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New and Forthcoming Professional Wrestling Books:
NEW
The Dangerous Truth by Dan Spivey
The Dangerous Truth, more than just wrestling, it’s a raw story of betrayal, loss, survival and redemption. With his career and life in ruins, Dan Spivey faced a choice, die from addiction or fight for something bigger than himself. From the bright lights of professional wrestling to the downward spiral that never seemed to end. He lay there dying from an out-of-control addiction, to then kick out, Dan knew what he must do, that’s when he found a better way to life. The Dangerous Truth is Spivey's brutally honest, unflinching, and darkly funny confession: the unforgettable story of a man who was once his own worst enemy to become his greatest champion.
THE LENS OF BRAD MCFARLIN: VOLUME 1 DETROIT TERRITORY 1969-74
Readers are in for a real treat as long-time Detroit photographer Brad McFarlin has opened up his vault and shared his images of some of the greats from the height of the Big Time Wrestling promotion.
Introducing The Lens of Brad McFarlin: Volume 1 Detroit territory 1969-74.
They’re all here: The Sheik. Bobo Brazil. Ernie Ladd. Pamerpo Firpo. Abdullah the Butcher. Mark Lewin. Tony Marino. Johnny Valentine. Tex McKenzie.
Don’t forget the locals who worked in the factories and businesses around the area while wrestling on the side: Lou Klein, Al Costello, Hank James, George Steele. We didn’t forget the guest stars, the Canadians driving in for shows, the women, the little people, and the bear. And will you recognize the young wrestlers on their way to stardom? Oooh yeaaahhh!
As well, Brad McFarlin shares personal stories, from a home visit from Lord Athol Layton, to drinking with Killer Tim Brooks during a snowstorm—but the tale of hanging out with Crazy Chris Colt and rock legend Joe Cocker will leave you shaking your head in disbelief.
Featuring an introduction by Brian R. Solomon, the author of the award-winning biography Blood and Fire: The Unbelievable Real Life Story of Wrestling’s Original Sheik, and curated and produced by Greg Oliver under his OliverBooks imprint, The Lens of Brad McFarlin will find a home on bookshelves of both casual and hardcore wrestling fans.
The Lens of Brad McFarlin: Volume 1 Detroit territory 1969-74
ABOUT THE AUTHOR/PHOTOGRAPHER
Beginning at a young age, Brad McFarlin had an eye for a camera. As he contributed to countless wrestling magazines, he befriended many wrestlers like Ron Dupree and, years later, morphed into manager
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THE BEST AT BEING THE WORST
The 15-year odyssey of pro wrestling's "Kid Ref" surviving Impact, GCW, MLW & Mexico's deathmatch wrestling scene.
https://amazon.com/author/krislevin
"It functions both as memoir and exposé, offering insight into a world that often operates far from its public-facing spectacle." —Paltrocast
Bridges burnt. Blackballed. One of wrestling's most controversial referees reveals the secret inner-world of pro wrestling and the politics of television production. Kris Levin examines the industry's abusive underbelly, exposing scandals, gruesome injuries, and murderers, recounting adventures alongside wrestling's top stars in a true journey of friendship, community, and illusions from the fairy tale world of pro wrestling.
Before becoming one of the world's most experienced ultraviolent officials, Kris Levin climbed from the ECW Arena to globally broadcast pay-per-view and television main events across North America. Kris captures inside the rise of Game Changer Wrestling and the fall of CHIKARA, working for Ring of Honor, Major League Wrestling, and Impact, promoting New York City's first all-women's wrestling company and later Camp Leapfrog.
Available now on Amazon for $9.99 (eBook), $24.99 (paperback).
Kris Levin has been a creator, writer, director, and producer for brands including Angry Wrestling Vet, IWTV, and Ripley's Believe It or Not! He can be found online at TalesFromTheMat.com, and on Substack at KrisLevin.substack.com.
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True Confessions of a Pro Wrestling Junkie - A Survivor's Tale of the Wild, Whacky, and Weird World of Heroes and Villains by Donnie Laible
"An insiders account of pro wrestling, beginning in the territories days of the 1970s through 2000. Writing stories and contributing photographs for all the wrestling newsstand magazines, and then realizing my dream as an in-ring performer has many highs and just as many lows associated with the backstage bullying going on. As a masked manager - The Bug, I accompanied Nikolai Volkoff, Rick Martel, The Honk Ton Man to the ring and during televised interviews. My friendships with Lou Thesz, "Hotstuff" Eddie Gilbert, Big John Studd, "Kangaroo" Al Costello, and "Killer" Kowalski allowed me to listen and learn of their adventures, as well as pitfalls they experienced. A frightening event after an evening in Boston after an ECW show forced me to turn my back on the wrestling business for good."
You can order the book at this link.
April 7. 2026 - Threads of Triumph: Professional Wrestling's Most Iconic Looks by McKenzie Mitchell
Step into the ring and relive the triumph, the drama, and the larger-than-life personas that define professional wrestling―all through the lens of wrestling's most iconic gear. This vibrant celebration features over fifty global icons, including "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Ric Flair, Rey Mysterio, Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, and many more. With a foreword by one of wrestling’s best―Mercedes Moné!
With absolutely stunning photography and stories from the 1940s to today, Threads of Triumph is a visual romp through what is perhaps most integral to a professional wrestler's story―their gear.
What a wrestler wears plays a large part in evoking real emotion, feelings, and attitudes. Gear connects a wrestler to their character, and through their character, they are connected to their roots, their story, their heritage. This one-of-a-kind deep dive highlights some of the most memorable looks in the business. It features stunning full-color photographs and exclusive and insightful commentary from some of the biggest stars in pro wrestling.
For wrestling fans of all kinds, Threads of Triumph shares incredible artwork and insider perspectives about professional wrestling through the fascinating lens of the gear we know and love.
EXPERT AUTHOR: Having been part of some of the biggest moments in professional wrestling history as a broadcaster for TNA and WWE, McKenzie Mitchell takes us behind the seams with exclusive insight from pro wrestling stars and stunning photography from notable professional sports photographers.
STARS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD: Learn more about all your favorite wrestlers. Threads of Triumph features:
UNIQUE COFFEE TABLE BOOK: For the first time, a comprehensive visual history of professional wrestling gear all in one gorgeous volume! A great gift or self-purchase for wrestling fans of all ages.
Perfect for:
COMING SOON:
June 2, 2026 -Sometimes Wrong but Never in Doubt: How a Cuban Kid from Queens Transformed WWE by George Barrios
George Barrios helped transform WWE from an $800 million wrestling company into a $9.3 billion global sports and entertainment powerhouse. For the son of Cuban immigrants who grew up in a cramped Queens apartment near LaGuardia Airport and nearly flunked out of high school, the climb to the corporate boardroom was anything but obvious.
Barrios’s story blends grit, reinvention, and bold bets. He went from a 2nd grader forging a letter from his parents so the nuns wouldn’t expel him to the highest levels of corporate leadership. As WWE’s longtime strategist, he pioneered streaming years before other sports properties caught up and helped make WWE the #1 sports brand on YouTube with over a billion followers.
When Vince McMahon abruptly fired him in 2020, Barrios cofounded Isos Capital—and three years later, McMahon called him back. The Cuban kid from Queens had become indispensable.
For readers of Shoe Dog, The Hard Thing About Hard Things, and Good to Great, Sometimes Wrong but Never in Doubt offers:
This is both an immigrant’s story and a playbook for entrepreneurs and executives seeking to stay ahead of the curve—proof that preparation, persistence, and courage can change everything.
“A lesson in resiliency and fortitude, self-confidence, and vulnerability”
—Bob Chapek, former CEO, The Walt Disney Company
“We built something unforgettable together. This book tells the story like only George can.”
—Michelle Wilson, former co-president, WWE
“Vision, humility, persistence, and courage—George’s journey is a blueprint for purpose-driven leadership.”
—Richard Davis, former CEO and executive chair, U.S. Bancorp
“As competitors rushed to launch streaming services to challenge Netflix, often pouring money into what seemed like an endless financial blackhole, George recognized that scale was crucial for success. He demonstrated visionary leadership by transitioning the WWE Network from a direct-to-consumer model to a licensing approach, a strategic shift that fundamentally transformed WWE’s business trajectory for the better.”
—Rich Greenfield, partner & TMT Analyst, LightShed Partners
“A rare inside look at what it takes to transform a legacy brand into a media juggernaut.”
—Laura Martin, managing director and senior internet & media analyst, Needham & Company
“George’s path from UConn to WWE is a powerful reminder of where ambition and values can take you.”
—Radenka Maric, President, UCONN
“This book pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to lead through transformation.”
—Amy Errett, founder & CEO, Madison Reed
July 14, 2026 - TOTAL NONSTOP AGONY: The Rise and Fall of TNA by Vince Russo
Vince Russo, known as the most successful writer in the history of professional wrestling, brought the World Wrestling Federation to its greatest success during the Attitude Era, creating a brand of wrestling that brought the industry to record heights. Three decades later, Russo is still talked about as one of the most influential men in the industry.
Following the success of his first two books, Forgiven (covering his years with Vince McMahon’s WWE) and Rope Opera: How WCW Killed Vince Russo (his time with Ted Turner’s rival), TOTAL NONSTOP AGONY: The Rise and Fall of TNA picks up Russo’s story as he begins work with the upstart TNA, where the daily drama proved greater than ever. The storylines here feature an indecisive millionaire southern belle, Dixie Carter, who cared more about her image then her wrestling company; the demise of his friendship with his best friend, Wrestling Superstar Jeff Jarrett; the network executives at Spike TV, who understood very little about the business they were in; and the return of his mortal enemies from WCW, Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan.
Russo’s TNA stories are epic, and many have never been told before. The politics, runaway egos, backstabbing, and underhandedness make the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills look like Little Women. Finally, the time has come to discuss TNA: this is the tell-all that no one has ever dared, and no one can tell the story better than Vince Russo.
October 2026 - Wrestling with Adversity: How to Deal with Life's Challenges by Marc Copani
From becoming one of the most well known villains in the WWE, to teaching high school, Marc has lived with the ups and downs of life. Taking the positive spin and excelling, he teaches the lessons he learned to deal with disappointments, victories and appreciating what you have.
October 2026 - The Edge-ucation of Adam Copeland by Adam Copeland
IN THE PIPELINE: OFFICIAL RELEASE DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED
Code of Honor, Shane Hagadorn's book on Ring of Honor has been completed and is in the final editing stage. This will be the first of a planned trilogy.
Mike Rotunda autobiography, co-written by Ian Douglass. The book has been completed.
Greg Valentine autobiography, co-written by Kenny Casanova. Currently in the editing phase.
Mad Man Pondo recently completed a second book with John Cosper.
Professional Wrestling For Dummies by Bryan Alvarez and Gene Selassie is set for an October 2026 release.
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