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

The Gorilla Position

Tremendous listen and read on the life of one of the forefathers of the WWE then WWF. Even as a lifetime fan, you will find new stories and even things you didnt know about Gorilla Monsoon especially his relationship or lack of with Vince McMahon. God speed Gorilla.

what an Amazing, Incredible Man

Growing up in the Midwest in y he 60's and 70's, I didn't know of Geno/Gorilla Monson until the 80's when WWF was taking over the Wrestling Wotld. And I didn't know of his Wrestling legacy until now. I am so pleased that this book was written of someone I had admired as an announcer but now I know that he was the true Heart of the WWF/WWE. Thank you.

Amazing Biography

This is, by far, the greatest biography ever written and it’s about the world’s all-time nicest person.

I never met Gorilla Monsoon (and that now makes me even more sad after listening to this book), but his voice was the soundtrack of my wrestling-watching childhood. Solomon did a great job researching the man’s life and interviewing those who knew him best. I am a better person for having picking and listening to this book. Thank you.

Batten down the hatches, It's pandemonium!

"Unloading with the heavy artillery" (yes, another of Gorilla Monsoon's plethora of catch phrases) is author Brian R. Solomon, as he unveils and life and times of not only a good guy on television, but a wonderful and generous man behind the scenes. During my youth, Prime Time Wrestling was must see television on Monday nights. The straight Monsoon with the quick-witted Bobby "The Brain" Heenan made a show featuring pre-recorded wrestling matches simply a blast.

With a forward by the legendary Bret "The Hitman" Hart, who Monsoon dubbed the excellence of execution, "Irresistible Force" traces Monsoon's career inside and outside of the squared circle, and with meticulous research, addresses some of the misconceptions people might have about the hall of famer. His legacy endures, with the industry he loved still referring to the staging area just behind the entrance curtain as the Gorilla position.

Solomon explains how the amateur wrestler becomes a pro grappler, and adopted the moniker Gorilla Monsoon. The author takes you behind the curtain as Monsoon transitioned from a headliner with champion Bruno Sammartino, becoming a part owner of the WWWF, which became the WWF during the birth of Hulkamania and Wrestlemania. "Irresistible Force" documents the rise of Vince McMahon, eventually buying the company from his father and expanding the promotion.

Most of Gorilla's in ring career was before my interest in wrestling grew, and thus, this complete biography of his wrestling journey that took him internationally is engaging. Additionally, I enjoyed the many road stories that involved Monsoon and his colleagues. After "Irresistible Force," you will have more of an appreciate for this wrestling icon. This book is a "main event anywhere in the country."

An irresistible read

I truly enjoyed learning about his early life especially the amateur wrestling success in college and the humbling defeats during the overseas team matches. The only thing that I felt could have been left out was the McMahon scandal (not the steroid one).