What Is Gorilla Monsoon's Real Name? The Story Behind the Name He/Him
Gorilla Monsoon → Robert James "Gino" Marella
Gorilla Monsoon's real name is Robert James "Gino" Marella.
- Known as
- Gorilla Monsoon
- Real name
- Robert James "Gino" Marella
- Category
- Wrestlers
Gorilla Monsoon's real name was Robert James "Gino" Marella (1937–1999). He was a super-heavyweight wrestler and later became the voice of the WWF as its play-by-play commentator.
How they got the name
"Gorilla Monsoon" was his ring name, built for his act as a villainous super-heavyweight. The sources we checked don't record who came up with it. Long before that, his high school teammates jokingly called the 300-pound Marella "Tiny." (Wikipedia: Gorilla Monsoon)
Amazing facts
- The staging area just behind the entrance curtain at wrestling shows is called the "Gorilla Position" in his honor. (Wikipedia: Gorilla Monsoon)
- He placed second at the 1959 NCAA Wrestling Championships while at Ithaca College. (Wikipedia: Gorilla Monsoon)
- He played the on-screen role of WWF President from 1995 to 1997. (Wikipedia: Gorilla Monsoon)
- At Jefferson High School in Rochester, New York, he starred in football, amateur wrestling, and track and field. (Wikipedia: Gorilla Monsoon)
FAQ
What was Gorilla Monsoon's real name?
Robert James "Gino" Marella.
What is the Gorilla Position?
The area behind the entrance curtain at wrestling events, named after him.
Was Gorilla Monsoon a real amateur wrestler?
Yes. He finished second at the 1959 NCAA championships.