Pro Wrestling Books

Written by an author from Belgium, this novella demonstrates that some elements of being a teenager and loving pro wrestling are universal. The plot is relatively straightforward for what is intended to be the first of a lengthy series. A bullied teenager discovers pro wrestling and begins training while fighting back against his bullies. In this world, wrestling is a worked sport and provides him with confidence rather than legitimate fighting techniques. The writing style and language are crisp and clear (though many readers will be encountering the phrase “lick a pig!” for the first time.) Between the content and the style, it’s likely to most appeal to younger readers. Adults may find it a little brief and predictable, hence its billing as a novella. Though set in Belgium, the wrestling content will likely be familiar to fans of small-scale grappling around the world. Some elements particularly ring true, including the excitement of discovering the appeal of wrestling for the first time, and the descriptions of working matches that are considerably less choreographed than the average viewer may realise. As noted, it may be too much of a young adult novel for some people’s tastes, but it’s worth checking out…

This may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those looking for a literary approach to pro wrestling it’s worth checking out. Most wrestling books which don’t take a “traditional” approach to the business/artform come at it from an academic perspective – all Barthes references and homoeroticism. Purely literary takes on wrestling are rarer, with The Dead Wrestler Elegies the highlight so far. Body Drop brings together a collection of Oliu’s short pieces, many previously published in a host of literary magazines and outlets. They are for the most part not straight pieces on wrestling, but rather Oliu reflecting on his own life and experiences while framing it in, and comparing it to, the wrestling world. It’s an approach that takes full advantage of the often contradictory and brain-crunching blurring between fiction and reality in pro wrestling, a business made up of both real and illusory pain, where anything can happen but ritual is everything. The parallels and connections vary immensely in degree. One chilling piece tells the story of Chris Benoit while purposely redacting every mention of his name, while Oliu draws a direct connection between the portrayal of Yokozuna and his own experience of being overweight at…

Truth Bee Told, the autobiography of Brian Blair, has reached its target on crowdfunding site Indiegogo and is scheduled for publication and delivery next month. It’s still available to order through the site with a range of bonus options including autographed copies and a Killer Bees mask. Blurb as follows: After reading an early draft of Truth Bee Told, Oliver Bateman of The Ringer declared “… in many ways, it’s the best wrestling book I’ve ever read.” Esteemed wrestling journalist and book reviewer Jamie Hemmings identified Truth Bee Told as a clear candidate for the title of professional wrestling book of the year, and Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer Newsletter proclaimed Truth Bee Told to be “awesome” when asked about it on his show. Featuring forewords by Bret “The Hitman” Hart and Steve “Gator” Keirn, an afterword from Hulk Hogan,  and dozens of personal behind-the-scenes photos from Brian Blair’s life and wrestling career, Truth Bee Told has been praised by reviewers as an instant classic professional wrestling autobiography. Despite growing up amidst the challenges caused by poverty, disfiguring injuries and familial strife, Brian Blair’s determination to better himself and his life circumstances took him to worldwide wrestling fame, and also to major successes in the realms of business and politics. Truth…