Just Tyrus: A Memoir
by Tyrus
Narrated by Tyrus
Listening Length 4 hours and 58 minutes
Release date: 07-05-22
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Biography, Memoirs
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.0.
Pro wrestler and political commentator Tyrus goes deep into his wild but triumphant life story, from his painfully dysfunctional upbringing to bodyguarding for Snoop Dogg, to becoming a wrestling icon and one of the most provocative on-air voices today.
The product of a 1970s mixed marriage, George Murdoch learned to fight early in life, fending off both race-baiting bullies and the demons of a dysfunctional home. Couch surfing all through high school and most of college, the quick-witted, sharp-tongued giant played football, ran drugs, and bounced at clubs to try to survive. After a false start with the WWE, he eventually became Snoop Dogg's bodyguard and traveled the world with the hip hop legend, biding his time and honing his rap. When the WWE urged him to return, George became "Brodus Clay" and, for the next several years, reinvented himself numerous times under the watchful mentorship of the legendary Dusty Rhodes, "the American Dream." He was eventually christened "Tyrus," and shortly after, a chance social media encounter with Greg Gutfeld at Fox News resulted in Tyrus finding a new skill: sage social commentator. Ferociously funny, blunt, and tenacious, Just Tyrus traces his unlikely and spectacular rise. As always with Tyrus, it's in-your-face and offers no apologies.
Review:
This memoir tells the reader/listener about Tyrus’ struggles in his dysfunctional family, pugnacious childhood, and his short ventures in crime as a young adult. Tyrus got into fights early in his life as a result of his mixed heritage and bullies who he decided to deal with. One of his childhood heroes was American Dream wrestler, Dusty Rhodes. It was a long time dream for Tyrus to get into wrestling. Through his employment journey, Tyrus, born George Murdoch, went through numerous trade names.
It seems as though Tyrus stumbled into his successes. He had a rough time in football before he fought his way into a position as a bodyguard for Snoop Dogg. Tyrus enjoyed that work, especially a time coaching young, disadvantaged children. The bodyguard position led him to a chance in wrestling. His participation in television wrestling went through some ups and downs but ultimately gave him a chance meeting with Greg Gutfeld, a political commentator and comedian at Fox News. This led to Tyrus being a regular (sidekick) on the Greg Gutfeld Show, now rebranded as Gutfeld!
Tyrus fulfilled a dream when he became the NWA World Television Champion in August 2021. He wears his champion belt during his appearances on Gutfeld! and while contributing on various other Fox news and opinion programs.
I enjoyed the informative memoir which is presented with Tyrus’ sharp wit and a humble forthrightness. He was a hot head as a youth, still has a brash mouth, but has, over the years, found wisdom grounded in common sense that he is able to share. I have seen Tyrus on television and was impressed by his down-to-earth common sense. I sensed he had a rough childhood but didn’t really know. I recommend this to anyone who would like to know more about this intelligent commentator. (Warning: there is a liberal amount of swearing.)
Audio Notes: Tyrus does the narration of his own work. Although I enjoyed his natural delivery, there were technical issues with sound levels, background noises, and uneven pacing. This didn’t hamper my enjoyment of the audio.
Source: 2022 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2022NetGalley and 2022Audiobook goals.
