Product Description

Chris Jericho worked his way into the big time of wrestling after training in Canada. He had his first pro fight at just 19, but it wasn't until he was 25 that he made the big time, joining the WCW. Within a year he had won his first title. Finally, in August 1999 he moved to the WWF (now WWE) where he would eventually become one of the biggest names on their books, and become the undisputed Heavyweight Champion. In this fascinating account, he relives his early days in the sport in Mexico and Japan, and working his way up alongside Chris Benoit and Lance Storm. He also recalls his rivalries with The Rock, Steve Austin and Triple H among others. He retired from the sport in August 2005, but there have been many rumours since then of a comeback. A Lion's Tale is as honest, outspoken and direct as the man himself.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #23565 in Books
• Published on: 2008-11-13
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 448 pages

About the Author
Chris Jericho was born in November 1970 and made his wrestling debut at the age of 19. In 2001 he became the first undisputed champion of the WWE and is the only performer to have held six different titles in WWE's 45-year history. Now retired from the sport, he has starred in films, is the lead singer of the rock band Fozzy and has appeared in numerous comedy series. He is married and has three children.

Customer Reviews

A Sequel Is On It's Way, So Buy A Lion's Tale Right Now~!
This book is superb. It's the most entertaining wrestling book I've ever read, and as a journey there are few as unique as that of Chris Jericho. If you are looking at this page and therefore have a modicom of interest in this book, buy it immediately.

The purpose for this review is actually to address one issue. In a number of the reviews you'll read on this page; the principle gripe is with where the book ends; i.e. with the countdown to Jericho's August 1999 WWF debut. There is good news. A second book is in development.

Jericho has confirmed the release of a second book via Lance Storm's official website, StormWrestling.com. He wrote an article on Storm's website regarding his book and the reaction to it thus far. Jericho said the first book left the book open for a sequel because the first one only focuses on the stage in his life in which he is trying to achieve his dream of joining WWE. Once he got to WWE, that stage in his life was over. He has signed a new book deal for the second book with Grand Central. The second book will be called "Undisputed Attitude," which as you would imagine, will be an indepth look into his WWE tenure. The title is a reference to both the Attitude Era and his Undisputed Championship reign. It is also an homage to the Slayer compilation album of the same name. The second book will be released in the US and Canada in Autumn 2009, with a UK release following shortly after that.

Hope that helps you guys out. In the meantime, pick up this book. Even if you've never watched professional wrestling, this book will entertain you. Jericho's writing style is very inviting, witty and down to earth, with more Spinal Tap references than you can shake a stick at.

Foley was right to worry...
One of the comments on the back of this book is Mick Foley tongue in cheek wondering if it will be regarding funnier than his. It is. The only reason I have put this book down since picking it up is time constraints. It is in depth without being long winded and covers his life and career up to his first WWE debut - a great place to start a sequel if he chooses to write one, and if he doesn't, "reaching his dream" is also a good place to finish this book. It is funny throughout but serious where necessary. His descriptions on fellow wrestlers are full, i.e. he doesn't always go on first impressions. It gives an insight into the wrestling business worldwide. He shows confidence in his abilities throughout but is not afraid to critique himself either. Overall a very enjoyable read.

YOU WILL BECOME A JERICHOLIC!
There's no doubting that Chris Jericho is one of the biggest names in wrestling right now, but it always wasn't that way. One read of this book will tell you that. For people expecting a full account of his wwe run will be disappointed as this book stops just as he makes his debut on raw is war in 1999 (he is writing a second book to cover that part of his career).

This book covers his early career from his time in Canada, Mexico, Japan and finally getting a chance in the United States with Paul Heyman's ecw. You will learn of his frustration of been in wcw and being wasted because he wasn't big enough. You will learn about his personal life and how he dealt with his mother being a paraplegic.

But what stands out most is that this is one of the funniest books you will ever read and that Jericho has a funny story for every event that takes place.

What becomes obvious from this book is that Jericho is part of a dying breed of wrestler, one that has to pay his dues and doesn't get to main event status in six months. You will learn of his friendship with Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero and how their careers took similar paths.

This book is highly recommended and when your done reading this you will be counting the days to his next book.