There's Just One Problem...

True Tales from the Former, One-Time, 7th Most Powerful Person in WWE

By: Brian Gewirtz

Narrated by: Greg Baglia

Former WWE head writer Brian Gewirtz brings listeners behind the scenes for an unprecedented look at the chaotic, surreal, unbelievable backstage world of the WWE.

With untold stories from a career spanning over 15 years and featuring the biggest names and controversial moments in wrestling history, THERE'S JUST ONE PROBLEM is an honest, unflinching look on how an introverted life-long fan unexpectedly became one the most powerful men in all of professional wrestling.

For decades, wrestling was shrouded in secrecy. It had larger-than-life personalities, bone-crunching physicality and jaw-dropping theatrics, but backstage, it was an industry devoid of outsiders. Then in 1999, after working together on a special for MTV, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson turned to 26-year-old television writer Brian Gewirtz and asked, “You ever consider writing for WWE?” That question, and its answer, would have a profound effect on both of their lives for years to come.

THERE'S JUST ONE PROBLEM is a story about perseverance, tenacity, and steel chairs. Most writers in the WWE last for a matter of months; Gewirtz was there for over 15 years, writing some of most memorable and infamous storylines in WWE history (covering the “Attitude Era”, the “Ruthless Aggression Era” and into the “PG” and “Reality” eras).

Throughout this journey, Gewirtz found himself becoming both friend and antagonist to some of the biggest names in WWE history—Stone Cold Steve Austin, John Cena, Stephanie McMahon, Bill Goldberg, Paul Heyman, Chris Jericho, Shawn Michaels, and the two men who he worked the most closely with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. These men not only shaped his life professionally but also personally, forcing him to grow and change both as a writer and a human being.

So how does a lifelong fan and outsider break through to become the ultimate insider? How does a low-key personality deal directly with his boss, the most brash, unpredictable “alpha male” on the planet, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon? How does one gain respect in a locker room that wants nothing more than to see him disappear? Where does one go when every year in wrestling takes you further away from the writing career you always wanted? Taking advice from his idol, the late “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, when you’re so full of fear, there’s only one way to push through: become fearless.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Brian Gewirtz (P)2022 Twelve

Critic reviews

“This is the best book I have read in years. If you’re a fan of WWE, or heck, even if you’re not, this inside look into the life of one of the most intense jobs in all of entertainment, a WWE writer, hilariously detailed by one of the most impactful writers and creative contributors in WWE history is nothing short of fascinating. It’s a laugh-out-loud, can’t-put-down, sad-that-it’s-over kind of book and I loved every second of it. Apart from, of course, when it was over.”—Becky Lynch, WWE Superstar and six-time WWE Women’s Champion

“In the book, THERE'S JUST ONE PROBLEM, written by the most talented writer in the history of the WWE, Brian Gewirtz (my opinion), Brian takes you on a roller-coaster ride in regards to his amazing time writing in the WWE. Brian even discusses his “day” in wrestlers court, where he was the first and only writer in WWE to have to go in front of a judge (actually a wrestler) and pay his debt for 'allegedly' favoring to write for his favorite wrestlers. He survived!!! This book is as entertaining as the scripts Brian wrote during his amazing career in the WWE. This book is a must-read.”—Kurt Angle, WWE Hall of Famer and Olympic Gold Medalist

"Brian Gewirtz’s book THERE'S JUST ONE PROBLEM is a fascinating and hilarious inside look into Brian’s unlikely, yet incredible rise to sports entertainment “inside” fame and what I would describe as a true WWE Hall of Fame career as a writer and for years now, finding tremendous success as our lead Seven Bucks’ executive. His long, storied and unbelievable tenure in WWE, is truly what legends are made of."—Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson"

Absolutely fantastic!

What an amazingly told story of a writer’s life and experiences during some of the hottest times in WWE. And, most importantly, the narrator was absolutely fantastic in his reading and delivery. The narrator didn’t just read the book; he made it come alive! This book is a great inside look behind the scenes of the largest wrestling organization, and is well worth your time, especially if you are a wrestling fan.

Must read for WWE fans

Extremely fun read that flies by. It’s funny, informative and well written. Great reader as well.

very funny i really enjoyed

very funny i really enjoyed the story, all the knowledge that you can get is very very interesting

Great Listen

Funny, fun, fever dream! I'd love to hear more; this felt too short! Must listen for anyone interested in behind the scenes of WWE!

One of the best wrestlers books I've read

This is the opposite of Dark Side Of The Ring. I've read my share of pro wrestler autobiographies, both books Jim Ross wrote, and books about wrestlers who died or the rise and fall of whole companies. What I haven't read before was the story of a WWE writer.

It's a very light and funny book through and through, what drama there is world eventually be smoothed over, sometimes 16 years later in the case of guys like Hardcore Holly holding long grudges. The book starts with a colorful story of the author being the first WWE writer sent to wrestlers court, where The Undertaker is judge. The kind of wacky, but true story to set the tone for the rest of the book.

If you ever wondered which wrestlers got upset over The Rock making fun of them on live TV, what they were thinking with the Katie Vick story, or what they were thinking with the guest host year, or even the anonymous GM story, the answers are all here from a man who was in the writers room.

Great Story!

Been a fan of WWE since I was a kid! Cool to peek inside the mind of someone who was penning the scripts from my childhood. Wish the narrator would’ve pronounced a few of the names better, but it didn’t take away from the overall experience much! Definitely recommend!

Behind the scenes from the attitude into the PG era.

Where to begin? First, the book is fun. And it's endearing at the right moments. It's never salacious, however, and entirely steers clear of any of the "adult" drama that's occurred over the years. This is where one problem comes in: with all that's come out about Vince, the lighthearted stories of him proposing sexual themed vignettes doesn't land as it would have 2-3 years ago. It actually made me say out loud to my car: "How did you freaks not see this all along?" But the answer is inside the almost insanely dictatorial regime displayed in the stories. Again: how couldn't they see? He ruled with an iron fist and even if you were "allowed to disagree," doing so always led to repercussions. No one ever stops and wonders what concussions and cocktails of anabolic hormones / drugs are doing to this old man. BUT IF YOU CAN put the grim reality of Vince aside, the book is still great. And the stories are very entertaining to me, a lifelong wrestling fan. The narrator does a great job in his delivery, delivering the right tone and emotion conveyed in the book. But he flubs SEVERAL names SEVERAL times, and it's a little annoying when he does it. Still: read it. It's a lot of fun.

What a book!

One small gripe. This is a book about professional wrestling that is going to be heard/read by professional wrestling fans so explaining what words like “work” and “rib” mean is annoying and unnecessary. Besides the little stuff this book was so damn awesome and I listened to it in just over 2 days. It only took that long because I didn’t have anything else to listen to and wanted to stretch it out till the weekend when I’m not working. I only made it till Thursday afternoon. Highly recommended book!!

Good book, hampered a bit by narration

This is a funny and informative insider account of being a writer for the insane world of pro wrestling. Book itself is good. But this audiobook would be better with a narrator who actually knew enough about the content to pronounce people and character names correctly and appropriately deliver tag lines and quotes.

Great book

Brian tells a very vivid story He is such a clever writer! If you were or are a fan of wwe this is a must read!