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.
The first biography of legendary pro wrestling icon Gorilla Monsoon, a central figure during WWE's Golden Era of Bruce Sammartino and the Rock 'n' Wrestling Era of Hulk Hogan.
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.
Sales and Market Bullets
• FEATURING RARE AND UNSEEN PHOTOGRAPHS AND A DETAILED CAREER TIMELINE: A WWE icon since the 1960s, transitioning from a heel to one of wrestling's most beloved figures, Monsoon became a key commentator and trusted McMahon confidant after his in-ring retirement. His legacy is honored by "the Gorilla position," a backstage area named after him. Monsoon's influence spanned both the Golden Era of Bruno Sammartino and the Rock 'n' Wrestling Era of Hulk Hogan.
• NEVER-BEFORE-HEARD STORIES FROM MONSOON'S FAMILY: Brian R. Solomon developed a meaningful relationship with Monsoon's widow, Maureen, and daughter, Valerie, and has never-before-heard stories of Monsoon that he will share with his audience.
• LARGE, PASSIONATE FANBASE: Wrestling fans consistently show their passion for the sport through impressive book sales that show no decline. ECW's wrestling books consistently reach the top of Amazon's wrestling category.
• HUGE APPETITE: When the book was announced in 2023, wrestling outlets, including Slam Wrestling and WrestlingInc.com, issued articles outlining the big demand for a book about Gorilla Monsoon.
• UNTOLD WRESTLING STORIES: Solomon reveals never-before-reported stories of Monsoon's life, including the time Monsoon was recognized by Sylvester Stallone in a Philadelphia airport. Over the course of their shared flight to California, Stallone offered Monsoon the chance to audition for a role in Rocky III - a part which would eventually be given to Hulk Hogan.
