Why is WWE’s behind-the-curtain area called The Gorilla Position?

Summary

• The backstage area in all WWE matches is referred to as the Gorilla Position. It is where all the officials and wrestlers are present before the match.
• The position is named after the legendary WWE wrestler/commentator Gorilla Monsoon.
• Gorilla Monsoon died in 1999, but his legacy will live on forever.

For the die-hard WWE enthusiasts, backstage drama is as riveting as what goes on inside the ring. WWE has been one of the biggest entertainment conglomerates for several decades, and a look into the backend proceedings sounds enticing for the fans. 

In that regard, there’s one term that every WWE fan should be familiar with, i.e., the Gorilla position. 

So, what exactly is Gorilla position, and why this weird nomenclature? Let’s find out!

Gorilla Position refers to the backstage from where the show gets directed, and WWE officials are present. It is also where WWE superstars are often interviewed before making their grand entrance. The area is named after the legendary wrestler and commentator Gorilla Monsoon. 

One could argue that people in the Gorilla Position are mostly backend officials and executives and don’t get enough credit for their work.

The name’ Gorilla Position’ is a tribute to the legendary Gorilla Monsoon, a personality who influenced WWE on and off the ring.

Gorilla Monsoon was more than a wrestler; he was also a voice of WWE TV. Many old-school fans would recall the iconic pair of Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse “The Body” Ventura, who enlivened the golden generation of WWE with their incredible commentary.

The position is named after Gorilla Monsoon because he was always seen in the backstage area, working hard to ensure everything functioned smoothly. 

Gorilla Monsoon was a rare talent who excelled in multiple domains. Besides being a larger-than-life wrestler, he was an exceptional commentator and ambassador of the entertainment form.

Therefore, naming an indelible area in all WWE matches is doing justice to his exceptional contribution to the franchise.

Gorilla Monsoon left a permanent hole in the wrestling world when he died in 1999. However, the wrestling world has made sure that his legacy will never vanish into oblivion. 

About WWE

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., doing business as WWE, is an American professional wrestling promotion. A global integrated media and entertainment company, WWE has also branched out into other fields, including film, American football, and various other business ventures.

WWE shows are sports entertainment, featuring story line-driven, scripted, and partially choreographed matches; though including moves that can put performers at risk of injury, even death, if not performed correctly. It was founded in 1953 as the Capitol Wrestling Corporation and is the largest wrestling promotion in the world. It is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut.