Former WWE Star Marc ‘Muhammad Hassan’ Copani to Publish Memoir in 2026

HEAT: The Rise and Fall of Muhammad Hassan promises an unflinching look at the professional wrestling industry, self-identity and redemption.

Marc Copani, the former professional wrestler best known for the highly controversial WWE persona Muhammad Hassan, is set to publish his highly anticipated memoir, HEAT: The Rise and Fall of Muhammad Hassan, in 2026. 

Co-authored with bestselling author Ben Veal, known for his acclaimed work on Marc Mero’s Badd to Good, the book promises an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at one of professional wrestling’s most compelling and divisive figures in history.

Marc Copani’s journey in professional wrestling began in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), WWE’s developmental territory, where he honed his craft and became a standout performer. In OVW, Copani showcased his versatility and intensity as Mark Magnus and developed the skills that would later define his short but highly eventful WWE career. His time in OVW laid the foundation for his rise to the main roster.

Copani debuted the Muhammad Hassan character in WWE in 2004 in a high-profile segment on WWE Raw opposite Mick Foley. The character immediately drew attention for its complexity and social commentary in a post-9/11 America. Hassan’s storylines explored themes of cultural identity, discrimination and public perception, making him one of the most talked-about characters of the mid-2000s and one of the company’s most hated heels of all time. 

The controversy and attention that the persona garnered led to Hassan being involved in some of 2005’s most memorable moments of WWE programming, including feuds and clashes with WWE hall of famers Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels and John Cena. The character was written out of WWE storylines by The Undertaker at 2005’s Great American Bash pay-per-view in the wake of the London bombings. 

Two decades later, Muhammad Hassan remains one of the most discussed characters in wrestling history, and was recently the subject of a special VICE TV Dark Side of the Ring episode, ‘Becoming Muhammad Hassan’.

Marc Copani comments:

“I received an outpouring of support and messages from people who connected to my story after my Dark Side of the Ring episode aired. It made me realize that my story of success, failure, struggle and redemption could have a positive impact on others if it were fully told and not confined to an hour-long TV special. Now is the time to share my story in full.” “For the first time ever, I plan to tell it as it happened without sparing any details, no matter how raw and emotional it was for me as a person at the time. My story will show others like me that people can change, and find success again, no matter how much they’ve had to struggle with their own personal demons. I chose to work with Ben Veal because his work with Marc Mero on Badd to Good captured the genuine emotion Marc felt and did so with dignity and humanity. I am so proud to move forward with Ben in this important endeavor.”

The controversial characters of Muhammad Hassan and Daivari sparked a national conversation in 2005 and remain a reference point for discussions about representation, storytelling and the responsibilities of performers and promoters within pro wrestling.

Ben Veal adds:

“Working with Marc Copani on HEAT is already proving to be a rare opportunity to explore the complexity of a story that’s been misunderstood by many for years. HEAT will be about much more than pro wrestling: it will be a story of identity, resilience and the human experience. It’s our hope that Marc’s courage in confronting his past and sharing it honestly and openly will resonate with readers far beyond the wrestling world.”

Copani’s career trajectory reflects the highs and lows of professional wrestling. From a rising star in OVW to a main roster performer whose character challenged societal norms, his journey embodied the pressures and rewards of life in sports entertainment. Beyond the ring, Copani’s story addresses the challenges of public scrutiny, the importance of personal growth, and the journey towards finding true purpose in life, making HEAT a deeply human and inspiring memoir.

HEAT: The Rise and Fall of Muhammad Hassan is scheduled for release in 2026 by Wrestling Life Online Press.