Wrestling books.

ShawnRaven · 29-10-2008 2:43pm #1

Well seeing as we have a wrestling DVDs thread, maybe we should come up with a books thread. To discuss those that were released before, upcoming releases and general recommendations.

I've read quite a few over the years. Dynamite Kids, The first two Foleys, Bischoff's, Michaels' book, Lawlers and most recently getting stuck into Bret's book with Jerichos and DiBiase's next in the queue to be read.

What about everyone else here?
Rovert, i know you're a bit of a bookworm, so i'm expecting some decent recommendations from you on this thread.

rovert · 29-10-2008 2:53pm

Ive read most of them.

Id first like to give a warning to some that Sport Publishing is going bankrupt among the Wrestling titles they put out in the past are Dave Meltzer's Tributes I & II books as well as Terry Funk's book. All of which I recommend. Highspots.com was the only online retailer who has Tributes I at non absurd price when I bought my copy. Just dont get stung.

These may never come back into print.

ShawnRaven · 29-10-2008 2:55pm

rovert wrote: »

Ive read most of them.

Id first like to give a warning to some that Sport Publishing is going bankrupt among the Wrestling titles they put out in the past are Dave Meltzer's Tributes I & II books as well as Terry Funk's book. All of which I recommend. Highspots.com is the only online retailer who has Tributes I at non absurd price.

These may never come back into print.

I've heard a lot about the Tributes books, are they really all they're cracked up to be?

Dancor · 29-10-2008 2:55pm

The first wrestling book I read was Hogans, And my god was it full of fecking crap. Then I read Flairs which is a good read. I bought Jerichos book in New York last year and laughed my ass off on the plane on the way home, Funniest book I have ever read. Then brought Brets book away with me during the summer and could not put it down, Such a great book,Even the gf read it after me and she doesnt even like wrestling but found it to be a good read, Mainly for all the family gossip in it. Cant wait to get it signed.

Benn told I need to read Foleys first book, I heard nothing but good things about it.

ShawnRaven · 29-10-2008 2:58pm

dancor wrote: »

Benn told I need to read Foleys first book, I heard nothing but good things about it.

His second is worth checking out too. I must get my hands on that. I loaned it to someone, then fell out with em (bet that doesn't surprise anyone!

) and the book got caught in the crossfire. I'd be more upset if it was the first one though, as it is ultimately the better book.

Vince135792003 · 29-10-2008 3:00pm

Here would be my rankings for the wrestling autobiographies I have read:

1. Bret Hart
2. Mick Foley (the first one)
3. William Regal
4. Mick Foley (the second one)
5. Kurt Angle
6. Chris Jericho
7. Ric Flair
8. Mick Foley (third one).
9. Eddie Guerrero
10. Steve Austin
11. The Rock
12. Roddy Piper
13. Edge
14. Hulk Hogan
15. Chyna

EdK · 29-10-2008 3:00pm

I've read most of the big name ones and a few like sex lies and headlocks and the death of wcw, finished brets recently and jerichos both I'd recommend for different reasons

Have dibiases on the desk here to start and broken harts on the way I know its going to be biased but what wrestling book isnt I plan on taking it with a grain of salt

Ruu_Old · 29-10-2008 3:03pm

Not much of a reader but trying to read a few more titles than normal as I didn't know we had. I work in a libary and have seen a number of titles. Hardcore Diaries, To Be the Man, A Lions Tale, The Stone Cold Truth, Hitman-My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling (we just got in a few copies), Adam Copeland on Edge, King of the Ring (Harley Race). I am particularly interested in the Harley Race one. I plan to go through a few of them soon.

29-10-2008 3:03pm

I love reading an autobiography myself whether it be wrestling or football. Ive read most of the wrestling books released over the years and ill give you a list of my top 3 and worst 3.

Top 3 Wrestling books:
1)Bret Harts book- So much detail and I just couldnt put it down.
2)Have a nice day (Foleys 1st book)- always been a big foley fan and this was a joy to read. Read it 2 or 3 times.
2)jerichos book- The funneist of all the wrestling book ive read.

Worst 3:
1)Hulk Hogans book- Lie after lie after lie.
2)Edges book- I just thought he should have waited a few years before releaseing it because it was way too short.
3)Hardcore Diarys (foleys 3rd book)- Unlike his other 2 books (except for the final chapter in "foley is good") foley just rants along in every chapter. Its not the fun loveing, joke cracking Mick that we are used too.

Thats my 2 cents on wrestling books.

Vince135792003 · 29-10-2008 3:04pm

EdK wrote: »

and broken harts on the way I know its going to be biased but what wrestling book isnt I plan on taking it with a grain of salt

I'd recommend that 1 too. I completely forgot about it and it would be in my top 5 for sure.

rovert · 29-10-2008 3:06pm

ShawnRaven wrote: »

I've heard a lot about the Tributes books, are they really all they're cracked up to be?

People always say that Dave’s best writing is his obituaries of Wrestlers. When a wrestler dies the first reply to the thread about it is RIP or whatever and then the second is usually OMG! cant wait to read the Observer this week!, bad I know. The thing about his older obituaries is that they aren’t as good as newer ones, Dave as gotten better over time at writing them. On balance the second is better than the first but the first is still worth getting. Tributes II comes with a DVD. But reading about all those drug deaths is mighty depressing, the description of Louie Spicoli’s corpse is horrific and OTT IMO. The photos in both are fantastic.

Gerard.C · 29-10-2008 3:08pm

I would highly reccomend Regals book, I really really enjoyed that one. He's unbelieveably honest in it, you really gain a new respect for him after reading it.

nhughes100 · 29-10-2008 3:13pm

Read several but been dissapointed with most of them with the exception of Foley's first one, The Regal one looks good as he has a very interesting background and was a legit shoot fighter. Might get Bret's one since it seems to be well recommended, was most dissapointed with Bobby Heenan's, loved his commentary but his book was boring.

29-10-2008 3:13pm

I forgot all about the stone cold book. I would change my worst 3 list and put in Austins for edges. The only chapter in the Austin book of intrest is the chapter about the weekend of wrestlemania 19. Theres nothing else in the book that I didnt know about already and I hate the chapter about Vince McMahon and why hes so great.

ShawnRaven · 29-10-2008 3:16pm

Vince, how Chyna even got into a ranking is beyond me, that was one of the worst books i have ever read! That along with The Stone Cold Truth.

rovert · 29-10-2008 3:21pm

Ruu wrote: »

King of the Ring (Harley Race). I am particularly interested in the Harley Race one.

I dont want to colour your view before you read it but I was every disappointed in that one. Just too short.

Vince135792003 wrote: »

I'd recommend that 1 too. I completely forgot about it and it would be in my top 5 for sure.

Pain & Passion pisses all over Broken Harts from a great height.

rovert · 29-10-2008 3:24pm

Gerard.C wrote: »

I would highly reccomend Regals book, I really really enjoyed that one. He's unbelieveably honest in it, you really gain a new respect for him after reading it.

Very, very underated book. It pissed me off the he has got caught for drugs twice since the book came out.

nhughes100 wrote: »

was most dissapointed with Bobby Heenan's, loved his commentary but his book was boring.

His second one is better. Still no great shakes

Deleted User wrote: »

I forgot all about the stone cold book. I would change my worst 3 list and put in Austins for edges. The only chapter in the Austin book of intrest is the chapter about the weekend of wrestlemania 19. Theres nothing else in the book that I didnt know about already and I hate the chapter about Vince McMahon and why hes so great.

You learn nothing about Austin in that book.

EdK · 29-10-2008 3:27pm

wrestling bios dont usually get released too early except a few, but it sickens me in bookshops to see Lewis Hamilton and other nothing ( as yet) people looking back at me biographies are for the end of a career unless the career justifies a couple of books

Just a kind of related opinion

rovert · 29-10-2008 3:30pm

EdK wrote: »

wrestling bios dont usually get released too early except a few, but it sickens me in bookshops to see Lewis Hamilton and other nothing ( as yet) people looking back at me biographies are for the end of a career unless the career justifies a couple of books

Just a kind of related opinion

I though Lita's, Hardyz & Edge's were worth the read.

EdK · 29-10-2008 3:37pm

Most of them are worth the read but some of the younger wrestlers have achieved alot more after they are released

One thing bios need is honesty and unfortunately many of them are written to protect an image like batistas big bad book of excuses and hogans lies, brets is very honest jerichos is relatively honest and I haven't gotten to regals yet but I hear he is quite honest even if recent events highlight his stupidity

Machismo Fan · 29-10-2008 5:12pm

EdK wrote: »

batistas big bad book of excuses

That was a truely horrible book, the only wrestling book that I couldn't stomach finishing.

Side Note: Today I celebrate my Boards one year anniversary. Go Me!:)

ShawnRaven · 29-10-2008 5:15pm

Machismo Fan wrote: »

Side Note: Today I celebrate my Boards one year anniversary. Go Me!:)

How much of your sanity has ebbed away since you joined?

EdK · 29-10-2008 5:19pm

His sanity was long gone before he ever joined

Machismo Fan · 29-10-2008 5:27pm

EdK wrote: »

His sanity was long gone before he ever joined

Reported for being an ass...... Only joking about the report, but not the ass bit.;)

ShawnRaven wrote: »

How much of your sanity has ebbed away since you joined?

Not that much surprisingly enough.:)

ShawnRaven · 29-10-2008 5:30pm

To get back on topic. I actually enjoyed Dynamite Kid's book, has anyone here read it at all, or have any thoughts on it?

EdK · 29-10-2008 5:39pm

ShawnRaven wrote: »

To get back on topic. I actually enjoyed Dynamite Kid's book, has anyone here read it at all, or have any thoughts on it?

Wanted to get it off the book depository the other day but it was out of stock looking forward to getting it though cuz dynamite is a mad man

ShawnRaven · 29-10-2008 5:45pm

Some crazy stories. Especially when Sheik was busted for using someone elses urine to submit for the roid tests. Only to find that the guy's urine he'd used also tested black too!

Vince says to Sheik "You've tested positive for steroids", to which Sheik responds "Thank you very much!"

Dynamite is a madman, but Sheik is just plain nuts!

Red Sleeping Beauty · 29-10-2008 6:04pm

I've only read Foley's first 2 books. Second one is a bit lousy and I wouldn't read it again. First one is great though, I loved it. That was what led me to "smarten" up

rovert · 29-10-2008 6:13pm

Machismo Fan wrote: »

That was a truely horrible book, the only wrestling book that I couldn't stomach finishing.

Side Note: Today I celebrate my Boards one year anniversary. Go Me!:)

I liked Batista's book well the first half anyway

ShawnRaven wrote: »

To get back on topic. I actually enjoyed Dynamite Kid's book, has anyone here read it at all, or have any thoughts on it?

Fookin mate

Im so annoyed that the American version has a glossary of Bristish terms and slang to explain it all. Fookin Yanks

Im going to try to put a list of all the Wrestling books I read sometime tonight.

ShawnRaven · 29-10-2008 6:16pm

rovert wrote: »

Im so annoyed that the American version has a glossary of Bristish terms and slang to explain it all. Fookin Yanks

In fairness, if anyone needs it, it's the Yanks!

callaway92 · 29-10-2008 8:37pm

Batista calling his wife lazy and all made me sick..Saying she should have helped around more, even if she did have cancer..

flahavaj · 29-10-2008 8:47pm

ShawnRaven wrote: »

To get back on topic. I actually enjoyed Dynamite Kid's book, has anyone here read it at all, or have any thoughts on it?

Great read if a little depressing. Hes a VERY bitter man.

rovert · 29-10-2008 8:59pm

callaway92 wrote: »

Batista calling his wife lazy and all made me sick..Saying she should have helped around more, even if she did have cancer..

So you didnt read the book I take it.

callaway92 · 29-10-2008 9:15pm

rovert wrote: »

So you didnt read the book I take it.

Nah..wasnt going to after I heard this

ShawnRaven · 29-10-2008 9:15pm

rovert wrote: »

So you didnt read the book I take it.

Sorry callaway, you were outed. I haven't read it myself (but i'll admit it), but from what I understand, that quote wasn't actually in the book?

Rovert? Clarify please?

callaway92 · 29-10-2008 9:16pm

I wasnt outed..I didnt read the book.

rovert · 29-10-2008 9:19pm

ShawnRaven wrote: »

Sorry callaway, you were outed. I haven't read it myself (but i'll admit it), but from what I understand, that quote wasn't actually in the book?

Rovert? Clarify please?

It was a fake story, the line in the fake story was she didnt like vaccuming (giving bjs.) In the book Batista was a lot more mature about the situation.

callaway92 · 29-10-2008 9:20pm

rovert wrote: »

It was a fake story, the line in the fake story was she didnt like vaccuming (giving bjs.) In the book Batista was a lot more mature about the situation.

So, He still does talk like an ass in the book so??:D

rovert · 29-10-2008 9:23pm

callaway92 wrote: »

So, He still does talk like an ass in the book so??:D

Nope I gained a lot of respect for him after it.

ShawnRaven · 29-10-2008 9:24pm

callaway92 wrote: »

I wasnt outed..I didnt read the book.

It was your reason for not reading it.

(this next part is not aimed at anyone personally)
It's sh*t like this is what pisses me off about the internet, and just fuels my belief that the internet, does indeed, make you stupid. A rumour flies around, and people take it as gospel, like this. Back in 1991, apparently The Ultimate Warrior died, had AIDS and was fired, failed a steroid test and was fired.

Hell people still believe Savage f*cked Steph! We can thank the deathvalleydriver for that one, despite the fact that it hasn't been substantiated.

With the Batista story in particularly, that was cleared up within a day folks, a day. But people still convince themselves otherwise.

If you've time enough to read a rumour, you've time to read the explanation.

callaway92 · 29-10-2008 9:24pm

rovert wrote: »

Nope I gained a lot of respect for him after it.

Is the book worth the dosh?

rovert · 29-10-2008 9:29pm

callaway92 wrote: »

Is the book worth the dosh?

I remember this time last year I was away for a few days and stopped thought town and Easons on the way. Bought the book and the first and best half of it on the way home on bus (90 mins tops.) Get a lend dont buy.

brick tamland · 29-10-2008 9:40pm

books i've read

really enjoyed
Foley's 1st
flairs
wrestlecrap

enjoyed
Jerry Lawlors
HBKs
foleys 2nd
sex lies and headlocks

didnt like
Foley's 3rd, although it wasn't as bad as.............
Austins

flahavaj · 29-10-2008 9:43pm

rovert wrote: »

I remember this time last year I was away for a few days and stopped thought town and Easons on the way. Bought the book and the first and best half of it on the way home on bus (90 mins tops.) Get a lend dont buy.

Happens me with the majority of wrestling books, I'll tear through them in one sitting. In fairness, War and Peace they ain't.

On a copletely unrelated side note that Ring of Hell is pretty bad. REALLY badly written. Then again look at the shi*te the author produced in Powerslam this week.

rovert · 29-10-2008 9:48pm

flahavaj wrote: »

Happens me with the majority of wrestling books, I'll tear through them in one sitting. In fairness, War and Peace they ain't.

Tihs had more pictures and a larger font size than most WWE books.

ShawnRaven · 29-10-2008 9:51pm

Did anyone else have a hard time with Lawlers book? After the second half of it, it got really depressing.

brick tamland · 29-10-2008 9:52pm

anyone read the million dollar mans?

was in between that and Foleys 3rd recently when i was on holiday. went for foleys and was sorry i did. might still get it though

brick tamland · 29-10-2008 9:53pm

ShawnRaven wrote: »

Did anyone else have a hard time with Lawlers book? After the second half of it, it got really depressing.

i enjoyed it tbh. well from what i remember about it i did anyway.he was quite honest about his private life from what i remember

rovert · 29-10-2008 10:13pm

Pretty much a near complete list of Wrestling books I’ve read and I do own most:

Hardcore History: The Extremely Unauthorized Story of ECW
Slamthology: Collected Wrestling Writings 1991-2004
The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Tag Teams
Wrestling at the Chase
Forgiven by Vince Russo
The Cowboy and the Cross: The Bill Watts Story
Bodyslams!: Memoirs of a Wrestling Pitchman by Gary Cappetta,

Turning The Tables (ECW)
Hardcore History (ECW)
WWE: Rise & Fall of ECW
National Wrestling Alliance by Hornbecker
Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Heels
Brody: The Triumph and Tragedy of Wrestling's Rebel
Wrestling Babylon
Sex, Lies, and Headlocks: The Real Story of Vince McMahon and World Wrestling Federation

Chokehold: Pro Wrestling's Real Mayhem Outside the Ring
Head Games: Football's Concussion Crisis from the NFL to Youth Leagues (Kind of Wrestling, Important enough to list)
Ring of Hell: The Story of Chris Benoit and the Fall of the Pro Wrestling
The Wrestlecrap Book of Lists! (Wrestlecrap)
Wrestlecrap
Death of WCW
Ole Anderson: Inside
Tributes I by Dave Meltzer
Tributes II by Dave Meltzer
The Story of the Development of NWATNA: A New Concept in Pay-Per-View Programming by Jerry Jarrett
Ring of Hell
Pain & Passion
Wrestling Observers Top 100 Pro Wrestlers of All Time
Death of WCW

Dusty Rhodes
Harley Race
Terry Funk
Ted DiBiase (The older one with all the bible thumping WWE took out)
Nikita Koloff
JJ Dillion
Freddie Blassie
Superstar Billy Graham
Bobby Heenan
Arn Anderson
Bret Hart “Hitman”
Dynamite Kid
All 3 Mick Foley books
Ric Flair
Edge
Regal
Shawn Michaels
Batista
Eddie Guerreo
Hulk Hogan
Kurt Angle
Hardy Boyz
Jerry Lawler
The Rock
Stone Cold
The Wrestling
Roddy Piper In The Pit
Chris Jericho
Missy Hyatt
Chyna

Currently reading:
Gorgeous George: The Outrageous Bad-Boy Wrestler Who Created American Pop Culture by John Capouya

callaway92 · 29-10-2008 10:15pm

Wuold Terry Funks be a good read..would be interestred in what he says about Chainsaw Charlie/WWF etc

flahavaj · 29-10-2008 10:21pm

callaway92 wrote: »

Wuold Terry Funks be a good read..would be interestred in what he says about Chainsaw Charlie/WWF etc

Its good but not great, he skims over great chunks of his career too much for my liking.

Wrestling books.

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