From its carnival origins to its current status as a global phenomenon, pro wrestling has a unique presence in popular culture. Part sport and part theatre, the impressive antics of its larger-than-life characters have captured the imaginations of generations of fans, and prompted endless speculation about behind-the-scenes machinations. Philosophy Smackdown  is a study of pro wrestling as distinctive as pro wrestling itself: it is the first philosophical look at this major cultural spectacle. Philosopher and fan Douglas Edwards takes both philosophy and pro wrestling to parts unknown. With liveliness, humor and insight, he shows that pro wrestling is fertile ground for reflection on fundamental human issues, such as reality, freedom, identity, morality, justice, and meaning. He explores these through pivotal events in pro wrestling, from the eighties heyday of Hulkamania to the recent emergence of AEW. Philosophy Smackdown  is a read that will delight philosophers and pro wrestling fans alike. It's time to ask yourself: Whatcha gonna do when  Philosophy Smackdown  runs wild on you? “One of the best popular philosophy books I’ve ever read.” Mark D. White, author of Batman and Ethics “'The book is billed as being about the philosophy of wrestling, but Edwards... writes so well that you don’t need to know much about either topic to be drawn in. He takes six philosophical topics ― reality, freedom, identity, morality, justice and meaning ― and investigates each one through the peculiar lens of pro wrestling. The result is far more entertaining than you might expect.” Nigel Warburton, The Spectator Magazine "I was introduced to philosophy in university. . . . I was required to buy textbooks that were definitely not as accessible, welcoming nor as interesting as Edwards’ book." Slam Wrestling “Edward’s chapters encompass ‘Reality’, ‘Identity’, ‘Morality’, ‘Justice’, and ‘Meaning’, with, in a board interpretation, […] and scoffers and critics as the heels. A read through his ‘Glossary’ will introduce neotypes to pro wrestling lingo.” Lavendar Magazine Douglas Edwards  is a prize-winning author and philosopher who has been a huge pro wrestling fan since he was a kid. He has written many books and articles on the nature of truth and reality, and teaches at Utica College.His other books are  Properties  (Polity Press, 2014),  The Metaphysics of Truth  (Oxford University Press, 2018), which won the American Philosophical Association's 2019 Sanders Book Prize, and his edited collection  Truth: A Contemporary Reader  (Bloomsbury Press, 2019). "The perfect guide for the intellectual wrestling fan, and a revelation of hidden depth for the skeptical philosopher." William Irwin, General Editor, Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series "This work of popular philosophy uses wrestling to explore philosophical questions, and uses philosophy to explore the drama and industry of wrestling. I've read nothing quite like it." Damon Young, author of The Art of Reading "With Philosophy Smackdown, Douglas Edwards has placed philosophy and pro wrestling in a winning tag-team." Lisa Jones, University of St Andrews Douglas Edwards  is a prize-winning author and philosopher who has been a huge pro wrestling fan since he was a kid. He has written many books and articles on the nature of truth and reality, and teaches at Utica College.His other books are  Properties (Polity Press, 2014), The Metaphysics of Truth (Oxford University Press, 2018), which won the American Philosophical Association's 2019 Sanders Book Prize, and his edited collection  Truth: A Contemporary Reader (Bloomsbury Press, 2019).