Celebrated wrestling historian, film producer, and Pro Wrestling Stories Senior Editor Evan Ginzburg has unveiled his latest book, “Wrestling Rings, Blackboards, and Movie Sets,” published through Kenny Casanova’s WOHW Publishing. Released on January 7th, 2025, this compelling memoir chronicles his remarkable journey through the worlds of professional wrestling, education, and Hollywood.
Evan Ginzburg proudly announced the release of his latest book, “Wrestling Rings, Blackboards, and Movie Sets,” a memoir filled with 100 never-before-told tales featuring wrestling legends like Bruno Sammartino, Johnny Valiant, and Killer Kowalski, as well as iconic celebrities like Mickey Rourke, Muhammad Ali, and Nicolas Cage. Photo Credit: Evan Ginzburg, WOHW Publishing.
A Life Dedicated to Wrestling
Evan Ginzburg’s passion for the sport began in 1972, leading to a lifelong journey as a respected voice in wrestling journalism. Photo Credit: Evan Ginzburg.
Evan Ginzburg’s wrestling odyssey began in 1972 when, while flipping through UHF channels in Brooklyn, he stumbled upon his first wrestling match. His passion for the industry was cemented on June 24th, 1974, when he attended his first live event at Madison Square Garden, witnessing legends Bruno Sammartino and Freddie Blassie in action.
This early exposure to professional wrestling sparked a lifelong dedication that would lead him to become one of the industry’s most respected voices. As creator and editor of the highly regarded “Wrestling Then and Now” newsletter, Ginzburg carved out a unique niche in wrestling journalism, focusing on nostalgia and in-depth storytelling rather than conventional news coverage.
From Radio Pioneer to Film Producer
Evan Ginzburg was asked to be a part of the movie “The Wrestler” in a scene alongside Mickey Rourke. According to Evan, “It was total improv!” Photo Credit: Fox Searchlight Pictures.
In 1991, Ginzburg began his broadcasting career at New York’s prestigious WBAI-FM 99.5, where he hosted a wrestling segment that would evolve into a significant platform for wrestling discussion. His radio work eventually led to the creation of “Legends Radio,” where he interviewed countless wrestling personalities and entertainment figures.
As Senior Editor of Pro Wrestling Stories, Ginzburg has played a pivotal role in elevating the quality of wrestling journalism and historical documentation here on our website since 2017. His editorial vision has helped transform our platform into a premier destination for authentic, well-researched wrestling stories that preserve the rich history of professional wrestling.
A Storyteller’s Legacy
The cover art of Evan Ginzburg’s new book, “Wrestling Rings, Blackboards, and Movie Sets,” designed by the talented Chris Fason, perfectly encapsulates the 100 never-before-told tales featuring iconic celebrities and wrestling legends. Photo Credit: Evan Ginzburg, WOHW Publishing.
With hundreds of amazing Pro Wrestling Stories to dive into, where do you start? Get the inside scoop – join our exclusive community of wrestling fans! Receive 10 hand-picked stories curated just for YOU, exclusive weekly content, and an instant welcome gift when you sign up today!
Beyond the Ring
Evan Ginzburg with his longtime friend, WWE Hall of Famer Tito Santana. Photo Credit: Evan Ginzburg.
While maintaining his position as an adult education teacher in Queens, New York, Evan Ginzburg has consistently demonstrated his ability to bridge different worlds. His work as a voice-over actor in “Kings of the Ring” radio drama and his contributions to various film and television projects showcase his versatility in the entertainment industry.
The new memoir represents the culmination of decades of experience in wrestling, education, and entertainment. It promises readers an unprecedented look behind the curtain of professional wrestling while offering insights into the entertainment industry and the art of teaching.
Through his roles as author, producer, educator, and editor, Ginzburg continues to preserve and celebrate the rich tapestry of professional wrestling history, ensuring that the stories and legacies of wrestling’s greatest personalities endure for future generations.
“Wrestling Rings, Blackboards, and Movie Sets” stands as a testament to Ginzburg’s lifetime of dedication to the professional wrestling industry and his commitment to sharing the human stories behind the spectacle that has captivated audiences for generations.
An Exclusive Look Inside “Wrestling Rings, Blackboards, and Movie Sets”
Evan Ginzburg alongside his friend, the late Johnny Valiant, who was a WWE Hall of Famer and former WWE Tag Team Champion. Photo Credit: Evan Ginzburg.
As a special preview of what readers can expect from “Wrestling Rings, Blackboards, and Movie Sets,” Pro Wrestling Stories is thrilled to share an exclusive passage from the book. This excerpt recounts an unforgettable encounter between Evan Ginzburg and former WWF Tag Team Champion Johnny Valiant aboard an airplane on September 11, 2003, showcasing the unique perspectives and compelling stories readers will find throughout Ginzburg’s memoir.
My 9/11 Plane Ride With Johnny Valiant:
It was yet another meaningless convention appearance.
I was the agent. Johnny Valiant was the legend. We had a few bucks in our pocket, saw some of “the boys,” had a decent enough time, I suppose, and were heading back to the Big Apple.
It was one of those stop-over deals. You know, because it saved the promoter a few bucks on trans. God forbid they ever make it easier on the talent.
By sheer coincidence, it was the anniversary of 9/11- less than a handful of years later. It was still fresh enough in everyone’s minds that there was a sense of nervousness that day. “Hell, what if somebody got the same idea today?”
It probably wasn’t the best day to be traveling, to be honest.
So, we’re about to board this tiny little plane that fits maybe twenty people. It was one of those cheapo flights from Philly to New York.
Some folks call them puddle jumpers.
Greeting us at the door was the co-pilot, who looked like he had just started shaving. The baby-faced kid didn’t make me exude confidence, although he seemed perky enough anyway and excited to pilot his first flight. Or something like that.
And then there was the pilot.
I looked at the guy.
JV looked at the guy.
Johnny looked at me.
I looked at Johnny.
You see, our pilot resembled the lead villain from every Spaghetti Western and 1980s Cannon action film ever made. I couldn’t identify his nationality, which didn’t matter to me. I was an ESL teacher who didn’t have a xenophobic bone in my body. But at the same time, the guy was a cross between Lee Van Cleef, Charles Bronson, and every terrorist Chuck Norris ever offed in his films’ final scene.
And again, it was 9/11.
“You see that guy?” Johnny whispered to me, half amused, half concerned.
I sure did.
We had no choice but to board the plane, possibly to our demise.
I had visions of Johnny saving us all with a body slam to the pilot if it came to that. I had about fifty pounds on the kiddie co-pilot and would have to do my share if it came to that.
Not that either of us knew how to fly a plane should we make the save—that minor detail.
We braced ourselves.
Now, this wasn’t a long flight whatsoever, but you felt every bump on these baby planes, and at one point, we hit some godawful turbulence.
Johnny looked at me again.
I looked at Johnny.
We read each other’s minds.
“This is it. They’re crashing the plane. We’ve had a good run.”
Hey, if I died with one of my childhood heroes and a friend that I loved, there are probably worse ways to leave this world.
But a few moments later, it was smooth sailing again, and that knot in my stomach disappeared.
We made it home safely, but Johnny would tell this story again and again in years to come.
It was one of the countless memories I shared with the man.
Double Release Announcement
Evan Ginzburg, pictured with his first book, “Apartment 4B, Like in Brooklyn.” Photo Credit: Evan Ginzburg.
In an exciting development, WOHW Publishing has announced they will not only release Evan Ginzburg’s new memoir but will also re-release his 2006 work “Apartment 4B, Like in Brooklyn.” This earlier book provides an intimate look at Ginzburg’s formative years in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, offering readers a complete picture of the man behind the stories.
Evan Ginzburg’s “Wrestling Rings, Blackboards, and Movie Sets” is more than just a memoir—it’s a heartfelt tribute to a life spent preserving and celebrating the rich history of professional wrestling, as well as exploring his diverse contributions to education and entertainment. Through decades of storytelling, Ginzburg has highlighted the humanity behind wrestling’s larger-than-life personas, giving fans an unprecedented look behind the curtain.
With this new release and the reissue of his beloved 2006 book “Apartment 4B, Like in Brooklyn,” Ginzburg cements his legacy as a champion of wrestling’s golden era and an advocate for its cultural significance. For fans of wrestling, film, and heartfelt storytelling, these works promise to inspire, entertain, and preserve the stories of a bygone era for generations to come.
Pro Wrestling Stories is committed to accurate, unbiased wrestling content rigorously fact-checked and verified by our team of researchers and editors. Any inaccuracies are quickly corrected, with updates timestamped in the article's byline header.
Got a correction, tip, or story idea for Pro Wrestling Stories? Contact us! Learn about our editorial standards here. Ever wanted to learn more about the people behind Pro Wrestling Stories? Meet our team of authors!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us provide free content for you to enjoy!
JP Zarka is the founder of Pro Wrestling Stories, established in 2015, where he guides the site's creative vision as editor-in-chief. From 2018 to 2019, he hosted and produced The Genius Cast with Lanny Poffo, brother of WWE legend Macho Man Randy Savage. His diverse background includes roles as a school teacher, assistant principal, published author, musician with the London-based band Sterling Avenue, and being a proud father of two amazing daughters. He has appeared on the television show Autopsy: The Last Hours Of and contributed research for programming on ITV and BBC.
Author: 
