University of Tampa journalism prof and Real Men Do Yoga author John Capouya releases his second effort this Thursday at Inkwood Books. Gorgeous George: The Outrageous Bad-Boy Wrestler Who Created American Pop Culture traces the life, legacy and surprisingly wide influence of a wrestler who single-handedly spearheaded a new form of sports-informed entertainment that involved much bravado and little or no actual sportsmanship. "Gorgeous" George Wagner aka "The Beautiful Bicep" aka "The Human Orchid" made his debut television appearance in 1947. With perfectly coiffed bleach-blond locks, garish satin and silk robes festooned with fur, sequins and lace, and a peacock swagger into the ring complete with scurrying valet and grand entrance music ("Pomp and Circumstance"), the quasi-effeminate wrestler captured the American public's attention and achieved exactly what he wanted — instant celebrity. He was the industry's first dastardly villain ("Win if you can, lose if you must — but always cheat" was his motto), he made pro-wrestling television's first profitable "hit," and according to Capouya, transformed TV into an earnest entertainment medium and created pop culture in the process. Thurs., Sept. 4, 7 p.m., 216 Armenia Ave. S., Tampa, 813-253-2638, free, inkwoodbooks.com.
