Gorilla Monsoon — in addition to having one of the greatest names in pro wrestling history — was an instrumental figure in the development of the billion-dollar promotion now known as WWE.

Modern fans may be quick to forget Monsoon’s contributions —main event wrestler, co-owner, and beloved TV announcer — or not even know them at all.

Author Brian R. Solomon wants to preserve Monsoon’s legacy. His new book, Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon, does just that.

Off the Bottom Rope spoke with Solomon. You can listen to the podcast below:

“He was an integral part of the foundation of what is now the world’s biggest professional wrestling company,” Solomon said.

“He was an integral part of the foundation of what is now the world’s biggest professional wrestling company.” — Biographer Brian R. Solomon

Super fans like myself know the outline of Gorilla Monsoon’s life. Born Robert Marella in Rochester, New York, he was an amateur wrestling star before turning pro.

Initially billed as a non–English-speaking Manchurian, Monsoon was the lead bad guy in the 1960s WWWF, forerunner to WWE.

“He was scary to a lot of kids,” Solomon said.

He owned part of the promotion, got into a tussle with Muhammad Ali, and sold his shares to Vince McMahon in the 1980s. In return, Monsoon had a lifetime job, transitioning to a TV commentator. His pairing with Bobby “The Brain” Heenan is one of the most beloved in history.

Dispelling the Myths

Solomon dives into the facts with granular detail about Monsoon’s upbringing and all stages of his wrestling career.

He also dispels WWE-embellished myths — such as the transition of ownership between Monsoon and the elder Vincent McMahon to his son was smooth.

By 1982, Monsoon owned 20% of the company. WWE lore holds that the younger Vince McMahon amicably bought the shares of his father, who owned 50%, along with those of the other partners.

Solomon details that wasn’t the case. What would have happened if Monsoon had held out

“It would have turned ugly. I think he probably would have just got squeezed out and then he would just would have been out in the cold,” Solomon said.

“He was very angry, he was really (ticked) off, and disconsolate for a while, and very disillusioned and unpleasant to be around. And they basically figured out how to make him happy,” Solomon said.

Monsoon sold, and received a cushy job as announcer.

Preserving Monsoon’s Legacy

The wrestling term “gorilla position” — the area just beyond the curtain where producers cue talent and coordinate matches — is named after Monsoon.

He performed that role starting in the 1970s.

Despite WWE’s vast video library and penchant for documentaries, nothing has been produced about Monsoon.

“Even though he’s associated with WWE, which is a major advantage in keeping your legacy alive, they haven’t done enough. I wanted to try to fix that with this book,” Solomon said.

He interviewed dozens of wrestlers and Monsoon’s family.

Solomon also wrote about the Monsoon-Heenan announcing team. On air, they would get on each other’s nerves because of their divergent views of pro wrestling. They had great comedic timing.

Off camera, they were close friends — both family men who shared similar values.

“They related to each other in that way. They both had families, they were both married with children, they were loyal to their wives, very rare in the business, and they were simpatico. They were pals,” Solomon said.

Solomon wrote for a reference book company, before landing a dream job working as a magazine writer for the WWE.

He has written other wrestling books, as well as works about Godzilla and superheroes. He currently hosts the Shut Up and Wrestle weekly podcast.

Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon can be found at most online retailers.

Wrestling Fundraiser at Central East

Pro wrestlers will fundraise for high school wrestlers next week.

Fighting Spirit Professional Wrestling hosts Bengal Bash, a benefit card for the Central East High School wrestling team.

The main event sees Chris Nastyy vs. Jack Cartwheel for the Fighting Spirit Pro championship.

Bell time is 7 p.m. at the Central East gym (3535 N. Cornelia Avenue, Fresno). Tickets can be purchased here.