Biggest Fan: Jane Picard "Do I have to explain why Gorilla Monsoon is high on my list? He is on there because of his longevity in the sport in one capacity or another. A lovable man who when you hear his name you think wrestling and just smile."
Gorilla Monsoon devoted a huge portion of his life to professional wrestling. Beginning his career immediately after graduating from Ithaca College in 1959, the 6'5", 401-pound monster from Manchuria (Marella actually grew up in upstate New York) terrified wrestling audiences wherever he went. In 1963, Vincent J. McMahon was creating the World Wide Wrestling Federation and Monsoon joined up with him in this endeavor, becoming a 1/6 shareholder and taking on booking responsibilities in several territories.
Gorilla Monsoon remained a major heel in the federation, battling Bruno Sammartino numerous times, often to time limit draws, and teaming up with Killer Kowalski. Monsoon's agility and stamina were impressive for a man of his size, as well. He battered opponents with hard chops, the vicious Manchurian Splash and his signature Airplane Spin, which he once famously used on Muhammad Ali in 1976.
By the time the 1970s arrived, Monsoon was tremendously popular and feuding with the new decade's most famous villains, such as "Superstar" Billy Graham and André the Giant. Then the 1980s arrived and Monsoon's role in the WWF was beginning to change. He lost a match to the newcomer, Hulk Hogan, in a match that lasted less than a minute. Fans were so irate that near-riot conditions ensued; police had to intervene to subdue the mob and rescue the Hulkster. Shortly thereafter, Gorilla lost a career-ending match to Ken Patera.
In 1982, Vincent K. McMahon purchased Gorilla Monsoon's shares in the company and guaranteed him lifetime employment. As the WWF was growing and developing more of an on-air television presence, McMahon needed a commentary team. Gorilla and Jesse "The Body" Ventura were assigned this responsibility. This dynamic announcing team revolutionized the way wrestling events were broadcast. The banter between the two men, and later Gorilla and Bobby Heenan as well, made each WWF broadcast a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Gorilla would eventually add on-screen WWF President to his list of roles, although he relinquished many of his commentary duties with the arrival of Jim Ross in 1993. Gorilla was the WWF President until 1997, when his health began to deteriorate. Sadly, the voice of the WWF passed away in October of 1999.
When you make a list of Superstars of Wrestling, it's important to note that through his booking and his announcing, Gorilla was responsible for creating, cultivating and building the legend of dozens of these superstars. He was called "one of the greatest men I have ever known" by Vince McMahon, and was inducted into the WWF Hall of Fame on June 9, 1994. His presence in the world of sports entertainment is sorely missed and it's a virtual certainty that the industry will never have another Gorilla Monsoon. A one-of-a-kind superstar... and a beauty!
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