Former WWE wrestler Marc Copani will join authors Kim Adams and Glenn Gomez Adams for a book and autograph signing Dec. 6 at Auburn Ancient Order of Hibernians.
The fundraiser runs from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Auburn AOH, 79 VanAnden St., according to a news release from the organization. Suggested admission donations are $5 for adults and $10 for families, with free admission for Auburn AOH and Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians members and their families.
All three Central New York writers are first-time authors. Copies of their books will be available to buy at the event, with additional charges for photos, books and autographs.
Copani's book follows life after wrestling
Copani, known to wrestling fans as Muhammad Hassan, wrote the 240-page “Wrestling with Adversity: How to Deal with Life’s Challenges.” The book uses his wrestling career and the years that followed to discuss handling disappointment, changing perspective and rebuilding.
In his early 20s, Copani moved from WWE’s Ohio Valley Wrestling developmental system to national television. He appeared opposite Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, John Cena and The Undertaker during his 2004-05 WWE run.
His run ended in 2005 after a controversial “SmackDown” storyline coincided with the London bombings, according to the release. His rise, the backlash and its aftermath were revisited in the 2025 “Dark Side of the Ring” season finale, “Becoming Muhammad Hassan.”
Copani later returned to college and became a history teacher and school administrator. He now serves as director of human resources for the Fulton City School District. His book focuses on that transition and offers steps for readers facing their own setbacks.
A children's adventure and stories from a radio career
Kim Adams, a retired special education teacher who worked with children with special needs and autism, wrote “Bella and Nash, Our First Camping Trip Day 1.” The adventure follows two 9-year-old cousins, including a nonverbal neurodiverse boy. Gina Noel illustrated the book.
Glenn Gomez Adams’ “You’re Caller Number 7, Please Try Again” collects humorous stories from his life and more than 40 years working in Central New York media.
Adams is a broadcast journalist and radio personality whose morning show, “Gomez & Company,” airs on TK99. He has received multiple awards from the New York State Broadcasters Association and Syracuse Press Club and also works as a stand-up comedian, speaker and event host throughout the Northeast.
The three books are also available through Barnes & Noble and Amazon. More information about the signing is available on the Auburn AOH and Auburn LAOH Facebook pages.
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