Best Wrestling Books: Finding the Perfect Wrestling Books for You
Whether you’re a longtime wrestling fan or just getting into the sport, there are plenty of great books about wrestling to check out. From biographies of legendary wrestlers to insights into the business side of professional wrestling, these books will take you behind the scenes and offer a greater understanding of this fascinating sport. Here are some of the best wrestling books out there.
This list of the best wrestling books will highlight the options and will help you find the perfect wrestling books for you. Whether you’re a fan of professional wrestling, amateur wrestling, or simply enjoy reading about the sport, this list has you covered.
After you finish with this list of the best wrestling books, our lists of the best sports movies and best sports books will also provide some more excellent sports-related content.
Top 25 Wrestling Books:
1. “Have a Nice Day!: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks” by Mick Foley
Price: $9.99
About Wrestling Book: Mick Foley’s acclaimed autobiography takes readers deep into his life in and out of the ring. He shares stories of his hardcore matches and personal sacrifices. This candid account is both entertaining and eye-opening for wrestling fans.
2. “The Best in the World: At What I Have No Idea” by Chris Jericho
Price: $14.99
About Wrestling Book: Chris Jericho offers his signature humor and storytelling as he recounts his wrestling journey. From WWE to rock star adventures, his memoir is packed with laughs, insights, and behind-the-scenes stories.
3. “The Hardcore Truth: The Bob Holly Story” by Bob Holly
Price: $10.99
About Wrestling Book: Bob Holly gives an unfiltered look at his career and experiences in WWE. Known for his no-nonsense style, Holly’s memoir pulls no punches as he discusses the realities of life in pro wrestling.
4. “The Young Bucks: Killing the Business from Backyards to the Big Leagues” by Matt and Nick Jackson
Price: $1.99
About Wrestling Book: Matt and Nick Jackson chronicle their rise from backyard wrestling to top stars in the business. This inspiring story highlights their challenges, innovations, and how they changed the wrestling world.
5. “Becky Lynch: The Man” by Rebecca Quin
Price: $14.99
About Wrestling Book: WWE Superstar Becky Lynch shares her journey from Ireland to becoming “The Man.” She opens up about her struggles, injuries, and her rise as one of wrestling’s most celebrated stars.
6. “Under the Black Hat: My Life in the WWE and Beyond” by Jim Ross
Price: $13.99
About Wrestling Book: Legendary announcer Jim Ross shares his personal and professional life in WWE. From his iconic commentary to behind-the-scenes drama, JR’s memoir is heartfelt and captivating.
7. “The Death of the Territories: Expansion, Betrayal, and the War That Changed Pro Wrestling Forever” by Tim Hornbaker
Price: $9.99
About Wrestling Book: Hornbaker explores the collapse of the wrestling territory system. This detailed book reveals how Vince McMahon’s national expansion forever changed the industry.
8. “Wrestling for My Life: The Legend, the Reality, and the Faith of a WWE Superstar” by Shawn Michaels
Price: $9.99
About Wrestling Book: Shawn Michaels reflects on his faith, redemption, and legendary wrestling career. A must-read for fans interested in the personal transformation of one of wrestling’s greatest performers.
9. “The Last Real World Champion: The Legacy of ‘Nature Boy’ Ric Flair” by Tim Hornbaker
Price: $9.99
About Wrestling Book: A tribute to Ric Flair’s storied career, this book explores his time as NWA champion and his influence on the wrestling business. An essential read for Flair fans.
10. “Crazy Is My Superpower: How I Triumphed by Breaking Bones, Breaking Hearts, and Breaking the Rules” by AJ Mendez
Price: $5.99
About Wrestling Book: Former WWE star AJ Lee shares her struggles with mental health, her wrestling journey, and how she overcame obstacles. A powerful story of resilience and empowerment.
11. “WINNING STATE WRESTLING: The Athlete’s Guide To Competing Mentally Tough” by Steve Knight
Price: $15.95
About Wrestling Book: This mental training guide helps wrestlers develop toughness, focus, and confidence. It’s a go-to resource for athletes aiming to compete at their highest level.
12. “Wrestling: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners Wanting to Learn Wrestling Techniques for Self-Defense, Physical Prowess, or Competition” by Clint Sharp
Price: $2.99
About Wrestling Book: This beginner’s guide introduces readers to wrestling techniques, training tips, and self-defense. Perfect for newcomers looking to understand the basics of the sport.
13. “Wrestling Rules for Life: Wrestling Is More Than a Sport” by Dan Gable
Price: $9.99
About Wrestling Book: Dan Gable shares lessons learned through wrestling, offering advice on leadership, discipline, and perseverance. A motivational read for athletes and coaches alike.
14. “The Hardcore Diaries” by Mick Foley
Price: $6.99
About Wrestling Book: Mick Foley’s diary-style memoir offers a behind-the-scenes look at WWE’s creative process. Foley’s honesty and humor shine as he reflects on his later career and activism.
15. “The Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America” by Abraham Josephine Riesman
Price: $15.99
About Wrestling Book: A critical look at Vince McMahon’s life, business empire, and influence on wrestling and American culture. This book dives into the controversies and legacy of WWE’s top boss.
16. “The Art of N64 Wrestling Games” by Shawn Long
Price: $14.99
About Wrestling Book: A nostalgic tribute to N64 wrestling games and their lasting impact on gaming and wrestling fandom. A must-have for collectors and retro gaming fans.
17. “The Last Real World Champion: The Legacy of “Nature Boy” by Ric Flair
Price: $9.99
About Wrestling Book: This installment highlights legendary tag teams that revolutionized the sport. Featuring detailed histories, interviews, and rare photos, it’s a tag team fan’s dream.
18. “The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Tag Teams” by Greg Oliver and Steven Johnson
Price: $11.99
About Wrestling Book: Exploring the art of villainy, this book celebrates wrestling’s most notorious heels. From classic bad guys to modern antiheroes, it delves into their impact on the business.
19. “The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Heels” by Greg Oliver and Steven Johnson
Price: $11.95
About Wrestling Book: Focusing on the art of storytelling in wrestling, this book profiles wrestlers who captivated fans with their charisma, promos, and in-ring narratives.
20. “The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Storytellers (From the Terrible Turk to Twitter)” by Greg Oliver and Steven Johnson
Price: $9.99
About Wrestling Book: Celebrating Canada’s contributions to pro wrestling, this book spotlights stars from Bret Hart to Chris Jericho. It’s a comprehensive history of Canadian wrestling greatness.
21. “The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Canadians” by Greg Oliver and Steven Johnson
Price: $11.95
About Wrestling Book: A technical guide to wrestling moves, strategies, and techniques. Ideal for wrestlers looking to refine their skills and improve their competitive edge.
22. “Winning Wrestling Moves” by Mark Mysnyk
Price: $25.99
About Wrestling Book: Better known as Paige, Saraya-Jade Bevis tells her gritty, inspiring journey from British wrestling rings to WWE stardom. A raw and honest account of triumph and turmoil.
23. “Hell in Boots: Clawing My Way Through Nine Lives” by Saraya-Jade Bevis
Price: $14.99
About Wrestling Book: This illustrated book introduces wrestling legends from A to Z. Fun and educational, it’s perfect for young fans learning about wrestling’s icons.
24. “Wrestling Legends Alphabet” by BEck Feiner
Price: $18.63
About Wrestling Book: Wrestling legend Stan Hansen shares tales from his hard-hitting career in Japan and the U.S. Known for his no-nonsense style, Hansen’s memoir is packed with behind-the-scenes stories.
25. “Slobberknocker: My Life in Wrestling by Paul O’Brien
Price: $16.99
About Wrestling Book:New York Times bestselling author! Here is the story of how Jim Ross, an Oklahoman farm kid with a vivid imagination and seemingly unattainable dreams, became “The Voice of Wrestling” to record TV audiences and millions of fans around the world.
Editor’s Pick: Best Wrestling Book for Hardcore Fans
“Have a Nice Day!: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks” by Mick Foley stands out as a must-read for hardcore wrestling fans. This unfiltered, brutally honest autobiography dives into Foley’s physical and emotional journey through the world of pro wrestling. With wild stories, dark humor, and genuine heart, it delivers entertainment and perspective in equal measure. It’s the gold standard for wrestling memoirs and a perfect entry point into the gritty reality behind the glamor.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Wrestling Books
What kind of wrestling books are best for beginners?
If you’re new to wrestling, autobiographies like Mick Foley’s Have a Nice Day! or Chris Jericho’s The Best in the World provide fun, engaging introductions to the industry with plenty of context and behind-the-scenes insight.
Are there wrestling books focused on technique and amateur wrestling?
Yes! Books like Winning Wrestling Moves by Mark Mysnyk and WINNING STATE WRESTLING by Steve Knight focus on technical skills and mental conditioning, ideal for athletes or coaches.
What’s a good wrestling book for kids or young fans?
Wrestling Legends Alphabet by Beck Feiner is an illustrated A-to-Z guide to iconic wrestlers. It’s fun, educational, and great for introducing kids to the stars of wrestling.
Do any of these books talk about the business side of wrestling?
Definitely. The Death of the Territories and The Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America both dive deep into the business evolution and power shifts that shaped the modern wrestling world.
Is there a book that covers wrestling video games or pop culture crossovers?
Yes! The Art of N64 Wrestling Games by Shawn Long is a nostalgic dive into how classic games like No Mercy and WrestleMania 2000 influenced wrestling fandom.
Tips for Choosing the Best Wrestling Books for You
1. Decide Between Biography or History
Are you looking to understand an individual’s journey or the entire landscape of wrestling? Autobiographies like Under the Black Hat focus on personal stories, while The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame books offer broader overviews of the sport.
2. Know Your Wrestling Style Preference
Fans of pro wrestling (WWE, AEW) might enjoy the dramatic flair of memoirs from stars like Becky Lynch and AJ Lee. Meanwhile, those interested in amateur wrestling or coaching should look for instructional books or motivational guides.
3. Consider the Author’s Perspective
Books written by wrestlers themselves often give raw, honest insights, while journalist-authored works like those by Tim Hornbaker or Greg Oliver provide more objective context and analysis.
4. Look for Unique Angles
Want something beyond the usual ring stories? Try The Art of N64 Wrestling Games or Wrestling for My Life, which blend wrestling with broader topics like gaming or faith and redemption.
5. Match Books to Reading Style
Some readers love dense history and statistics, while others prefer light, fast-paced stories. Choose a title that fits your style—Crazy Is My Superpower offers personal storytelling with humor, while The Death of the Territories is rich with wrestling history.
Best Wrestling Books Conclusion
If you’re looking to learn more about wrestling, whether it’s the history of the sport or what goes on both in and out of the business side of things, these books are a great place to start.
Whether you are a fan of professional wrestling or just getting into the sport, there’s something here for everyone. So check out some of these great reads and deepen your understanding of the world of wrestling.
If you have read any of these wrestling books before, we would love to hear your feedback below in the comments.
