Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon

“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.

© 2025 ECW Press (Ebook): 9781778524721

Release date

Ebook: 30 September 2025