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Dojo Ryan: A Pro Wrestling, Coming-Of-Age Novel
Who Would Become A Pro Wrestler?
Socially anxious Tom and socially adept Vincent have only two things in common - they both want off their predestined paths in life, and they both love professional wrestling.
At Dojo Ryan they unearth the secrets of the pro wrestling artform. They navigate ruthless trainers, sinister veterans, and all the eccentrics of the wrestling underworld. But when they’re forced to commit, to truly chase the dream, will they return to the safety of normal life, or leave reality behind for good?
Dojo Ryan explores mental health, male friendship, and how the characters we play can be so far from the people we are.
Socially anxious Tom and socially adept Vincent have only two things in common - they both want off their predestined paths in life, and they both love professional wrestling.
At Dojo Ryan they unearth the secrets of the pro wrestling artform. They navigate ruthless trainers, sinister veterans, and all the eccentrics of the wrestling underworld. But when they’re forced to commit, to truly chase the dream, will they return to the safety of normal life, or leave reality behind for good?
Dojo Ryan explores mental health, male friendship, and how the characters we play can be so far from the people we are.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2026
About the author
Matthew Dillon
1 book7 followersMatthew Dillon is the debut author of Dojo Ryan, a pro wrestling, coming-of-age novel.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 23, 2026
I must admit, I was nervous going into this: a debut author, a topic I have absolutely no knowledge of (even as a kid, I inexplicably missed the wrestling craze), all while tackling mental health?
I was immediately relieved - the prologue was gripping and had me hooked, and the author very quickly develops and thrives in his own style. This was something I really appreciated through the whole novel, that while the two main characters have clearly distinct voices, Dillon manages to craft a story that flows perfectly between the two POVs. At no point was I desperate to leave the head of Tom or Vincent to get back to the other's story - often a problem in multi-POV novels - both characters felt fully fleshed out, their different flaws and backgrounds slowly being revealed and playing off each other in what I can only describe as being highly authentic and captivating. Not knowing how a character's arc will end (tragedy, redemption, or somewhere in between?) really helps drive this story onwards, as we crave a resolution that might not be possible.
The most surprising thing about this novel, for me, was how well handled the balance between the action and tension, built around the various bouts of wrestling and clashing personalities in the story, and the slower, more introspective moments. Oftentimes, you'll hear that an author is really good at writing action sequences, but when it comes to emotions everything just feels a little surface-level... not the case here. At the same time, I was thrilled that none of the deeper side of this story came across as preachy, or too on the nose, and even as the story progresses and the characters grow there is no easy fix for these deeply ingrained issues - the problems are always there, not every decision is morally right, and not everything will end with sunshine and rainbows, but maybe our protagonists have more tools to help them cope, or friends to stand with them.
I was also impressed by the prose. Again it felt authentic and within each character's voice, and Dillon doesn't fall into the trap of many budding authors: purple prose. Nothing switches me off faster than an author who thinks they need to throw in a thousand fancy words to sound smart. Don't mistake me, this novel doesn't shy away from 'difficult' words. Instead, the author keeps a near-perfect mix of genuine internal character voices, technical terminology (enough to show he clearly knows what he is talking about without the book becoming an encyclopedia of wrestling jargon), and every so often hitting you with a great bit of imagery.
I started this novel hoping to enjoy it as a fun little book about a topic I'd never cared for. I was not expecting to be gushing about it, but here we are. A fab coming of age story that I would highly recommend
I was immediately relieved - the prologue was gripping and had me hooked, and the author very quickly develops and thrives in his own style. This was something I really appreciated through the whole novel, that while the two main characters have clearly distinct voices, Dillon manages to craft a story that flows perfectly between the two POVs. At no point was I desperate to leave the head of Tom or Vincent to get back to the other's story - often a problem in multi-POV novels - both characters felt fully fleshed out, their different flaws and backgrounds slowly being revealed and playing off each other in what I can only describe as being highly authentic and captivating. Not knowing how a character's arc will end (tragedy, redemption, or somewhere in between?) really helps drive this story onwards, as we crave a resolution that might not be possible.
The most surprising thing about this novel, for me, was how well handled the balance between the action and tension, built around the various bouts of wrestling and clashing personalities in the story, and the slower, more introspective moments. Oftentimes, you'll hear that an author is really good at writing action sequences, but when it comes to emotions everything just feels a little surface-level... not the case here. At the same time, I was thrilled that none of the deeper side of this story came across as preachy, or too on the nose, and even as the story progresses and the characters grow there is no easy fix for these deeply ingrained issues - the problems are always there, not every decision is morally right, and not everything will end with sunshine and rainbows, but maybe our protagonists have more tools to help them cope, or friends to stand with them.
I was also impressed by the prose. Again it felt authentic and within each character's voice, and Dillon doesn't fall into the trap of many budding authors: purple prose. Nothing switches me off faster than an author who thinks they need to throw in a thousand fancy words to sound smart. Don't mistake me, this novel doesn't shy away from 'difficult' words. Instead, the author keeps a near-perfect mix of genuine internal character voices, technical terminology (enough to show he clearly knows what he is talking about without the book becoming an encyclopedia of wrestling jargon), and every so often hitting you with a great bit of imagery.
I started this novel hoping to enjoy it as a fun little book about a topic I'd never cared for. I was not expecting to be gushing about it, but here we are. A fab coming of age story that I would highly recommend
August 21, 2026
I was blessed with an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review so here are my honest thoughts
As a wrestling fan there really isn’t a whole lot of options when it comes to wrestling themed literature so I’m excited to share how enjoyable a read of Dojo Ryan was. A love letter to the wacky world of pro wrestling with relatable characters in a story all too familiar to us deep in the wrestling bubble yet I was completely hooked, I recommend this to anyone curious but especially any wrestling fans, a wonderful debut!
As a wrestling fan there really isn’t a whole lot of options when it comes to wrestling themed literature so I’m excited to share how enjoyable a read of Dojo Ryan was. A love letter to the wacky world of pro wrestling with relatable characters in a story all too familiar to us deep in the wrestling bubble yet I was completely hooked, I recommend this to anyone curious but especially any wrestling fans, a wonderful debut!
September 21, 2026
This novel is incredibly difficult to put down. The pacing is spot on, keeping the story moving while still giving the characters the space to develop in a meaningful and believable way.
What stood out most to me was the quality of the storytelling and the authenticity of the characters. Tom and Vincent feel like real people, with complex motivations and flaws that make them compelling from the very first page. Their relationship and individual journeys are handled with nuance and emotional depth.
I was also struck by how accurately the book portrays anxiety. It's rare to see it depicted in a way that feels so genuine, avoiding clichés and instead capturing the subtle ways it can shape thoughts, decisions and relationships.
For a debut novel, this is hugely impressive. It is confident, engaging and emotionally resonant. I really hope this isn't the last we see of these characters.
What stood out most to me was the quality of the storytelling and the authenticity of the characters. Tom and Vincent feel like real people, with complex motivations and flaws that make them compelling from the very first page. Their relationship and individual journeys are handled with nuance and emotional depth.
I was also struck by how accurately the book portrays anxiety. It's rare to see it depicted in a way that feels so genuine, avoiding clichés and instead capturing the subtle ways it can shape thoughts, decisions and relationships.
For a debut novel, this is hugely impressive. It is confident, engaging and emotionally resonant. I really hope this isn't the last we see of these characters.
September 22, 2026
I absolutely loved this debut novel. The book touched me as someone who resonated in ways with both of thr maim characters in their own personal struggles and as a massive fan of professional wrestling this book in less than 300 pages absolutely touched me.
The prose is done in an excellent way following a great timeline. The action sequences are fluid and as someone who has watched thousands of hours of wrestling truly resonates well. The terminology in the novel does a great job of being technical to those with knowledge of the wrestling world without ever going into enough depth to alienate those who don’t know
The prose is done in an excellent way following a great timeline. The action sequences are fluid and as someone who has watched thousands of hours of wrestling truly resonates well. The terminology in the novel does a great job of being technical to those with knowledge of the wrestling world without ever going into enough depth to alienate those who don’t know
September 30, 2026
I'm terrible at writing good reviews. I'm like a heel reviewer, I can justify 2-star ratings with multi-paragraph essays, but when I love something I have no idea how to express it. But I did love this and I really, really want more. One thing, though. I knew I was going read it because I'll read any wrestling-related fiction, but I was a bit apprehensive due to the description saying it was about mental health issues as well since i get a bit scared off by anytjing too dark and depressing. Partway into it, I was like, what mental health issues? It took me a minute to realize that I guess Tom's crippling anxiety isn't everyone's reality, or so I've heard. Vince's rich family daddy issues and trying to fit in with a
normie friend group isn't something I'm too well acquainted with,
with, but the inside of Tom's head is familiar territory. Still, I want more of both of their stories. I'm just too invested in this storyline now; it can't end here.
normie friend group isn't something I'm too well acquainted with,
with, but the inside of Tom's head is familiar territory. Still, I want more of both of their stories. I'm just too invested in this storyline now; it can't end here.
September 12, 2026
Dojo Ryan took me into the underworld of 21st century British pro wrestling, and I loved it!
So readable! So propulsive! While taking the time to explore the gnarliness of this unusual sport that means everything to Tom and Vincent.
Matthew Dillon finds a beautiful balance between introspection and action. We get to know the main characters through their inner lives and then see them in a new light when they step into the ring.
The wrestling scenes might be my favourite part of the book - exhilarating reading and they bring everything together: performance and character, pain and passion, anxiety and freedom.
You can tell there's a lot there for the wrestling fans in the know and also so much for someone like me who knows nothing about it.
So readable! So propulsive! While taking the time to explore the gnarliness of this unusual sport that means everything to Tom and Vincent.
Matthew Dillon finds a beautiful balance between introspection and action. We get to know the main characters through their inner lives and then see them in a new light when they step into the ring.
The wrestling scenes might be my favourite part of the book - exhilarating reading and they bring everything together: performance and character, pain and passion, anxiety and freedom.
You can tell there's a lot there for the wrestling fans in the know and also so much for someone like me who knows nothing about it.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews