Your Backstage Pass Through My WWE Journey - Best Seat in the House

I just finished Justin Roberts' book, Best Seat in the House and can't recommend it enough. Obviously right now there's a lot of talk about the JBL's deplorable bullying, however I was taken aback by the stories of the rough condition of travel and the abuse and utter lack of communication by management. It was really interesting to read this shortly after re-listening to CM Punk's podcast with Colt Cabana from November 2014 and many of the "alleged" injustices that Punk had pointed out.

Besides all of that, Roberts is a true wrestling fan and was able to follow his dreams! I'll admit, in the past I looked through Roberts social media posts and was annoyed (or to be more accurate, jealous) of all of the people that Roberts met while a young fan, but it was really fun to read how Justin put himself in situations where he could meet his favorite people across different industries and I realized that his zeal far outpaced my own!

Thanks Justin for writing this book! It was an extraordinary and engrossing read and I'm excited for your future.

If you're a fan of wrestling, please pick up this book straightaway!

There are many books out there written by "wrestling people" about the wrestling business. At first glance, one may think that this is true about this book. Best Seat in the House is so much more than a book about the wrestling business, it's a personal story of one man who for more than a decade was able to live the dream he had as a boy. More impressive than the story he told is the way he told it. Justin Roberts effortlessly weaved back and forth between his experiences as a young fan of the then WWF and his experiences as an employee of the WWE, with random 80s pop culture sprinkled around. This book has been described as a "tell all" by some. I absolutely disagree. If you follow the wrestling business you've no doubt heard about the controversy that has erupted and, incorrectly I may add, been attributed to a couple of passages in this book. Contrary to some reporting, this is not a "tell all" nor is it "sour grapes" from a guy who was screwed by the suits. It's one mans story of his dream and his journey to live that dream. The story is genuine, and at times brutally honest. What makes this different than a tell all is that there is no intent to bury anyone. Many of the same people he wrote of having conflict with at work, he also wrote of having good experiences with or their selfless personal acts when the cameras were off. As a parent, this is a book that I would want my own children to read. The point that he very successfully gets across is that no matter what your dream is, go after it. But be mindful that when you get there, the reality is that there will be people you work with, and sometimes work for, who don't share your passion and drive. This book doesn't bury the wrestling business, Justin Roberts has and does love the wrestling business. This book does however tell some hard truths about the wrestling business. It's his story, not THE story. Many of the things he writes about his start in the wrestling business are comically and absolutely true. I first met Justin in 1996 when we were both kids giving this wrestling thing a go. Justin more than paid his dues, and did so happily. Many of the experiences he wrote about were things I personally witnessed. The passion that comes through in this project is Justin Roberts. The drive to succeed and to see those around him succeed is Justin Roberts. This book is a must read for anyone who has a dream and a passion to achieve it.

There's a likability to Justin Roberts on-screen, in-person, and it also comes across in his writing. What I really enjoy about Best Seat In The House is the way it's written in a conversational tone. Justin's candor, enthusiasm, relentless drive, and staying true to himself throughout his 12 year tenure with WWE is not only inspiring, but a reminder that regardless of age or what industry we work in, these personal traits matter!

I love that the reader is first introduced to Justin Roberts as a 7th grader leading his classmates on a prank on his teacher. The references he makes to sitcoms and movie quotes from the 80s and 90s will make any 80s-kid feel nostalgic. The photos he shares from childhood and throughout his career with WWE was a great treat. And the candid storytelling about life on the road and company politics was especially captivating.

Really enjoyed Justin's in depth look at his journey from lifelong fan to a decade plus long career with WWE. He takes you behind the curtain to show first hand what his tenure in the largest sports entertainment company in the world was like. He tells great stories and is meticulous in his details surrounding his interactions with some of the biggest names in the history of pro wrestling in WWE. A very easy read that flew by, and I would totally recommend it to any fan of wrestling, the WWE or Justin Roberts himself.

Laughed and cried and had a great read. I love that Justin is such a huge wrestling fan and has been since he was a child. I love that he got there on his own and lived his dream. Awesome book cant recommend it enough

I enjoyed this book very much, it was fair and balanced. You got to see behind the scenes of the WWE and it's not all comrade. If your a fan of wrestling I recommend picking this easy to read book up.
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Unfortunately, and likely unintentionally, this reads like a "poor pitiful me". He was bullied, underappreciated, mistreated, and he didn't like it. That I can totally understand and relate to, but it does get tiresome. Around the midway point I found myself being on the other side of things solely because if no matter where you go you're bullied and mistreated, maybe it's not the bullies. No, if I owned a company I would not like one employee spending time I'm paying for to sell stuff to my other employees, I'd like all employees to work during the time I'm paying for and if they didn't like that, bye. By the end it felt like there are some people who just are perfect wrestling fans, but who are just not suited to the industry. Mr. Roberts seems to be the poster boy for this. Given the knowledge up front that of the 250 pages-230 of them are poor pitiful me, I don't think I'd drop money on this again.

Justin Roberts' book is a real eye opener into how the WWE really is. Justin speaks from the heart and his passion is very evident throughout. He comes across as one hell of an employee but more important as an even better person. A great read and I hope he comes out with some more great works in the future.

Wanted to like this book, but his story gets old very quickly. Constant complaining about people not being nice to him, travel, never getting credit, the company, etc. Every issue he has in the WWE is of course never Justin's fault.

His writing style and self arrogance will have you ready to quit reading half way through. Save your money on a better wrestling book.

Sorry, but when you buy a book like this you expect a lot and, sadly, this book really doesn't deliver on that. It seems more like a book published by someone with an axe to grind rather than an insiders look into WWE. Furthermore, if Justin was all he was cracked up to be, he could have stayed in there and done more. The book was rather disappointing.

We've all had our dreams as kids. Some of us wanted to be famous, maybe rock stars, maybe a movie star, etc Justin Roberts' dream was to be a WWE announcer. His book "Best Seat in the house" takes you behind the scenes to a journey of passion, dedication and love for a product that he, as a fan, loved to the core. It will make you root for him, as he faces challenges on all fronts, both from his personal life and within the very company that he works for, as he persevered to follow his dream. His style of storytelling is very easy to follow and he comes off as a very likeable character.

Wrestling fans will appreciate the various anecdotes within. I for one love hearing stories about how wrestlers get along backstage. While usually that's an entertaining thing to read in itself, you will also cringe and probably react in anger as you read of the various bullying antics that go on in the WWE, something that's ignored by a company that prides itself of being "anti-bully".

I developed a new appreciation not just for him, but other people in wrestling organizations whose work go overlooked, from time keepers to camera men, who's job isn't an easy one as you will find out, and whose schedule is just as gruelling and brutal as the wrestlers'.

In short, "Best seat in the house" is an ideal addition to the library of books written by wrestlers and wrestling personalities these days. It's an entertaining read, but most importantly, it shows that dreams do come true if you have the passion for it.

Most entertaining and honest wrestling book I have read years. A true wrestling fan who got to live his dreams. You get a real backstage look into the wrestling business and his interaction with legendary wrestling personalities. Justin goes through a lot of ups and downs in this book and has sacrificed a lot to be in the wrestling business. This book shows what a strong individual he is, and how much the wrestling business means to him. I definitely recommend this book for people who want an honest look at the WWE lifestyle and being on road with the greatest show on earth. You'll experience the journey with him from his beginnings to his hardships, losses, and success. Most of all, you get to see what these people go through every night, the traveling, the stress, and the abusive environment they work in just to entertain us.It's great to see how the television shows are produced and everybody's role in the product. A MUST READ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is a must-read for anybody who has ever wondered what it's like to look behind the curtain of the wrestling business.

Justin's book is as eye opening, informative, and honest as any book about the wrestling industry as you will read. A key difference between Justin's book is his unique perspective and experiences as part of the WWE machine from the POV of a talent (and a fan), but not an in-ring talent, and the different lens from which he experienced, and examined, the industry on a nightly basis, from the smallest of halls to the biggest of stadiums.

Some might wonder what perspective and insights a ring announcer could bring to a novel about the industry, that hasn't been written about by countless veterans, legends, and creative writers from over the years. I'd argue that he brings a deeper discussion, insight, and brutally honest revelation about what it's really like to be behind the curtain of the wrestling industry, from the beginnings of fandom and through the highs and lows of a WWE career that spanned over a decade.

Even if you're not a hardcore WWE fan, Justin's book is an easy read, with colorful characters, dramatic twists and turns, and real life drama that only an industry like wrestling could provide. At its' core, it's an entertaining and humorous read about a fan fulfilling a childhood dream to be a part of a unique and fascinating industry, and the crazy life experiences, lessons, and characters encountered along the way.

Of course, if you're a Gen X, Y, or millennial wrestling fan, you'll have a special appreciation for the very honest descriptions of characters, events and your own childhood heroes encountered in the book!

The story of Justin Roberts is unique because it isn't of a traditional WWE superstar but instead of a ring announcer who deep down was larger than life fan of "Sports Entertainment". When I took a hiatus from watching wrestling as a fan, I returned to watch casually in 2013. When watching it was obvious that Roberts took pride in his work and I loved following him on social media because it was cool to see how he would interact with fans and so on.

What I didn't know were the hardships he had been through while on the journey of his dream. Roberts story is inspiring because he proves that a positive attitude can help overcome some terrible tragedies such as the passing of his family members, constant workplace bullying, and atrocious top-down communication. What seemed to be a fun--enjoyable job was a stressful one. Reading on how he maneuvered certain scenarios were interesting and one could learn from how he would approach these situations.

Along the Journey are some great stories. Some of my favorites included him working with the revamped ECW, traveling stories on planes that had extreme turbulence and car rides that would result in being stuck on the side of the road, shopping in a mall with Maryse, getting Jericho a better deal on a hotel, meeting Betty White, Dana Carvey, and above all the story of Connor Michalek.

I cannot stress this enough, Justin Roberts is a hero for what he would do with fans that had unfortunate circumstances. He would go out of the way to make sure the performers knew of these fans and ensure that they would have a memorable night when going to a live event. Especially the story of how Connor came to fruition and that Roberts was the main piece of the puzzle that made this kid's final moments on Earth amazing ones. It is heartwarming -- especially since I had a younger brother who had cancer and to know that people like Roberts go out of their way to provide happiness in times of need is awesome!

On a final note, for those that really would like the 5-star experience -- It is crucial that you get the audiobook because hearing the story told by Roberts himself is a real treat, especially when getting to listen to all of his impersonations -- most notably of the Chairman Vince McMahon. It really added to the story and made it special.

I had a 14 hour car ride & the audiobook of "Best Seat in the House" made the trip go by much faster. On the downside, my girlfriend got so into Justin Roberts's story that she neglected her genetics textbook the whole ride and now says it is Justin's fault if she fails her test haha.

Justin's story hit home with me because I wanted to be a wrestling announcer growing up but never pursued it. I went into radio instead. But Justin - who sounds a lot like me in terms of being the "wrestling geek" everybody secretly went to in order to talk wrestling - actually pursued it and succeeded.

The strength of this book is that Justin so vividly recalls his experiences that I came away feeling like I now know what it would have been like if I had pursued a career as a wrestling announcer and actually made it.

Truth be told, I probably would have quit after a few months. The fact that Justin lasted so long really tells you something about his strength and resolve.

Some quick thoughts.....

-The McMahon family, HHH, & Kevin Dunn come off as tremendous bullies, which is no surprise. While Justin seems genuinely thankful to these people for giving him the opportunity of a lifetime, you can't help but feel bad for him that these same people were primarily responsible for crushing his passion.

-It was nice to hear about so many of the characters Justin met along the way. JTG & Daniel Bryan both spoke very highly of William Regal in their books & Justin does the same here. Ditto for guys like John Cena, Jonathan Coachman, Chris Jericho, & Jim Ross. Was also interesting to hear praise for Johnny Ace, since most who worked with him seem to trash him pretty harshly.

-While I enjoyed the JBL character, the repeated stories of his bullying have been nauseating & this book adds to his poor reputation. The portrait of Chris Benoit as a horrific bully one minute and a man who would call Justin's sick father to wish him well on the morning of the biggest day of his life (WM 20) suggests a conflicted and troubled man who was more complex than most people probably realized. That he was so disturbed that he ended up doing what he did will forever be a tragedy on multiple levels.

-Justin's love for his family shines through like the bright lights he stood under for so many years. His parents and sister/brother-in law seem like an incredible group & the tale of how Justin lost his father was heart wrenching.

Overall, a really good book and a story that shows dreams can come true, even if the ending straight out of a fairy tale. I highly recommend either reading it or doing what I did and listening to the audiobook. Justin does a great job of bringing the story to life with his narration and like I said, he helped make a 14 hour ride go by much faster, so I will always be thankful to him for that!

-SM

I've been a professional wrestling fan for as long as I can remember. I grew up going to Championship Wrestling from Florida events at the Eddie Graham Sports Stadium in Orlando, Florida and I would watch it on TV every Saturday morning. I was hooked from a young age. Saturday nights I would watch Georgia Championship Wrestling and NWA World Championship Wrestling with my dad and during the week would watch AWA and WCCW in the afternoons on ESPN. We would also watch Tuesday Night Titans and later in my adult life I was glued to the tv for every episode of Raw, Smackdown, ECW, Nitro and even Thunder. I still watch it to this day along with GFW, Lucha Underground and ROH when I can find it. I've attended several live events in my 43 yrs on this planet including 2 WrestleMania's. So believe me when I say it Justin's book is one of best, most informative wrestling related books that's ever been written. It ranks up there with all the great books that have been written by professional wrestlers such as Mick Foley and Chris Jericho. Justin's story is very inspirational and is a blueprint for anyone who is trying to live out their childhood dream. It sucks that in the end he was treated so poorly by WWE after he put his blood, sweat and tears into everything he did for him.

Professional wrestling, in its simplest form (if that's even possible), is appealing to many in its nature. It produces larger than life characters, with every character possessing qualities each individual watching may personally identify with. It provides an escape from reality many crave, and for one show, allows those watching to suspend their disbelief and live through those men and women, thus becoming larger than life themselves.

Former WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts grew up enamored with that one show, that one chance that would only come around so often for him to live out his dreams and play into this fictional world far larger than the one we live in. But even as supposed reality tried to call him back, he cast it aside in hopes of being able to turn that high into his newfound permanent reality.

"Best Seat in the House" details Roberts' 30+ year journey from growing up a diehard wrestling fan to ring announcing at WrestleMania in the Superdome. Throughout the book, he provides personal anecdotes regarding some of WWE's most notable and memorable figures, peeling back the curtain and providing a look at the world's leader in sports-entertainment, with stories ranging from hilarious and joyful to even disturbing.

The book is honest and simple, conversational in tone, and allows for readers to ride through Roberts' personal memory lane, as he delivers a sincere look back at his pro wrestling tenure. His long-sought dreams are realized early in his career, and he battles with recognizing those dreams have become, at times, a dangerous reality. Ultimately, he reflects on his time in WWE with gratification, offering life advice both those with professional wrestling aspirations and those who are just chasing their own dream can benefit from.

"Best Seat in the House" is an authentic, sobering an emotional look into someone who pursued their dream and lived it, and is a must-read for anyone who has considered professional wrestling to be a dream of their own.

My Review From Prowrestling.net. Check out the first part of my interview with Justin at PWAudio.net.

By Jason Powell

By now, you have probably heard the story about Justin Roberts having his passport stolen by a mystery colleague during one of WWE’s overseas tours. Or maybe you read the former WWE ring announcer’s blog in which he set the record straight about how his friendship with young Connor Michalek sparked the company’s relationship with the young spinal cancer victim and his family. And surely you’ve read or listened to an interview with a former WWE performer being tormented by John Bradshaw Layfield to the point of nearly quitting the business (or actually following through with it in one case).

Yes, I’m late to the party when it comes to Justin Roberts’ Best Seat In The House: Your Backstage Pass Through My WWE Journey. The autobiography turned out to be very timely in that it received a lot of attention when rumors swirled that JBL may have played some part in the premature departure of Maura Ranallo from the Smackdown broadcast team. And just as I maintain that it’s not fair to rush to judgement with the JBL and Ranallo situation until we actually know the full story, I can assure you that you don’t know the full story of the Roberts’ autobiography if you’ve only listened to interviews or read some excerpts.

This is not a hatchet job or a tell-all. There’s no dirt or tales of wrestler debauchery, and surely a guy who spent 12 years on the road with the company easily could have gone down that road. Instead, Roberts simply tells his story and in doing so some of his former employers come off poorly. Of course, JBL, Kevin Dunn, Vince McMahon, Paul Levesque, and others have their own versions of the events that Roberts detailed, but Roberts never comes across like a guy with an ax to grind. Rather, he seems like someone who is simply telling his story and perhaps finding some therapeutic value in the process.

Was Roberts frustrated by the layers of bureaucracy, the bullying culture, the chaos created by countless script rewrites during live television broadcasts, the lack communication, the absence of appreciation for a job well done, and other issues? Absolutely.

The fatal flaw with Roberts that shines through is that he cared. And in order to endure the insane travel schedule of life in WWE, you need to care in order to perform the job that Roberts did for as long as he did. Roberts cared enough that he wanted to use his unique perspective at the house show events to create a better experience. This type of concern was appreciated by some, yet there were far too many times when his superiors simply wanted him to deliver the ring announcements and stay out of the way. Roberts never discloses how much he was paid by WWE, but considering the way the company seems to view the ring announcer position as the low spot on the totem pole, it seems safe to assume that money wasn’t the reason Roberts stayed as long as he did.

Rather, it was the passion he had for the company and the pro wrestling industry. Any company would be lucky to have an employee (well, technically Roberts was an independent contractor) who cares as much as Roberts did about his job. This type of passion would be applauded and rewarded in most professions. The pro wrestling industry is filled with people who grew up dreaming of making it to the top of the industry, and sadly there are far are too many stories of that passion being taken for granted or downright exploited by those in power.

Roberts is one of those dreamers. And for as much as the focus has been on the negatives of his journey, this a positive story of how a young fan went above and beyond to chase his dream. The tales of young Roberts and his fandom and all the work he put in to learn about the business and eventually become a part of it are fun, quirky, and inspiring.

Any pro wrestling fan is sure to relate to Roberts’ fandom and passion for the business. It will be an eye opening experience for younger readers or newer fans when it comes to how what they may assume is one of the funnest jobs in the world isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. For others, it’s a detailed reminder that the bullying culture within the company starts at the top. A highly recommended read.

There are a number of books out there about the professional wrestling business, but none capture what it's like to go from being a passionate fan to being an employee better than "Best Seat in the House". Roberts takes the reader on his incredible journey from a kid from Chicago with a passion for wrestling to an integral part of their weekly television programming as the ring announcer. You get the highs and the lows of life in the WWE, featuring incredible stories and anecdotes with some of the biggest names in wrestling history.
If you are a fan of wrestling, you will love to hear about the in's and out's of the WWE from someone who saw it all.
If you aren't a fan of wrestling, you will marvel at the amazing story of a man who does whatever it takes to follow his dreams.

As the title reads, a great book! a must have for any pro wrestling fan.One of my all time favorite audiobooks, Roberts lived out with dream in working in the professional wrestling industry and he takes us along for his unique ride. Roberts' book from a non wrestler stand point is very different from most wrestling books, as he shares his unique position as ring announcer. I love that roberts narrates his own story, you can feel the love he has for the business and keeps it very entertaining. Roberts shares alot of stories about his time in WWE, from exposing the now infamous JBL bullying stories, to the great work he did with Conner the Crusher. I would suggest this book to anyone!

I've read almost every wrestling book and I say this is the best one out there. This book is written so well, easy on the eyes and all of the passion and love Roberts has for his job is amazing.

From the stages of loving Howard Tinkle, to getting tryouts to "over announcing" and being too big about announcements, which I loved, this book has great insight to the WWE. How Connors Cure came to be, Tommy Ball; backstage game they played on the road, JBL and his bullying, its just fantastic.

I encourage all fans to buy this book.

I had heard Justin was releases a book a while back. I tend to purchase almost every wrestling autobiography published. Sometimes I'm let down with the lack of wrestling stories and information. This is not one of those books. As a fan of wrestling I'm drawn into the side I don't get to see. I'm not talking about the dirty secrets or who is sleeping with who. I'm talking about how things work behind the scenes and what traveling is like to these guys and gals who entertain me weekly for the last 31 years of my life. Justin takes us there. Much like Foley and Jericho, this book feels like it was typed up by Justin himself. I've read some that you could just tell it was a ghost writer telling stories off a small sample size from the "author" Justin gets into things quick and then the book is basically his entire career in wrestling. The man loved wrestling and for once he didn't make us, the fans feel stupid for loving it too. He understands what it's like trying to get your favorite wrestlers attention as they walk into the arena. If you've ever wondered what it's like to work for a huge wrestling company, or really just want to enjoy a 'Dream comes true" story then please check out this book. It's a good read and it flows pretty quick. I wish there were more to read.

I had the privilege to meet Justin Roberts at WrestleCon during WrestleMania weekend in Orlando. I had intentions on buying the book, so I decided to purchase the book while he was in attendance and to meet the man himself. I was always a fan of his when he was with the WWE because I enjoyed his passion and the excitement he created when he would announce certain wrestlers. Getting yourself over? Give me a break. You were just doing your job, and us fans appreciated it. It took me a while to finish the book due to my busy schedule but I finally finished it the other night. Wow! What a fantastic read. He's truly just a guy that grew up as a super fan and got to live out his dream and that was to stand in a WWE ring and be a ring announcer. Follow your dreams! He did. The stories he shares are great, and truly funny. Love the stories about King Kong Bundy, and the guys he would get to tape promos for his high school. Justin was always on a mission to meet his heroes and to meet the people he wanted to meet because he had the drive to do just that. The stories about Connor (RIP CONNOR) are so nice to read and it shows you the kind of guy that he is. Justin is a great guy that just wanted to put a smile on people's faces that were at the WWE events. He is a man that has just as much passion about professional wrestling than anyone does in the crazy world that is pro wrestling. If you want to read about a young man that lived his dream, and hear the crazy stories that led to it, then this book is for you. You will not be disappointed. Thank you Justin, and it was a pleasure meeting you back in Orlando.?

Best Seat in the House is one of the best wrestling-related books I’ve ever read. The interesting thing about this book however, is how relatable it is to a non-wrestling fan. The stories Justin tells are captivating to a wrestling fan, but throughout the book his outlook on situations, his experiences and small anecdotes paint a larger picture of who Justin is. His experiences transcend wrestling and this book is an excellent read for the non-wrestling stories alone.

It’s obvious that Justin poured his heart into this book, and after reading this book that comes as no surprise. Justin’s work ethic and good nature is evident in his writing and I’m sure he’ll find success in whatever avenue he chooses post-WWE.

In short...this book should be on anyone’s reading list WWE fan or not.

Regardless if you're a fan of the professional wrestling business or not, 'Best Seat in the House' is a must read. Justin tells a compelling story of his trials and tribulations as he chased his dream of working for World Wrestling Entertainment. You'd think that finally obtaining that dream job would be a dream come true in itself. However that dream slowly turned into a nightmare as he faced bullying and harassment from not only the wrestlers he traveled all over the world with, but also from his superiors. The story that Justin tells about how he went out to perform in front of thousands of people night in and night out while facing a hostile work environment is one of a kind. I'd encourage everyone to give this book a shot.

The.most insightful book yet about what it's like to work or slave for Vince McMahons WWE. Justin wanted It, got It, then lost it. Story of a guy trying to live out his dream only to get beaten down by bullying, office politics, incessant travel and a company without competition that can treat it's people however it wants. Only complaint is the poor editing throughout the book.

Justin's story is an amazing journey. He shows that dreams can come true if you put in the work. He takes us inside not only the world that is WWE but his world and how someone had a goal and persevered until he achieved it. He doesn't pull any punches and is honest and straight forward. He makes you think about the veil that is TV and the reality that is behind that veil. People can relate to his story, his struggles, and his success. His desire to help others succeed without wanting or looking for something in return is refreshing in today's world. Too often people try to get ahead by pushing others down and only help when it serves their own purpose. Justin helps others because he can, because he wants to, because that is who he is. That is character!

I recommend Justin's book to not only wrestling fans but to everyone. Once you start reading you won't want to put it down.

What else is there to say about Best Seat In The House by Justin Roberts that hasn't already been said. Without spoiling any awesome details from the book, within a few pages, I had already found this book to be extremely relatable which is something that many many books lack. It's not a knock on other books, but it told me very early on that the attention to detail was extremely important to Justin which translated into an excellent read. He explained his enjoyment for not just wrestling but other pop culture related things that served as a great reminder of how to truly appreciate the simple things in life the most take for granted.

But the most important quality about this book that very few others have is his honesty. He doesn't take the time to bury anyone but he is just simply describing his experience from his point of view and his interactions. He is a true example of someone who got to live out his dream and hard work and effort really does pay off. You will get back what you put in and Justin Roberts is the epitome of that. This book isn't just a must read, but it's a must have. Owning it on e-book or renting it isn't enough. This book needs to be on everyone's bookshelf as it can serve as a simple reminder, that dream do come true.

A real look into what its like to be behind the scenes at WWE. Proud that Justin's story could be shared in such a genuine way. A must read for anyone who has a passion in life, not just a wrestling fan.

Loved this book. Justin is a superb storyteller, and it was exciting and unique to get an account of the business from a ring announcer's perspective. Anyone who is or has been a wrestling fan, or has worked somewhere where they were not appreciated, or has been bullied, will relate to this book. Frankly, I think Justin would be entitled to a little bitterness, but he really never comes off that way.

On a personal note, I've always been a wrestling fan and always will be, but like many I've been sour on WWE for years, and this book pretty much cemented it for all time. But that's on Vince, Hunter & Steph and Kevin Dunn among others, not on Justin.

If I could give this 6 stars I would! This book is definitely worth a 6 star rating just like Kenny Omega and Okadas Wrestle Kingdoms match! To be honest I was hoping that WWE could have a more positive light shined on them but hey we can't always get what we wish for. Throughout Justin's entire book I was captivated by his story's and how he made you feel like you were actually there with him experiencing what he was experiencing. It sucks that such a hard working and passionate person that wanted nothing but good things for his company and even passed up the opportunity to take over his families business was treated like a nobody and never given an even bigger chance in the company.

From the first page I was sucked in, I wanted to know everything I could about his time in the WWE and what it took for him to achieve his life long dream. I thought I had it rough, man Justin's hustled nonstop and continues to keep hustling. After finally finishing his book it definitely has me inspired to pursue my dream of becoming a Twitch streamer and making that into a lucrative career.

Thank you, Justin for writing such an amazing book and thank you for inspiring not just me but everyone who has the opportunity and pleasure of reading your book!

As a life long wrestling fan I purchased a copy of this book at Barnes & Noble the second I saw it on shelves. I'm completely fascinated with how individuals get into the wrestling business, as it's been a dream of mine for many years now. I also really enjoy reading backstage stories and this book delivers on that. The pictures that are near the center of the book are also nice. It feels like you are viewing the evolution of Justin Roberts from fan to WWE announcer.

The second I opened the book I was hooked. Reading how Justin was a die hard fan growing up and dreamed of being apart of the WWE. I could and still can relate to that dream. Without spoiling too much. It features the good and the bad of his journey. Whether it be calling a WWE show for the first time or whether it be the bullying stories he shared. If you are a wrestling fan. I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book.

I’ve been a wwe fan pretty much my entire life. And Justin has played an integral part in many moments that I remember. His unique announcing style and enthusiasm always helped hype me up, even for the most basic matches. When I heard that he was coming out with a book, I absolutely had to get it. I devoured that book in about a week. It was amazing to read the story of a kid (like me) who had a passion for the wrestling business and would stop at nothing to reach his dream. Despite all of the obstacles and bullying (from grown men I might add), Justin kept on going and did everything he could to make fans like me smile. A great person wrote a great book— I definitely reccomend it!

Justin Robert's "Best Seat In The House" is a must read for any wrestling fan that wants to know more about "the business".

From the his early days as a high school kid, to the last days in the WWE, Justin delivers a very fun, detailed and personal story that keeps the reader wanting for more.

The book covers everything from his pre-WWE days, to the way he was "let go" and how WWE handled Connor "The Crusher's" situation. Justin holds no punches back in this tell-all book that will take you into the, sometimes brutal, practices that WWE has with their employees.

The book does have some editing errors throughout the read, but overall, don't let these errors take anything away from the superb story.

I strongly recommend this book to anyone that wants to find out the personal experience of Justin Roberts in the WWE.

Growing up watching the WWF/WWE I always got excited when I heard the announcer call out the wrestlers and the match. I grew very fond of Justin and his work. When I saw he wrote a book about his experience there it was a must buy. After reading it I was shocked about some of the backstage antics that went on but Justin was a trooper. I was very pleased and inspired by his book. Next time I'll be listening to the audio book so I can hear it from the man himself. Keep doing what your doing Justin, hope to see another book in the future!

This is an incredible story. You're not going to get a more in depth, backstage look at the innerworkings of WWE and all of its performers. I've been completely fascinated with the backstage aspect of professional wrestling and WWE since I first began watching in 1985. This book brings me into that world better than any other wrestling book I've read. Justin's passion and loyalty to this business shines through, even as he describes some of the tumultuous times he lived through before eventually gaining the respect of everyone around him.

Even the stories about Justin's family, and in particular his dad, really entertained me.

I could not recommend this book more.

---Rob in NYC

As someone that is not an avid reader, it takes a lot for me to be "hooked" to a book. Well, "Best Seat In The House" by Justin Roberts truly had me hooked. I couldn't put the book down. Gave me insight to the world of wrestling that I've always wanted to know, and made me realize just how many "behind the scenes" people helped make the wwe machine work every day. I was a fan of Justin's when he was on the job, and i was always entertained by him whether it be through a social media post or just a general announcement. The book helped take things to the next level of understanding how his job worked, and what it was like working for the company. Truly a must read for wrestling fans!

I purchased this book and it is a MUST HAVE. Justin's journey is one that you have to read to believe. He takes you behind the scenes of his personal life through touching, funny and special moments also you get to hear first hand what goes on in the world of professional wrestling from a different perspective. This book had me sad at some parts, laughing out loud and in shock and disbelief at a few parts of the book as well, overall this is a great read and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.

This book is so relatable for any wrestling fan! I was able to watch Justin as he announced and toured with WWE and getting to hear his story made me a bigger fan of his. He is sincere with his storytelling about his family, I was able to hear the audio version on my way to Colorado and you could hear how much he loved his family whenever he spoke of them in the book. The journey that he shares with you during his days as a young WWE fan remind me of the things I would do as a kid with my wrestling figures. Such a great listen! Must read! Thanks again for sharing your story with us Justin.

Have read numerous wrestlers books and enjoyed their point of view of being on the road for the wwe, but always wondered how others saw it all. Justin Roberts certainly gives a different and refreshing point of view. It surprised me how badly a multi million dollar company can think so little of its employees, many of which make a huge difference to the end product we see on screen. It was nice to read a "true" account from behind the scenes. It was a great read, by a man who not only was great at his job, but was also a passionate fan of wrestling. Best of luck to Justin whatever he is doing since leaving. A must read book.

An amazing journey told by someone who was there every step of the way. Justin's ability to put you there beside him is second to none. A very enjoyable read and listen. He holds nothing back and pulls no punches about a business where pulling punches and holding back are common place. I would highly recommend this book to anyone curious about what it's like working for the biggest wrestling company in the world.

Great read. As I read Justin's book I realized that my love for pro wrestling at a young age was no different than his and was fun listening to all of his stories of going to events and meeting the wrestlers as a kid and even to his current age while working for the company. I have read well over 30 wrestling autobiographies and this does not disappoint.

When Justin Roberts finished his time at the WWE, the first thing I said was "I hope he writes a book." When Justin announced he was going to do that, I expressed my excitement. I couldn't wait to read it. I finished the book in three days. These were days I had work and normal everyday errands but I didn't want to put it down. I loved every moment of his story from going from fan to employee. Growing up Justin's story was very relatable as a passionate wrestling fan who was obsessed with the business. He then takes us through his journey in practicing his craft as a ring announcer, getting to understand the business and getting hired by the WWE. He shares with us all the ups and downs of working for the biggest wrestling company in the world, where he spent 12 years of his life. Justin shares the highs, which were some of his happiest and proudest moments in his life, as well as achieving a lot of his dreams with the company. He also doesn't hold back from sharing his own personal experiences of the lows when working for the company with complete honesty. He's grateful for his opportunity to live his dream but doesn't hold back from sharing the struggle of the WWE lifestyle.
This isn't everyone's story, but it is his story and it's really really enjoyable to read. It inspires you to chase your dreams and make the most out of your life. It gives you faith that even as a devoted fan you have the ability to set a goal and achieve it if you try and put in the work. Anything is possible. It also gives you a first hand perspective of what it's like to work for the WWE while not being an in ring talent but one of the silent heroes that helps brings the entire show together. It gives you an idea of what the travel is like and the backstage atmosphere. It goes in depth on how the company operates, both the positive and the negative in Justin's opinion. He also shares some great stories that really illuminates some of your favourite superstars and celebrities. Justin gives you an insight of the life of the man behind mic with the best seat in the house. As a devoted wrestling fan who's so intrigued by the business, how it operates and wishes to be involved in it one day, this is a great read. I definitely recommend it to all of you. I promise you, you won't be able to put it down.

Justin's tale of his commitment and pursuit of his dream is very inspiring. His never say die attitude to accomplish his dream was very enthralling to read. I appreciate the fact that he didn't pull punches. I've been a wrestling fan for all my 35 years and this is the most refreshing look on life in the business that I've read. Thank you for putting it out there Justin. I highly recommend this to any wrestling fan or anyone needing a kick in the butt motivator.

The journey of justin roberts will definitely inspire you to chase your dreams, stand up for what you believe in, and continue pushing even through tough times. From a lifelong wrestling fan to a lifelong wrestling fan I was instantly hooked as justin told alot of stories from his perspective as a ring announcer and fan. He also gave us a glimpse of inside the business which is always intriguing. This is a great book and I highly recommend it to everyone.

I’m a wrestling announcer myself, so I could relate to Justin’s career to an extent. He was able to live the dream and do some amazing things. Ultimately, he was a replaceable cog in the gigantic WWE machine. He deserves more respect than he got.

The Man I would hear but not see on WWE tv for more than a decade finally is able to share the story of his journey and it is a fantastic roller coaster of emotions. From living his dreams to the loss of loved ones to the constant bullying by his employer this book tells a poinant and often very entertaining story from beginning to end.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. This just isn't a run of the mill WWE autobiography, this tells a story of someone who chased their dream and finally got it. I have always wanted to know what working for the WWE was like from a fans point of view and Justin delivers that. It is one of those books that once you pick it up, you cannot put it down. It's an enthralling and inspirational read. If there's only one WWE autobiography you purchase this year then this is the one.

From the moment I opened the book I couldn't put it down. Such an insightful read, if you're a wrestling fan you will definitely enjoy this book. Justin Roberts takes you on an incredible ride from start to finish. Was definitely angry he got fired when it happened but totally understand that it was for the best for him in the end. Amazing job Justin! Thank you for sharing this book with all of us.

I love this book. Justin told it like it is. I am a huge wwe guy but the truth is the WWE isn't all sunshine. I can't hate WWE. I think WWE will change for the better and Justin's book will help make the change. Also there are many great stories, wrestling history and how people who care can do great things. This is such a great book that I had my friend Prem Poola read it and she fall in love with it.

A great read! Justin brings you through his journey from a kid playing with wrestling action figures, to fulfilling his dream of becoming a WWE ring announcer. The inside perspective he shares about the inner workings of WWE is truly fascinating.

Justin opens up his life in this book. It is a great, honest read and kept me fascinated as a wrestling fan from cover to cover! Must buy if you want a recent unfiltered account of how the wwe runs. Lots of interesting stories of Vince McMahon, Triple H, and many others! Lenny Bakken

I ordered the audible version. It really feels like Justin is sitting down with you and explaining his life story. There are many great anecdotes, he isn't afraid to call people out, and he has a perspective on WWE that few others are able to have due to his pivotal role in the company and the amount of time he spent there.

This was an overall simply phenomenal novel that well written, invoking feelings of sadness at times, comedy at others while you take the roller coaster ride with Justin through his simply awe inspiring story. The novel is detail driven, as it one of those books capable of taking you out your world and placing you smack dab in the middle of Justin Roberts. It was so far, the best read of the year for me; money well spent! If you are a fam of the business of pro wrestling, it is a no brainer that you pick up, "Best Seat In The House!"

I listened to the audio version of Justin's book and hearing him narrate and go through his story was very interesting from the point of view of an announcer, and a you can tell he is a true fan like all of us. Definitely recommend it and it's a must read if you are a wrestling fan!

This is a MUST READ for any wrestling fan. Great behind the scenes look and an idea of how much work goes into this job. The hours on the road, the long nights, the months without being in your own bed. Justin Roberts takes you right on the journey with him. He's a hard worker with a no quit attitude!! Don't be shocked to see continued success for this young man further down the road.

Ranks in my top 5 of wrestling autobiographies. Justin is totally relatable & a super fan of wrestling who stopped at nothing to achieve his dream. This book has highs & lows as well as shocking moments & gives you unlimited insight into his journey. Do yourself a favor & pick this book up bc you will need to read this asap.

Amazing book!!! A MUST read if you ever wondered what if would be like to work for the WWE. One of the few luckiest people to ever live to be able to have a dream at such a young age and chase it down with no connections and make it all the way to the top. This book takes you on the journey of the lifestyle and demand of being part of the WWE.

This was an AMAZING read. Justin takes the reader thru a roller coaster ride of his life and the business he loves. This is a must read for anyone looking for some inspiration to follow Their dreams. Very well written and highly recommended for any fan

I just finished Justin's book, and it's one of the best books from a former WWE employee out there. He is very honest about the things that went on behind the scenes in his career. Justin deserved to be treated better and be more appreciated for what he did.

Who would ever thought a ring announcer could be so much more than what we see on tv..it is an emotional journey for Justin before and after WWE and I have nothing but respect for the guy check out the book for all you WWE fans or what's left of the product

Justin gives us a "ringside seat" through his journey to the WWE, with a recount of other events in his life along the way. He tells us how it really was, and gives positive life advice while doing it! An excellent read!

Listening to Justin's story made me feel like if he could acomplish what he wanted I could too! I enjoyed this side of pro wrestling and not from a perspective of a wrestler. I loved his announcing in wwe and I loved his book!

This was an incredible book. I loved it from start to finish. Speaking as a fan who dreamed of working there it was cool to see someone tell that exact story. Thanks heaps Justin I recommend to all fans of a good story not just wrestling fans.

Definitely worth the read. Lots of interesting stories from the road and some hints of behind the scenes events. Love he leaves it all out there. If you're a wrestling fans, definitely should check it out.

This book is a must read for any fan of the WWE and professional wrestling. Justin Roberts tells a story that is inspiring, entertaining, and honest. I felt like I was with him on the journey. It's a great book.

I started following Justin’s career when I saw him announced wwe raw when he was in St Louis and I remember liking him that night and when I heard he had a book I was interested in what he had to say.

I never knew how much of a wrestling fan he was and he brings that excitement and energy while reading this book. It is more entertaining to listen to his story that way. You’re left satisfied with his story on him making his dream a reality and at the same time felt disappointed for him when the environment he was placed in took part of his passion away. But he leaves you optimistic in the end and hopeful for him and his future.

Check it out.

A very fascinating read about WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts and the trials and tribulations of his time in the company. A story about a kid who wanted nothing more than to make it to WWE, always working towards that goal, achieving it and then having his passion for the company dashed by management - namely WWE executive producer Kevin Dunn, VP of talent relations Paul Levesque and chairman Vince McMahon. A real eye-opening and sobering look at WWE, the hard work that simply goes unappreciated and the sickening underbelly of WWE's new philosophy on "philanthropy as a form of marketing." I read the book in one night as it was very captivating. Definitely required reading for anyone who has ever considered themselves WWE fans.

What a great journey this was. This book will tell what it's like to work in the WWE and all the longs days of traveling around the world. Being a lifelong wrestling fan I recommend this book to all fans. It looks glamorous on TV but what is it really like to work for WWE. Read this story and you will know.

When I went into the bookstore, I knew instantly what book I wanted. Justin Roberts; Best Seat In The House! An absolutely incredible read, and I plan to read it again for the 2nd time this month on my upcoming trip! If you like wrestling, this is the perfect book for you! With an in depth and behind the scenes look as to what goes on behind the curtain, I could not put it down! Justin had an inspirational journey, and it's helped me to want to realize my own dreams!

After a few buddies telling me about this book I finally picked it up as I was set to travel for the week. This book is tremendously different than other wrestling books. Justin's perspective is from a fans point of view, which is what most fans love. He was brutally honest and his stories were just as he was telling you in person. I can't recommend this book enough for someone whose in love with the business. He was a fan living his dream.

I listened to the audio book and it was amazing! If you’re a wrestling fan you need to read this book! It gives you a different perspective from somebody inside the wrestling business whom isn’t a wrestler!