Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon
$17.99-
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.
Available September 30, 2025. PRE-ORDER NOW!
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Brian R. Solomon is an educator and author of several books on popular culture. He hosts the Shut Up and Wrestle podcast and contributes to Pro Wrestling Illustrated and Inside the Ropes. He is the proud father of three and lives in Trumbull, Connecticut, with his wife, son, and Boston terrier.
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Published: September 2025
ISBN: 9781770417687
Dimensions: 6 x 9 in.
Pages: 504
Reviews
“Gino’s personal life is meticulously detailed via careful research and stories from his closest friends and family while wrestling insiders provide an exhaustive account of Monsoon as a wrestler, industry executive and television announcer. This is the definitive Gorilla Monsoon book, a fitting tribute to one of the most respected figures pro wrestling has ever known.” — Gary Michael Cappetta
“Longtime pro wrestling fans know the name Gorilla Monsoon as a major in-ring star. But, until the publication of this book, only industry insiders knew the extent of Bob ‘Gino’ Marella’s power and influence behind the scenes and how, without him, today’s WWE would be very different, if it existed at all. Brian Solomon’s extensive research and exhaustive interviews help paint this incredible portrait of one of wrestling’s most important—and often overlooked—figures.” — Jim Cornette
“This book has been quite an emotional experience. I was a loyal wrestling fan as a young teenager: to say Brian Solomon brought me back to those magical times would be an understatement. This book brings a smile, a tear and a million other feelings. I’ve read a ton of wrestling-related books, but I can safely say this will be the best ever! [Brian] brought me back to places that I thought I’d never ‘see’ again.” — Davey O’Hannon
“What a monumental achievement this book is. I was fascinated from the first page. Brian Solomon filled in so many blanks for me and also reintroduced many wrestlers I’d long forgotten about. I’ll put it right next to my favorite pro wrestling books ever!” — Bret Hart
“What a great book—I enjoyed every page. I learned so much about Gorilla. He was known by many different names, but he will always be Mr. Marella to me—the man responsible for me having a career in WWF/WWE. He was a man respected and loved by all who met him.” — Tony Chimel