Wrestling Reality
The Life and Mind of Chris Kanyon, Wrestling’s Gay Superstar
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4.5 • 6 Ratings
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- $8.99
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
A rare glimpse not only into the life of a professional wrestler, but the life of a gay man in a straight world, this tragic memoir is told in Chris Kanyon’s own words, with the help of journalist Ryan Clark.
One of the most popular wrestlers of the late 1990s, Kanyon kept his personal life private from his fans until finally revealing his biggest secret in 2004: he was gay. Going through the various roles that Kanyon played, both in the ring and out of it, as well as his battle with manic depression, this book explores the factors that led to his suicide in 2010.
In his voice and the way he wanted it told, these are Kanyon’s last words about his experience rising through the ranks to the top of the professional wrestling world while keeping his sexuality hidden.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this turbulent ride through the often-unrewarding world of pro-wrestling, the late Kanyon, who committed suicide in 2010, offers a picture (with freelancer Clark) into the unstable mind of an aspiring wrestler burdened with much more than worries about how best to bulk up on muscle. Kanyon, born and raised in Sunnyside, Queens, knew from an early age that his dream in life was to wrestle and that he was gay. Kanyon's love for the sport only increased, and he practiced throughout college while studying to be a physical therapist. Deciding to pursue wrestling after college, Kanyon traveled from state to state, floating between different wrestling circuits, gyms, and trainers. He constantly strived to find a middle ground, a comfort zone, where he could be himself in the real world, as a gay wrestler, and in the wrestling world, taking on a gay wrestling "identity." Kanyon's memoir is a candid, honest look into a little-discussed aspect of wrestling.
