Justin Roberts Best Seat in the House Excerpts
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Thanks Justin for your honesty when they bullied you and WWE sadly you lost me!
Justin worked for WWE sporadically for years earlier finally securing a full-time announce gig as the voice of the ECW brand. From there, he worked his way up to Smackdown and eventually the flagship programme, Monday Night Raw. Roberts discusses the highs and the seemingly endless lows of working for the globe's biggest wrestling arrangement.
Above all else, B
Old WWE band announcer Justin Roberts recounts the story of his life and his time working for the biggest wrestling visitor in the globe.Justin worked for WWE sporadically for years earlier finally securing a total-time announce gig equally the voice of the ECW brand. From there, he worked his way upwardly to Smackdown and eventually the flagship program, Monday Night Raw. Roberts discusses the highs and the seemingly countless lows of working for the world'southward biggest wrestling organization.
In a higher place all else, Best Seat in the House is a heartbreaking read. Justin'south countless passion for the wrestling business concern is 2nd-to-none. The amount of effort and drive to do what he did just to get his foot in the door of McMahon's monopolistic company is astounding. In one case he got in, he quickly found out that working for WWE, while it may exist a dream job for some, is unbelievably stressful. Not only do you accept to exist inside an archaic hazing style surroundings, simply yous too need to work inside a disorganized mess under the direction of an erratic and often irrational boss in Vince McMahon.
Plainly the WWE machine would not be today if not for the tireless piece of work by the company's caput-honcho McMahon, just judging by Justin's memoir, Vince seems to expect anybody to either work just as hard as him (which in my stance, is not off-white), or be heed-readers.
Last yr, WWE was under fire due to a report that alleged tenured performer JBL (John "Bradshaw" Layfield) relentlessly bullied play-by-play commentator Mauro Ranallo to the betoken where he left his position. Mauro, well known to suffer from bipolar disorder, luckily constitute a spot away from JBL under the umbrella of the NXT brand. While JBL, Mauro and WWE deny that the story was true, it's not difficult to believe its validity. In this book, Roberts goes into extensive detail about how he was treated past Layfield through excessive humiliation and abiding mental abuse. What is fifty-fifty worse is that this blazon of behaviour is encouraged. While pranks (or "ribs") have always been a part of the wrestling industry, telling someone to "kill themselves" or stealing their passport causing them to miss shows is crossing a line.
I know professional wrestling already doesn't take the best reputation, merely hearing nearly garbage like this will always keep it from truly penetrating the mainstream. Luckily, through the power of social media, word of this type of mistreatment travels quickly. Does it always work? No. However, at least this type of behaviour isn't so easily buried.
The Best Seat in the House was more than or less, a skilful read. At that place are some compelling stories about his time on the route and his role in helping WWE connect with Connor Michalek, an eight year old boy suffering from pediatric cancer. I found that a few of the stories tended to feel a scrap repetitive near the end which had me skipping through the book a little during the terminal 10%. I think Justin's story is an important one equally he was neither considered an "employee" nor was he viewed as "talent", so despite having an integral part in the company, he was often overlooked for promotions, raises or recognition and constantly undervalued. It's really too bad, because he's one of my all fourth dimension favorite ring announcers.
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Equally the writer tells his story two things are very articulate: his love for wrestling and the unprofessional, not bad civilization of the company he spent his whole life wanting to work for. The interesting matter is that it doesn't read like a "tell-all", and it's clear his purpose is not to publicly sham
Roberts' book is written in an oral manner, which actually served the book well. You feel like you're merely listening to a friend tell his story, which is filled with ups, downs, and the utterly ridiculous.As the author tells his story two things are very clear: his love for wrestling and the unprofessional, bully civilization of the company he spent his whole life wanting to piece of work for. The interesting matter is that it doesn't read like a "tell-all", and it's clear his purpose is not to publicly shame WWE. But, as you lot read his story, WWE is certainly shamed. I merely finished the volume and immediately canceled my WWE Network subscription. I refuse to give my money to a company who would be guilty of fifty-fifty 5% of what is described in the book.
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With a lot of difficult work and a TON of persistence, Justin Roberts broke through and lived his dream. His story is all about being a "go-getter" and not stopping until he made information technology. Information technology's inspiring equally hell, but it made me exhausted imagining having to do all he did to go far. Evidently, he'south far more driven that I ever will be. If that was exhausting, imagine how tired I was after reading about years and years of travel. The WWE wrestlers and staff on the road get through and then much that nosotros never even see or hear about. 1 or two days off a week, if they're lucky. Insane 22 hour travel days. In other countries in awful weather. Canceled and late flights, tight seats in bus, endless car rides and rental machine disasters, bland diets and food on the road...just horrible stuff they become through to be the celebs we watch each week. Glamorous? Maybe. Merely damn information technology sounds grueling. We see the good parts, but there'due south a whole other schedule they take we don't know well-nigh.
All that said, yes this is a story about a guy realizing his dream. Simply the bigger story is how a company that seems and then friendly, philanthropic, all about charities and anti-bullying campaigns treats their employees. More specifically, it's about this dominant global company taking a passionate, obsessed, lifelong fan that busted his ass to get to exist a role of the testify, and slowly beating that passion out of him. Don't get me wrong, I love wrestling...ever take, and probably always will. I'm not quitting WWE because of this book. However, there are then many things virtually WWE that I volition never view in the aforementioned way. And I know there are ii sides to every story, but a lot of the stuff Roberts pulled the curtain back on is stuff I kinda thought was fishy before mitt. Their anti-bullying "Be A Star" entrada while the stories that we hear about backstage are all about guys and girls being bullied and ridiculed about mistakes or body bug...or, for many times no reason at all. The ridiculous paw jobs they give themselves to show all the clemency they do. While I idea something was "upwards" with that, even I wasn't prepared for the full story about the "Connor'due south Cure" saga with the kid that passed away of cancer a few years ago. The total version is so much more touching and incredibly sadder, if yous can believe it, but how the WWE changed and erased key parts for seemingly no other reason that a personal vendetta that I still can't figure out why it existed. Then, there's the countless stories about the key leaders and how they are awful to the less powerful employees. We hear all the time about plans changing and guys being cut off for no reason...just just how disorganized things are is very shocking. If y'all dislike Kevin Dunn from what we've heard before...merely wait. Subsequently reading this book, I demand a few classic Cornette rants most him to cleanse the palate.
It's not all scandals and gossip by any ways. There'due south a whole volume full of dream-come-true moments and slap-up road stories. Roberts met and got to denote all of his babyhood heroes and see the world. His friendships along the mode were solid. He helped so many fans out forth the way...non to mention sick kids, peculiarly Connor, and seems like an accented nice guy that wanted to make the product better for us all...a more logical visitor with proficient shows that made sense. He never comes across every bit someone looking to be famous. He was happy with his role, but understandably was baffled at never getting credit for things and actually being ignored and erased from stuff for seemingly no reason.
I can't recommend this book plenty. I've read so many wrestling books, but this one was very unique in that his perspective was a unique one. He really did take the all-time seat in the business firm. We don't get many stories from this viewpoint and I couldn't put information technology downwardly. I've always been a fan of Justin Roberts' announcing piece of work, so I went into the volume excited to read his story, merely I really think you'd enjoy this book if you lot aren't familiar with him at all. A non-wrestling fan would probably relish information technology, but you lot probably wouldn't chronicle to it the fashion those of us that follow the product and share and then many frustrations about the way WWE does things and portrays themselves to the public. Great, keen read.
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Roberts book was a surprising page turner, peculiarly once he makes information technology into the WWE and he d
I would not arraign you for thinking a autobiography from a WWE band journalist would not exist that exciting of a read, but Roberts has a lot to say about his 12 years with the WWE. He has an intriguing story about being persistent about following his dream making it to the WWE by opening doors on his own past making connections and working indy and reality shows that proved Justin had to work hard to get at that place.Roberts book was a surprising page turner, specially in one case he makes it into the WWE and he details all struggles and politics he had to tolerate in guild to alive his dream job. Roberts does not hold anything dorsum, and he goes into item virtually how he was relentlessly bullied, ribbed and how the upper management of the company even went out of their way to requite him grief. Roberts painted a vivid flick on how awful his last couple years were with the company.
Roberts does take some good memories of his WWE days though, and I enjoyed his tales of pranks on the route, helping out special needs kids at arenas and going out of his way to get fans to encounter up with the stars of the WWE. Practise not discount this volume equally a low-hire, 'me as well' wrestling biography, as Roberts' autobiography holds its own with the rest.
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Justin'southward story is fun, exciting, sad, disappointing, encouraging, discouraging and only about every other emotion you can imagine. As I read the story, I constitute myself more
Who would have thought a ring announcer would take a great story to tell? Well I guess information technology makes sense, if you think virtually it. As far as agendas go and incentives to revise history, the band journalist would take little or none, yet was ringside for years in the business we all want to know more and more than about behind the scenes.Justin's story is fun, heady, sorry, disappointing, encouraging, discouraging and merely virtually every other emotion you can imagine. As I read the story, I found myself more and more bellyaching with the modernistic WWE civilization, and more and more than interested in Justin's story.
After reading several unlike books and hearing a slew of shoot interviews, I practice not doubt anything Justin wrote in this story. The story about Conner was particularly touching. I won't spoil anything hither. I will simply suggest that you should read this book if you have not already.
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The book is bolstered by its specificity (you acquire a lot most roles in WWE you otherwise wouldn't) and honesty, only hurt by its poor editing and also--dare I say--unlikable protagonist.
While it's clear that Roberts is passionate about the business, he was likely an annoying coworker who meddled constantly far exterior his job role, making daily life for his superiors and coworkers more difficult and strained than it
A pretty good tell-all from somebody who lived the WWE life for over a decade.The volume is bolstered past its specificity (you acquire a lot about roles in WWE y'all otherwise wouldn't) and honesty, but hurt by its poor editing and likewise--dare I say--unlikable protagonist.
While information technology's clear that Roberts is passionate nearly the business organization, he was likely an annoying coworker who meddled constantly far outside his job office, making daily life for his superiors and coworkers more difficult and strained than it needed to be. Typically I'd remember that'southward a good quality--"the squeaky wheel gets the grease" and "be the change you want to see" and all that jazz--if I also didn't take the impression that Roberts never developed a professional apprehending across that he possessed at age 22, when he broke into the WWE.
If Roberts has hundreds of pages to support the ideas he presented to his WWE superiors and didn't practise an effective job, it'south likely he didn't create any good business cases for them while he was employed--thus why he was largely ignored outside of his task role.
Information technology'south unfortunate that Roberts had experiences like he did--bullying, being ignored, being "erased" in major company stories--just if I found him annoying and unprofessional, it might not be without basis.
...more There could have been one chapter on his invention affair designed to assistance people heal quicker. Just information technology keeps getting brought support over and once again, with nothing new to add each fourth dimension.
And the whole thing with Connor's Cure comes beyond wrong. I know he was telling his side of the stor
Halfway through this book, I had this rated much higher. But at some point, it becomes ho-hum. He simply keeps repeating the aforementioned matter over and over. We become information technology. You always wanted a window seat for long flights.There could have been one chapter on his invention matter designed to assistance people heal quicker. Simply it keeps getting brought support over and over over again, with zilch new to add each fourth dimension.
And the whole thing with Connor's Cure comes across wrong. I know he was telling his side of the story. Merely it'south similar he kept saying, "Look, I don't want to take credit for annihilation, merely look what I did." Again, it felt similar he kept proverb that over and over.
He also makes himself sound like a model employee who never fabricated a mistake. I don't know if he once pointed out a time where he screwed upwards outside of his tryout band intro. Information technology was always the fault of someone else.
It was an okay book, merely really could have been 150 pages shorter.
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The author provides a dandy corporeality of item in this volume. He has an interesting story to tell. What drags the volume downwardly is repetition and the politics of WWE. After hearings bout backstage politics constantly through the book the author ends up appearing like a complainer.
In my opinion the W
This was a very interesting book. From a lifelong WWE fan information technology does provide a not bad deal of insight into what a career in WWE is like. On the flip side, that career seems to not be every bit interesting as it seems.The author provides a great amount of detail in this volume. He has an interesting story to tell. What drags the volume down is repetition and the politics of WWE. Later hearings tour backstage politics constantly through the book the author ends up actualization like a complainer.
In my opinion the WWE sounds like just nigh whatsoever other company in America today. Is that expert, no, only afterwards reading 300+ pages about politics in this volume I am about vanquish.
Overall this is a good and interesting read. Wish it was not then repetitive. Could have been told in 200 pages and story would take ended merely the same.
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And 2 - as a alert to anyone working for a large corporation. Based on this story, sadly, it's not skill, positive attitude or aptitude that helps you climb the ladder - it's whether your face fits or non.
As a Wrestling fan, I found this book a fascinating read. Justin Roberts is clearly a huge Wr
This volume is a adept read for two types of reader. 1 - WWE and Wrestling fans in general, to get an amazing backstage view of the business, workings and personalities involved in our favourite "Sport".And 2 - as a warning to anyone working for a large corporation. Based on this story, sadly, it'due south not skill, positive attitude or aptitude that helps you climb the ladder - it'due south whether your confront fits or non.
As a Wrestling fan, I plant this volume a fascinating read. Justin Roberts is clearly a huge Wrestling fan himself who worked difficult and made information technology to the part of WWE ring announcer. He documents his journeying, the perks of existence behind the scenes, but too the horrible bullying and nonsensical politics he had to endure in this baroque business.
At times, I found the book uncomfortable to read. The handling of Roberts by WWE and certain individuals was bloodcurdling, and I did observe myself become frustrated with Roberts story later on a fourth dimension. At what point practice you lot stand up up and say "No more?".
Overall, this was a actually interesting read. I recommend it to whatever Wrestling fan - it's a book written by a fan who became part of the WWE.
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Fantastic book!! I purchased on a Monday and had it finished on Friday night. Thank you Justin for being bold and honest in your real-life experiences at WWF\WWE. While I volition withal continue to remain a fan of the company, you have given me a different perspective and for that I am grateful. If you lot are a wrestling fan, you demand to read this book. It offers so much history from someone who spoke the 2000s and early 2010s of wrestling into existence. Th
A Must-Buy for a Professional Wrestling Fan!!Fantastic volume!! I purchased on a Monday and had it finished on Friday night. Thank you Justin for beingness assuming and honest in your real-life experiences at WWF\WWE. While I volition still proceed to remain a fan of the visitor, you have given me a different perspective and for that I am grateful. If you are a wrestling fan, yous need to read this book. It offers and so much history from someone who spoke the 2000s and early 2010s of wrestling into existence. This book offers behind the scenes stories and details for life on the road. Information technology gives very descriptive insight to a life of a professional wrestler and of someone who worked in the business on the front end lines. One time again, cheers Justin!
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That wasn't all this volume was nearly, merely it resonated with me the most. Just like me, I remember he is in a much better situation at present a days. Thanks for sharing Justin! ...more
Crazy Is My Superpower or Damn! Why Did I Write This Book?
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you lot?
WWE literally moving fans from seats just considering they didn't like how the fan looked on camera, taking signs away from fans, or giving them a unlike shirt to wear.
Any additional comments?
If you are like me and enjoy wrestling, but stopped watching because of the abiding repetitiveness and disability to develop
Crazy Is My Superpower or Damn! Why Did I Write This Book?
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you lot?
WWE literally moving fans from seats just because they didn't like how the fan looked on camera, taking signs abroad from fans, or giving them a different shirt to vesture.
Whatsoever additional comments?
If you are like me and enjoy wrestling, but stopped watching considering of the constant repetitiveness and inability to develop new stars, you lot will go a glimpse of why this is. If a ring announcer is told to tone information technology down, imagine what wrestlers are told.
Unlike Bret Hart or Mick Foley's books, I know at that place's no fashion I'd bask this book if I weren't a wrestling fan.
There'due south some good picayune moments from his life and I could especially relate to his relationship with his father.
Overall, I feel similar I merely didn't intendance enough nigh Justin to really care about his story.
I did enjoy the a lot of the wrestling stories though. The backside the scenes of WWE has e'er fascinated me.
I don't doubt a lot of his stories well-nigh Vin
I'm conflicted on this one.Unlike Bret Hart or Mick Foley's books, I know there's no way I'd enjoy this volume if I weren't a wrestling fan.
There's some good little moments from his life and I could especially relate to his relationship with his father.
Overall, I feel like I just didn't care plenty about Justin to actually care about his story.
I did savour the a lot of the wrestling stories though. The backside the scenes of WWE has always fascinated me.
I don't doubt a lot of his stories about Vince, Kevin Dunn, JBL and HHH, but I do wonder what their version of events would be similar?
It's a decent book for the hardcore wrestling fan, simply for anyone else, would probably fall flat.
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Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this volume, despite existence a new wrestling fan. A lot of the scandals and rumors, this was my get-go time hearing most it. I'm glad I got a chance to read it, and as far every bit memoirs go, I've definitely read a lot worse. Besides not in the volume simply at least Justin got his happy ending, then information technology was nice to read it now when I know he can all the same pursue his passion in a skilful company.
Reading this book is what having ADHD feels like.Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this book, despite being a new wrestling fan. A lot of the scandals and rumors, this was my offset time hearing about it. I'one thousand glad I got a chance to read it, and as far as memoirs become, I've definitely read a lot worse. Also not in the volume simply at to the lowest degree Justin got his happy ending, so it was nice to read it now when I know he can still pursue his passion in a good visitor.
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I really enjoyed this book by Justin Roberts on his time in WWE. It was shocking to see life backside the camera & on the route only Justin held it together. Good luck Justin in your future endeavours.
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