The heroic feats of ring gladiators have taken wrestling fans on an emotional journey—living vicariously through every body slam, dropkick, and piledriver. The investment of the crowd is demonstrated by their roars of excitement, their cheers for their heroes, and their catcalls at nasty ring villains. (Un)Controlled Chaos: Canada’s Remarkable Professional Wrestling Legacy re-lives those unforgettable moments between the ropes. It provides a fascinating snapshot of the world behind the curtain, and a glimpse into the lives of the men and women who have both competed in the ring and served as the very architects of the industry.

Vance Nevada has been riling audiences from coast to coast as the villainous Mr. Beefy Goodness since 1993. His travels, including more than 1,500 matches, give him a unique insight into Canada’s wrestling industry, and unparalleled access to the people and events that have shaped the sport. Nevada’s previous work, Wrestling in the Canadian West (Crowbar Press, 2009), earned him the James C. Melby Historian Award from the Cauliflower Alley Club, a benevolent organization of active wrestlers and alumni. He has been credited for his research and contributions on more than a dozen other published works on professional wrestling.