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13 Best Wrestling Books for True WrestleManiacs (Wrestling Autobiographies)

What are some of the best wrestling books available? As a lifelong fan, I’ve read many autobiographies over the years (at least two dozen). I thus decided to put together a list of my personal faves by wrestlers / wrestling personalities whose books left me feeling especially inspired.

Rest assured. Each wrestling autobiography is packed with tons of backstage stories, real-life feuds, personal journeys, and other juicy behind-the-scenes stuff.

Strap in! It’s gonna be a ‘bumpy’ ride.

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My List of Best Wrestling Books

1. undisputed: how to become the world champion in 1,372 easy steps.

From the Y2J gimmick to the List to having a little bit of the bubblyyyyyy, Chris Jericho has always been a master of reinvention. As a wrestler, he’s scaled the highest of highs – and is almost a definite future WWE Hall of Famer.

Above all, Jericho’s Undisputed is, in my opinion, one of the best wrestling books out there. His first autobiography A Lion’s Tale was an addictive read. However, I found this one much funnier and slightly more entertaining, more so than his follow-up The Best in the World .

Undisputed sees Jericho sharing tons of backstage stories. He talks at length about his big-time feuds with The Rock, Stone Cold, John Cena, HHH, and other rivalries. In addition, Jericho dishes the gossip on that infamous Goldberg incident, as well as other hilarious tidbits about his life on the road. There are also some sombre parts, such as when he speaks candidly about Chris Benoit.

I expected the bits about Fozzy – Jericho’s rock band – to be a little out of place. However, I actually found myself pleasantly engaged, keen on following Jericho’s progress as a musician. Sure, he sounds a bit self-indulgent at times – but that’s kinda part of his charm and charisma.

Overall, I found Undisputed to be a very entertaining wrestling autobiography that shows Jericho at his storytelling finest. A must-read for any wrestling fan!

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Jericho, Chris (Author)
• English (Publication Language)

2. King of Strong Style: 1980-2014

Shinsuke Nakamura has had his ups and downs in WWE (e.g. from winning the Royal Rumble in 2018 to… being quickly tossed out by Brock Lesnar years later). However, there’s no denying the King of Strong Style has had a phenomenon career across the globe, producing countless 5-star calibre matches.

This book covers his time as an amateur grappler as he rose through the ranks to reach the Nippon Budokan. I especially enjoyed reading his accounts of his classic matches against Kurt Angle and Brock Lesnar, back in the day. Shinsuke also shares his fond memories of being the youngest New Japan Pro-Wrestling Heavyweight Champion when he first won it.

One thing to note: the book is actually a transcript of his lengthy interviews with Jocelyne Allen. However, the final form it takes still reads very much like a detailed wrestling autobiography, broken down into themed segments.

Overall, I consider King of Strong Style to be among the best wrestling books available about a wrestler who’s sorely underused by the WWE today.

3. Wrestling for My Life: The Legend, the Reality, and the Faith of a WWE Superstar

Mr. WrestleMania himself is no doubt one of the most celebrated – and controversial – figures in pro wrestling history. So, you can expect nothing less than tons of juicy info and behind-the-scenes drama in his tell-all autobiography.

However, what really surprised me was Michaels’ honest sharing of the deep lows of his life. This is especially apparent when he talks about the back injury which sent him into retirement (i.e. let’s not think about his recent Saudi Arabia ‘comeback’, shall we?). In addition, I was truly drawn to how he dramatically turned his life around as he became a born-again Christian. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not religious – but this was a fascinating read nonetheless.

In short, Wrestling for My Life offers you a heartfelt and inspiring close-up of The Showstopper himself. It’s by far one of the best wrestling books I’ve had the joy of finishing.

• Hardcover Book
• Michaels, Shawn (Author)

Also check out: 40 Incredible Non-Fiction Books Not To Be Missed!

4. yes: my improbable journey to the main event of wrestlemania.

We all already know the story of Daniel Bryan’s ascension into WrestleMania greatness. However, there’s nothing quite like hearing it from the horse’s – or should I say, goat’s? – mouth.

Yes! is the page-turning journey of his defiance against the odds. Bryan tells his underdog tale of success, starting with his early days as an indie wrestler before joining the WWE. Along the way, you’ll also learn about how his ‘Yes!’ movement came about, as well as the real-life backstage politics he endured to get to where he is today.

Above all, I love Bryan’s relatable, laid-back, and humble tone that really shines throughout his book. It’s no wonder people rallied behind him, pushing him way beyond just being a ‘B+ player’.

In short, Yes! is one of the best wrestling autobiographies to read if you’re in need of a little extra motivation in your own life. Even better, the audiobook version is narrated by Bryan himself, which adds a lot of authenticity.

• Audible Audiobook
• Daniel Bryan (Author) - Daniel Bryan, Peter Berkrot (Narrators)

5. Have A Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks

Mick Foley is a true hardcore legend. Plus, he’s also got a knack for writing the best wrestling books ever! He’s released a few over the years – but my personal fave has to be Have A Nice Day . It’s an oldie but a goodie, detailing his thoughts on surviving some of the most brutal, blood-shedding matches in pro wrestling history.

I especially liked how Foley contrasts his violent in-ring work with his much more peace-loving family and personal life. It makes him a complex man for sure – a wrestler with a unique and multifaceted life-story that’ll pique any fan’s interest!

Overall, I think Foley’s incredible writing skills – which is on par with many professional authors – really helps to elevate Have a Nice Day as a shoo-in classic of the genre. Not to be missed!

6. Best Seat in the House: Your Backstage Pass Through My WWE Journey

I’ll be honest. I didn’t pay much attention to ring announcer Justin Roberts during his stint with the WWE. That being said, reading his autobiography was very eye-opening to say the least. He reveals what life was like working for the company, rushing from Point A to Z non-stop, and his abysmal interactions with WWE brass who couldn’t seem to make up their minds.

By now, we already know about JBL’s penchant for backstage bullying. However, learning about Justin Roberts’ first-hand encounters only deepened my disdain for the man. On the flipside, Best Seat in the House also talks about his positive relationships with other more likable WWE superstars.

In short, if you’re looking for one of the best wrestling autobiographies around (told from an unlikely perspective), Best Seat in the House is the book for you. There’s also an audiobook version available, narrated by Roberts.

7. Slobberknocker: My Life in Wrestling

So I’ve listed the best wrestling books by wrestlers, and even by a ring announcer. But what about a release that comes from one of the most celebrated color commentators in wrestling history? Yup! Jim Ross has a book – and as its title aptly suggests, it’s a real Slobberknocker !

Ross opens up about his humble childhood and how he developed an undying passion for wrestling at an early age. He also details all the backstage dues he had to pay to earn his first commentary job. In addition, Ross also recounts many hilarious stories, including his eccentric interactions with Vince McMahon.

Overall, I think Ross’ autobiography will likely appeal to wrestling fans of WWE’s Attitude era. Slobberknocker is a fascinating read by a man who has given us some of wrestling’s most memorable sound bites. “ Stone Cold! Stone Cold!”

• Ross, Jim (Author)

8. Eric Bischoff: Controversy Creates Cash

Love him or hate him, Eric Bischoff was an undeniable part of the spark that ignited the now legendary Monday Night War between WCW and WWE.

To his credit, Bischoff understands what readers really want to know. He thus focuses less on his personal life, and more on the exact events that led to the rise and fall of McMahon’s biggest wrestling rival. The amount of backstage politics was staggering – yet, I find it such a delightful trainwreck to read about!

I was especially riveted by Bischoff’s recollections of his meetings with other key wrestling figures, including Paul Heyman and Hulk Hogan. In addition, he offers a behind-closed-doors account of his evolving relationship with McMahon.

In short, Controversy Creates Cash lifts the curtain on the business side of wrestling, letting us take an intimate peek at the many ups and downs the industry has gone through.

Also check out: 14 Books About LEGO for Adults

Other great wrestling autobiographies to check out, 9. wrestling with the devil.

Here’s the story of a former World Champion who had it all – and lost everything. An engrossing autobiography that rounds off with reflection and personal redemption. I’m glad Luger is doing much better these days!

10. Cross Rhodes: Goldust, Out of the Darkness

Dustin Rhodes – aka Goldust – gives us the direct scoop on one of wrestling’s most iconic families, the Rhodes. He also reveals his long love-hate relationship with his ‘bizarre’ gimmick. Above all, I regard Cross Rhodes as being one of the most honest and best wrestling books to date. Today, Dustin has finally found a happier home at AEW with his brother, Cody.

11. Cheating Death, Stealing Life: The Eddie Guerrero Story

RIP Eddie. His autobiography – released shortly after his passing – charts his early days as an underdog wrestler all the way up to his well-earned ascension to the big leagues. He also confessed his dark struggles with addiction. A must-read for all Guerrero fans.

12. Ric Flair: To Be the Man

Flair never holds back in saying how he feels. And that shows in his tell-all wrestling autobiography. Above all, the book is testament to his unrelenting grit to succeed. It covers his rise from obscurity, the many pitfalls he encountered, and how he overcame them To Be The Man he is today.

13. Bobby the Brain: Wrestling’s Bad Boy Tells All

Bobby had done it all! He was an accomplished wrestler, a revered color commentator, and is still regarded as one of the greatest managers of all-time. His autobiography is hilarious, entertaining, and full of fun wrestling info. Above all, Bobby The Brain sits comfortably among the best wrestling books ever to be put out.

Know of other best wrestling books to recommend? Drop me a line and I’ll add them to the list!

Peter is an avid book reader, blogger, and social media strategist. He also has a Doctorate in Anthropology, and enjoys studying changing cultural trends, particularly in the area of media consumption.

TheSportster

5 great wrestling autobiographies to read (& 5 from journalists).

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10 Things Randy Savage Never Accomplished In Wrestling

10 most effective finishers in wcw history, 10 old-school wrestling stables nobody remembers.

The various books to come out about wrestling throughout the years prove that both autobiographies from the performers and historic presentations by journalists can thrive. Wrestling delivers so many interesting stories in the nature of the business that hundreds of books have provided entertainment for the audience wanting to learn more.

RELATED: The 10 Strangest Wrestling Books Ever

The best autobiographies came from wrestlers who had strong memories from their work and an interesting approach in how they shared it. Non-wrestlers to have great books shined with a knowledge and passion for the industry. Find out which ones are going out of your way to buy or find at your local library. Each of the following books are the best from wrestlers and from journalists.

10 By Wrestler: Have A Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks

The first autobiography set the tone for all future wrestling books when Mick Foley started his second career as an author. Foley released Have A Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks towards the end of his WWE run as a full-time performer.

RELATED: 10 Facts About Mick Foley We Learn From His Books

The book was a huge success in a way no one expected from a wrestler at the time. Other wrestlers started releasing books shortly after hoping to find similar success. Foley is clearly one of the most genuine and intelligent wrestlers and the writing format allowed him to showcase that. He has since released several more books.

9 By Journalist: Sex, Lies, and Headlocks

There have not been many books released about Vince McMahon despite him being such a controversial and influential figure in wrestling. Wrestling journalist Mike Mooneyham and author Shaun Assael tackled the subject with a controversial book.

Sex, Lies, and Headlocks: The Real Story of Vince McMahon and World Wrestling Entertainment took a deeper look at Vince’s rise to the top of the wrestling industry. The book provided many fascinating tales in an unauthorized glimpse at the story of WWE’s ascension.

8 By Wrestler: Yes!: My Improbable Journey to the Main Event of WrestleMania

Daniel Bryan writing a book before his career ended could have seen the story saved for a deeper book down the line. However, that shouldn’t take away from the positive impact that the release of Yes! My Improbable Journey to the Main Event of WrestleMania had in a short time .

Wrestling fans love Bryan and got a deeper look at his life from childhood to the independent circuit to WWE. Bryan looks at wrestling differently than anyone else in a top spot. The stories ranged from how much he didn’t enjoy his  WrestleMania 30 win as much as fans to the humorous tales of his first dates with Brie Bella.

7 By Journalist: Death Of The Territories

Tim Hornbaker has released a few books about wrestling, but the best one thus far featured a deeper look at the end of the territories system. Death Of The Territories: Expansion, Betrayal and the War That Changed Pro Wrestling Forever provided a look at the backstory any wrestling historian would want to learn about.

Vince McMahon taking WWE to the mainstream featured him going after many territories with the intent of removing them from any relevant role of competition. WWE clearly does not go into detail about this in their productions and the book is the best way to learn about wrestling history.

6 By Wrestler: Crazy Is My Superpower

AJ Lee leaving WWE was a product of the company’s issue with her husband CM Punk walking out, her injuries making it a tougher job, and the desire to have outside projects. The best project of Lee so far was her decision to write a book.

RELATED: 10 Things We Learned About AJ Lee From Her Book

Crazy is My Superpower: How I Triumphed by Breaking Bones, Breaking Hearts, and Breaking the Rules was not just a book about wrestling. Lee went into detail about her very difficult battles with mental illness along with a tough childhood. The story is inspiring for her success and received great reviews from non-wrestling fans.

5 By Journalist: The Eighth Wonder Of The World: The True Story of Andre The Giant

Pat Laprade is one of the most respected writers to use his passion for pro wrestling with many great articles and a few outstanding books. The Eighth Wonder Of The World: The True Story of Andre The Giant was the 2020 release from Pat looking at the iconic big man.

Most wrestling fans know a little about Andre’s background due to the WWE productions, but the book takes a deeper look at his entire career. One of the most important wrestling figures had a fascinating backstory that is worth exploring with this recently successful book.

4 By Wrestler: A Lion’s Tale: Around the World in Spandex

Chris Jericho has released a few great books , but the first one stands the test of time as the best. A Lion’s Tale: Around the World in Spandex looked at Jericho’s career before WWE with the culture shocks in Mexico and Japan before working for ECW and WCW.

Jericho provided one of the first great wrestling books that looked at the struggles of a wrestler earning his spot on shows to continue progressing in his career. Many current top stars list the book as a huge help in their careers. Fellow Inner Circle members Santana and Ortiz revealed they became friends by sharing the book with each other before training to become wrestlers.

3 By Journalist: The Death Of WCW

One of the most successful books by non-wrestlers about wrestling saw The Death Of WCW becoming a polarizing read. Most fans loved it as it went into great detail about various fascinating and unbelievable stories of what caused the downfall of WCW.

Eric Bischoff, Vince Russo, and a few others to get blasted in the book hated it and got into a war of words with the writers Bryan Alvarez and R.D. Reynolds at various points. There was even a debate between Bischoff and Reynolds that saw Bischoff taking countless insults at the book. The Death Of WCW was still a huge success with a re-release still doing well.

2 By Wrestler: Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling

Bret Hart delivered the most detailed wrestling book that was large in both size and passion. Every aspect of Hart’s career from his early days in Stampede Wrestling to the rise in WWE to the downfall in WCW was discussed in depth.

Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling was an outstanding book with the appeal of Bret detailing all the stories and opinions one could ever want from him. The book saw Hart putting everything he had into a classic that should be read by any wrestling fan.

1 By Journalist: Crazy Like A Fox: The Definitive Chronicle Of Brian Pillman 20 Years Later

Brian Pillman remains one of the most controversial figures in wrestling history. The subject clearly was interesting enough for Liam O’Rourke to put his time and effort into coming up with an outstanding book.

Crazy Like A Fox: The Definitive Chronicle Of Brian Pillman 20 Years Later was released in 2017 and became a hit in the wrestling community. Every chapter of Pillman’s career was broken down from research and quotes from his friends. Any fan of Pillman or wrestling would benefit from reading this superb book.

NEXT: 10 Backstage Stories About Brian Pillman That We Can't Believe

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Biography: WWE Legends

Features eight original two-hour documentaries showcasing the stories behind some of the most memorable WWE Superstars of all time. Features eight original two-hour documentaries showcasing the stories behind some of the most memorable WWE Superstars of all time. Features eight original two-hour documentaries showcasing the stories behind some of the most memorable WWE Superstars of all time.

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The Wrestling EstatE

20 Best Wrestling Books Of Last 20 Years

Mick Foley ignited the pro wrestler autobiography boom.

To celebrate the anniversary of Mick Foley’s groundbreaking first book – Have A Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks – we’re counting down the greatest wrestling reads of the past 20 years.

David Gibb and John Corrigan, editor-in-chief of The Wrestling Estate, each compiled their own list, compared choices and then debated over which should make the final cut. It was a grueling challenge to determine which deserve our highest recommendation, and many of our favorites were still left off. (Larry Matysik’s Wrestling at the Chase , David Shoemaker’s The Squared Circle , In The Pit With Piper , Daniel Bryan’s autobiography and Lex Luger’s autobiography, just to name a few.)

20. Pro Wrestling FAQ: All That’s Left to Know About the World’s Most Entertaining Spectacle (Brian Solomon)

Brian Solomon has “toasted champagne cocktails with Ric Flair all night in Manchester, England; hung out in ‘Classy’ Freddie Blassie’s basement while wearing his house slippers; and once got stuck in a limo with Vince McMahon for three hours and lived to tell the tale.” Despite all those anecdotes, the former WWE, Raw and SmackDown magazine writer and editor hasn’t penned an autobiography. Instead, he covers pro wrestling from its carnie origins to modern day sports-entertainment. Solomon’s tome is the definitive guide to everything one must know about the history, athletes and appeal of the genre. – John Corrigan

19. Countdown to Lockdown: A Hardcore Journal (Mick Foley)

Mick Foley’s fourth and final memoir chronicles the buildup and execution of his TNA World Championship match against Sting at Lockdown 2009. It’s a similar style to his third book, in which he discussed the buildup and execution of his wars with Ric Flair and the ECW resurrection in 2006. I’m drawn to this one more simply because I was in attendance for the match with Sting, and to read what Foley was thinking during the mayhem is riveting. Plus, he also discusses his painful experience as a commentator for Vince McMahon. – John Corrigan

18. No is a Four-Letter Word: How I Failed in Spelling But Succeeded in Life (Chris Jericho with I’m Sure He Had a Ghostwriter But They Don’t List it Anywhere; I Hope That Means the Guy Got Paid Really Well)

I do not enjoy self-help books, and I generally don’t want advice from celebrities, but the pace and structure of No is a Four-Letter Word make it a highly addictive and entertaining read.

Each chapter is built around a specific life lesson Jericho has learned and contains specific examples of how that lesson has played out in his road to success (usually filled with smirk-inducing celebrity anecdotes). This may sound like faint praise, but it’s the perfect bathroom reader: something you can digest a few pages at a time and reflect on between reading sessions. – David Gibb

On this holy day, we learn from the four Gospels of Jericho. @IAmJericho #MerryChristmas pic.twitter.com/9PSKvnDOqM — The Wrestling Estate (@TheWrestlingEst) December 25, 2017

17. Undisputed: How to Become the World Champion in 1,372 Easy Steps (Chris Jericho)

In the highly anticipated sequel to his first memoir, Chris Jericho takes us behind the scenes of his arrival in WWE, which was rife with political turmoil . For fans of the early 2000s, it’s fascinating to see how the locker room reacted to the NWO and the Radicalz coming in, Jericho’s confrontation with Goldberg, the rise of John Cena and much more. Plus, Jericho delves into his escapades outside the ring, such as Hollywood, Fozzy and becoming a father. The most poignant part of the book is the chapter on Chris Benoit and how he’ll never come to grips with what his best friend did. – John Corrigan

16. The Hardcore Truth: The Bob Holly Story (Bob Holly with Ross Williams)

It’s often said that history is written by the victors, but wouldn’t it be much more interesting if it wasn’t?

The Hardcore Truth is a daring attempt to cut through the BS of codified history and explain what it was actually like to break into TV wrestling after the territories had died and swim in the ultra-competitive shark tank that was a late ‘90s wrestling locker room. Holly is honest (or tries to be honest) to a fault in the book and comes away looking both quite similar to and very different from his television character in several surprising ways. – David Gibb

15. To Be The Man (Ric Flair with Keith Elliot Greenberg; edited by Mark Madden)

The title of Ric Flair’s ghostwritten autobiography will probably be exhibit A in his case against WWE for labeling Becky Lynch “The Man.” Way before his shoot interviews, podcasts and ESPN 30 for 30 , the Nature Boy first opened up about his illustrious career with this tell-all in 2004. Known for wearing his heart on his sequined sleeve, Naitch took shots at everybody from Bret Hart to Bruno Sammartino to Mick Foley to Eric Bischoff. He also let the world know a little bit about Richard Morgan Fliehr, a black market baby who struggled to juggle his own family life with the demands of being the greatest pro wrestler ever. – John Corrigan

14. Big Gold: A Close Look at Pro Wrestling’s Most Celebrated Championship Belt (Dick Bourne with Dave Millican)

As Ric Flair liked to say, “If it ain’t Big Gold, it’s second best!”

Big Gold is the ultimate deep dive into fanboy minutiae, dedicating two hundred pages to the history, design, and cultural significance of the most celebrated championship title belt in wrestling history. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into the process of creating a new wrestling championship, both in terms of creative and craftsmanship, Big Gold is here to turn even the most casual wrestling fan into a title belt devotee. – David Gibb

13. Second Nature: The Legacy of Ric Flair and the Rise of Charlotte (Ric Flair & Charlotte with Brian Shields)

It’s the unbelievably heartbreaking saga of pro wrestling royalty, yet it’s also relatable to every family in America. Both Flairs should be commended on their brutal honesty, making readers feel like friends more than fans. This is co-author Brian Shields’ finest work , translating their inner turmoil and angst (over the death of a son/brother, domestic violence, a forced retirement) into an eloquent, inspirational and captivating story of survival and redemption. – John Corrigan

12. The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Tag Teams (Greg Oliver & Steven Johnson)

Tag team wrestling has its own psychology, its own flavor, and its own distinct appeal, and you can feel Oliver and Johnson wanted to honor that in The Tag Teams . The book opens with a well-written “we don’t care what you think, these are the correct answers” top 20 of all-time professional wrestling teams before diving deep into historical subcategories. The structure and feel of the book make reading a blast, with each chapter feeling like a satisfying “match” unto itself.

Oliver and Johnson’s The Heels and Heroes and Icons are also must-have reads for completionists. – David Gibb

11. Bobby The Brain: Wrestling’s Bad Boy Tells All (Bobby Heenan with Steve Anderson)

As hilarious as you’d expect from The Brain. From dropping out in 8th grade to support his mother and grandmother to becoming the greatest manager of all time, Bobby Heenan certainly lived the American Dream. Of course, there were many hardships along the way, which The Weasel recounts after 40 years in the wacky world of bodyslams and baloney blowouts. His sequel is recommended as well, although that’s filled with more outside-the-ring anecdotes and life lessons than wrasslin’-specific stories. – John Corrigan

10. Grappler, Memoirs of a Masked Man (Lynn Denton with Joe Vithayathil)

Len Denton wrestled and booked his best matches in Portland, which put him somewhat off the mainstream wrestling radar during his athletic prime, but he was one of the late territory era’s sharpest minds and universally respected by his peers, from Ric Flair to Raven. Grappler, Memoirs of a Masked Man does a great job illustrating what life was like for a rank-and-file wrestler trying to make it as a creative force in the business without selling out his values as “one of the boys.”

Grappler… is the kind of book that makes you want to go out and watch every available match and promo its author ever did. – David Gibb

9. It’s Good to Be the King…Sometimes (Jerry Lawler with Doug Asheville)

Published a year after his return to WWE in 2001, Jerry Lawler’s autobiography came too soon. In the nearly 20 years since, there is plenty more for The King to open up about, from his son’s tragic death to his heart attack on Raw to his con artist podcast partner Glen Moore. That’s not to say you shouldn’t read this book – Lawler dives into the Memphis territory, jumping to WWE and his heartbreaking split with Stacy “The Kat” Carter. It’s a brutally honest and funny account of the King’s illustrious career. – John Corrigan

8. Death of the Territories (Tim Hornbaker)

Death of the Territories is essentially the unauthorized history of Vince McMahon’s early-80s power play that changed wrestling forever. Hornbaker does an excellent job building background at the beginning of the book, which makes Death of the Territories highly engaging and accessible for readers who are new to wrestling history, while still providing the degree of detail that hardcore fans hunger for.

If you’re trying to build an understanding of Vince McMahon’s real place in wrestling, television, and American history, Death of the Territories is the perfect place to start. – David Gibb

7. Is Wrestling Fixed? I Didn’t Know It Was Broken! (Bill Apter)

Full disclosure: I’m friends with Bill Apter. But so is everybody else! Wonderful Willie is pro wrestling’s greatest ambassador, having helped countless people (wrestlers, commentators, reporters, you name it) find their way in the industry over the past 50 years. His memoir doesn’t follow the traditional autobiography style – it’s filled with random anecdotes about his days at Pro Wrestling Illustrated, witnessing Bruno Sammartino lose the WWE Championship , befriending Andy Kaufman and much more. As entertaining as it is educational, Apter’s book feels like you’re sitting next to him at MOD Pizza, cracking up while scarfing down another burnt slice. – John Corrigan

6. Slobberknocker (Jim Ross with Paul O’Brien)

Slobberknocker was probably the most anticipated wrestling memoir since Hitman , dropping at the height of the wrestling podcast craze and chronicling the journey of one of the sport’s most recognizable faces and voices throughout the last half-century. The book refreshingly laid off deep dives on specific moments from the Attitude Era but instead focused on J.R.’s family, his break into what was still a very closed business, and his struggle to balance the two.

There’s some gut-wrenching stuff in Slobberknocker , most notably Ross detailing his upbringing at the hands of a wild west mid-century tough guy and his emotional reaction to the sudden death of his wife Jan, which threatened the completion of the book itself. At the end of the day, though, it’s a really cool look into what it meant to be a smart, ambitious “regular guy” in the wrestling business when regular guys weren’t allowed. – David Gibb

5. Sex, Lies, and Headlocks: The Real Story of Vince McMahon and World Wrestling Entertainment (Shaun Assael & Mike Mooneyham)

I’ve read this book probably more than any other. As evidenced by his decades of accolades and reporting, Mike Mooneyham is a tremendous writer who knows how to engage the reader during history lessons. His co-author Shaun Assael is one of the original staff members at ESPN Magazine and a member of the network’s Enterprise & Investigations Group. Together, they examine Vince McMahon’s rags to riches journey, as well as Ted Turner’s entry into the wrasslin’ business, McMahon’s steroid trial and the Monday Night War. If you think you’ve heard this story ad nauseam, I guarantee you’ll learn something new in this page-turner. – John Corrigan

4. Wrestlers are Like Seagulls: From McMahon to McMahon (J.J. Dillon with Scott Teal & Philip Varriale)

“…All they do is eat, shit, and squawk,” Dillon once heard Vincent J. McMahon tell his son backstage at Madison Square Garden. Wrestlers are Like Seagulls is essentially a parallel narrative, tracking both Dillon’s own career, from part-time referee to wrestler, fringe territory promoter, and eventually manager, and the evolution of the wrestling business from the 1960s, when he broke in at the height of Bruno Sammartino, through the sale of Jim Crocket Promotions to Turner, when J.J. left to work for the WWF.

The book balances specific insights into situations and stars Dillon had firsthand knowledge of, as well as providing a great ground-level understanding of how the territories worked from someone who made their bones at the height of the system. – David Gibb

3. A Lion’s Tale: Around the World in Spandex (Chris Jericho)

Taking the bard baton from Mick Foley, Chris Jericho has also written a series of captivating memoirs. Knowing how much pride he takes in all of his endeavors, it was highly unlikely that Y2J would rely upon a ghostwriter, but he exceeded all expectations with his debut autobiography. Chronicling his journey from training with the Harts (kinda sorta) to seconds before the millennium clock struck zero, Jericho enthralled us with heartwarming anecdotes, humorous pop culture references, new jargon and never-before-told stories about Smoky Mountain Wrestling, ECW, WCW and beyond. – John Corrigan

2. Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling (Bret Hart)

Bret Hart’s autobiography hits all the expected notes: he stories his rise from Calgary to king of the wrestling world, discusses the descent of his role model and close colleague, the Dynamite Kid, into complete self-destruction, details his main event squabble with Shawn Michaels literally blow-by-blow, and dives deep into the devastation of losing his brother to an ill-conceived workplace accident.

What makes Hitman… really, truly excellent, though, is the effort Bret made to tell an emotionally true story – if a subjective one. His perspective as an insider-outsider (the son of a respected promoter and major star – but also a quiet, artistic idealist) makes the book equally engaging and heartbreaking. – David Gibb

1. Have A Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks (Mick Foley)

WWE’s first book remains its best.

Forgoing a ghost writer and writing the entire book (over 700 pages) by hand, Mick Foley became the vanguard of pro wrestling autobiographies. The book debuted at #3 on the New York Times Best Seller List on November 7, 1999, and reached #1 by December 5. With his vivid descriptions of enduring unimaginable pain, navigating the Big Three, surviving Hell in a Cell and achieving his childhood dream, Mrs. Foley’s Baby Boy shattered the perception that pro wrestlers were unintelligent, grunting buffoons and their fan base was uneducated booger eaters. Foley’s brilliance, charm and masterful storytelling captured diehards and non-fans alike, taking them on a roller coaster ride through the craziest industry on Earth and explaining why someone with the aptitude of Foley would be so enthralled with it. – John Corrigan

About Author

David Gibb is a freelance writer and marketing professional based in New Hampshire. He is a published author of several mystery stories and has been opining about wrestling on the internet in various capacities since 2013.

See author's posts

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Full Details On WWE Documentaries On A&E

WWE and A&E have officially announced the premiere dates and full details for their 10-week original programming partnership that begins on Sunday, April 18.

Originally announced in 2019, A&E and WWE Studios will air eight two-hour episodes of their hit "Biography" series. A&E will also premiere a new series titled "WWE's Most Wanted Treasures" on the hunt for iconic WWE memorabilia that has been lost for decades.

The trailer for "Biography: WWE Legends" can be seen below.

The Biography documentaries will tell the stories of WWE Hall of Famers Steve Austin, Randy Savage, Roddy Piper, Booker T, Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, Mick Foley, and The Ultimate Warrior. Each special will air weekly at 8pm ET, beginning on Sunday, April 18 on A&E.

The "WWE's Most Wanted Treasures" series will air at 10pm ET right after the "Biography" specials go off the air on those Sundays. Triple H and Stephanie McMahon will host the hunt for some of WWE's most iconic missing memorabilia items, including Kane's original mask, Andy Kaufman's neck brace, and more. Several Superstars and Hall of Famers will join the hunt, including Foley, The Undertaker, Ric Flair, Booker T, Jerry Lawler, Mark Henry, Charlotte Flair, Greg Valentine, Brutus Beefcake, Jake Roberts, and Sgt. Slaughter. Former NFL player AJ Francis, who signed with WWE in 2020, will head out on the road with the famous WWE names to hunt for the memorabilia.

Stay tuned for more on the new projects from WWE and A&E. Below is a preview for the "Biography" series, along with the full announcement sent to us today by WWE, which includes details on who produced the Biography documentaries:

A&E AND WWE® GIVE FANS THE ULTIMATE RINGSIDE SEAT IN NEW 10-WEEK ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING PARTNERSHIP STARTING SUNDAY, APRIL 18 EIGHT TWO-HOUR BIOGRAPHY FILM SPECIALS REVEAL THE INTIMATE, PERSONAL STORIES BEHIND THE SUCCESS OF WWE'S MOST MEMORABLE LEGENDS NEW SERIES "WWE'S MOST WANTED TREASURES" GOES ON THE HUNT FOR ICONIC WWE MEMORABILIA THAT HAS BEEN LOST FOR DECADES *Join the conversation by following @TreasuresWWE and using #WWEonAE* New York, NY – February 23, 2021 – A&E Network and WWE Studios are giving fans an exclusive look behind the curtain in an all-new Sunday night programming partnership. With unprecedented access to WWE's archive, the ten-week programming block features eight original two-hour documentaries under the award-winning "Biography" banner showcasing the stories behind some of the most memorable WWE Superstars of all time including "Stone Cold" Steve Austin®, "Macho Man" Randy Savage®, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper™, Booker T®, Shawn Michaels®, Bret Hart, Mick Foley and Ultimate Warrior. The new "Biography" specials are helmed by some of the industry's top directors and storytellers to chronicle the success of these WWE Legends and their lasting mark on both sports entertainment and popular culture. Each special will air weekly at 8pm ET/PT beginning Sunday, April 18. Following at 10pm ET/PT, the brand-new series "WWE's Most Wanted Treasures," led by WWE's Stephanie McMahon and Paul "Triple H" Levesque launches a hunt for some of WWE's most iconic missing memorabilia including Kane's original mask, Ric Flair's Butterfly Robe, Andy Kaufman's neckbrace, Andre The Giant's passport and more. In order to find these quintessential relics, the team will join forces with WWE Legends including Undertaker, Ric Flair, Mick Foley, Booker T and more to bring these items home to the WWE Archives. "For more than two decades, 'Biography' has been the home for premium non-fiction storytelling and we are excited to expand upon that with this all-encompassing partnership with WWE," said Elaine Frontain Bryant, EVP and Head of Programming, A&E Network. "This one-of-a-kind collaboration gives viewers the ultimate ringside seat as we chronicle the journeys of these cultural icons and the memorabilia that follows." "We are thrilled to unveil the stories behind some of the greatest Legends and moments in WWE history," said Stephanie McMahon, WWE Chief Brand Officer. "Together with A&E, we've created an incredible slate of programming steeped in nostalgia that will inspire and entertain audiences worldwide." Biography Lineup – Premieres Sunday, April 18 at 8pm ET/PT "Biography: "Stone Cold" Steve Austin" – Directed by Jake Rogal and Executive Produced by Jason Hehir ("The Last Dance," "Andre The Giant"), this film traces the story of the man who became WWE's biggest star in the 90s. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's authentic, fiery personality epitomized WWE's "Attitude Era" and transformed him into a pop culture icon. After nearly being paralyzed by a neck injury, Austin made one of the greatest comebacks in WWE history. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009. "Biography: "Rowdy" Roddy Piper" – Directed by Emmy and Peabody Award winner Joe Lavine (ESPN 30 for 30 "Playing for the Mob," HBO "Namath"), this film focuses on "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, who is universally considered one of WWE's greatest villains. During his Hall of Fame career, he played the role of the antagonist against a who's who of WWE greats, while amassing more than 30 championships. "Biography: "Macho Man" Randy Savage" – Produced by Billy Corben and Alfred Spellman ("Cocaine Cowboys," "Screwball," ESPN 30 for 30 "The U"), this film will tell the larger-than-life story of one of the most colorful and charismatic Superstars to ever step foot inside the ring. With two WWE Championships, four WCW® World Championships and a 14-month reign as Intercontinental Champion, Savage became known for his famous catch phrases, larger-than-life personality and the enormous, flashy robes he wore into the ring. "Biography: Booker T" – Directed by Emmy and Peabody Award winner George Roy ("The Curse of the Bambino", "Mayweather"), this film showcases one of the greatest Superstars in sports entertainment history. Booker T is an 11-time WCW Tag Team Champion, a six-time World Champion, winner of the 2006 King of the Ring Tournament, and a two-time (2013 and 2019) inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame. In addition to his Hall of Fame career in the ring, Booker T also went on to become a color commentator for WWE's weekly programming. "Biography: Shawn Michaels" – Directed by Joe Lavine ("Rowdy" Roddy Piper, ESPN 30 for 30 "Playing for the Mob," HBO "Namath"), this film chronicles the wild life of one of WWE's greatest performers and most enduring villains. After drug addiction nearly cost him his life, Shawn Michaels, aka "The Heartbreak Kid," made one of the most improbable late-career comebacks in WWE history. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011. "Biography: Ultimate Warrior" – Directed by Daniel Amigone ("24/7 Red Wings: Maple Leafs – Road to the Winter Classic," "Chain of Command," "The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth") and Executive Produced by Jake Rogal and Jason Hehir ("The Last Dance," "Andre The Giant"), this film shares the story of Ultimate Warrior, a WWE Hall of Famer who inspired an entire generation of fans living by his mantra of "always believe." With his colorful face paint and equally colorful interviews, Ultimate Warrior is perhaps best remembered for defeating Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania VI to become both the WWE Champion and the Intercontinental Champion. "Biography: Mick Foley" – Directed by Thomas Odelfelt (24/7 "Mayweather-Marquez," 24/7 "Penguins- Capitals: Road To The NHL Winter Classic," HBO "Courtside At The NBA Finals") and Executive Produced by Jake Rogal and Jason Hehir ("The Last Dance," "Andre The Giant"), this film follows the unique, multifaceted career of Mick Foley, a 2013 WWE Hall of Fame inductee better known as "Mankind." A fan favorite during WWE's "Attitude Era," Foley shocked audiences in 1998 during a career defining match as he was thrown off the top of the Hell in a Cell by Undertaker. "Biography: Bret "Hitman" Hart" – Directed by George Roy ("Booker T," "The Curse of the Bambino," "Mayweather," HBO "Mantle"), this film tells the story of Bret Hart, one of the greatest technical athletes in WWE history, earning him nicknames "The Hit Man" and "The Excellence of Execution." Throughout his storied career, the five-time WWE title holder famously defeated "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, Ric Flair and Yokozuna, and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006. The WWE "Biography" documentaries are produced by WWE Studios for A&E Network. Executive producers for WWE Studios are Kevin Dunn, Chris Kaiser, Susan Levison, and Richard Lowell. Executive producers for A&E Network are Elaine Frontain Bryant and Brad Abramson. A+E Networks holds worldwide distribution rights. "WWE's Most Wanted Treasures" – Premieres Sunday, April 18 at 10pm ET/PT "WWE's Most Wanted Treasures" takes viewers on a journey to find some of WWE's most iconic, lost memorabilia. In each of the nine episodes, WWE's Stephanie McMahon and Paul "Triple H" Levesque lead a team of collectors, WWE Superstars and Legends as they investigate, negotiate, bid and travel across the country to hunt down and reclaim some of the most elusive WWE collectibles. Throughout history, WWE's action-packed storylines have spawned iconic, one-of-a-kind memorabilia, most of which have gone missing. Superstar in training, AJ Francis will head out on the road alongside some of the most famous WWE Legends of all time including The Undertaker, Ric Flair, Charlotte Flair, Mick Foley, Kane, Big Show, Mark Henry, Jerry "The King" Lawler, Booker T, Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake, Jake "The Snake" Roberts and Sgt. Slaughter. The series will unearth these rare items in the hopes of preserving and sharing the legacy behind the memorable moments in WWE history. "WWE's Most Wanted Treasures" is produced by WWE Studios for A&E Network with Susan Levison, Ben Zierten, David Carr, Stephanie McMahon and Paul "Triple H" Levesque serving as executive producers. Elaine Frontain Bryant, Dolores Gavin and Jonathan Partridge serve as executive producers for A&E Network. A+E Networks holds worldwide distribution rights for "WWE's Most Wanted Treasures."

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A&E Biography: WWE Legends returns in July, list of subjects to be covered

A&E’s Biography: WWE Legends will be returning in July with the network revealing the subjects that will be covered.

After a series of Biography episodes on past WWE talent aired in 2021, A&E and WWE announced an expanded partnership this past March.

The expanded multi-year agreement would include new episodes of ‘Biography’ and ‘Most Wanted Treasures’, as well as a new series called ‘WWE Rivals’.

BACK & BIGGER than ever! With HOURS of premium @WWE content COMING AT YOU starting 7/10, Biography: WWE Legends RETURNS plus all-new series WWE Rivals & after show WWE Smack Talk, airing back-to-back on Sundays. If you’re not ringside, we've got the BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE! pic.twitter.com/nrv7zJwABc — WWE on A&E (@WWEonAE) June 1, 2022

The next set of ‘Biography’ editions will kick off on Sunday, July 10 th with an episode focusing on The Undertaker. That will be followed by the first episode of ‘WWE Rivals’ and an after-show called ‘WWE Smack Talk’.

The two series will air back-to-back on Sunday nights.

Additional episodes of ‘Biography’ will include ones dedicated to Kurt Angle, Lex Luger, Edge, Bill Goldberg, D-Generation X, The Bella Twins, Rey Mysterio, and WrestleMania 1.

Cody Rhodes announced upon his return to WWE that he would serve as an executive producer for an episode of ‘Biography’ covering his father but was not listed in the reel that A&E released on Wednesday.

Below is the press release from A&E with information on each of the shows:

New York, NY –June 1, 2022 – WWE on A&E is back! Starting Sunday, July 10 at 8pm ET/PT, A&E Network and WWE are bringing fans into the ring with 9 weeks of all-new programming featuring intimate looks into the lives and careers of some of WWE’s most iconic Legends. With unprecedented access to WWE’s archive, season 2 of “Biography: WWE Legends,” new series “WWE Rivals,” and new after show “WWE Smack Talk” air back-to-back each Sunday. The premieres are part of an ongoing partnership featuring 130 hours of new, premium WWE-themed series and specials commissioned by the network to air exclusively on A&E platforms and to be distributed worldwide by A+E Networks. “Biography: WWE Legends” – Season Two Premieres Sunday, July 10 at 8pm ET/PT Under the award-winning “Biography” banner, each two-hour episode will tell the intimate, personal stories behind the success of some of WWE’s most memorable Legends and events. Through rare archival footage and in-depth interviews, each episode explores a different Legend and their immense impact in the WWE universe and on pop culture. Legends featured this season include The Undertaker, Goldberg, The Bella Twins, Lex Luger, Edge, Kurt Angle, Rey Mysterio, D-Generation X and a look at the iconic first-ever WrestleMania. “WWE Rivals” – New Series Premieres Sunday, July 10 at 10pm ET/PT Actor and former WWE writer Freddie Prinze Jr. leads a roundtable discussion of WWE luminaries to delve into the storylines and dynamic characters behind the epic battles that built the WWE. Each one-hour episode features archival footage from WWE’s library as well as interviews with the Legends involved and the Superstars that watched these rivalries unfold. Rivalries featured this season include “Stone Cold” Steve Austin vs. The Rock, Bret “The Hitman” Hart vs. Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker vs. Kane, John Cena vs. Edge and the “Monday Night Wars” between WCW and WWE. “WWE Smack Talk” – New Series Premieres Sunday, July 10 at 11pm ET/PT Featuring WWE Legend Booker T, Hot 97 and ESPN host Peter Rosenberg and WWE host Jackie Redmond, each half-hour after show episode breaks down the biggest moments from each Sunday’s episode of “Biography: WWE Legends” and “WWE Rivals” as well as reveals new information that didn’t make the cut. Along the way, Booker, Peter and Jackie will welcome WWE Legends, current Superstars and other celebrity guests to further discuss the night’s events.

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A&E & WWE® Announce The Return Of "Biography: WWE Legends" & Series Premiere Of "WWE Rivals" & "WWE Smack Talk" Starting 7/10

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https://www.aetv.com/news/ae-wwe-announce-the-return-of-biography-wwe-legends-series-premiere-of-wwe-rivals-wwe-smack-talk-starting-7-10

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August 31, 2024

A+E Networks

A&E NETWORK AND WWE® ANNOUNCE THE RETURN OF   “BIOGRAPHY: WWE LEGENDS” AND SERIES PREMIERES OF   “WWE RIVALS” AND “WWE SMACK TALK” IN ALL-NEW “WWE ON A&E” PROGRAMMING BLOCK STARTING SUNDAY, JULY 10

9-WEEK EVENT KICKS OFF WITH “BIOGRAPHY: WWE LEGENDS” HIGHLIGHTING UNTOLD STORIES OF THE UNDERTAKER, THE BELLA TWINS, WRESTLEMANIA 1, GOLDBERG, REY MYSTERIO AND MORE

VIEW “BIOGRAPHY: WWE LEGENDS” PROMO HERE  

“ Biography: WWE Legends ” – Season Two Premieres Sunday, July 10 at 8pm ET/PT Under the award-winning “Biography” banner, each two-hour episode will tell the intimate, personal stories behind the success of some of WWE’s most memorable Legends and events. Through rare archival footage and in-depth interviews, each episode explores a different Legend and their immense impact in the WWE universe and on pop culture. Legends featured this season include   The Undertaker, Goldberg, The Bella Twins, Lex Luger, Edge, Kurt Angle, Rey Mysterio, D-Generation X  and a look at the iconic first-ever  WrestleMania .

“WWE Rivals” – New Series Premieres Sunday, July 10 at 10pm ET/PT Actor and former WWE writer  Freddie Prinze Jr.  leads a roundtable discussion of WWE luminaries to delve into the storylines and dynamic characters behind the epic battles that built the WWE. Each one-hour episode features archival footage from WWE’s library as well as interviews with the Legends involved and the Superstars that watched these rivalries unfold. Rivalries featured this season include  “Stone Cold” Steve Austin vs. The Rock, Bret “The Hitman” Hart vs. Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker vs. Kane, John Cena vs. Edge  and   the “Monday Night Wars” between  WCW and WWE .

“ WWE Smack Talk ” –   New Series Premieres Sunday, July 10 at 11pm ET/PT Featuring WWE Legend  Booker T , Hot 97 and ESPN host Peter Rosenberg  and WWE host  Jackie Redmond ,   each   half-hour after show episode breaks down the biggest moments from each Sunday’s episode of “Biography: WWE Legends” and “WWE Rivals” as well as reveals new information that didn’t make the cut. Along the way, Booker, Peter and Jackie will welcome WWE Legends, current Superstars and other celebrity guests to further discuss the night’s events. 

*Join the conversation by following @WWEonAE and using #WWEonAE*

All series will be available on demand and to stream on the A&E App and aetv.com

“Biography: WWE Legends,” “WWE Rivals,” and “WWE Smack Talk” are produced by WWE for A&E Network. Executive producers for WWE are Vince McMahon, Kevin Dunn and Chris Kaiser. Executive producers for A&E Network are Elaine Frontain Bryant, Brad Abramson, and Jonathan Partridge. A+E Networks holds worldwide distribution rights.  

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Wrestling Biographies

Slobberknocker

• My Life in Wrestling
• By: Jim Ross, Paul O'Brien
• Narrated by: Jim Ross, R.C. Bray
• Length: 10 hrs and 43 mins
• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 2,075
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 1,844
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 1,838

There are few people who have been in the wrestling business longer than Jim Ross. Slobberknocker is the story of how an Oklahoman farm kid with a vivid imagination and seemingly unattainable dreams became "The Voice of Wrestling" to record TV audiences and millions of fans around the world. Jim opens up about his life as an only child on a working farm, who became obsessed with professional wrestling having first seen it on his grandparents' TV.

• 3 out of 5 stars

Somewhat disappointed

• By Maci Hutson on 11-16-17
• By: Jim Ross , Paul O'Brien
• Narrated by: Jim Ross , R.C. Bray
• Series: Slobberknocker , Book 1
• Release date: 10-04-17
• Language: English
• 5 out of 5 stars 2,075 ratings
• There are few people who have been in the wrestling business longer than Jim Ross. Slobberknocker is the story of how an Oklahoman farm kid with a vivid imagination became "The Voice of Wrestling"....

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Regular price: $24.95 or 1 credit

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Death of the Territories

• Expansion, Betrayal and the War That Changed Pro Wrestling Forever
• By: Tim Hornbaker
• Narrated by: Kyle Tait
• Length: 11 hrs and 9 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 326
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 282
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 277

By creating WrestleMania, jumping into the pay-per-view field, and expanding across North America, Vince McMahon changed professional wrestling forever.

• 4 out of 5 stars

An Enjoyable Listen

• By Casey on 03-21-19
• Release date: 03-12-19
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 326 ratings

By creating WrestleMania, jumping into the pay-per-view field, and expanding across North America, Vince McMahon changed professional wrestling forever....

Regular price: $17.19 or 1 credit

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The Last Real World Champion

• The Legacy of "Nature Boy" Ric Flair
• Narrated by: Joe Hempel
• Length: 11 hrs and 55 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 29
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 28
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 28

For more than a century, professional wrestling has cultivated some of the most eccentric and compelling personalities. As the embodiment of flamboyance and intensity, the "Nature Boy" Ric Flair stood at wrestling's apex for decades, cementing his place as a once-in-a-lifetime athlete and performer. When he was in the ring, fans knew they were witnessing the very best, and he not only became a multi-time world heavyweight champion in the NWA, WCW, and the WWE, but his status as a generational great has been confirmed with inductions into numerous Halls of Fame.

• 5 out of 5 stars

Awesome story of the GOAT, WOOOO

• By Vern on 10-29-23
• Release date: 10-03-23
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 29 ratings

Celebrated wrestling historian Tim Hornbaker tells the complete story of wrestling legend "Nature Boy" Ric Flair....

Regular price: $21.49 or 1 credit

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• By: Jon Moxley
• Narrated by: Jon Moxley
• Length: 9 hrs and 6 mins
• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 1,469
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 1,315
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 1,312

Ride alongside Jon Moxley as he retraces some of the highways traveled on his remarkable journey. Revel in the never-before-told stories about his early life in Cincinnati, Ohio; the gritty independent wrestling scene where he cut his teeth; the complicated corporate landscape of the WWE where he bucked against authority; and the rebellious upstart AEW, where he won the championship in 2020 and was finally free to achieve the vision of the wrestler he'd always wanted to be. With plenty of pitstops and revelatory insights, MOX is the riveting account of the life of a brawler.

Pretty easy listening

• By Anonymous User on 05-03-23
• Release date: 06-14-22
• 5 out of 5 stars 1,469 ratings

Ride alongside Jon Moxley as he retraces some of the highways traveled on his remarkable journey. Revel in the never-before-told stories about his early life, the independent wrestling scene where he cut his teeth, the corporate landscape of the WWE, and the rebellious upstart AEW....

A Chosen Destiny

• By: Drew McIntyre
• Narrated by: Drew McIntyre
• Length: 8 hrs and 7 mins
• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 183
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 163
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 163

From a young age, Drew McIntyre dreamed of becoming a WWE Champion and following in the footsteps of his heroes “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and The Undertaker. With his parents’ support, he trained and paid his dues, proving himself to tiny crowds in the UK’s Butlin circuit. At age twenty-two, McIntyre made his WWE debut and was touted by none other than WWE Chairman Vince McMahon as “The Chosen One” who would lead WWE into the future. With his destiny in the palms of his hands, Drew watched it all slip through his fingers.

So inspiring and RAW!!

• By Anonymous User on 05-06-21
• Release date: 05-04-21
• 5 out of 5 stars 183 ratings

From a young age, Drew McIntyre dreamed of becoming a WWE Champion and following in the footsteps of his heroes “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and The Undertaker. With his parents’ support, he trained and paid his dues, proving himself to tiny crowds in the UK’s Butlin circuit....

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Blood and Fire

• The Unbelievable Real-Life Story of Wrestling's Original Sheik
• By: Brian R. Solomon
• Narrated by: Brian R. Solomon
• Length: 14 hrs and 32 mins
• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 92
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 80
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 80

He was the most vicious, bloodthirsty, reviled villain in the history of the ring. During the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, he drew record crowds everywhere he went and left a trail of burned and bloody opponents in his wake. But what those legions of fans screaming for his head never knew was that The Sheik was really Eddie Farhat. The son of Arab immigrants, Farhat served his country proudly in World War II and was fulfilling the American dream. When he wasn't screaming unintelligibly and attacking his enemies, he was busy being the owner and operator of World Wide Sports.

An amazing story!

• By Drew Mac on 08-29-24
• Release date: 05-31-22
• 5 out of 5 stars 92 ratings

He was the most vicious, bloodthirsty, reviled villain in the history of the ring. During the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, he drew record crowds everywhere he went and left a trail of burned and bloody opponents in his wake....

The Death of WCW

• By: R.D. Reynolds, Bryan Alvarez
• Narrated by: Bryan Alvarez
• Length: 14 hrs and 27 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,950
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,758
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,749

In 1997, World Championship Wrestling was on top. It was the number-one pro wrestling company in the world, and the highest-rated show on cable television. Each week, fans tuned in to Monday Nitro, flocked to sold-out arenas, and carried home truckloads of WCW merchandise. Sting, Bill Goldberg, and the New World Order were household names. Superstars like Dennis Rodman and KISS jumped on the WCW bandwagon. It seemed the company could do no wrong.

Like a rambling friend telling you WCW history

• By Eric Philleo on 12-18-17
• By: R.D. Reynolds , Bryan Alvarez
• Release date: 09-16-16
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,950 ratings
• The Death of World Championship Wrestling is the first book to take listeners through a detailed dissection of WCW's downfall....

• Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America
• By: Abraham Josephine Riesman
• Narrated by: Alyss Weissglass
• Length: 15 hrs and 11 mins
• Overall 3.5 out of 5 stars 156
• Performance 3 out of 5 stars 145
• Story 3.5 out of 5 stars 145

The definitive biography of Vince McMahon, former WWE chairman and CEO, charts his rise from rural poverty to the throne of one of the world’s most influential media empires—and features exclusive interviews with more than 150 people who witnessed, aided, and suffered from his ascent.

Good book, but you’ll know a lot of this stuff

• By Tim Reads Things on 04-21-23
• Release date: 03-28-23
• 3.5 out of 5 stars 156 ratings

This definitive biography of Vince McMahon, former WWE chairman and CEO, charts his rise from rural poverty to the throne of one of the world’s most influential media empires.

Regular price: $22.49 or 1 credit

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The Best in the World

• At What I Have No Idea
• By: Peter Thomas Fornatale, Chris Jericho
• Narrated by: Roger Wayne
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 916
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 827
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 825

The Best in the World chronicles some of the incredible and often preposterous highlights of Jericho's recent career, including how Mickey Rourke challenged Jericho to a match then backed out; his escape from the 2010 Icelandic volcanoes in a broken-down, European rental-car shuttle; his encounters with Bob Barker, Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, Al Sharpton, and Mike Tyson; and his on-again, off-again relationship with WWE chief Vince McMahon.

Among the Best Wrestling Autobiographies

• By VC on 09-04-16
• By: Peter Thomas Fornatale , Chris Jericho
• Release date: 10-28-14
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 916 ratings
• The Best in the World chronicles some of the incredible and often preposterous highlights of Jericho's recent career....

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The Stone Cold Truth

• By: Steve Austin, Dennis Brent, J. R. Ross
• Narrated by: Steve Austin
• Length: 2 hrs and 26 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 581
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 504
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 503

He's wrestled as "Stunning" Steve Austin, The Ringmaster, and even his own name, Steve Williams. But to fans he is and will always be Stone Cold Steve Austin. His quick wit and colorful use of language combined with his everyman character captured the hearts of fans worldwide. It was Steve's ability inside the ring and his quick-witted responses that lead to his becoming one of the most popular WWE Superstars of all time.

Decent, but too short

• By Christopher McGuinness on 09-18-17
• By: Steve Austin , Dennis Brent , J. R. Ross
• Release date: 10-30-08
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 581 ratings
• The Stone Cold Truth is an unvarnished take on Steve Austin's life, loves, and days as a wrestler told in a way that only he could....

Regular price: $11.24 or 1 credit

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Wrestling with the Devil

• The True Story of a World Champion Professional Wrestler - His Reign, Ruin, and Redemption
• By: Lex Luger, John D. Hollis
• Narrated by: Johnny Heller
• Length: 6 hrs and 24 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 251
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 223
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 222

Lex Luger, wrestling mega-sensation and three-time world heavyweight champion, ruled the ring for years as "The Total Package." Yet backstage, he was wrestling with addictions to sex, drugs, and alcohol - things he clung to even when his mistress died suddenly of a drug overdose and Lex went to jail. In Wrestling with the Devil , Lex Luger reveals never-before-told stories from his career, his struggle with personal demons, and how, through unexpected faith, grace, and redemption, he overcame all odds to fight the only battle that really matters.

• By Tara on 12-05-16
• By: Lex Luger , John D. Hollis
• Release date: 08-13-13
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 251 ratings
• In Wrestling with the Devil , Lex Luger reveals never-before-told stories from his career, his struggle with personal demons, and how he overcame all odds to fight the battle that really matters....

Regular price: $18.19 or 1 credit

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No Is a Four-Letter Word

• How I Failed Spelling but Succeeded in Life
• By: Chris Jericho
• Narrated by: Chris Jericho
• Length: 5 hrs and 50 mins
• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 784
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 713
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 710

Three-time New York Times best-selling author and six-time WWE champion Chris Jericho shares 20 of his most valuable lessons for achieving your goals and living the life you want, jam-packed with fantastic stories and the classic off-the-wall, laugh-out-loud Jericho references he's famous for.

GOAT is also a Four Letter Word

• By VC on 01-01-18
• Release date: 10-18-17
• 5 out of 5 stars 784 ratings
• Best-elling author and six-time WWE champion Chris Jericho shares 20 of his most valuable lessons for achieving your goals....

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• The Untamed, Unbelievable Life of Randy Savage
• By: Jon Finkel
• Narrated by: Michael Bower
• Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins
• Overall 4 out of 5 stars 7
• Performance 4 out of 5 stars 7
• Story 4 out of 5 stars 7

Macho Man: The Untamed, Unbelievable Life of Randy Savage is the sensational, definitive biography of the WrestleMania headlining, Spider-Man fighting, Slim Jim snapping, minor league baseball playing American original: Randy Savage. Savage, a WWE wrestling hall of famer, was an A-list celebrity who sat atop the entertainment universe for much of the '80s and '90s. His outfits were as flamboyant as anything worn by Liberace, Elton John, or Prince. His charisma surpassed Hulk Hogan's and is rivaled only by "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and The Rock.

Great stuff!

• By indifference84 on 08-12-24
• Release date: 08-06-24
• 4 out of 5 stars 7 ratings

Macho Man: The Untamed, Unbelievable Life of Randy Savage is the sensational, definitive biography of the WrestleMania headlining, Spider-Man fighting, Slim Jim snapping, minor league baseball playing American original: Randy Savage.

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The Eighth Wonder of the World

• The True Story of André the Giant
• By: Bertrand Hébert, Pat Laprade
• Narrated by: Graham Rowat
• Length: 13 hrs and 24 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 222
• Performance 4 out of 5 stars 200
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 200

Is there a way to find truth in the stuff of legend? You may think you know Andre the Giant - but who was Andre Roussimoff? This comprehensive biography addresses the burning questions, outrageous stories, and common misconceptions about his height, his weight, his drawing power as a superstar, and his seemingly unparalleled capacity for food and alcohol. But more importantly, The Eighth Wonder of the World transports listeners beyond the smoke and mirrors of professional wrestling into the life of a real man.

The Narration Nearly Ruins A Perfectly Good Book

• By Prince Akkanatan on 07-16-20
• By: Bertrand Hébert , Pat Laprade
• Release date: 04-28-20
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 222 ratings

You may think you know Andre the Giant - but who was Andre Roussimoff? This comprehensive biography addresses the burning questions, outrageous stories, and common misconceptions about his height, his weight, his drawing power as a superstar....

Tied Up in Knotts

• By: Karen Knotts
• Narrated by: Karen Knotts
• Length: 8 hrs and 55 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 33
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 31
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 31

Much has been written about Don Knotts's career, especially about his iconic role as Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show , but personal views into the man himself are few and far between. In Tied Up in Knotts , a loving daughter provides a full-life narrative of her father: Don's difficult childhood in an abusive home, his escape into comedic performance, becoming a household name, his growth as a feature film actor, his failing health, and his family life throughout, leading to touching and hilarious moments that will make the listener laugh and cry.

You could hear the pride in Karen's voice Reminiscent about her daddy.

• By TByrd on 07-21-24
• Release date: 01-31-22
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 33 ratings

Much has been written about Don Knotts's career, especially about his iconic role as Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show , but personal views into the man himself are few and far between. In Tied Up in Knotts , a loving daughter provides a full-life narrative of her father....

Ashley vs WWE: The Story of Wrestler Ashley Massaro

• By: Forest Sounds
• Narrated by: Isobel Thompson
• Length: 3 hrs and 41 mins
• Original Recording
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 135
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 119
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 119

Professional wrestler Ashley Massaro died by suicide in 2019. Ashley vs WWE follows events leading up to her death and examines allegations of abuse while she was wrestling for WWE. As journalist Isobel Thompson delves into Ashley's story, she investigates whether her allegations are just the tip of the iceberg. This story takes Isobel from the UK, to Ashley’s home of Long Island, and into the world of WWE wrestling in the early 2000s - where the power, influence and misogyny of the real world played out through the characters in the ring.

Ashley’s truth!

• By Amanda Russell on 11-28-23
• Release date: 09-07-23
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 135 ratings

Professional wrestler Ashley Massaro died by suicide in 2019. Ashley vs WWE follows events leading up to her death and examines allegations of abuse while she was wrestling for WWE....

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Life Is Short and So Am I

• My Life Inside, Outside, and Under the Wrestling Ring
• By: Dylan “Hornswoggle” Postl, Ross Owen Williams - with, Ian Douglass - with
• Narrated by: Dylan “Hornswoggle” Postl
• Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins
• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 231
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 213
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 212

While most of Postl's adult life has been spent in the wild world of the wrestling industry, his is more than a story of a little person's journey through a world of giants; it's a memoir of elation and anguish, triumph and disappointment, and of how an endlessly positive outlook combined with the unwavering support of family and friends helped a long shot become a success in his industry and a loving, responsible father.

Relatable and Inspiring

• By Dave Doll on 08-14-20
• By: Dylan “Hornswoggle” Postl , Ross Owen Williams - with , Ian Douglass - with
• Release date: 12-03-19
• 5 out of 5 stars 231 ratings

This is the story of a boy who fell in love with wrestling before he was able to walk. Born with achondroplasia, a condition that causes disproportionate dwarfism, Dylan Postl had endured multiple surgeries by the age of 12 and dreamed that he would become a professional wrestler....

Hardcore History

• The Extremely Unauthorized Story of the ECW
• By: Scott E. Williams
• Narrated by: Karl Miller
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 409
• Performance 4 out of 5 stars 368
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 370

ECW was one extreme contradiction piled on top of another. It was an incredibly influential company in the world of professional wrestling during the 1990s, yet it was never profitable. It portrayed itself as the ultimate in anti-authority rebellion, but its leadership was, at various points, working covertly with the two wrestling giants, the World Wrestling Federation and World Championship Wrestling. Most of all, it blurred the line between real life and the fantasy world of professional wrestling like no other company before it.

Get a narrator with product knowledge

• By Dr Feelgood on 11-29-16
• Release date: 02-23-13
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 409 ratings
• ECW was one extreme contradiction piled on top of another....

A Wrestling Life

• The Inspiring Stories of Dan Gable
• By: Dan Gable, Scott Schulte
• Narrated by: Joe Barrett
• Length: 4 hrs and 17 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 397
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 340
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 338

In A Wrestling Life: The Inspiring Stories of Dan Gable , famed wrestler and wrestling coach Dan Gable tells engaging and inspiring stories of his childhood in Waterloo, Iowa; overcoming the murder of his sister as a teenager; his sports career from swimming as a young boy, to his earliest wrestling matches, through the 1972 Olympics; coaching at the University of Iowa from the Banachs to the Brands; life-changing friendships he made along the way; and tales of his family life off the mat.

Live, Breathe, Train a Wrestlers Life

• By Tim M. on 02-12-19
• By: Dan Gable , Scott Schulte
• Release date: 06-09-15
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 397 ratings
• What does it take to be an Olympic gold medalist and to coach a collegiate team to fifteen NCAA titles?

Regular price: $12.03 or 1 credit

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• More than Just Hardcore
• By: Terry Funk, Scott E. Williams - contributor
• Narrated by: Jeremy Arthur
• Length: 10 hrs and 35 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 464
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 416
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 417

He’s been a fixture in professional wrestling for five decades. He helped introduce a hardcore wrestling style that you see in the WWE and Japan today. He’s made his mark in Hollywood. He’s Terry Funk, and this is his story. In this captivating look at the life of a living legend, Funk opens up about growing up in a wrestling family, working with various entertainment companies (including the ECW, WWE, and WWF), and so much more.

Great book!

• By Tara on 04-04-16
• By: Terry Funk , Scott E. Williams - contributor
• Release date: 02-07-13
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 464 ratings
• He’s been a fixture in professional wrestling for five decades. He helped introduce a hardcore wrestling style that you see in the WWE and Japan today....
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