A look at Ontario wrestling promoters 1929-1984. An overview, not a definitive history. Roughly 1929-1984. Some like Bob Lane may have been 'only' arena managers. In the earlier days it often listed the arena guys as the promoter of note but with Tunney or Corcoran or Mickailoff supplying the stars. *Old piece, more info to add if there is time, and some with dates that could be amended. AS WE REORDER SOME LINKS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE INTRO In the early days Phil Lawson promoted amateur shows in Toronto as did Jack Daniels and his A-C Athletic Club. Others ran cards often ..read more

Best of mapleleafwrestling.com: Excerpt from 'From Nanjo to he Sheik...' As early as 1940 it was being discussed in Toronto papers of how Television would impact the country's game - hockey. In New York they were televising boxing and other sports to movies theaters. Conn Smythe, owner of the Maple Leafs and MLG had been invited to take in a Football game at a theater in New York and while not duly impressed remarked 'It was like the old flickers, but remember the handicap of making these impressions outdoors and on a cloudy day.' In 1947 the President of RCA suggested that Television may so ..read more

Best of mapleleafwrestling.com 2003-2023 Dave vs Sheik in '82 If you are a fan of Ontario wrestling you likely know about Dave McKigney's problems with the Ontario Athletic Commission. In the last years of his promotion he had issues over licensing, insurance, using the wrestling bear (also with the Ontario Humane Society), and other issues.  The OAC had been an issue for pro wrestling in years past, even for Frank Tunney and his predecessor Jack Corcoran. Tunney especially though kept the Commission close, and but for a few issues never really had major problems with the ..read more

Myths and facts of Maple Leaf - Short version Some misconceptions about the Toronto promotion commonly seen online and in books.  Frank Tunney was Jack Tunney's Uncle TRUE! Jack (John Jr) Tunney was John Tunney's son. John was Frank's elder brother who took over with Frank from Jack Corcoran in 1939. John died suddenly in Jan 1940. Frank's son Eddie Tunney later joined the office. See Smiling John: The forgotten Tunney & Frank Tunney: The Early Days  Toronto was a one city territory like St Louis or Houston FALSE!  For most of the history of the Toro ..read more

April 2 1972 Maple Leaf Gardens. Tony Marino easily handles Chris Colt while Colt's tag partner Lee Henning looks on. Pat Flanagan is the referee on the other side while Marino's tag partner Bob Harmon is out of view.  A lot of Toronto years in this photo with Flanagan & Henning alone. Flanagan came up with the Balmy Beach Club and was wrestling semi pro by 1936. He debuted at MLG in 1941 and wore many hats. Wrestler, booker & matchmaker, agent, promoter, and referee, before retiring in 1978. Lee Henning debuted in Toronto in 1940 and finished up -wrestling! - in 1975. By the 19 ..read more

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To our friend Marshall Ward who writes some great articles about wrestling (and other stuff!) for various media outlets around Ontario. Marshall is a fan from our era and has a unique look at wrestling from the old days to today. His latest is at https://www.waterloochronicle.ca/the-road-to-wrestlemania . If you search by name you can locate his many other articles.  Marshall and Sarah Geidlinger also have an award winning podcast about the Waterloo area and a unique one looking at the wrestling world - An Unscripted Spectacle check it out!  Can find them at https ..read more

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During the Mid Atlantic era 1978 -1984 there were a few matchups that could pack the fans in at MLG. Ric Flair vs Harley Race surely ranks near the top. Their six bouts here, all over the NWA title, are long remembered by the fans for both their science- and violence.  At the time of their first match-up in Nov 1980 Race was champ and Flair was arguably the most popular star in Toronto. He was coming off successful feuds against old tag partner Greg Valentine as well as Hossein the Arab/The Iron Sheik, whom he had just chased to the dressing rooms to end their latest bout.  Flair wi ..read more