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Much like what goes on in the ring, many fans get invested in what goes on behind the scenes. WWE's been an entertainment conglomerate for decades, and one would assume how big of a job it is to produce their programming. One wouldn't even need to be working in the wrestling industry to know that running WWE television each week is a hectic job. It may be one of the reasons why behind the scenes in WWE fascinates many people, even though there aren't many things fans know regarding what goes on behind the curtains. However, it's worth noting one specific area before the wrestlers make their entrances that fans at least know about is the Gorilla Position, a crucial place for producing WWE programming.
The Importance Of The Gorilla Position
Fans have probably seen a glimpse on TV of behind the entrance curtain, as WWE superstars are sometimes interviewed in that place as they're about to make their entrance. But it's worth noting that there's more happening in the so-called Gorilla Position, things that fans don't get to see on TV. Certain things that get done in this position relate to on-the-spot creative instructions towards the talent that help keep the show running.
In basic terms, the Gorilla Position is where the show gets directed, as WWE officials are present in this area. Certain officials, including former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, would be wearing headphones behind a desk giving directions. For instance, it's a known phenomenon among internet fans that Vince McMahon is instructing the WWE commentators to say what he wants them to say.
Working behind the table in the Gorilla Position is a crucial position to have in producing the show. One could argue these people who work behind the desk, whether Vince McMahon or anyone else, don't get enough credit for their contributions.
A Tribute To Gorilla Monsoon
One must know that the Gorilla Position goes back many decades. And because it's been around for many years, some might wonder where the "Gorilla Position" phrase stemmed. For those wondering, The "Gorilla Position" is a tribute to the legendary Gorilla Monsoon, one of the most recognized professional wrestlers in WWE history.
Gorilla Monsoon is not just known for his in-ring career but is heavily known for his play-by-play announcer on WWE TV. Older wrestling fans probably remember the legendary duo of Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse "The Body" Ventura, as their voices represented that 1980s generation of WWE's Rock n' Wrestling Era.
Gorilla Monsoon was a wrestler, performed commentary, and even provided booking for WWE. He wore many hats in the three decades he spent in WWE, as it's one of the biggest reasons he's widely beloved in the wrestling industry, let alone WWE.
The Gorilla Position phrase was attributed to Gorilla Monsoon because he was always in that backstage area working behind the scenes for WWE. Going back to the fact that he had many jobs working with WWE, working behind the entrance curtains was always something he's known for regarding his contributions to the WWE.
Many legends in WWE get looked back on with reminisced of fondness. Other legendary superstars will get the same treatment but are looked back on much more, highlighting their overwhelming accomplishments in the business. Andre the Giant has a WrestleMania battle royal named after him, and The Ultimate Warrior has a Hall of Fame award named after him, considering they're among the biggest names in wrestling history. There's no denying that Gorilla Monsoon is among those very names of big wrestling stars. Gorilla Monsoon was what the WWE wanted, not just as an in-ring talent but also behind the scenes.
As an in-ring talent, Gorilla Monsoon represented the larger-than-life aspect of sports entertainment that WWE showcases. As a play-by-play commentator, his work is one of the most respected in the wrestling business. Not many people in the wrestling business get recognized for the many jobs they contribute, as Gorilla Monsoon was one of the few superstars to earn that special recognition.
Gorilla Monsoon's Legacy Lives On Forever
It's worth noting that in AEW, they have a similar tribute regarding their backstage area before the wrestlers do their entrances. Like WWE naming their backstage area the Gorilla Position, AEW named the same place after the late Dusty Rhodes, also known as The Dusty Position.
When Gorilla Monsoon passed away in 1999, it was among the many deaths in wrestling that shook the industry. One thing's for sure Gorilla Monsoon's legacy lives on. Especially considering the Gorilla Position operates to this day.