Review of Chris Jericho’s Book A Lion’s Tale

Chris Jericho made his professional wrestling debut on October 2, 1990, as he precisely notes in his autobiography A Lion’s Tale: Around the World in Spandex. And from his childhood to the beginning of his debut in the World Wrestling Federation, he recounts plenty of engrossing and thoughtful moments from his life that helped shape who he is today, and especially how these events helped him to become a famous wrestler.

Chris Jericho’s Early Wrestling Career in Canada

With much humor and honesty, Jericho describes his days of paying his dues before he could make it to the big-time wrestling organizations. Jericho recounts his time in Canada, where he grew up, and how his first link into the wrestling industry was when he joined the Hart Brothers Wrestling Camp. He then moved on to the Canadian Wrestling Connection (CWC), where he made his wrestling debut.

Chris Jericho’s Wrestling Career in Mexico and Japan

Jericho gives an in-depth examination of his time in various wrestling organizations in Mexico and Japan, such as New Japan and the oddly named Wrestle and Romance (WAR), along with CMLL. He held numerous titles and gained much prestige and respect for his wrestling abilities, though he often was a heel. Wrestling in these countries proved very beneficial and educational for Jericho, and he recounts many amusing stories about his time in these countries.

Chris Jericho’s WCW Career

A more unfortunate time in Jericho’s career was his time spent in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Chris describes the frustration and disbelief he felt that a huge, financially successful company was so terrible at managing its wrestlers, including him. When Eric Bischoff promised Jericho he would get a big push, he didn’t make good on his promise, so when Jericho got the opportunity, he went to the World Wrestling Federation.

Chris Jericho’s Book is Funny

It may be cliché to say that a book, or anything for that matter, is a laugh a minute. But Jericho’s book accomplishes just that. From using made-up words to his colorful and amusing descriptions of all the people he meets along his journey in becoming a famous wrestler, Jericho inspires not just chuckles and smiles but huge, gasping belly laughs. His observations and jokes cause one to burst into laughter even an hour later.

Jericho’s easy ability to go from serious moments, as when he describes his mother’s accident that sentenced her to a wheelchair for the rest of her life, to more light-hearted fare, is tactful and seamless. The book moves along at a nice pace, never dwelling too long in one spot. His is a book that readers will be eager to finish, then become disappointed when it’s over.