20 Best Wrestling Books Ever
Only one of Mick Foley's autobiographies can be classed as truly essential...
In the late-1990s, the idea of books dedicated to professional wrestling exploded as a medium. Suddenly, everyone from Mankind and The Rock to Chyna had a read on shop shelves. Not all of them were of the same quality, however. Some of them were downright poor.
Thankfully, there have been countless books since that have helped to up the general standard.
It'd be easy to imagine that this list would be comprised solely of wrestling autobiographies, but that would miss out so many essential titles. It's not only the actual wrestlers themselves who have so much to say; there are also books on shoot interviews, the history of entire promotions, and even crime novels that fully deserve to be featured.
Each one of these books is a must-read. Stories of youth, training, the road, the ring, and beyond make up much of the appeal. Crucially, let's not forget that oh-so-tempting allure of backstage dirt. That's a major reason why so many look forward to the release of wrestling reads!
Let's look at the wrestling books which people cherish most...
20. Wrestling's 101 Strangest Matches - Oliver Hurley
What better way to start off such a list than with a book that examines why pro wrestling is one of the most bizarre industries ever. Penned by longtime grappling journalist Oliver Hurley, Wrestling's 101 Strangest Matches doesn't exactly keep the main premise a secret. This is a scenario where the book can definitely be judged by its cover.
Original copies came with a striking leather-bound feel, giving the book an immediate atmosphere. It feels like a great mix between collector piece and pocket read, more of a pick-up title than any of the others featured on this list.
It's the actual content of the book that shines though, offering up 101 unique descriptions of some of wrestling's weirdest bouts.
Wrestling robots, worked matches turning into shoots, explosions, animal stunts gone wrong, and screwjobs are just some of the stories involved. This isn't supposed to be an exhaustive guide by any means; it's an easy-to-read slice of short stories that is ideal for short train journeys or when looking for something a little different.