Irresistible Force

The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon

De: Brian R. Solomon

Narrado por: Brian R. Solomon

This first-ever biography of wrestling legend Gorilla Monsoon features a detailed career timeline exploring his groundbreaking contributions to the sport.

A crucial figure in the development of what would eventually become the juggernaut known as WWE, Robert "Gino" Marella, better known as Gorilla Monsoon, has never had his whole story told—until now.

From his wrestling days as the rampaging monster who sold out Madison Square Garden and challenged world champion Bruno Sammartino dozens of times, to his pivotal role behind the scenes as part owner and would-be successor to Vince McMahon Sr., to his days as the beloved television commentator who narrated the memories of millions of young fans, Gorilla Monsoon is one of the most fascinating figures in pro wrestling history.

It's a story that starts with the aspirations of the son of Italian immigrants who becomes a national standout in collegiate wrestling and an Olympic hopeful, then takes an unlikely trajectory through the bizarre world of pro wrestling, eventually landing him in what was then known as the WWWF. He wound up owning one-quarter of the company before his 33rd birthday, and after a Hall of Fame career that saw him wrestle Muhammad Ali and box André the Giant, among many other things, he settled into a very high-profile position during the golden age of WrestleMania and Hulkamania, forming fondly remembered commentary teams with Bobby "The Brain" Heenan and Jesse "The Body" Ventura.

His name and his voice are etched deep in the memory of wrestling fans the world over. This is his incredible story.

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

©2025 Brian R. Solomon (P)2025 Podium Audio

Fantastic in every way !!

An amazing account of a wrestling legend who did everything behind the scenes announcing so influential in every way.His career is absolutely amazing and this book documents it perfectly

Amazing Book

The research and pace is fantastic. Learned many new things about Gino and the history of the (W)WWF.

The Greatest Wrestling Biography Ever Written

Every once in a while, a biography comes along that does more than just recount the dates and achievements of a famous figure; it forces you to look inward. I recently finished Brian R. Solomon’s latest masterpiece, Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon, and the timing couldn’t have been more poignant. Finishing the final pages just before attending a family funeral, I found myself struck by the heavy, beautiful theme of legacy—specifically, how we choose to be remembered.

Solomon has long been a heavyweight in wrestling literature, but this is, without a doubt, his best work yet. It is an extraordinary achievement that manages to entertain while simultaneously cultivating profound introspection.

Reading—and listening to—this book was a deep dive into my own nostalgia. I have such fond memories of walking into my neighborhood Blockbuster Video and heading straight for the wrestling section to rent old WWF Coliseum VHS tapes. Whether he was doing the play-by-play or hosting, Gorilla’s signature sound was the heartbeat of those tapes.

I’ll never forget the pure excitement of getting the WWF WrestleMania I-XIII VHS boxset as a kid. I watched those tapes until they were practically worn out. To me, hearing Gorilla call those classic events was just as important as watching the matches themselves. In fact, his voice was so foundational to my sense of comfort that whenever I’d struggle to fall asleep at night, I’d leave the TV on with one of those tapes playing. The “white noise” of a roaring crowd punctuated by Gorilla’s legendary commentary would, without fail, send me off to sleep.

For this review, I listened to the audiobook version on Audible, and I cannot recommend it enough. Brian R. Solomon narrates his own work, and he does a fantastic job. His even pacing and delivery kept my attention throughout, but what really elevated the experience were his impersonations of classic wrestling giants like Howard Finkel and Andre the Giant.

The vocal variety woven into the narrative evoked a wide range of emotions and made clear to me the author’s passion and respect for the subject. It wasn’t just a dry reading of facts; it felt like a living history.

Many biographies, especially in professional wrestling, suffer from a “hollow” middle or an unbearably slow start. Usually, the chapters covering the subject’s life before they hit the big time are a chore to get through. That is not the case here. Solomon keeps the reader fully engaged from the very first page, making the “pre-fame” era of Robert Marella just as fascinating as his time as an MSG icon.

The writing quality is top-tier. Solomon tells the narrative beautifully and avoids the common pitfall of relying on endless block quotes to fill space. Instead, the interviews he conducted serve as the perfect accompaniment to the story he laid out in real time, adding texture and voice without ever slowing the momentum.

Through Solomon’s lens, we see Gorilla Monsoon as much more than a powerhouse or a legendary commentator. We see a great man defined by his generosity, his unwavering commitment to his family, and a level of loyalty that is all too rare today.

Reading about Gorilla’s life made me reflect on my own journey. He was a man who seemed to have his priorities in order, yet the book reminds us that we are all, in some ways, a work in progress. It’s rare for a wrestling book to make you want to aspire to be a better person, but Irresistible Force does exactly that.

This is the best wrestling book I have ever read. From the technical quality of the prose to the depth of the content, it sets a new standard for the genre. Brian R. Solomon should be incredibly proud of what he has accomplished here. He hasn’t just written a book about a wrestler; he has written a book about character.

Do yourself a favor and pick this one up. It is an essential read for anyone who cares about the history of the business or the true measure of a man.

Great story

Anyone who’s a fan of old school wrestling will love this. The narrator is really good, I learned a lot more wrestling history from this book.

history of wrestling

one of best book about old time wrestling must read love this book wish there more