Publishers Weekly
01/15/2024
Pro wrestler Quin, who performs as Becky Lynch, delivers an endearing debut memoir about her life and athletic career. Born in Ireland in 1987, Quin began wrestling professionally in 2002 under the name Rebecca Knox, and concentrated initially on playing the role of the “heel,” or villain. She joined WWE in 2013, a time in the organization when women “couldn’t punch, couldn’t throw uppercuts, and were encouraged to pull hair and slap each other.” She was a key figure in the move away from such sexist limitations, first making a splash in 2018 when she impulsively slapped champion Charlotte Flair in the face during a match she was scheduled to lose. Though she lost anyway, the Becky Lynch persona was born in that moment: “The one who... was never the best, or the strongest, or the most naturally gifted, but who had heart and fire and fight. They knew what it was like to be passed over for that promotion or not asked to that dance.” Quin was a hit with audiences, and she went on to become the first woman to win WrestleMania. She grounds her accomplishments with candid discussions of body image issues, her unglamorous pre-wrestling days as an Aer Lingus flight attendant, and moments when she acted like a “jerk,” being petulant at work or an “asshole” on social media. Such honesty sets her account apart from other professional athlete memoirs. Even non–wrestling fans are likely to enjoy this. Agent: Mel Berger, WME. (Mar.)
From the Publisher
A treat for fans of The Man and pro wrestling, with plenty of peeks behind the curtain.”
—Kirkus
“An endearing debut memoir... [Quin] grounds her accomplishments with candid discussions of body image issues, her unglamorous pre-wrestling days as an Aer Lingus flight attendant, and moments when she acted like a ‘jerk’... Such honesty sets her account apart from other professional athlete memoirs. Even non–wrestling fans are likely to enjoy this.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Becky’s writing style is infectious and contagious. Just like her personality. From hard times and hard decisions, to changing the landscape of sports entertainment, the self-described ‘underdog’ has always been destined to do great things. I’m sure there is more to come. And that’s the bottom line, because Stone Cold said so.”
—Stone Cold Steve Austin
“Quin’s story is one of perseverance, humility, and raw emotion. Her authenticity allows us to feel her struggles and mature alongside her as the story unfolds. Anyone who’s ever wondered what it takes and what it’s like to become a WWE superstar will not be able to put this down. It might just be the new Underdog’s Guide to the Galaxy. A trailblazer, a groundbreaker and a great example of my 3 favorite words...Never Give Up.”
—John Cena
“Effortlessly authentic, poignant without ever trying too hard, and a little rough around the edges—that’s my lovely wife, and it’s also her lovely book. I am so proud and so inspired. Between being a full-time WWE Superstar, a full-time mother, and a GOAT life partner, my one and only somehow casually found the bandwidth to pen a perfect memoir...because of course she did.”
—The Man’s Man, A.K.A. Seth Rollins
“Becky Lynch: The Man is the story of a remarkable woman who had the guts to put it all on the line. Taking risks that would take her from flight attendant to one of the biggest WWE Superstars in the world, Becky Lynch defies every stereotype. The crowd loves her because she is vulnerable and real, and I have no doubt you will too!”
—Stephanie McMahon
“If you don't know why they call Becky Lynch ‘the Man,’ you will after reading this book. Becky is my friend, but I had no idea about her unreal journey. From immigrating from Ireland, to helping to orchestrate the ascension of women’s wrestling, this is a must-read for any WWE fan but also for anyone with big dreams and odds stacked against them.”
—Maria Menounos
“Becky Lynch: The Man is one of the finest wrestling books—or memoirs of any kind—I have had the pleasure to read. Actually, it was equal parts, honor and pleasure; Becky allowed me in on the ground floor of her creative process, and I read with great joy as she found her voice as a writer. I am so glad she has chosen to share that voice and her remarkable life story with all of us.”
—Mick Foley
“My whole life I’ve searched for a badass ginger role model, and finally found one in the great Rebecca Quin. Enjoy her incredible origin story & learn how she became a real life superhero.”
—Seth Green
“Becky Lynch A.K.A. Rebecca Quin A.K.A. The Man has written a memoir that’s deeply personal, legitimately hilarious and truly inspiring. She’s a gifted storyteller both in the ring and on the page. Multiple times I found myself saying ‘Damn Becky, I had no idea’ out loud to no one in particular. Most people would be satisfied headlining WrestleMania, changing the face of women’s wrestling and pulling off a flawless Cyndi Lauper on network television. Thankfully for Becky that was all just a precursor to this freaking masterpiece of a book.”
—Brian Gewirtz, author, former head writer of Raw, and SVP of Development at Seven Bucks Productions
Kirkus Reviews
2024-01-04
A memoir from the Irish wrestler known as The Man.
Quin (b. 1987), aka Becky Lynch, a native of Dublin, is a different character from her main role in professional wrestling, the latter being “vulnerable, often foolish, and a whole lot more complex.” She describes herself average “in every aspect of life, average height, average weight, average anxieties, average grades, average upbringing.” Thanks to wrestling, she’s traveled the world and battled challengers as the longest-reigning women’s champion on the WWE Raw program. Quin started off as a kid without much direction, thanks to a father with none of his own to speak of, always staying a step ahead of the school authorities and occasionally the police. As a disgruntled teen, Quin discovered wrestling—the real kind, with real rivalries and broken bones—and found her calling. After time on the Irish circuit, she got called up to the big league by Vince McMahon, “our almighty overlord,” a mercurial and volatile fellow who had made televised pro wrestling a huge hit in the U.S. and abroad and who paid attention to every last detail of the script, the arc of which, character by character, was as complex and unshakable as any soap opera. Woe be to the actor who went off-script, as Quin did from time to time, bringing down McMahon’s wrath: “Why the fuck did you no-sell it? You fucked everything up.” Still, McMahon knew to back off once the point was made, and Quin knew to be careful next time out, even if she describes herself as “a firecracker of emotion” inclined to take all the make-believe seriously. Happily, she doesn’t take herself as seriously as the game, and WWE aficionados will enjoy the craic.
A treat for fans of The Man and pro wrestling, with plenty of peeks behind the curtain.
