Ken Leiker - Unscripted

Copyright 2003 by World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

World Wrestling Entertainment, the names of all World Wrestling Entertainment televised and live programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans and wrestling moves, and all World Wrestling Entertainment logos and trademarks are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. Nothing in this book may be reproduced in any manner without the express written consent of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.

This book is a publication of Pocket Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc., under exclusive license from World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.

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ISBN: 0-7434-7761-8

eISBN-13: 978-1-439-18812-5

ISBN-13: 978-0-743-47761-1

First Pocket Books hardcover edition November 2003

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A LITTLE more than a year ago in the cramped quarters of a publishing office the concept for this book was conceived. We had an idea that involved individuals most of us only knew from television. What none of us had at that moment was a map defining the journey ahead. And what none of us at Rare Air Media knew at the time was just how wonderful that trip would become.

In the course of scheduling talent around an incredibly demanding lifestyle, securing imagery from vast archives and coordinating original interviews and photo sessions all over the country, the essential nature of an organization emerged. And it emerged through the passion, work ethic and innate goodness of every person at every level of World Wrestling Entertainment.

That it flows down hill from the top became clear in the late stages of this project when we talked to and photographed Vince and Linda McMahon and their family. But it all started with three remarkable people, Stacey Pascarella, Donna Goldsmith and Jim Ross. Donna welcomed us into the WWE world, Jim provided the blueprint and Stacey became our guide, conscience and collaborator. Though the daily demands of a complex entertainment company are self evident, never once would we have known they had another responsibility outside of this book. In working through a myriad of logisticslegal, personal and otherwiseStaceys kindness and integrity never wavered. Jim simply dazzled us with his insight and assistance. The same could be said of the photo department where Noelle Carr and Frank Vitucci responded to every request at every hour of the day and night. Indeed, everyone listed below contributed in a way that exceeded any reasonable expectation. Last but not least, the WWE talent proved to be more unique than most of the rest of the world can imagine. The demands of their jobsphysically, mentally and psychologicallyrival any professional sport anywhere on earth. The fact they understand and appreciate the importance of their fans speaks to the enduring appeal of the industry.

AT RARE AIR MEDIA | Nick De Carlo once again proved to be as wonderful a designer as he is a person. His talent and hard work can be found on every square inch of this book. As always, John Vieceli remains our godfather when it comes to design and production integrity. The words, insights and thoughts in this book are the product of countless hours of travel, interviews and research by Ken Leiker. In addition to being a remarkable editor and writer, Kens compassion and integrity make him a truly special person. His friendship has only made these months more memorable. Much of the photography in this book is thanks to the hard work and creativity of Patrick Murphy-Racey. Patrick drove and flew thousands of miles often at the last moment to capture the men and women featured in this book. Like Ken, his ability proved to be matched only by his integrity.

AT SIMON & SCHUSTER | Scott Shannon and Margaret Clark proved to be among the finest people we have worked with in our 10 years in the publishing industry. Scott masks his brilliance with a kindness and compassion that smoothed every sharp edge and never made a single moment of this process seem like work. Margaret simply gets more done with less time than anyone we have ever had the pleasure of working with. Though she balanced dozens of other projects each with multiple demands, she very carefully took us through the most trying moments without complaint.

With a project of this size, there are always many more people deserving of mention.

AT WWE | All of the WWE Superstars, Mike Archer, Dave Barry, Ira Berg, Tom Bergamasco, Kasama Bhasathiti, Debbie Bonnanzio, Lynn Brent, Anthony Cali, Noelle Carr, Jill Clark, Bob Clarke, Ed Cohen, Donna Collins, Kate Cox, John DAmico, Denise DeCesare, Debbie Degeralomo, Liz Difabio, Nicole Dorazio, Kevin Dunn, Rich Freeda, John Giamundo, Donna Goldsmith, Jennifer Good, Bernadette Hawks, Dave Hebner, Earl Hebner, Lisa Lee, Ed Kaufman, Linda McMahon, Marissa McMahon, Shane McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, Vince McMahon, Janice McNairn, Lauren Middlen, Virginia Mierisch, Bruce Prichard, Jim Ross, Ann Russo-Gordon, John Sohigian, Kevin Sullivan, Jessie Ward, Barry Werner, Andrew Wilson, Frank Vitucci, Janet Ventriglia, Veronica Zarrelli and Beth Zazza.

AT HOME | For my baby boy, Jonah William, who came into the world as this book was being created. As with your sisters Alexandra, Samantha and Isabella and your mother, my Laurita, the best of me comes from each of you.

Mark Vancil

To Cheri, James, Nicole, Courtney, and Taylorthe champions in my ring.

Ken Leiker

SECTION I

ME

SECTION II

BODY

SECTION III

LIFE

SECTION IV

HOME