This week, Gene sits down with the acclaimed wrestling author and historian Brian R. Solomon, the man behind two of the best biographies ever written about professional wrestling:Blood & Fire: The Unbelievable Real Life Story of The Original SheikIrresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon

In this deep, candid conversation, Gene and Brian talk about:

The creative process of tackling massive subjects like The Sheik and Gorilla Monsoon

How Brian unearthed lost history about Capitol Wrestling Corporation, Toots Mondt, and Vince McMahon Sr.

Monsoon’s transformation from a 400-pound “Manchurian Giant” into one of the most beloved commentators in wrestling

The real story behind Gorilla’s family life, his friendship with Bobby Heenan, and his shocking in-ring moment with Big Van Vader

Why so many great wrestling stories are nearly impossible to tell—and what makes them worth fighting to preserve

It’s one of the most insightful, fascinating, and downright fun interviews we’ve ever done on Retro Wrestling.If you’re a fan of Gorilla Monsoon, The Sheik, or classic wrestling history, this is must-hear stuff!

Listen now and check out Brian’s podcast “Shut Up and Wrestle” Get Irresistible Force and Blood & Fire on Amazon.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com