If you’re interested in knowing more about The Black Panther Jim Mitchell, you won’t find any books dedicated to him – yet. I am hoping to change that in the next year or two, but in the mean time, you can get to know the Louisville native in my latest wrestling history, Louisville’s Greatest Show.
Louisville’s Greatest Show dives deep into the lost golden age of pro wrestling in the River City. For 22 years, the Allen Athletic Club was one of the top sports attractions in the city, bringing the best in professional wrestling to Louisville every Tuesday night at the Columbia Gym and other venues. This was the era of legendary stars like Orville Brown, Lou Thesz, Wild Bill Longson, and Buddy Rogers. It was also the era of Mildred Burke, Mae Young, Elvira Snodgrass, and the biggest women’s wrestling stars in the history of the business. It was also a time of mud matches, midget wrestling, bear wrestling, alligator wrestling, and yes, even a wrestling wedding or two.
Louisville’s Greatest Show not only breaks down the 22 year history of the Allen Club, it gives you up close biographies of more than 20 local and national stars of the era. You’ll get to know The Schnitzelburg Giant Mel Meiners, WHAS sports legend Jimmy Finegan, Louisville homicide detective/ referee Ellis Joseph, IU wrestling legend Billy Thom, Blacksmith Pedigo, Betty McDonogh, Chicago Bear Fred Davis, and Kid Scotty Williams.
You’ll also get up close with three of my all-time favorite wrestlers: Jim Mitchell, Stu Gibson, and Elvira Snodgrass.
Louisville’s Greatest Show is available in paperback and on Kindle. Order it today on Amazon.com.