A Lion's Tale: Around the World in Spandex

He's no Mick Foley, but Chris Jericho can definitely write (and wrestle, I suppose). A wide-ranging biography — from a geographic and emotional perspective — you get a front-row seat to the rise, rise, rise, plateau (WCW) and rise of Jericho up until the time he his the WWF(E).

He's lead an interesting life, and though a bit over-fond of poop jokes and the like, knows how to tell his story in a compelling way. It's not exactly one of those "so good you'll like it regardless of your background" bios, but if you're into (or were into) wrestling at all, this is definitely worth a read.

This is an outstanding wrestling autobiography, among the top two that I've read. (Behind only Mick Foley's first.) Jericho's wide ranging sense of humor lifts the book well above the average sports autobiography. My favorite reference, explaining his difficulty in adjusting to Japan: "I was the bizarro Long Duck Dong", citing both John Hughes' "Sixteen Candles" and D.C. Comics. There are dozens of little comments like that made me laugh. Additionally, Jericho's path to the WWE was so meandering, the reader learns about the wrestling business in Mexico, Japan, Europe, Canada, the American regional territories, ECW, WCW and others. This outstanding book is recommended for every wrestling fan.

He's no Mick Foley, but Chris Jericho can definitely write (and wrestle, I suppose). A wide-ranging biography — from a geographic and emotional perspective — you get a front-row seat to the rise, rise, rise, plateau (WCW) and rise of Jericho up until the time he his the WWF(E).

He's lead an interesting life, and though a bit over-fond of poop jokes and the like, knows how to tell his story in a compelling way. It's not exactly one of those "so good you'll like it regardless of your background" bios, but if you're into (or were into) wrestling at all, this is definitely worth a read.

Next to "Hitman", Jericho's autobiography is one of the most entertaining looks at the world of professional wrestling. I might sound like a terrible person in saying this but I'm happy that it was not censored by the actions of Chris Benoit in mid-2007 - I feel that it would not have been all that accurate in depicting Jericho's early career if that had happened.

I kind of wish it really did show more of the hard work that goes in to the industry. There’s some of that in the book when he’s covering his training, but it comes sparingly in the rest of the book. Every time he started on the nuts and bolts of the hard work, it shortly thereafter veered off into the political or the road stories. I was left wanting more. What does it take to carry a lesser worker to a good match? How does one work light as in Mexico versus strong as in Japan? I know what the terms mean. But he never really goes in depth on the trials and tribulations of making these things work.

Overall the book entertained me very much, but could have been more.

(Full review at my blog)

Awesome! The 2nd part called Undisputed is coming out Feb. 16,2011