10 Best Pro Wrestling Autobiographies

Have you ever wanted to be a pro wrestler? Have you ever wondered what life is like for a pro wrestler? As a lifelong fan of pro wrestling myself, I’ve read a slew of autobiographies of wrestlers.

In this article, I’ve put together a list of my 10 best pro wrestling autobiographies. They are all jam packed with anecdotes, personal challenges, stories from backstage, and even real life feuds.

Undisputed: How to Become the World Champion, in 1,372 Easy Steps

Chris Jericho is one of the most popular wrestlers in the world when it comes to reinvention. He’s been on the List, done the Y2J gimmick, and happens to be one of the bubbliest wrestlers out there. He’s got to the greatest heights of the profession.

Apart from his own personal reputation, I think his book, Undisputed, really is one of the best out there. It’s not the first autobiography he’s written by the way; the other one was A Lion’s Tale, which was a page turner. This one, however, was way funnier in my opinion.

Kind of Strong Style: 1980 – 2014

This autobiography is about Shinsuke Nakamura, one of the most interesting wrestlers in WWE. He won the Royal Rumble in 2018 and got tossed out by Brock Lesnar later on. These are just some of his many ups and downs. He is, however, the King of Strong Style, and has had an impressive career littered with 5-star matches.

This particular book covers the time he spent rising to the top of the Nippon Budokan as an amateur grappler. It includes accounts of his fights against Brock Lesnar and Kurt Angle, among others, as well as fond memories of when he won the New Japan Pro-Wrestling Heavyweight Championship as the youngest champion then.

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

Shawn Michaels is yet another colorful wrestler, dubbed Mr. WrestleMania. He honestly shares his lowest lows in his autobiography, like the back injury that caused him to retire. He also talks about the time he chose to become a born-again Christian. It’s an inspiring read about a controversial character that anyone is bound to enjoy. 

This story is so inspiring, you might want to consider using it as the background for a school essay. Of course, you can also use 24/7 support UK essay writing service if you want it to look even better.

Yes!: My Improbably Journey to the Main Event of WrestleMania

Daniel Bryan has an incredible story about his rise to greatness at WrestleMania. In this book, he talks about he defied the odds as the underdog, starting off as an indie wrestler before later joining the WWE. He also talks about his “Yes!” movement, as well as the backstage politics he had to participate in along the way. The book is written in a humble and laid back tone that makes it feel friendly and accessible to everyone.

Have A Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks

Mick Foley has a talent for writing books about his wrestling career, apart from being a great legend in the field. This is a favorite of mine. It’s old, but it has never lost its appeal or relevance for me.

In this book, Mick juxtaposes his violent wrestling career with his peaceful personal and family life. He draws a clear picture of just how much of a complex man he is. His incredible writing skills match those of many authors who write as a career, and this is one of his greatest works.

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

Justin Roberts was one of the best ring announcers in the WWE. If you didn’t pay much attention to him while he was there, then reading his autobiography is going to be an eye opener for sure. He talks about his life working for the company, and his interactions with the higher ups, some of whom could never seem to make up their minds.

Slobberknocker: My Life in Wrestling

This autobiography isn’t by a wrestler, or a ring announcer. Instead, it’s by a commentator: Jim Ross. In this book he talks about his life, starting with his humble childhood and how he developed a passion for wrestling at a very young age. He also talks about how much he had to went through to get his first job as a commentator. He also talks about his interactions with Vince McMahon.

Eric Bischoff: Controversy Creates Cash

Whether you like him or not, Bischoff was part of the process that led to the Monday Night War that now happens between WWE and WCW. What I like about his book is that he has a deep understanding of what his readers want. He doesn’t talk too much about his own personal life in this book. Instead, he recounts the events that led to the rise and fall of WCW, the biggest rival to McMahon’s WWE. Expect to find a lot of politics in this book for sure.

Wrestling with the Devil

This is the story of Lex Luger, a former World Champion who had it all and then  lost it all. It’s a gripping autobiography that ends with lots of reflection at the end. For what it’s worth, Luger is doing much better these days.

Cross Rhodes: Goldust, Out of the Darkness

Dustin Rhodes, also known as Goldust, tells us about the Rhodes, one of the greatest families in wrestling. He also talks about his long bittersweet relationship with his famous ‘bizarre’ gimmick. This is a deeply honest book that anyone will enjoy.

Conclusion

All of these autobiographies are great reads that you’ll enjoy, and that will give you an in-depth look into the world of wrestling. Start with the one that sounds most interesting, and keep going. You won’t regret it!

Author Bio

Judy Nelson is a writer, editor, and researcher with a focus on entertainment and technology. She loves to write about different types of sports in accessible ways for her readers. When not writing, she enjoys watching sports with her friends.