation that ended his in-ring career, a major lawsuit, and finally how pro-wrestling came back around into his life much later on.
“Say the name, instant recognition. Instant prestige if he called you by name.” – Chuck Offenburger
The Italian Temper is now available on Amazon.
Signed author copies will be available soon!