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There's Just One Problem...
- True Tales from the Former, One-Time, 7th Most Powerful Person in WWE
- Narrated by: Greg Baglia
- Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins
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There's Just One Problem...
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Summary
Former WWE head writer Brian Gewirtz brings listeners behind the scenes for an unprecedented look at the chaotic, surreal, unbelievable backstage world of the WWE.
With untold stories from a career spanning over 15 years and featuring the biggest names and controversial moments in wrestling history, THERE'S JUST ONE PROBLEM is an honest, unflinching look on how an introverted life-long fan unexpectedly became one the most powerful men in all of professional wrestling.
For decades, wrestling was shrouded in secrecy. It had larger-than-life personalities, bone-crunching physicality and jaw-dropping theatrics, but backstage, it was an industry devoid of outsiders. Then in 1999, after working together on a special for MTV, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson turned to 26-year-old television writer Brian Gewirtz and asked, “You ever consider writing for WWE?” That question, and its answer, would have a profound effect on both of their lives for years to come.
THERE'S JUST ONE PROBLEM is a story about perseverance, tenacity, and steel chairs. Most writers in the WWE last for a matter of months; Gewirtz was there for over 15 years, writing some of most memorable and infamous storylines in WWE history (covering the “Attitude Era”, the “Ruthless Aggression Era” and into the “PG” and “Reality” eras).
Throughout this journey, Gewirtz found himself becoming both friend and antagonist to some of the biggest names in WWE history—Stone Cold Steve Austin, John Cena, Stephanie McMahon, Bill Goldberg, Paul Heyman, Chris Jericho, Shawn Michaels, and the two men who he worked the most closely with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. These men not only shaped his life professionally but also personally, forcing him to grow and change both as a writer and a human being.
So how does a lifelong fan and outsider break through to become the ultimate insider? How does a low-key personality deal directly with his boss, the most brash, unpredictable “alpha male” on the planet, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon? How does one gain respect in a locker room that wants nothing more than to see him disappear? Where does one go when every year in wrestling takes you further away from the writing career you always wanted? Taking advice from his idol, the late “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, when you’re so full of fear, there’s only one way to push through: become fearless.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
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Critic reviews
“This is the best book I have read in years. If you’re a fan of WWE, or heck, even if you’re not, this inside look into the life of one of the most intense jobs in all of entertainment, a WWE writer, hilariously detailed by one of the most impactful writers and creative contributors in WWE history is nothing short of fascinating. It’s a laugh-out-loud, can’t-put-down, sad-that-it’s-over kind of book and I loved every second of it. Apart from, of course, when it was over.”—Becky Lynch, WWE Superstar and six-time WWE Women’s Champion
“In the book, THERE'S JUST ONE PROBLEM, written by the most talented writer in the history of the WWE, Brian Gewirtz (my opinion), Brian takes you on a roller-coaster ride in regards to his amazing time writing in the WWE. Brian even discusses his “day” in wrestlers court, where he was the first and only writer in WWE to have to go in front of a judge (actually a wrestler) and pay his debt for 'allegedly' favoring to write for his favorite wrestlers. He survived!!! This book is as entertaining as the scripts Brian wrote during his amazing career in the WWE. This book is a must-read.”—Kurt Angle, WWE Hall of Famer and Olympic Gold Medalist
"Brian Gewirtz’s book THERE'S JUST ONE PROBLEM is a fascinating and hilarious inside look into Brian’s unlikely, yet incredible rise to sports entertainment “inside” fame and what I would describe as a true WWE Hall of Fame career as a writer and for years now, finding tremendous success as our lead Seven Bucks’ executive. His long, storied and unbelievable tenure in WWE, is truly what legends are made of."—Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson"
What listeners say about There's Just One Problem...
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 23-05-23
Insightful!
Very insightful to behind the scenes in WWE. Would recommend for sure. A good solid read.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jason Neil
- 16-03-23
Great insider look from an under rated persepctive
I absolutely loved this book. As a writer myself and huge WWE fan and narration critic, this gets 5 stars all around from me. Greg did a terrific job at bringing Brian's road stories to life. 100% entertained from start to finish. Funny enough, while I've wanted to be a WWE writer... it sounds a lot scarier coming from someone who did it. I would 100% try it out. Thinking about applying... at some point.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Dan
- 07-07-23
Brilliant
Excellent storytelling and very interesting background information.
only downside is reader messed up several names breaking parts of the story.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 14-10-23
Fun to listen to
A fun listen with backstage stories and an insight into the WWE/WWF. Great for fans.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Joseph Kimmett
- 28-05-23
Really feel I understand Brian's view on wrestling
Brilliant wee book, well read by Greg, loved listening to every second. My only critique is the way Greg says summer slam, just bugs me for some reason, still better than summer fest.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- M3
- 02-09-22
Excellent narration but a mixed bag of tales
This book is at its best during the first 40% or so, when it is a chronological account of what it was like to work for WWE through the Attitude Era. The in-the-room stories of working with the McMahons are everything a wrestling fan would want it to be. Some of the tales have come out before but many are either new, or told in a new way.
After that, as the chronology is lost, the book loses its way somewhat. It hops forwards and backwards and focuses on individuals, rather than a timeline. Except, in doing that, large chunks of the story are missed, or skipped over.
What was it like to move out of the Attitude Era into Ruthless Aggression? Was that something discussed backstage, or a spur of the moment choice? How was it when large parts of the WCW roster were absorbed, almost overnight? How did the Invasion go off the rails? How did the writers handle the OVW-produced Batista, Benjamin, Orton, Lesnar and Cena? What about Matt-Edge-Lita-Byte This? Or Tough Enough? The changing focus on women? The Nexus? Daniel Bryan was fired and re-hired in 2010. CM Punk was champion for a year and half (he was still champion when Brian left WWE) but isn't mentioned. In fact, Punk and The Miz are left out of the story telling The Rock's return to WWE, despite them being a big part of it.
If you're expecting a full re-telling of Gewitz's time with WWE, that's not what this is. Which isn't to say it isn't interesting but it is selective.
The Rock gets a LOT of page-time, which is perhaps understandable given that Gewitz now works for him... except, like it or not, during Gewitz's time with WWE, The Rock was away from the company more than he was with it.
One thing that definitely works is the narration, to the point that it's easy to forget Gewitz isn't narrating this himself. Greg Baglia sounds knowledgable and invested in what he's reading. He's a good choice.
With that, nobody is listening to this audio unless they're a wrestling fan. Because of that, there will be enough here to make the purchase worth it.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 01-03-23
Must read for WWE fans on 2001 onwards
loved it, listened to this in one sitting
would recommend to any wrestling fan out there
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- David LA
- 07-05-24
wow what a book!
such a great listen, this was my first purchase in audible and I think I'll struggle to do better as Brian's performance, stories and full book is insanely good and highly reccomend
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Brad.
- 19-12-22
Must listen for any wrestling fan.
If you're an attitude era fan this is a must listen. you wont regret it.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- michelle weller
- 22-08-22
great stories
loved hearing the stories and the backround to why things happened the way they did. remenising some really funny moments in history. i like the insight into wwe and the mcmans.
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