The complete Tito Santana story. He is open about growing up a minority and dealing with racism. While he went on to have a hall of wrestling career, the younger Tito had aspirations of playing professional football. Santana played college football at West Texas State, as did wrestling legends such as Dusty Rhodes, Tully Blanchard, the Funk brothers, Stan Hansen, Manny Fernandez, Ted Dibiase, and Blackjack Mulligan.
It would be West Texas teammate Tully Blanchard that would convince him to pursue a career in the squared circle. Santana was trained by Bob Orton Sr. and Hiro Matsuda, who would also train Hulk Hogan. Santana recalls that his wrestling career was going nowhere, until Terry Funk helped to secure him a spot with Eddie Graham’s Florida based promotion.
In his book, Santana recalls working for the racist booker Ole Anderson, and shares the racist antics of Blackjack Mulligan and Dick Murdoch. Santana would be culturally shocked by wrestling for Giant Baba’s All Japan promotion. Santana’s worked hard to impress wrestling promoters and was pleasantly surprised to receive an invite to work for Vince McMahon Sr.’s WWWF.
Santana takes the listener back to winning the WWWF rookie of the year, and capturing the tag team titles with Ivan Putski. He reveals the wrestler that suggested the catch phrase that he would use, and the transition from Vince Sr. to Vince Jr. While in the WWF, Jesse “The Body” Ventura would refer to him as Chico, which Santana said helped to get him over.
Santana achieved success feuding with Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, fighting over the coveted Intercontinental title. Santana discusses his disappointment in not working with Valentine at the initial Wrestlemania. The WWF grew in popularity which led a cartoon series, a music album, and action figures. Santana shares his thoughts on how merchandising changed WWF contracts.
After a successful run with Rick Martel as Strike Force, Santana would transition to the El Matador character. After retiring from the ring, Santana served as a WWF Spanish commentator. Santana shares his opinion of the infamous Montreal Screwjob, when Bret Hart was screwed out of the WWF title. Years later, he would be inducted into the WWE hall of fame, as Santana recalls receiving that call.
Additionally, Santana shares many intriguing road stories, backstage ribs, working with the likes of the The Honky Tonk Man, Demolition, and the Brain Busters. Santana offers his honest opinion on never turning heel. This is an enjoyable wrestling book!
By: Tito Santana, Kenny Casanova
Narrated by: Raul R. Holguin
Length: 12 hrs
Release date: 04-08-24
Publisher: Kenny Casanova