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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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!”

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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