John Ellul has a biography of Adrian Adonis to be published on 23 March in paperback and ebook. Pre-orders of the Kindle version are available from Amazon now.

Flowers for Adrian: The Life and Death of Adrian Adonis is a detailed and engaging look at the life, death, and legacy of professional wrestler Keith Franke, who competed as “Gorgeous” Keith Franks and “Adorable” Adrian Adonis during the 1970s and 1980s before his untimely death in 1988.

This biography, the first of its kind, takes readers from Franke’s start in life as an orphan, to achieving his childhood dream of becoming a pro wrestler. The tale plays out across the vibrant background of wrestling’s territories, where Franke learned his trade the ‘old-fashioned’ way in California, Amarillo, Portland, and elsewhere.

One-half of the pioneering East West Connection with future Governor of Minnesota Jesse Ventura, Adonis headlined Madison Square Garden before being front and centre during the WWF’s international expansion. What could possibly go wrong?  Through meticulous research and interviews with a range of sources, readers will learn the story of Adonis’ life and career, and much more, including:

• The tale of the original Adrian Adonis, dating back over 100 years.
• The true story of his infamous Amarillo shoot-fight, recounted for the first time by Terry Daniels.
• The intriguing plans Adonis had for a career away from the ring.

With contributions from Franke’s friends, family, and former colleagues, such as “Magnificent” Don Muraco, Tully Blanchard, Jerry Brisco, and more, Flowers for Adrian: The Life and Death of Adrian Adonis is the definitive story of the man behind the make-up.