Review: Saint Mick: My Journey From Hardcore Legend To Santa's Jolly Elf By Mick Foley

Saint Mick: My Journey From Hardcore Legend To Santa's Jolly Elf
Mick Foley, Stephanie McMahon (Foreword)
Polis Books, 2017
Hardcover, Ebook, Audiobook

Mick Foley, the man who held the pen that began the wrestling book boom of the early 2000s, returns with his latest book Saint Mick: My Journey From Hardcore Legend To Santa's Jolly Elf. Released in late 2017, with a foreword by Stephanie McMahon, Saint Mick recounts the retired grappler's fascination with all things Christmas and his personal experience learning to master the art of being Santa Claus. Foley's other releases include: Have A Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks (1999), Foley Is Good: And The Real World Is Faker Than Wrestling (2001), The Hardcore Diaries (2007), Countdown To Lockdown (2010). He has also written two novels: Tietam Brown (2003) & Scooter (2005) and 4 children's books: Mick Foley's Christmas Chaos (2000), Mick Foley's Halloween Hijinx, (2001) Tales From Wrescal Lane (2004) & A Most Mizerable Christmas (2012).

Review: Looking At The Lights: My Path From Fan To A Wrestling Heel By Pete Gas With Jon Robinson

Looking At The Lights: My Path From Fan To A Wrestling Heel
Pete Gas, w. Jon Robinson, Adam "Edge" Copeland (Foreword) & John Bradshaw Layfield (Foreword)
Sports Publishing, 2017
Hardcover, Ebook

Pete "Gas" Gasparino's Looking At The Lights is the story of one of the most atypical members of the WWE Attitude Era roster. A non-wrestler with a "regular job," Gas instantly became a high profile WWE personality when he appeared as a member of Shane McMahon's "Mean Street Posse" at the height of the Attitude Era. Despite having no previous training and no designs of joining the WWE Roster on a full-time basis, Gas (along with Rodney and, later, Joey Abs) remained roster mainstays for over a year. This is Gas' first book.

Released: The Titan Trilogy: The History of the WWF From 1995 to 1997 by James Dixon & Justin Henry

The Titan Trilogy: The Story of the WWF from 1995 to 1997 was released in mid-December. This book book is an anthology featuring the extremely detailed and entertaining releases Titan Sinking, Titan Shattered & Titan Screwed. Each title gives great insight into the events, personalities and backstage climate of a calendar year in the WWF. Reviews of Titan Sinking and Titan Shattered are available on this site.

The Titan Trilogy is available at Available at Amazon US CA UK

Review: Second Nature: The Legacy of Ric Flair & The Rise of Charlotte By Ric Flair & Charlotte Flair

Second Nature: The Legacy Of  Ric Flair & The Rise Of Charlotte
Ric Flair & Charlotte Flair w. Brian Shields
St. Martin's Press, 2017
Hardcover, Ebook, Audiobook

Ric Flair is widely considered to be the greatest performer in the history of professional wrestling. A veteran of the territorial era, a multiple time world champion with over four decades as in-ring performer, Flair's career is one of the most storied in the industry's history. Charlotte Flair is one of Ric Flair's four children. A successful high school and college athlete before entering the wrestling industry, Flair has become one of wrestling's premier talents and a key figure in the elevation of the WWE's women's division. Essentially a dual autobiography, Second Nature alternates between Ric Flair's life at the end of his full-time career and his adjustment away from the limelight as a main event player and Charlotte's life growing up as the daughter of a top star in the professional wrestling industry and her entry and into the same business. This is Ric Flair's second book after To Be The Man (2004). This is Charlotte Flair's first book.

Review: No Is A Four Letter Word: How I Failed Spelling But Succeeded In Life by Chris Jericho

No Is A Four Letter Word: How I Failed Spelling But Succeeded In Life
Chris Jericho, Paul Stanley (Foreword)
Da Capo Press, 2017
Hardcover, Ebook

Chris Jericho has been one of the top names in pro wrestling for over two decades. While his in-ring career has been stellar, Jericho is one of the few names from the industry who has made successful transitions into other realms of entertainment. Jericho, as the front man and lead singer for the heavy metal band Fozzy, has toured the world as both a headline act and as supporting performer for many of music's legendary acts. Jericho has also hosted the very popular Talk Is Jericho Podcast on the Podcast One network since 2013. Prior to No Is A Four Letter Word, Jericho penned three New York Times best selling memoirs: A Lion's Tale: Around The World In Spandex, (2007) Undisputed: How To Become The World Champion In 1,372 Easy Steps, (2011) and The Best In The World... At What I Have No Idea (2014). Unlike his previous books, No Is A Four Letter Word is written as a motivational book that, while it contains biographical information, is not strictly an autobiography.

Released: WWE: Absolutely Everything You Need To Know By DK Publishing

DK Publishing's WWE Absolutely Everything You Need To Know was released earlier this week.  The book is a collection of WWE related facts, stories and general trivia.  This release is suitable for ages 10+ and, like the majority of DK's titles, will feature a top notch layout with tremendous photography.

WWE: Absolutely Everything You Need To Know is available in Hardcover format at Amazon US CA UK

Released: Slobberknocker: My Life In Wrestling By Jim Ross & Paul O'Brien

Slobberknocker: My Life In Wrestling by Jim Ross with Paul O'Brien - as told to Scott E. Williams - was released today.  The book, one of the most awaited releases of the year, features a foreword by Vince McMahon and an afterword by Steve Austin. Slobberknocker: My Life In Wrestling is hoped to be a thorough and insightful look at the life and career of one of the industry's most prolific and popular figures.

Slobberknocker: My Life In Wrestling is available in hardcover and ebook at Amazon US CA UK

Released: WWE Volume 1 Graphic Novel By Dennis Hopeless, Dan Mora & Serg Acuna

WWE Volume 1 is the first in a series of new graphic novels from the WWE. Written by Dennis Hopeless and illustrated by Dan Mora and Serg Acuna, Volume 1 covers focuses on the dissolution of The Shield. Volume 2 is expected to be released in early 2018.

The book is available in paperback, ebook and comic format from Amazon US CA UK.

Notice: Food Fight: My Plant Powered Journey From The Bingo Halls To The Big Time By Austin Aries and Mike Tully

Former independent wrestler and current WWE Superstar Austin Aries releases his memoir in June. This autobiography recounts Aries life with a special focus on his life as a vegetarian and, later, a vegan. Written with Mike Tully and published by Grey Books Publishing, pre-orders will ship on June 9.

The book is currently available for pre-order via the publisher's website.

Review: Best Seat In The House: Your Backstage Pass Through My WWE Journey

Best Seat In The House: Your Backstage Pass Through My WWE Journey
Justin Roberts w. Tommy Dreamer (Foreword)
Meyer & Meyer Sport, 2017
Hardcover, Ebook, Audiobook (TBR)

Best Seat In The House is available at:
Amazon US CA UK,
Indigo
Barnes & Noble

Un-spoiler Alert: As noted a few places, I try to keep my reviews as "spoiler free" as possible. This often results in general statements concerning  content of a book - it's a book review, not a book report. While a number of the topics in this book are being discussed in specific terms elsewhere on the Information Superhighway, I'm opting to not delve too much into the specifics per usual. Like many fans, I have strong feelings about the information concerning the backstage climate and labour practises of the WWE, but would rather confine this post to my thoughts on Roberts' presentation of his experiences and opinions presented in his book. -KM

Newly Released: Best Seat In The House: Your Backstage Pass Through My WWE Journey By Justin Roberts

Former WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts' biographical piece Best Seat In The House: Your Backstage Pass Through My WWE Journey was released today (April 1st.) Part inspirational story and part glimpse behind the WWE curtain, Best Seat... has become one of the year's most anticipated releases. Many retailers stocked and delivered the book early and early buzz on social media has been very positive. From Amazon:

This book is the all-access backstage pass for those who have always wondered what it would be like to work at WWE under the infamous Vince McMahon and travel all over the world in cars, buses and planes with the biggest stars of professional wrestling. Justin Roberts pulls no punches and gives you an uncensored, raw look at the journey of a young man chasing, catching and living his dream.

Best Seat In The House is available at Amazon US CA UK, Indigo and Barnes & Noble.

Released: The Official WWE Book of Rules: (And How To Break Them)

The Official WWE Book of Rules: (And How To Break Them)
By WWE Editors, Daniel Bryan (Foreword)

The Official WWE Book of Rules has been released by Media-Lab Books for the WWE. 

From Amazon: 
Do you know the difference between a Hollywood Backlot Brawl and a Brooklyn Street Fight? What happens at the end of an Iron Man match if there's no clear victor? Which move is off-limits inside a WWE ring? With The Official WWE Book of Rules, you'll no longer need to ask. This complete guide to every single style of WWE match-stipulation or otherwise, lays out all of WWE's rules (many published for the first time) and also calls out Superstars who have no problem breaking them. With insight and commentary from WWE's brightest Superstars as well as veteran referees, it's the ultimate companion to anyone who believes rules were made to be broken.

It is currently available in Paperback at Amazon.com and Amazon.ca

Review: The Three Count: My Life In Stripes As A WWE Referee By Jimmy Korderas

The Three Count: My Life In Stripes As A WWE Referee
Jimmy Korderas, Adam "Edge" Copeland (Foreword)
ECW Press, 2013
Paperback, Ebook

For over 20 years, Jim Korderas was a main stay with the WWF/E. While best remembered as a referee, Korderas began his career with the WWF in 1985 as a driver and member of the ring crew working for Jack Tunney at the WWF Toronto office. Korderas soon became a full-time referee and held the position - apart from a brief hiatus - until 2009. The book recounts Korderas' career from his entry into the business - at the apex of the Hulkamania era, through the New Generation, Attitude and Ruthless Aggression Eras - until the years immediately following his 2009 departure. Since leaving the WWF/E, Korderas has made a name for himself in the broadcasting world as a regular co-host of

Review: Accepted: How the First Gay Superstar Changed WWE By Pat Patterson w. Bertrand Hebert

Accepted: How the First Gay Superstar Changed WWE

By Pat Patterson, Bertrand Hebert, Vince McMahon (Foreword)

ECW Press, 2016

Hardcover, Ebook

Pat Patterson is a true legend in the world of professional wrestling. Widely considered to be one of the best creative minds in the industry's history, Patterson was also one of the top in-ring performers in the territorial era. A successful singles and tag wrestler (most notably with Ray Stevens) Patterson truly made his mark after joining the WWF/E as a wrestler -- he was he first WWF Intercontinental Champion - and later as a key player behind the scenes. Accepted is Patterson's first book, it is co-written by Bertrand Hebert (Mad Dogs, Midgets and Screwjobs) and features a foreword by Vince McMahon.

Accepted was one of 2016's most anticipated releases. Patterson, often referred to as Vince McMahon's second in command during a very dynamic period in wrestling history, is in a very unique position to relate stories about the era. He is also seen as one of the best

Review: A Star Shattered: The Rise And Fall Of Wrestling Diva By Tammy Sytch

A Star Shattered: The Rise And Fall Of Wrestling Diva

By Tammy "Sunny" Sytch

Riverdale Avenue Books, 2016

Paperback, Ebook

Tammy Sytch was a very prominent professional wrestling personality in the mid/late 1990s.  While also known for her tenures in SMW, ECW and WCW, it was during her role as Sunny in the pre-Attitude Era WWF/E that Sytch became a household name for wrestling fans. In the years since leaving the wrestling industry, Sytch has battled numerous personal issues.  A Star Shattered is Sytch's first book.

On the positive side, Sytch pulls very few punches with this book. She is very open with her memories and emotions regarding her pre, during and post wrestling life.  Uncommon to many books written by ex-wrestlers, especially those who have struggled after departing the industry, Sytch's passion for the business remains very apparent.  While she may have a case for post-wrestling bitterness, her love for wrestling - both as a fan and successful mainstream performer - remains evident. For the most part, the book is a very easy read.

Review: Pro Wrestling FAQ: All That's Left To Know About The World's Most Entertaining Spectacle By Brian Solomon

Pro Wrestling FAQ: All That's Left To Know About The World's Most Entertaining Spectacle

Brian Solomon

Backbeat Books, 2015

Paperback, Ebook

Former WWE magazine editor Brian Solomon pens a very complete look at the history of professional wrestling. Solomon is the former editor of WWE and Smackdown magazines and is the author of the WWE release WWE Legends.

Covering the evolution of the sport from its carnival days to the present, Pro Wrestling FAQ touches on many of the industry's most influential people and most significant events with a level of detail that is often not seen in books that cover such a wide timeline. Solomon is at his best when covering significant events of the late 19th and early 20th century as he presents a historical narrative in a concise yet comprehensive look at the dark ages of professional wrestling.  The book is rife with biographical and/or historical information concerning many different personalities, events and regions.  While it is essentially a reference book, it is also written in a manner that makes it an entertaining and - despite its length - a very easy read.

Review: 1984: The Year Wrestling Changed Forever By Dusty Wolfe

1984: The Year Wrestling Changed Forever: 
Wrestling's Most Pivitol Year: The Territories ENDED and the WWE Came To Power
By Dusty Wolfe
Self Published, 2014
Ebook

Long time journeyman Dusty Wolfe's self published ebook is a quick look at the 1984 professional wrestling scene. Wolfe has wrestled throughout the world and is best remembered for his time as a recurring enhancement worker in the WWF/E and WCW. 1984: The Year Wrestling Changed Forever is one of several books/articles written by Wolfe. His best known work is his 2008 autobiography Journal of a Journeyman.

Review: Chris and Nancy: The True Story of the Benoit Murder-Suicide and Pro Wrestling's Cocktail of Death by Irvin Muchnick

Chris and Nancy: The True Story of the Benoit Murder-Suicide and Pro Wrestling's Cocktail of Death
Irvin Muchnick, Phil Mushnick (Foreword)
ECW Press, 2009
Paperback, Ebook, Audiobook

This review was written in 2011.  Minor edits were made for this posting.

Journalist Irvin Muchnick's 2009 book Chris and Nancy: The True Story of the Benoit Murder-Suicide and Pro Wrestling's Cocktail of Death is an interesting marriage of pro-wrestling and true crime. Muchnick, a prolific author whose work has appeared in publications such as People and Sports Illustrated, is an unapologetic critic of the shortcomings of the professional wrestling industry.  His wrestling related work frequently deals with premature deaths, drug use and abuse within the industry and the generally dangerous life choices made by many of the industry's practitioners. Muchnick's other works include: Wrestling Babylon, Concussion Inc, and Justice Denied: The Untold Story of Nancy Argentino's Death in Jimmy Superfly Snuka's Hotel Room. He is nephew of late Kansas City promoter and former N.W.A. President Sam Muchnick.

Review: The Undertaker: 25 Years of Destruction by Kevin Sullivan

The Undertaker: 25 Years of Destruction
Kevin Sullivan
DK Publishing, 2015
Hardcover

Kevin Sullivan's The Undertaker: 25 Years of Destruction is a detailed chronicle of the career of one of the WWF/E's most legendary performers. Sullivan is the author / co-author of several books detailing the history of the WWE including: The WWE Encyclopedia, WWE 50, The WWE Championship: A Look Back At The Rich History Of The WWE Championship.

Like many of the WWE books published by DK Publishing (i.e. WWE: The Attitude Era), The Undertaker: 25 Years of Destruction is a treasure trove of photos that provide a very complete look at the subject. Without a doubt the individuals responsible for the image selection meticulously mined the WWE photo archive to achieve a comprehensive retrospective into the quarter century career of The Undertaker that is informative and visually appealing.

Review: Titan Shattered: Wrestling With Confidence and Paranoia By James Dixon

Titan Shattered: Wrestling With Confidence and Paranoia
James Dixon, Lee Maughan, Benjamin Richardson, Justin Henry (Foreword)
Lulu.com, 2015
Paperback, Ebook

Titan Shattered: Wrestling With Confidence and Paranoia is James Dixon's (History of Wrestling) follow up to the acclaimed Titan Sinking. Whereas Titan Sinking chronicled the ups and downs (mainly downs) of the WWF in 1995, Titan Shattered picks up where its predecessor left off and brings readers through the tumultuous timeline of 1996.  This is the latest of a number of books written or co-written by James Dixon who is a member of the History of Wrestling staff and is part two of a proposed three part series. A complete list of their publications including their Raw Files, Superstar Series and Video Guides is available on the group's website.