Ashley vs WWE: The Story of Wrestler Ashley Massaro

by Forest Sounds

Professional wrestler Ashley Massaro died by suicide in 2019. Ashley vs WWE follows events leading up to her death and examines allegations of abuse while she was wrestling for WWE. As journalist Isobel Thompson delves into Ashley's story, she investigates whether her allegations are just the tip of the iceberg. This story takes Isobel from the UK, to Ashley’s home of Long Island, and into the world of WWE wrestling in the early 2000s - where the power, influence and misogyny of the real world played out through the characters in the ring

Genres: Audiobook, Nonfiction, Biography, Sports

3 pages, Audiobook

Published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[Ryk Stanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to listen to because of the content, but with all the recent allegations about VKM, this is especially poignant.

[Logan Frazier · Rating 3 out of 5]

This probably worked really well as a podcast, but didn't fit well for this format. it needed some good editing first. There was much information that was repeated from where one episode ended and another began. However the subject matter is compelling and tragic

[Robert Hobbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Audible Original covering the life, struggles, and tragic end of Ashley Massaro is a fair piece of journalism that takes a clear-eyed look into not only Ashley’s personal story but also the wider culture of WWE during the Attitude and Ruthless Aggression eras. The reporting leans into longstanding allegations about the company—its treatment of talent, its high-pressure environment, and the blurred line between persona and person.

The narrator isn’t a wrestling fan, which is interesting. At times, it adds a kind of neutral outsider perspective. Other times, it makes you wonder if something subtle is being missed—so it’s hard to say if that’s a strength or a blind spot.

Storytelling-wise, it's solid. The pacing is smooth, and the story is well-structured. However, the background noise occasionally feels more distracting than immersive—toning it down, or opting for light scoring over ambient sound would have helped the overall experience.

Despite the few drawbacks, I’d listen to more from this journalist. There’s enough balance, depth, and respect for the subject that it feels worth the time. Not flawless, but certainly compelling.

[Stefany · Rating 3 out of 5]

A hard listen after being a WWE fan for so long. You know it’s not all roses and rainbows, you know about all the stories backstage, but hearing this made me realize how little we really know about their realities. Makes me rethink all the judgement I had as a WWE fan on her wrestling skills, not knowing what she was going through!

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This podcast does give some justice to what Ashley Massaro was forced to endure and hide from the public eye. While working for the WWE, if only more were willing to speak out in order to give justice to the memory of her life.

[A Rae Crownover · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay true crime story; less okay story of the person. It wanted to be an expose on WWE, but couldn't quite get there. And not bad, just not great.

[Robbie Masso · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lots of bias, and painful to listen to the narrator not understand basics of professional wrestling

[Leah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I made it about halfway before I decided to cut my losses and move on to a good book.

[Alida McDermott]

Powerful!