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JOHN CENA, CHRIS CANDIDO, BUDDY ROGERS, EAT LIKE A LUCHADOR & MORE: COMPLETE LIST OF RECENTLY RELEASED AND FORTHCOMING PRO WRESTLING BOOKS

Complete list of all recently released and forthcoming pro wrestling related books:

RECENTLY RELEASED

Nikki and Brie Bella's memoir Incomparable  - Paperback edition.

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Tim Hornbaker's biography of the first-ever WWWF Champion Buddy Rogers, Master of the Ring.

"In this modern era of "sports entertainment," World Wrestling Entertainment has been a must-see event.  Legends like Hulk Hogan, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, and The Rock have headlined on that stage and delivered some of the most memorable moments of the past 30 years.  But, in 1948, years before the aforementioned names were even born, a young man named Buddy (Nature Boy) Rogers got into the ring in Hollywood Legion Stadium and transformed pro wrestling forever.  His flamboyant personality and under-handed tactics made him an immediate box-office sensation.  He was center stage in every territory in the U.S., not only in fast-paced matches, but in backstage power plays.  By the late 1950s, he was an unparalleled superstar, but there was one honor he coveted … the National Wrestling Alliance world heavyweight championship.  To that point, the hostile environment of wrestling politics had stalled his push to the throne, but Rogers overcame the obstacles in his path until, finally, with the right friends in high places, he was given a title match against champion Pat O’Connor in Chicago’s Comiskey Park before a record crowd of 38,000 spectators.  By the end of the night, Rogers was the new heavyweight champion of the world!  After the match, he strapped on the title belt, stood in the center of the ring, and in his typically arrogant fashion, announced:

"To a nicer guy, it couldn’t happen!"

Backstage assaults and injuries almost derailed his title reign, and in the midst of his historic run, Rogers suffered serious health problems, and a cloud fell over his future on the mat.  In May 1963, he defended the title against Bruno Sammartino, the popular "Italian Superman," at Madison Square Garden.  Since then, wrestling fans have asked countless questions about what really happened on that fabled evening.  Author Hornbaker dissects the incident, as well as Buddy’s entire life, to answer those questions and clear up some of the misconceptions and lies told about Buddy.  You will learn the entire "Buddy Rogers Saga" from beginning to end as Hornbaker focuses on the backstage politics, secret strategies, and different perspectives, including never-before-heard inside sources from that time-frame, including Rogers’ former manager, Bobby Davis.   Active in wrestling for more than 60 years, Buddy’s legacy is as strong today as it ever was.  In 2015, WWE executive and former champion Triple H was asked who he would choose if he had the ability to wrestle any one competitor from the past.  Without hesitation, he said, "Buddy Rogers," acknowledging the masterful legend and bigger-than-life personality of the original "Nature Boy."   In this book, a detailed look at one of the most important figures in wrestling history, the truth of Buddy Rogers is told — in all of his stunning (and colorful) glory.  It’s a story with boundless action, mayhem, and excitement."

Master of the Ring can be ordered by clicking here.

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No Gimmicks Needed - The Chris Candido Story - Biography by John Cosper with Jonny Candido - 

Chris Candido loved professional wrestling. From the day he met his grandfather Popeye Richards, he wanted nothing more than to follow in his footsteps.

Chris Candido started wrestling at an age when many of his peers were discovering the sport. From the Galaxian Gym in Brooklyn to the Monster Factory, he honed the skills that would lead him to greatness. He even promoted his shows, acting as wrestler and referee, while still in junior high.

Candido’s natural talent and charisma led him to Memphis, to Smoky Mountain, and to the WWF, where he and life-long girlfriend became superstars as the Bodydonnas. But it was in ECW that Chris became one of the most beloved men in the history of professional wrestling.

Chris Candido was an NWA World Champion and a WWF Tag Team Champion, but a turbulent relationship, financial woes, and an addition to pills nearly destroyed him. Against all odds, he defeated his demons and staged an incredible comeback, only to have his life cut short at age 33.

John Cosper and Jonny Candido reveal the full story of the “No Gimmicks Needed” superstar through the eyes of his family, friends, and fans. Discover what made Chris Candido a wrestler’s wrestler. See for yourself how an undersized kid from Jersey made a deep impact on the sport he loved.

To order signed copies of the book, visit this link!

 

An American Wolf in London, Another Eddie Edwards Story.  "On a trip to London, professional wrestler "DieHard" Eddie Edwards is bitten by what he thinks is a stray dog. However, when he starts to exhibit odd behavior, he begins to suspect it may be much more. Accompanied by his best friend, Kenny the Kendo Stick, Eddie sets out to get to the bottom of this mystery, but will he make it to the arena in time for his big match?"

Mayor Kane: My Life in Wrestling and Politics -  Paperback edition

Jim Ross' Under The Black Hat: My Life in the WWE and Beyond -  Paperback edition.

FORTHCOMING:

3/16 - Austin 3:16: 316 Facts & Stories about Stone Cold Steve Austin.  "316 facts about WWE legend Stone Cold Steve Austin.  What’s “3:16 Day”? It’s a day when someone gives you a load of crap, and you give it back with a certain one-fingered gesture. “3:16 Day” is a day when you can open up a can of whoop-ass on anybody you want. A day when four-letter words are acceptable and the speed limit is only a suggestion.  3:16 Day” is a day that epitomizes Stone Cold Steve Austin, the toughest S.O.B. ever to lace up a pair of boots. Austin launched WWE’s Attitude Era the moment he won the 1996 King of the Ring Tournament and quoted iconic scripture on his bible-thumping opponent: “Austin 3:16 says I just whipped your ass!”  Austin 3:16 celebrates the WWE legend’s finest moments in the ring, on the microphone, and behind the wheel of a beer truck, a Zamboni, and a cement mixer. This book collects 316 Stone Cold facts, figures, and catchphrases that uncover little known facets about sports entertainment’s Texas Rattlesnake, including how he conceived the “Stone Cold” moniker, what he really thinks of adversaries Mr. McMahon, The Rock, and Bret “Hit Man” Hart, and why he has the WWE Universe shouting “What?” all the time.  Bottom line? Austin 3:16 says it all, ’cause Stone Cold said so!"

3/25 - WWE Superstar Handbook: The Essential Facts and Stats on More than 300 WWE Superstars!  - "Meet the biggest Superstars of all time!  This fact-packed book brings together hundreds of the biggest, baddest, and most impressive Superstars from across sports entertainment history.  Includes detailed information, facts and stats on your favorite Legends and the brand-new breakout stars of the current roster. Who is strongest, André the Giant or Big Show? Whose signature move includes the most spins? Who has won the most WWE Championships? Find out with fun facts about each Superstar, including their key statistics like height, weight, and greatest victories.  Easy to read and packed with detail, the fun and colorful WWE Superstar Handbook is the must-have guide to WWE's larger-than-life competitors."

4/6 - Mat Memories: My Wild Life in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets by John Arezzi - "A man with three different names ties together the stars of professional wrestling, country music, and the New York Mets.  John Arezzi was a lifelong Mets fan who dreamed of a job in baseball. In 1981, he took a job with the Mets Class A team in North Carolina. But Arezzi had another love: professional wrestling. He ran a fan club for the villainous “Classy” Freddie Blassie as a teenager, then progressed to wrestling photographer, and finally even stepped into the ring himself as John Anthony. Eventually he escaped to pursue a new life in altogether different world: country music. After adopting a new name, John Alexander, his many accomplishments include discovering both Patty Loveless and (decades later) Kelsea Ballerini. But wrestling is tough to shake … In the 1990s, Arezzi hosted the pioneering radio talk show Pro Wrestling Spotlight. He also ran the first major conventions, assembling a wrestling who’s who to meet with fans. He promoted shows, both at home and abroad, and was a key figure behind importing lucha libre into America.  Mat Memories is Arezzi’s chance to hold the mic, and he holds nothing back ? he names names and tells the untold behind-the-scenes stories: from the ring, the stage, and the diamond."

Arezzi is selling a signed copies here.

4/6 - John Cena's Be a Work in Progress: And Other Things I'd Like to Tell My Younger Self.  "A beautifully illustrated book of inspiration from the beloved entertainer and #1 New York Times bestselling author John Cena  "Be brave enough to embrace humility. The reward will be confidence."  For years, John Cena has been using his popular Twitter feed to uplift his followers with his unique brand of positivity. Now, he collects his favorite words of wisdom on the benefits of being bold and open-minded, embracing discomfort, and making the most of every opportunity.  Heartfelt and hopeful, Be a Work in Progress is the pick-me-up readers will turn to again and again to reap the benefit of Cena’s values.

4/6 - Do Your Best Every Day to Do Your Best Every Day: Encouraging Words from John Cena. "Bestselling author and entertainer John Cena motivates and inspires readers with this illustrated book of uplifting encouragements adapted from his popular Twitter feed. The perfect gift for graduations, birthdays, and life's biggest celebrations! Hope + Effort = Making the impossible possible.  In this colorfully illustrated book of encouragements, John Cena urges young readers to be who they are, act to make the world a better place, and never stop striving.  Aimed at elementary and middle schoolers, but fun and fitting for readers of any age, John's inspiring perspective and thoughtful advice are perfect for milestones like graduations, new siblings, and other big life moments, as well as for anyone who could use a little boost.  These affirmations about growing up and moving forward are sure to help kids find joy in their efforts and achievements."

4/27 - The Wrestlers’ Wrestlers: The Masters of the Craft of Professional Wrestling by Dan Murphy & Brian Young - "A walk-through wrestling history, starting with the founding fathers such as Ed “Strangler” Lewis and the incomparable Lou Thesz, to modern-day masters such as Daniel Bryan and Kurt Angle.  The Wrestlers’ Wrestlers spotlights elite performers and analyzes exactly what made them your favorite wrestler’s favorite wrestlers. Authors Dan Murphy and Brian Young interviewed more than 40 in-ring veterans, historians, referees, and promoters to get a unique insider’s look at the people who have made a lasting impact on the world of professional wrestling. It offers a special peek “behind the curtain” and a rare look into the top stars’ thoughts on their peers, their influences, and their personal favorites. The Wrestlers’ Wrestlers is a history of professional wrestling but also a tribute to the frequently misunderstood art itself. Featuring stars of the 1920s to today, this essential read deserves a prominent spot on the bookcase of every fan and historian."

5/4 - A Chosen Destiny: My Story by Drew McIntyre - "In this thrilling, no-holds-barred memoir, WWE Champion Drew McIntyre tells the incredible roller-coaster story of his life, from a small village in Ayrshire, Scotland, to the bright lights of WWE.  From a young age, Drew McIntyre dreamed of becoming WWE Champion and following in the footsteps of his heroes Stone Cold Steve Austin and Undertaker. With his parents’ support, he trained and paid his dues, proving himself to tiny crowds in the UK’s Butlin circuit. At age twenty-two, McIntyre made his WWE debut and was touted by none other than WWE Chairman Vince McMahon as “The Chosen One” who would lead WWE into the future. With his destiny in the palm of his hands, Drew watched it all slip through his fingers. Through a series of ill-advised choices and family tragedy, Drew’s life and career spiraled. As a surefire champ, he struggled under the pressure of expectations and was fired from the company. But the WWE Universe had not seen the last of this promising athlete. Facing a crossroads, the powerful Scotsman set a course to show the world the real Drew McIntyre. Buoyed by the support of his wife Kaitlyn, and the memory of his beloved mother, Drew embarked on a mission to recharge, reinvent, and revitalize himself to fulfill his destiny. Chosen Destiny is a story of grit, courage, and determination as a fallen Superstar discovers who he truly is and storms back to reclaim his dream."

5/18 - Messy In The Kitchen: My Guide to Eating Deliciously, Hosting Fabulously and Sipping Copiously - "A cookbook for quirky home cooks looking to impress friends and family with a fancy meal, delicious cocktails, and intoxicating conversation. Television personality Renée Paquette brings passion, experimentation, and an overly confident-in-the-kitchen attitude to home cooking. When she’s not traveling around the world for work, she loves to stay within the confines of her home and Instagram-Live her experiences, cooking up mouth-watering, house-transforming meals for friends, family, neighbors…and all of their dogs. She thinks nothing of toiling over a hot stove while also providing sweet, cozy ambiance for anyone who walks through the door. Whether you’re hosting over the holidays, planning an anniversary dinner, or just feel like throwing back some cocktails and lining your belly with carbs, Renée's got you covered.   Messy In The Kitchen is an array of over sixty feel-good, feel-fancy meals, including appetizers, sides, salads, soups, and cocktails, (and the playlists to accompany them), to inspire a new generation of home cooks. Full of Renee’s passion for cooking, readers will be inspired and empowered to toss the take-out menus, put together a guest list, set the table, roll up their sleeves, and dare to get a little messy in the kitchen!   Renée pulls from her foodie-family roots and guides you through the sometimes overwhelming process of making everything just right, including tips for entertaining and planning the perfect event. She offers the secrets and recipes you need to bring a bit of pizzazz to your home and make your dinner or dinner party a smash hit!"

5/25 - Chris & Nancy: The True Story of the Benoit Murder-Suicide and Pro Wrestling’s Cocktail of Death, The Ultimate Historical Edition by Irv Muchnick - "The Ultimate Historical Edition” extends the 2009 true crime account by connecting it to it to someone who was then a bit player in the wrestling world: Donald Trump.   A new introduction reflects on Trump’s business ties to WWE’s McMahon family, how wrestling “attitude” came to define the populist, demagogic Trump presidency, and their similar scandal management playbooks.  Muchnick ? the author of Wrestling Babylon and a co-author of Benoit: Wrestling with the Horror That Destroyed a Family and Crippled a Sport ?drilled down deep into public records and interviewed dozens of witnesses, inside and outside wrestling, to put together the authoritative account of the events of the gruesome June 2007 weekend in Fayette County, Georgia, during which World Wrestling Entertainment superstar Chris Benoit murdered his wife Nancy and their seven-year-old son Daniel, before proceeding to kill himself.  But this book goes beyond the crime itself to answer some of the most important questions behind it. The biography of Benoit, a wrestler’s wrestler, makes it clear that his tragedy was a microcosm of the culture of drugs and death behind the scenes of one of North America’s most popular brand of sports entertainment. The author probes the story of the massive supplies of steroids and human growth hormone found in his home ? all prescribed by a “doctor to the stars” who got indicted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and all dismissed by a WWE “wellness policy” that promoted everything except its talent’s wellness. The Benoit case led to unprecedented scrutiny of wrestling’s overall health and safety standards, by Congressional investigators and others, and this book is the primary source of what they found and what they should continue to look for."

6/1 - Eat Like A Luchador - "From the ring to the kitchen, celebrate lucha libre with popular Mexican dishes offering a modern twist from iconic athletes, legends, and superstars in this one-of-a-kind cookbook for wrestling fans and aspiring chefs alike.  Lucha libre -- or, professional Mexican wrestling -- is the most popular sport in Mexico after soccer and has become an international pop culture phenomenon all over the world. This officially licensed cookbook with the Legends of Lucha Libre includes more than 50 favorite Mexican dishes with a modern-day twist from the sport's most celebrated luchadores and luchadoras including Solar, Super Astro, Penta Zero M, Lady Maravilla, and more. Also included are fun stories and facts on championship details and family legacies, dozens of photos of wrestlers in the ring and in the kitchen, and illustrations of delicious food.  Written by Mexico's leading female lucha libre journalist, Mónica "Centellita" Ochoa has interviewed some of the most well-known wrestlers in lucha libre, costume designers, and restaurant owners from around the globe to compile this must-have collection of recipes fit for hungry luchadores and their families.  Recipes include: Super Astro's six-pound Gladiator Torta, Taya Valkyrie's sweet and savory Carne Asada, Penta Zero M's zero fear Chicken Fajitas with Bell Peppers, Tinieblas Jr.'s twist on Surf and Turf luchador-style, WWE Hall of Famer Amy Dumas's vegan Tlacoyo de Nopal and more!"

6/8 - New Day: The Power of Positivity - "Everyone knows The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods and Big E ) are six-time Tag Team Champions - including the longest reign in WWE history - but now, for the first time, discover the true origins of this unforgettable trio. IT’S THE NEW DAY GRAPHIC NOVEL, YES IT IS! WWE Superstars Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods and Big E debuted as a team called The New Day...and changed the WWE Universe forever!  Everyone knows The New Day are six-time Tag Team Champions - including the longest reign in WWE history - but now, for the first time, discover the true origins of this unforgettable trio.  Follow young Kofi, Xavier, and Big E as they lea"rn about the world of wrestling, take on opponents big and small, and battle their egos - and those around them - as they struggle to find success in solo careers. But when they realize they’re stronger together than apart, the New Day is born - and set on a collision course against their greatest rivals to determine if they’ll have a place in WWE history!  Evan Narcisse (Rise of The Black Panther), Austin Walker (Friends At The Table) and Daniel Bayliss (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers) reveal the untold story behind one of the greatest tag teams in WWE history!"

6/8 - WWE You're a Superstar!: Guided Activities to Unlock Your Star Power! - "Unlock the power of your inner Superstar through this 96-page guided activities book! WWE: You're a Superstar is a full-color extravaganza full of fun activities like choosing your own Superstar name and figuring out your finishing move in life! Perfect for the wrestling fan in training!  Unlock the power of your inner Superstar! WWE: You're a Superstar is a full-color, 96-page guided activities book devoted to developing your Superstar potential through fun activities including choosing your Superstar name, figuring out your finishing move in life, and even writing lyrics for your own entrance theme! Plus, the photos and bonus trivia about your favorite WWE Superstars will inspire you to new heights of greatness! Perfect for the wrestling fan in training!"

2022

January-  WWE Studios' Rumble animated movie tie-ins:

Monster Matchup! - In a world where monsters are real and monster wrestling is a popular sport, these heavy hitters will do whatever it takes to be champions. Learn more about your favorite wrestlers in this 8x8 storybook!  All your favorite characters are here! There’s underdog Rayburn Jr., larger-than-life Tentacular, gargantuan King Gorge, the pile-driving powerhouse Axehammer, and many more amazing monsters to meet!

Rumble Movie novelization - Imagine a world where monsters are real and monster wrestling is a popular sport! Can sixteen-year-old Winne Coyle coach an inexperienced, out-of-shape monster, and turn him into a champion? Rumble fans everywhere will love spending more time with their favorite monsters in this hilarious and feel-good novel which includes eight pages of full-color stills from the movie.

Back in the RIng - After growing up in his father’s shadow, Rayburn Jr. has tried to live his life out of the spotlight. But sometimes, the world needs a champion, and with his trainer, Winnie, by his side, the time has come for Rayburn Jr. to shine.

The World of Monster Wrestling - This book chronicles some of Rayburn Jr.’s most memorable fights from the film. Kids can use the paper monsters to reenact their favorite wrestling scenes. Punch-out interlocking cardstock pieces form a wrestling ring to add to the interactive fun!  The paper monsters come with cardstock stands so they can stand upright and be displayed when kids aren’t playing with them!

FORTHCOMING, NO OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE SET

TBA - Chris Jericho and Alex Marvez book on all of his matches.

2021 - Brian Solomon's biography on The Original Sheik.

Spring 2022 - Lufisto autobiography.

TBA - Justin Credible autobiography.

TBA - Bobby Fulton Autobiography.

 

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