Professional wrestling is an entertainment vehicle like no other. At its core, it is driven by compelling storytelling that allows people from all walks of life to suspend their disbelief. It truly is magic in every sense of the word!

Most of us can distinctly recall being introduced to this magic at a very young age where, with each passing match, we were completely mesmerized. The picture book, S is for Suplex out now from Trism Books, provides the perfect introductory education for children to better understand and enjoy the magic of professional wrestling.

Written by Ryan L. Schrodt and illustrated by Nicolas Camia, readers are taken on an alphabetical journey that starts with “A is for Announcer” and ends with “Z is for Zebra.” Each colourful page efficiently captivates you without too many distractions, making it easy for young readers to digest. And real pro wrestlers are on display throughout the book, animated as ever, true to their personas.

An unique feature of the book is that the illustrated wrestlers are a mixture of known televised stars and independent scene sensations, allowing young fans to take note of during this fun read. This personal touch will go a long way with young fans who get to see some of their pro wrestling heroes in the book. Truthfully, this book was equally delightful for this grown man as well. And as the promoter of Smash Wrestling, I was proud to see our first ever champion, Matt Cross, on the front cover.

Other familiar faces to Smash Wrestling fans include Rich Swann, Jeff Cobb, Allie, Rosemary, Gregory Iron and Kimber Lee while other notable TV stars such as Gail Kim, Brian Cage, Colt Cabana, MJF, John Morrison, Billy Gunn, Bob Holly and The Rock N’ Roll Express also make appearances. In addition to this already impressive cast is the extensive list of female wrestlers which is far too long to list in its entirety but notables include Britt Baker, Taya Valkyrie, Jordynne Grace, Ivelisse, Tessa Blanchard and Nyla Rose.

In the end, nothing comes closer to gratification for myself, than seeing my five-year-old son grin ear-to-ear reading the book with me. While learning throughout the pages, he beamed while recognizing common wrestling trademarks such as a mask or a ring before reading the text. His personal favourite page was “C is for Championship” because of the “shiny prize!”

Daddy’s favourite page was a tie between “E is for Entrance” and “H is for Heel” because I love the spotlight that comes with a grand entrance as much as I relish playing the antagonist role. The book is also perfect for my son’s reading level as he is more than capable of recognizing simpler words and matching more complex words by the beginning and end of their sounds. It’s definitely a book we can circle back to, to help polish his reading skills.

All in all it was a main event read in our household. For those of us on either side of the curtain who have a wild passion for the crazy world of sports entertainment, S is for Suplex provides a fun way for us to bond with the next generation of grapplers.

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