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Irresistible Force
“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
Features rare photos and a detailed career timeline, exploring Gorilla’s 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.
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.
From Gino’s 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, Brian Soloman, the author of Blood and Fire: The Unbelievable Real-Life Story of Wrestling’s Original Sheik, has once again crafted the definitive biography of one of the most fascinating characters in pro wrestling history. Gino’s name and his voice are etched deep in the memory of wrestling fans the world over. This is his incredible story.
Ginos 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
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 Id long forgotten about Ill put it right next to my favorite pro wrestling books ever Bret Hart
Longtime pro wrestling fans know the name Gorilla Monsoon as a major inring star But until the publication of this book only industry insiders knew the extent of Bob Gino Marellas power and influence behind the scenes and how without him todays WWE would be very different if it existed at all Brian Solomons extensive research and exhaustive interviews help paint this incredible portrait of one of wrestlings most importantand often overlookedfigures Jim Cornette
What a great bookI enjoyed every page I learned so much about Gorilla He was known by many different names but he will always be Mr Marella to methe man responsible for me having a career in WWFWWE He was a man respected and loved by all who met him Tony Chimel
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 Ive read a ton of wrestlingrelated books but I can safely say this will be the best ever Brian brought me back to places that I thought Id never see again Davey OHannon
Solomon did a great job of telling the story of Monsoon alongside the history of pro wrestling Voices of Wrestling
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Details
Dimensions:
504 Pages
9in * 6in * 1.31in
1.80lb
Published:
September 30, 2025
Publisher:
ISBN:
9781770417687
Book Subjects:
Featured In:
Language:
eng
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