The 1980's professional wrestling scene was made up with a variety of very interesting and amusing characters. One of these characters was the poetic "Leaping" Lanny Poffo, better known as "The Genius" in his later WWF days. This lesser known Poffo brother(his brother is Randy Poffo, better known as "Macho Man" Randy Savage) started off in the WWF as a fan favorite jobber. This meant that he was mainly used to build up new talent by losing to them in matches. Despite the fact that he was never involved in any major storylines, Poffo became a favorite of the fans as he would regularly throw out frisbees to the crowd with his own poetry inscribed on them.

Later in his career, the WWF decided to use Poffo's gift of poetry in a new character they created. From 1989 to 1992, Poffo played the bad guy character of "The Genius", a smarty pants wrestler who came to the ring in full graduation gear and a scroll with poetry on it. He would regularly berate the fans and his opponents with some home-made poetry. He also exhibited feminine qualities with his character, as he would often flee from his opponents, prance around the ring, and do cartwheels and other gymnastic moves to try and "impress" his foe. The fans truly hated this guy. He also was used as a manager to Mr Perfect and the tag team of The Beverly Brothers. His biggest highlight of his career was when he beat WWF Heavyweight Champion in a one on one encounter during an episode of Saturday Night's Main Event, as the Hulkster was counted out of the ring after Mr Perfect interfered. He did not win the title, but he left his mark on the wrestling industry by being able to say that he beat Hogan.

"Wrestling With Rhyme" was released in 1988, before he became the Genius. It contains a great collection of his own poetry. Most of these poems, obviously, deal with wrestling, whether it be wrestlers themselves, wrestling managers, wrestling fans, and even wrestling arenas. Along with wrestling, Poffo writes about personal matters, charities, other famous personalities, and doing the right thing and being a good person. While Poffo is no Edgar Allen Poe, the poems that he writes are very creative and will appeal to kids and adults alike, especially wrestling fans. All of the poems have a simple, child-like quality about them that makes you just smile. Fans of 1980's WWF wrestling will be kept entertained with humorous peoms about the likes of Hulk Hogan, Junk Yard Dog, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, Andre the Giant, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, and most of your other 80's favorites. Included with these poems are some great illustrations by Lynne Gutshall.

All in all, this is a great novelty item that is a rare find if you can get one in a store. I purchased mine online for under $10, and I have to say that it was totally worth it. It is definitely a must have for any wrestling fan's library.

Sample Poem:

The World Wrestling Federation
Has caused a culture shock
In every phase of society
From classical to rock

In triumphant jubilation
Every social class is one
With a single common interest
Just to have a little fun

I've seen the rapture in the eyes
Of fans from every nation
You made us what we are today
World Wrestling Federation

Recommended: Yes