Best wrestler books?

[Zen411]

Its been a while since I've read any wrestlers autobiographies. I read mick Foley have a nice day and Foley is good, hulk hogan, bret hart my real life in the cartoon world, bischoff controversy creates cash, Lesnar, lex luger, and I think that's it.

What are the best wrestling books out there? I've heard good things about brutus beefcake, jim Ross....what else is must read?

[protuberance]

I remember enjoying Bobby Heenan's book and Terry Funk's book. Neither one was brilliantly written or anything, but they both succeeded in oozing their likable personalities. They're sort of the opposite of Bret Hart's book, which I thought was written really well but was a bummer because of Bret's arrogance and bitterness. I also recommend Turning the Tables about ECW, a quick and easy read.

[romanstylesiii]

The Rock Says was terrible and clearly embellished by the ghost writer.



I remember there was one excerpt where he was in a gym that had a wrestling ring in it and he landed on his feet taking a back body drop. According to him, the entire gym stopped and gave him a standing ovation.

[Venti]

Believe it or not, Bob Holly has a great book. Not the best, but it's a fun read that doesn't take long to get thru.

It's not written perhaps as masterfully as Bret's book(imo the gold standard of wrestler autobiographies) or as charming and full of personality as Foley or Jericho's best books.

But he's very honest throughout the whole thing. In a sense, it doesn't seem like he's trying to tell or spin any narrative, he just states things that happened and his honest opinions, for better or worse.

Even though he's done crappy things in regards to beating on rookies, the book made me kinda respect Holly more because he always knew his role. He wasn't greedy for main event pushes or world titles, he just wanted to be used in a manner that entertains fans.

It's great insight from someone who was around for a very long time in the biggest wrestling company.
And if you dislike the Kliq, especially Triple H, then his burial of those guys will be entertaining haha.


Edit: also, JR's books are both good. If you like old school territory wrestling and 90s WWF, it's a great read. If someone's more interested in hearing about modern day WWE, then the second book is very interesting.

Also, his books are kinda sad, tho, too. But inspiring at the same time because JR has been thru some stuff and still manages to maintain.

[cassonova]

Bobby Heenan's was great. A poor autobiography, but full of fun anecdotes.

Jericho's first book is good too. A lot of fun, with some touching moments.

[kingoftheindies]

I'll agree Holly's book is pretty good. An interesting look at a guy who came up from a region many don't think of and how his career in WWE went. Also get a chuckle how before he got his shot they were booking him as Hollywood Bob Holly on the indies as a pretty boy and he never understood that since he didn't think he was a pretty boy.

Of course Bret's book and Jericho's first 2 books are must reads.

Also highly encourage people to look up Nitro by Guy Evans. A lot of interviews of Turner executives where you really see how much WCW was sabotaged by new executives thanks to the mergers Turner was doing

[Zen411]

I forgot I had read Jerichos books. Those were good but I dont remember if I've read all of them.

[James Fabiano]

I'd know about the Beefcake one if his agent would finally reimburse me for losing my copy at a convention!!!!!

I like Dave Millican and Dick Bourne's series on the history behind certain championship belts (they have done the Big Gold and Domed Globe NWA, and books that go down the line of all the belts representing NWA US, Mid Atlantic, and Canadian Heavyweight) I like reference pieces with a good mix of story and pictures. Hope there'll be more.

Death of the Territories.

The Pillman bio is pretty good too, I must remember to finish it soon.

James Dixon's Titan... trilogy.




As I have autographed copies I have yet to read, how's Tito Santana's, George Steele's and Bob Backlund's bios?

[Cranjis McBasketball]

Just finished Jimmy Korderas book. It’s ok. He says a whole lot of nothing and offers little insight.

But if you want the take of a ref, it’s worth looking at.

[chazraps]

Scott Norton's and Bob Backlund's were incredible. They're the best two of the 2010s.

[Ultimo Gallos]

The Grappler's book is amazing. I didn't see a lot of him growing up and loved the book.

Tony Atlas's book is well done. He is fairly open about his issues and appears to have a good memory.

[Triangle Lancer]

Seconding on the Backlund, Bob Holly and the Grappler books. (The Grappler was such a breeze to get through.)

Also another vote to Dick Bourne's series on the title belts. (I have his timeline on the Four Horsemen and a big fan of his website.)

Fred Blassie's book is one of my favorites.

Plenty more but I'll let others mention those.

[Cranjis McBasketball]

Piper’s first book is decent but he was in a bad place when he wrote it and it’s clear in the text. Still a good read, but he’s angry the whole book and it shows.

Never did read his second that his kids finished. Heard it barely mentions his time in WWF.