Gorilla Monsoon

In a world where strength was measured by the pound, one man stood tall – literally. Gorilla Monsoon, the behemoth of the wrestling world, left an indelible mark on the sport he loved. Born Robert Otto Marella in New York City in 1937, this gentle giant would go on to become a household name, synonymous with power and dominance.

Standing at an imposing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing a whopping 400 pounds, Monsoon was an anomaly in a world where smaller men often reigned supreme. But don't let his size fool you – he was no one-dimensional powerhouse. With a wrestling style that blended brawn and finesse, Monsoon was an all-rounder who could hang with the best of them.

Before finding fame in the ring, Monsoon dabbled in other sports like Ringen (German wrestling), football, and Leichtathletik (German track and field). It was only natural that he would eventually turn to professional wrestling, where his size and strength would be an asset rather than a liability. Under various ring names – Gino Marella, Bob Marella, Gino Bob Marella, Manchurian Giant – Monsoon carved out a reputation as a formidable force.

Two moves in particular showcased Monsoon's incredible strength: the Giant Swing and the Gorilla Press. The latter was especially devastating, a crushing blow that sent opponents crashing to the mat. And if you thought those were his only tricks up his sleeve, think again – the Manchurian Splash, a thunderous splash from the top rope, left many a foe reeling.

Monsoon's storied career spanned multiple decades and took him across continents. He was an international attraction, beloved by fans worldwide for his charismatic persona and, of course, his Herculean strength. When he finally hung up his boots in the late 1970s, Monsoon left behind a legacy that would be remembered for generations to come.

Though his life came full circle on October 6, 1999, when a heart attack took him from us far too soon, Gorilla Monsoon's impact on professional wrestling remains as powerful as ever. He may have been a giant among men, but his spirit and achievements will always be remembered in the annals of wrestling history.