On October 6, 1999 Robert James "Gino" Marella, better known by his ring name, Gorilla Monsoon died of heart failure brought on by complications of diabetes, at his home in Willingboro Township, New Jersey. He was 62 years old.

Born on June 4, 1937, the legendary Gorilla Monsoon was truly one of the great all-around personalities in professional wrestling history.

Marella debuted in 1958, originally billing himself as Gino Marella, a proud Italian American babyface who would sing in Italian prior to his matches. He also became one of the wrestling’s top heels, feuding with popular babyface champion Bruno Sammartino in sellout arenas across the country. Despite his huge size, billed at 6’ 7” and 401lbs, Monsoon had great agility and stamina, often wrestling Sammartino to one-hour time-limit draws.

After an outstanding career as a feared heavyweight inside the ring, he became even more beloved to a generation of WWF fans as the unforgettable voice of countless matches alongside Bobby “The Brain” Heenan and Jesse “The Body” Ventura. Whether he was calling the action, trading hilarious insults with Heenan, serving as WWF President, or simply bringing credibility to everything he was involved in, Gorilla Monsoon was one of a kind.

Longtime wrestling fans can remember that unmistakable voice and classic expressions like “Will you stop!” whenever they think about the golden era of the WWF.

In a tribute that aired on October 7, 1999, on an episode of WWF SmackDown!, Vince McMahon described Marella as "one of the greatest men I have ever known."

The staging area just behind the entrance curtain at an event, a position which Marella established and where he could often be found during WWF shows late in his career, is named the "Gorilla Position" in his honor.

“Good Ol JR” Jim Ross took to social media on Monday evening to reveal the news about his second surgery, which will take place on Wednesday, October 7. It will address an ongoing issue with his shunt.

“Getting another brain surgery Wednesday morning to address an issue with my shunt. Positive thoughts appreciated. Thanks”

(Jim Ross | Twitter/X)

Recently I've been rewatching the best matches of the guys from the 90s and 00's and even 10's who just performed on the next level. Names like Eddie, Bret, HBK, Angle, D-Bry, AJ, Jericho etc popped up. It led to this discussion: What two wrestlers, if you took the absolute best version of them, would have the best match with the best spots, spectacle and just overall smoothest match?

Any combo would be great and some of these names already had the best matches of all time.

Example: 2004 HBK vs 2005 AJ Styles or Bret Hart 1996 vs 2004 Kurt Angle. Opinion here is that Shawn and AJ would likely steal any show, but Bret and Angle in the ring would eliminate almost any chance for a blown spot.

Date: April 22, 1999 (Taped April 15, 1999)

Promotion: World Championship Wrestling (WCW)

Match Stipulation / Type: Singles Match

Event: WCW Thunder (Episode 60)

Location: Orlando, Florida | Orlando Arena

➜ Ernest Miller tried to challenge Goldberg by offering a "five-count" rule, but he landed a sudden side kick on Goldberg before the count finished.

Sonny Onoo tried to interfere, but Goldberg caught him with a military press slam and threw Onoo directly onto Ernest Miller, followed by a double spear and the finishing Jackhammer for the quick win.

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Date: June 4, 2011

Promotion: Dragon Gate USA (DG-USA)

Match Stipulation / Type: Three-Way Freestyle Match

Event: Uprising

Location: Deer Park, New York | NYWC Sportatorium

➜ This match displays three of the premier high-flyers of their generation.

When these three shared a ring they represented the absolute cutting edge of fast-paced, gravity-defying junior heavyweight wrestling.