Wrestling Reality: The Life and Mind of Chris Kanyon, Wrestling’s Gay Superstar

In this turbulent ride through the often-unrewarding world of pro-wrestling, the late Kanyon, who committed suicide in 2010, offers a picture (with freelancer Clark) into the unstable mind of an aspiring wrestler burdened with much more than worries about how best to bulk up on muscle. Kanyon, born and raised in Sunnyside, Queens, knew from an early age that his dream in life was to wrestle—and that he was gay. Kanyon’s love for the sport only increased, and he practiced throughout college while studying to be a physical therapist. Deciding to pursue wrestling after college, Kanyon traveled from state to state, floating between different wrestling circuits, gyms, and trainers. He constantly strived to find a middle ground, a comfort zone, where he could be himself in the real world, as a gay wrestler, and in the wrestling world, taking on a gay wrestling “identity.” Kanyon’s memoir is a candid, honest look into a little-discussed aspect of wrestling. (Dec.)