50 reasons to love “WWE 50”

The creators of the official WWE Encyclopedia celebrate 50 years of sports-entertainment in “WWE 50.” With stunning visuals and behind-the-scenes insider commentary, this exclusive hardcover book reveals the real stories behind key events in WWE history, including the split from the National Wrestling Alliance, national expansion, the triumph in the Monday Night Wars, controversial figures past and present and much more!

Order "WWE 50" at WWEShop now! |  Enter the "WWE 50" Signed Book Sweepstakes

WWE.com has 50 reasons why “WWE 50” is a must-have for anyone who wants to be the ultimate WWE fan.

1. The foreword was written by WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon.

2. It features never-before-seen photos from inside WWE Headquarters.

3. It includes quotes and insight from more than 60 Superstars and insiders, including the McMahons, John Cena, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Bruno Sammartino, Bret “Hit Man” Hart, Vince Russo, David Crockett, Jim Ross, Edge, Chris Jericho, Sunny and more.

4. Vince McMahon reveals where he was when he originally thought of WrestleMania.

5. It includes a week-by-week look at the Monday Night War ratings.

6. Vince Russo discusses his frustrations with Vince McMahon prior to jumping to WCW.

7. It reveals WWE’s original heir apparent to Vincent J. McMahon prior to Vincent K. McMahon convincing his dad to sell to him.

8. Paul Heyman tells his story about why the rechristened ECW failed.

9. It includes the story behind WWE’s return to USA Network.

10. Lex Luger details his jump to WCW and what he would’ve done differently if given the opportunity.

11. It reveals David Letterman’s role in the creation of Saturday Night’s Main Event.

12. It includes Vince McMahon’s thoughts on being a former WWE Champion.

13. It lists other names that were being considered for the following: SmackDown, Sunday Night Heat, The Alliance, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and the Elimination Chamber Match.

14. Rey Mysterio gives his opinion on the infamous Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar match at WrestleMania XX.

15. It uncovers why Rio de Janeiro was used as the birthplace of the Intercontinental Championship.

16. It looks back at WWE’s other business ventures, including the WBF, The World, WWE Hotel & Casino and WWE Niagara Falls.

17. It features Vince McMahon’s memories of his dad’s office on I Street in Washington, D.C.

18. Nick Bockwinkel gives his thoughts on why Hulkamania wouldn’t have worked in the AWA.

19. It includes a pictorial look inside Vince McMahon’s booking ledgers.

20. Jim Ross offers up his uncensored opinions of the Brawl For All Tournament.

21. The book features more than 250 images of classic WWE pay-per-view posters.

22. Former WWE kings give their thoughts on winning the King of the Ring Tournament.

23. It includes Vince McMahon’s reaction to WCW raiding his talent roster.

24. Rikishi recalls what it was like delivering the Stinkface to Trish Stratus.

25. It remembers the role that famed promoter “Toots” Mondt played in the creation of what eventually became WWE.

26. X-Pac discusses what he feared most upon returning to WWE in 1998.

27. It includes Linda McMahon’s thoughts on why the WBF never took off.

28. It takes a look at the most influential Superstars of Capitol Wrestling Corporation.

29. Vince McMahon describes what went into convincing Andre the Giant to compete at WrestleMania III.

30. Superstars recall the first WCW match on WWE television (Buff Bagwell vs. Booker T).

31. Gerald Brisco explains why he thinks Hulk Hogan vs. Ric Flair never took place at WrestleMania VIII.

32. Vince McMahon remembers being hit with the “Stone Cold” Stunner for the first time at Madison Square Garden in September 1997.

33. It details the almost insurmountable road blocks that WWE ran into while trying to take the company national.

34. It includes a map of all major North American wrestling territories.

35. It reveals who is credited with naming Raw.

36. Bret “Hit Man” Hart reveals whose idea it was for Owen Hart to piledrive “Stone Cold” Steve Austin at SummerSlam.

37. It includes Vince McMahon’s original feelings of the Royal Rumble Match and who eventually convinced him to try it (and it wasn’t Pat Patterson).

38. Mark Henry recalls his reaction to learning Mae Young would be giving birth to a hand.

39. It explains how ownership of the Cape Cod Coliseum helped prepare Vince and Linda McMahon for running WWE.

40. Linda McMahon discusses what it was like knowing that her husband could potentially be sent to jail in the early 1990s.

41. Pat Patterson reveals how he became the referee of WrestleMania’s main event at the last moment, instead of Muhammad Ali.

42. It includes a look at some of the top match cards of the 1960s.

43. The role the NWA Championship played in the creation of the WWE Championship is detailed.

44. It reveals why the first WrestleMania was held when it was.

45. “Mean” Gene Okerlund gives a no-holds-barred review of Mr. T’s time in WWE.

46. “Stone Cold” recalls the night he turned on the WWE Universe at WrestleMania X-Seven and what he would have done differently.

47. It details WWE’s decision to take its product PG.

48. Vince McMahon gives his opinion of Alundra Blayze dumping the WWE Women’s Championship in the garbage during an episode of WCW Nitro.

49. It chronicles WWE’s head-to-head battle with Jim Crockett Promotions.

50. Vince Russo describes his biggest contributions to Mike Tyson’s involvement in WrestleMania XIV.

Order "WWE 50" at WWEShop and enter the "WWE 50 Signed" Book Sweepstakes to win one of five copies of "WWE 50" signed by Mr. McMahon! Hurry, the giveaway ends 4/1!