4. Sex, Lies And Headlocks, Shaun Assael And Mike Mooneyham
A fascinating behind the scenes look at the biggest controversies to afflict the WWE, this really is a bible for smart fans. The book documents pro wrestling from the territories, through Vince McMahon's pop culture explosion, the steroid trial, the Montreal screwjob and finally WCW's demise. It ends shortly after Vince got control of the entire industry, with the foreboding conclusion "He seems more out of touch than ever. No one is saying "no" to the king of the ring except the fans." Unfortunately that statement has rung true of McMahon in the decade since this was book was published. It would be great to see Assael and Mooneyham update the book to cover everything that has come since. McMahon's strangle hold of the industry really has been devastating at times. This book was the ultimate look at the true extent of McMahon "wrestling with his demons" every week on live TV, and it would be intriguing to know what the writers make of Vince's efforts to clean up the industry in recent times. Another thing I really enjoyed about this book was how well written it was. On summary of WCW's death, the closing statement is borrowed brilliantly from Joe Pesci's opening monologue in Martin Scorsese's Casino - "It should have been perfect. But in the end we f***** it up. It should have been so sweet. But it turned out to be the last time that street guys like us were ever given anything that f***** valuable again." It serves as the perfect epitaph for WCW, and is reportedly what Eric Bischoff's business manager said about the company.