Professional wrestling thrives on what Jason Katzman, an editor at Skyhorse, calls the “soap opera story line.” But under the artifice and drama, wrestlers are real people, and many of the fans who tune in each week to Monday Night Raw want to hear their stories: how a favorite wrestler made it to the big time or what happens when he or she heads backstage.
Below, we present five contenders who will engage in a literary cage match for readers’ attention.
In this corner, Crazy is My Superpower by A.J. Mendez Brooks (Crown Archetype, Apr.) reveals the recently retired WWE superstar’s journey from poverty and familial abuse to the pinnacle of her profession.
Next, vaulting into the ring, WWE legend Chris Jericho unleashes 22 principles on how to make it in your field, using his experiences as examples, in No Is a Four-Letter Word (Da Capo, Sept.).
But good God almighty, it’s Jim Ross! In Slobberknocker (Sports Publishing, Oct.), the legendary wrestling announcer tells his life story, including his time nurturing the likes of the Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.
Justin Roberts storms through the crowd with his journey from wrestling fanatic to WWE ring announcer in Best Seat in the House (Meyer & Meyer, Apr.).
And, finally, 16-time world champion “Nature Boy” Ric Flair and his daughter Charlotte, four-time Raw Women’s Champion, leap from the top rope with their joint autobiography, Second Nature (St. Martin’s, Aug.).
