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Forthcoming professional wrestling related books slated for release:
February 19, 2026 - "I am your champion": The Life and Death of Wrestler Gino Hernandez by Lizzy Flanagan
"In the wild and woolly world of 1980s Texas Wrestling, the brightest star of all was Gino Hernandez, arch-rival to the legendary Von Erich family. Gino was bombastic, loud-mouthed, underhanded, fast-wheeling, and charming--a character behind the scenes as he was in front of the camera. This first ever full-length biographical examination of his life spans his beginning as a scrappy teenager sneaking backstage during wrestling shows all the way to his mysterious death and the legacy he leaves behind. This work delves deep into the cutthroat politics and tumultuous landscape of Texan professional wrestling, including the career of Houston Wrestling promoter Paul Boesch and the tragedies of the Von Erich family. Photographs from the era accompany this life story of a man who played arrogant, despicable caricatures for the fans of Dallas, playfully concealing a generous and charismatic performer whose greatest love was entertaining."
March 10, 2026 - Backstage Pass: Tales from Beyond the Squared Circle Paperback by David Sahadi
"Discover the untold story of the behind-the-scenes genius who revolutionized how professional wrestling was presented on TV, forever changing the way fans experience the action.
The world of professional wrestling is paradoxical. Storylines are intricately plotted by creative writers, refined by the agents and the wrestlers the day of the match, and performed live in front of worldwide audiences to evoke drama and emotion. It’s scripted: it’s “fake.” Yet, more often than not, it is the real-life backstage machinations, the behind-the-scenes tales of drama and deceit, of pettiness between allies and adversaries, that feel as though they were actually penned by Hollywood’s finest scriptwriters.
David Sahadi’s Backstage Pass is a firsthand account of what occurs beyond the squared circle — stories that are often more compelling and dramatic than anything that occurs on TV or inside a ring. These never-before-told stories are glorious, nefarious, and at times truly unbelievable: five-star mega-bouts between the powers that rule, the leaders and decision-makers who are often in agreement (but mostly at odds), and the superstars themselves.
This book is a tale of defiance, decadence, and denial — and you do not have to be a wrestling fan to enjoy it."
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:
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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