Gorilla Monsoon, born Robert Marella on April 6, 1937, in New York City, NY, was a professional wrestler who rose to fame in the super heavyweight main event scene. He was also well known for being one of the most recognizable voices of the WWF, with his booming voice and charismatic personality.
Monsoon's journey to wrestling stardom began when he was second in the 1959 NCAA wrestling championships while attending Ithaca College. It was during this time that he caught the eye of promoter Pedro Martinez, who saw great potential in the young wrestler. Monsoon's career in professional wrestling took off from there, and he quickly made a name for himself in the ring.
One of the most iconic moments in Monsoon's career was when he sparred with boxing legend Muhammad Ali in a spur-of-the-moment fight. This moment solidified Monsoon's status as a wrestling legend and further endeared him to fans around the world. Throughout his career, he was known for his signature finishing move, the airplane spin, which he used to devastating effect against his opponents.
Outside of the ring, Monsoon was a devoted husband to his wife, Maureen Marella, until his death. Together, they had three children: Joey, Sharon, and Valerie. Monsoon's legacy lives on through his family and his contributions to the world of professional wrestling. He was not only a talented wrestler but also a mentor to many young talents in the industry.
In addition to his family life, Monsoon was also good friends with WWF/WWE founder Vince McMahon. Their friendship extended beyond the ring, and McMahon credits Monsoon with being a major influence on his own success in the wrestling world.
Overall, Gorilla Monsoon will always be remembered as a larger-than-life figure in the world of professional wrestling. His impact on the industry is still felt to this day, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of wrestlers to reach for the heights of success that he achieved in his career.
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