{"product_id":"irresistible-force-the-life-and-times-of-gorilla-monsoon-9781770417687","title":"Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon","description":"\u003cb\u003eThis first-ever biography of wrestling legend Gorilla Monsoon features rare photos and a detailed career timeline, exploring his groundbreaking contributions to the sport. \u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eA 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. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eFrom 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. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eIt'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 \u003ci\u003eWrestleMania\u003c\/i\u003e and Hulkamania, forming fondly remembered commentary teams with Bobby \"The Brain\" Heenan and Jesse \"The Body\" Ventura. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eHis name and his voice are etched deep in the memory of wrestling fans the world over. This is his incredible story.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBrian R. Solomon\u003c\/b\u003e is an educator and author of several books on popular culture. He hosts the \u003ci\u003eShut Up and Wrestle\u003c\/i\u003e podcast and contributes to \u003ci\u003ePro Wrestling Illustrated\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eInside the Ropes\u003c\/i\u003e. He is the proud father of three and lives in Trumbull, Connecticut, with his wife, son, and Boston terrier.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"ECW Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51623976927506,"sku":"9781770417687","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_95114fcf-b43c-426a-95f5-4d86a564825d.jpg?v=1758650759","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/irresistible-force-the-life-and-times-of-gorilla-monsoon-9781770417687","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}