Top 5 must-read Wrestling autobiographies

Writers might not be able to become a great wrestler but a wrestler could go on to become a good writer. The statement might sound like a paradox but in the bigger picture, the numerous wrestling books that made it into the bestselling list are proof of the same. Almost all the books related to wrestling gives a bird’s eye view of the business. However, the best insights are visible in autobiographies. Some say that Autobiographies are restricted to only one person’s view, but after all, it is what makes the book special.There have been many such books in the wrestling which gave us a superstar’s perspective on the business and here is a look at the best ones from the lot.

#7 Honorable Mention: William Regal: Walking a Golden Mile

William Regal might not have a decorated career like others in the wrestler to give out a good autobiography, but trust me this is one great book.

Regals takes us into the European wrestling scene and explains how it is different from the United States. There are also details about his addiction with drugs and some great advices to escape the addiction.

#6 Honorable Mention: Eric Bischoff: Controversy Creates Cash

There are a lot of Eric Bischoff haters in the wrestling fan base but after reading this book, they are sure to have second thoughts. Bischoff tells about the tricks he used in WCW to get the upper hand over WWE and also tells how he was helpless when the company came crashing down.

#5 Eddie Guerrero- The Eddie Guerrero Story: Cheating Death, Stealing Life

The Autobiography of Eddie Guerrero was released after his untimely death. It was an emotional book for the fans, at the same time; every page speaks volumes about how good Eddie was as a person and as a wrestler.

In the book, Eddie speaks about how he grew up in the legendary Guerrero family. There are mentions about his stints in Mexico, WCW and finally WWE while Eddie also speaks freely about the drug problems he had.

Eddie’s story of fighting the drug addiction is inspirational for everyone. And though the book is not clearly a perfectly written one compared to other ones on this list it’s emotional quotient is way too high.

#4 Chris Jericho- Undisputed: How to become the World Champion in 1,372 Easy Steps

This is Chris Jericho’s second book (you’ll see the first one further up in the list). He picks up the story right from where he left off and takes it all the way to 2005. From his debut in the WWE, Jericho throws in some light on almost all the feuds that he had in the company during his initial run.

The backstage politics of WWE is there to be seen in full spotlight and so are Vince McMahon’s goofy ideas. Jericho builds himself as someone who has his finger in all the pies.

Apart from his wrestling career, Jericho also tells about his music career. Background stories about how the band Fozzy was formed and how he balances the wrestling and music careers make the book interesting.

#3 Bret Hart- Hitman: My Real Life in this Cartoon World of Wrestling

Bret Hart’s writing style is just like his wrestling style. He is sharp and to the point rather than being entertaining as most of the other authors in the list. His book is not for people who love to have a laugh at regular intervals but it is incredibly detailed.

Hart talks about his family and how he made it into the limelight. However, the show stealer part of the book comes when he talks about the Montreal Screwjob. He says that he will never forgive Shawn Michaels for the incident and lays out all his emotions.

The effects of Owen Hart’s death on the family are another highlight of the book. At the end of the day, it is not going to be an entertaining outing but it will definetly be an informative one.

#2 Mick Foley - Have a Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks

It was this Autobiography that started the entire “wrestler being mainstream writer” phenomenon. While most of the previous superstars made use of another writer to get their book in the market, Foley decided to write on his own.

And the efforts paid off when ‘Have a Nice Day’ became the No.1 Best seller. It is one of those rare wrestling books that will appeal to non – wrestling fans as well. Foley talks about his journey from his childhood to all the way to winning his first WWE Championship.

The book is entertaining to the core and Foley’s humor brilliance is there to be seen all over it. Also, how can a book filled with Al Snow jokes be bad?

#1 Chris Jericho- A Lions Tale: Around the World in Spandex

It’s hard to separate this one with Mick Foley’s Have a Nice day. Both books are incredibly similar and Jericho has also mentioned how Foley’s work inspired him to write.

Speaking about the book, it is a compilation of some great stories. Jericho speaks about his young days as a wrestling fan and takes the story all the way to his WWE debut. In the middle, he travels all around the world, learns new styles and meets all kinds of people.

The backstage situations in ECW and WCW are explained perfectly by Jericho just like Foley did. But what makes this book a winner is Jericho’s entertaining narration. He just keeps the reader rooted to the book and makes us flip to the next page in anticipation.