The country of Canada comprises of 10 provinces and three territories. They extend from the Pacific to the Atlantic Oceans from west to east, and north to the Arctic Ocean. It's population is 41,528,680 per the first quarter 2025 census. It's land area is 9,984,670 kilometers or 3,855,100 square miles.
The history of pro wrestling in Canada dates back to the year 1930. Jack Corcoran, a Toronto, Ontario boxing promoter founded the company, Maple Leaf Wrestling (no relation to Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling that exists today). He would hold on to the promotion until 1939 when the Tunney family took over.
In 1931, Corcoran became aligned with Maple Leaf Gardens, a building in which the NHL Maple Leafs played for years. When there was no hockey on a specific day, wrestling would keep the Gardens busy. At that point, Corcoran assumed full control as a promoter in the region.
As mentioned, Corcoran would step down and the Tunney's (John and Frank) would take over. In the late 1940s, Maple Leaf Wrestling would be part of a territorial setup known as the National Wrestling Alliance.
Up until 1984, the area would promote shows with the NWA as well as another territory known as Mid Atlantic Championship Wrestling in the Carolinas led by promoter, Jim Crockett Sr. Eventually, John Tunney, the younger son of John would split from Crockett. Vince McMahon Jrs., World Wrestling Federation was expanding and the rest was history.
Many great Canadian wrestlers including Bret Hart, Roddy Piper, Chris Jericho, Trish Strattus and Kenny Omega have been in MLW rings and have gone on to achieve great success.
One of the greatest wrestling matches took place at the Maple Leaf Gardens in 1979. AWA Champion, Nick Bockwinkel and WWF Champion, Bob Backlund battled to a double count out. It's been said by fans that this match "changed pro wrestling forever!"
About 11 months ago, Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling has emerged and is likely the number one promotion in Canada. Former TNA great, Scott D'Amore, is heading the promotion.
At last check, there are 129 wrestling promotions in Canada. WrestleMap has a listing of all the promotions. If there is one that you like, please check them out.
Here are the links to WrestleMap as well as the link to Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling and a very special wrestling promotion that, I believe, a wrestler I know (???) works for. Thank you.
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