Author:Â Chris Jericho
Genre: Adult Non-Fiction Sports
Review by: Stephen, Newbridge Library
Synopsis:
The controversial story of Chris Jericho, the former undisputed Heavyweight Champion of WWE.
From the age of eight, Chris dreamed of becoming a wrestler. But it wasn’t until he was 25 that he hit the big time. Nicknamed ‘Lion Heart’, Chris eventually attained his ultimate goal – joining the WWF (now WWE). He became one of their biggest stars, even defeating wrestling powerhouses The Rock and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin in the same night to be crowned the undisputed Heavyweight Champion.
Now Chris dishes the dirt on his rivalries with other wrestling legends. Whether ripped-off by promoters, robbed at gunpoint or nearly paralysed after landing on his head during a match, Chris maintained his courage, determination and sense of humour about this dangerous and enthralling sport.
REVIEW:
This book is probably the best sports or wrestling autobiography that I have ever read. Chris Jericho is a jack of all trades being a successful writer, wrestler, lead singer of a rock band and podcast host. His writing style is fantastic with laugh out loud funny extracts that detail an array of very interesting stories and anecdotes that discuss Jericho’s career wrestling across the world in Germany, Mexico, Canada and America.
If you are a wrestling fan then this book is for you. This book is mostly about Chris’s early life, before he became a superstar in the WWF. The story is a tale of redemption, hard work and perseverance, as Chris gives us a portrayal of how hard he worked in his career to reach the success he has achieved, in becoming the first ever undisputed champion in the WWF. It is a truly inspirational story.
Jericho is very open about his life and is not afraid to make fun of himself as he recounts his run ins with wrestling greats such as Owen Hart, Eddie Guerrero and Dean Malenko. My favourite part of the book was when Jericho discusses his early career run in WCW. There is a brilliant extract where Chris stands up to fellow wrestler Scott Hall’s bullying antics in the WCW locker room, Chris defuses a very heated situation in a brilliant way. Chris lays bare the world of professional wrestling, including controversial topics such as anabolic steroids, wrestling’s wild partying and the use of kayfabe in wrestling.  A must read.
Not available on BorrowBox, however you can request it online from your local library Encore (iii.com)
Leave a Reply