Blood and Fire

The Unbelievable Real-Life Story of Wrestling's Original Sheik

By: Brian R. Solomon

Narrated by: Brian R. Solomon

The captivating story of how The Sheik captured the imagination of a generation, conquered the wrestling business, and lost it all in a blaze of flame and glory

He was the most vicious, bloodthirsty, reviled villain in the history of the ring. During the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, he drew record crowds everywhere he went and left a trail of burned and bloody opponents in his wake. He was The Sheik: the mysterious and terrifying madman from Syria whose wanton destruction and mayhem are the stuff of wrestling legend. But what those legions of fans screaming for his head never knew was that The Sheik was really Eddie Farhat.

From Lansing, Michigan, and the son of Arab immigrants, Farhat served his country proudly in World War II and was fulfilling the American dream through hard work and tireless dedication to his craft. And when he wasn't screaming unintelligibly and attacking his enemies with sharp objects, he was busy being the owner and operator of World Wide Sports, one of the most successful wrestling companies in North America.

This is Blood and Fire: The Unbelievable Real-Life Story of Wrestling's Original Sheik.

©2022 Brian R. Solomon (P)2022 Tantor

An amazing story!

A beautifully written. well-read tribute. this is a fascinating story of a person who does not get their due for being a pioneer in the wrestling business.

The History of Wrestling

Loved the detailed history of wrestlings most elusive and controversial wrestlers. Goes really
In depth into not just his life but also the history of the territories.

Classic Wrestling Bio

Excellent Bio of one of Pro Wrestling's most infamous preformers Neat to Mick Foley Bio

Incredible

Not just the best wrestling biography I've read/listened to, but the best biography full stop. Can't recommend it enough.

Enlightening and entertaining

Decided to listen after reading it about six months ago when it was released. Possibly the best wrestler biography out of the dozens I’ve read. Meticulously researched but not at all dry, Solomon has a great storytelling style of writing. The performance by the author conveys this very effectively. I really can’t recommend this book enough even if you only have a passing interest in the subject matter. You are guaranteed to learn something and be entertained no your familiarity with The Sheik and territory era wrestling in general. Very much looking forward to his upcoming Gorilla Monsoon biography.

Humorous, Enlightening, and Emotional

I heard about this book on Jim Cornette's podcast and he really sold it for me. I've been a lifelong wrestling fan, but that segment on the podcast about this book not only introduced me to The Sheik, but also made me want to learn more about him. I am not disappointed in the least. The triumphant story of The Sheik was inspirational, humorous at times, intriguing, and emotional. I couldn't stop listening to this book. If you have a friend or family member that loves wrestling, or if you are a wrestling fan yourself, this is the book you didn't know you needed in your life.

In-Depth, Detailed, Informative

I can’t stress enough how amazing this book is! I even decided to buy paperback copies to have for my collection. Big ups to Brian!! Thanks for letting us in on the personal life of the most protected figure in the business.

The slow and steady build up and the equally rapid decline of his wrestling career and business

In a what have you done for me lately business this is a cautionary tale but comes later. A story that needed to be told and in such a compelling fashion.

Well researched.

If you're interested in old school wrestling I think you'll enjoy this book. I've listened to many wrestling podcasts and books and this book has a lot of new information. The original sheik was a character...

The best pro wrestling biography I've ever read

I've been very curious about The Sheik, but with his strict standards on never breaking character, it's hard to separate myth from man. This book is as comprehensive as it gets, even though Sheik's family chose not to participate.

It tells a story from growing up in the great depression to serving in WWII, and becoming a professional wrestler a few years after being discharged from the army. A 40 year career that went to the mid 90's, wrestling to his late 60's and giving everything his body had to the business.

It's a whose who of wrestling legends and it paints the most vivid picture I've heard of the wrestling territories of the NWA. The Sheik was a true legend and innovator, without him (for better or worse depending on the fan) we wouldn't have had Sabu, New Jack, or Nick Gage. They wouldn't have had the template, especially for keeping the business looking as real as possible.

I can't think of a better book about wrestling history, especially in its golden age, and to learn what it was like running an NWA territory in the 60's. This is a must own for any wrestling fan. It's more than blood and guts wrestling, it's history.