Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto stands as a monument to Canadian sports and entertainment history. The site is primarily known as the long-time home of the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team. However, its significance extends far beyond the ice. For decades, the roar of the crowd wasn’t just for slapshots and goals. It was also for body slams, suplexes, and the larger-than-life personalities of professional wrestling. Since its opening in 1931, the Gardens became a central stage for the sport in Canada. It hosted countless iconic matches. The venue solidified its place in wrestling lore. A new chapter is about to begin. Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling will present its Northern Rising event. This will happen on May 10th at the Mattamy Athletic Centre. These are the same hallowed grounds where wrestling history was forged. This event promises an exciting night of action. It serves as a powerful link between the rich legacy of wrestling at the Gardens and its vibrant present.
Professional wrestling had a presence in Toronto even before the construction of Maple Leaf Gardens. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, legendary figures visited the city. Figures such as William Muldoon, Frank Gotch, and George Hackenschmidt were among them. These appearances indicated an early appetite for the sport. Ivan Mickailoff laid the foundation for a thriving wrestling scene in Toronto. He did this by establishing weekly shows at Arena Gardens in 1929. This marked a turning point. It transformed Toronto from an occasional stop for major wrestling stars into a regular destination. This change demonstrated the growing popularity of professional wrestling in the region. Mickailoff’s success in cultivating a consistent audience created an opportune environment for wrestling to flourish on an even grander scale.
The opening of Maple Leaf Gardens in 1931 marked a pivotal moment. Jack Corcoran, a local boxing promoter, recognized the potential of this new, larger venue. He successfully allied himself with it. This alliance secured the rights to promote professional wrestling there. This strategic partnership effectively gave Corcoran control over the professional wrestling market in Toronto. The very first wrestling card at Maple Leaf Gardens took place on November 19, 1931. It was a resounding success. An impressive 15,800 spectators gathered to witness world champion Jim Londos in the main event. This immediate success underscored the strong demand for professional wrestling in Toronto. It validated the Gardens as a premier venue for the sport. Initially, it was known as the Queensbury Athletic Club. Corcoran’s promotion ensured that wrestling became a staple at the Gardens. This filled the calendar on nights when the Toronto Maple Leafs weren’t playing. In 1939, Corcoran stepped down. He passed the promotion’s reins to his assistants, the brothers John and Frank Tunney. John Tunney initially took on the role of head matchmaker. He quickly made significant signings like Wild Bill Longson and Lou Thesz. They made their Toronto debuts under his guidance. However, tragedy struck just a few months later. John passed away suddenly. This left his younger brother, Frank Tunney, to take over. This marked the beginning of what would become a legendary era for professional wrestling in Toronto.
Frank Tunney’s leadership ushered in a golden age for professional wrestling at Maple Leaf Gardens. He served as the top promoter in Toronto for an impressive 43 years. He earned a global reputation as one of the most successful and respected figures in the industry. His promotion, called unofficially Maple Leaf Wrestling, maintained a long and fruitful relationship with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). This connection brought a consistent flow of top-tier talent and prestigious championship matches to Toronto audiences . One of the key elements of Tunney’s success was his ability to cultivate local heroes. In the 1940s and 1950s, Whipper Billy Watson emerged as the city’s top wrestling attraction. Watson made his debut at the Gardens in 1940. Within seven months, he had ascended to main event status. This demonstrated Tunney’s keen eye for talent and the immediate connection Watson made with the Toronto fans. His captivating feuds, most notably with Nanjo Singh and Gene Kiniski, kept audiences engaged for years. A particularly memorable moment was his head-shaving match against the flamboyant Gorgeous George in 1959. It was a spectacle that drew a massive crowd. It remains a legendary event in Toronto wrestling history. Watson’s popularity transcended the wrestling ring. He became a mainstream celebrity in Toronto. He was beloved for his charisma and philanthropic work. Frank Tunney himself estimated that Watson drew over five million people to his main event matches. These took place in Toronto throughout his remarkable 31-year career at the Gardens. Further evidence of Watson’s star power came in 1957. He and Tunney met Elvis Presley backstage at the Gardens. This moment was captured in a now-iconic photograph.
The late 1960s and early 1970s saw the arrival and subsequent dominance of The Sheik at Maple Leaf Gardens. He started headlining shows in 1969 and did so for over eight years. This heralded a new era of wrestling in Toronto. It was characterized by a more villainous and unpredictable main event presence. The Sheik embarked on an incredible undefeated streak at Maple Leaf Gardens from 1969 to 1974. During this period, he amassed a record of 100 wins and 27 draws. This remarkable five-year run solidified his status as a top draw and a seemingly unstoppable force. His wildman persona included incomprehensible mutterings. The infamous fireball was part of his act as well. Large crowds consistently gathered, eager to witness his chaotic and often violent matches. Beyond his in-ring exploits, The Sheik had a significant influence on the Toronto wrestling scene. He worked as the booker for Frank Tunney’s shows from 1971 to 1977. He demonstrated his influence both in front of and behind the camera. Throughout the Frank Tunney era, Maple Leaf Gardens hosted many other prominent wrestlers. They became fan favorites. These included Lou Thesz. He was a multiple-time world champion who had numerous significant matches in Toronto. Bruno Sammartino was an Italian-Canadian hero who resonated deeply with Toronto’s large Italian population. Gene Kiniski was a formidable villain who engaged in memorable feuds with both Watson and The Sheik. Andre the Giant had a monumental clash with The Sheik and ended the latter’s undefeated streak. Recognizing the changing landscape of professional wrestling, Frank Tunney also forged partnerships with other promoters. Starting in 1978, he collaborated with Jim Crockett Jr. of Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling. This collaboration led to regular appearances by stars like Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes at Maple Leaf Gardens. These events further enriched the variety of talent showcased.
Maple Leaf Gardens served as the backdrop for numerous iconic championship matches. It hosted unforgettable moments that are now etched in professional wrestling history. Whipper Billy Watson won the prestigious NWA World Heavyweight Championship twice at the Gardens. He first defeated Lou Thesz in 1956. Then, he defeated Dick Hutton in 1957. These victories were significant milestones for Canadian wrestling, showcasing a homegrown talent reaching the pinnacle of the sport. In 1963, the NWA World Heavyweight Championship changed hands again in Toronto when Lou Thesz defeated Buddy Rogers. A decade later, in 1973, the Gardens hosted another NWA World Heavyweight Championship match between champion Dory Funk Jr. and challenger Johnny Valentine, highlighting the venue’s continued importance on the world stage of professional wrestling. The final NWA World Heavyweight Championship in Toronto happened in 1977. In that match, Harley Race defeated Terry Funk. Beyond title changes, the Gardens also witnessed rare and intriguing encounters. One such instance is the 1979 meeting between AWA World Heavyweight Champion Nick Bockwinkel and WWWF Champion Bob Backlund. This champion versus champion match generated considerable excitement. The NWA World Heavyweight Championship made its last appearance at Maple Leaf Gardens in May 1984. This event marked the end of an era as the promotion’s focus began to shift.
Other moments left an indelible mark on the memories of Toronto wrestling fans. In 1959, Gorgeous George’s head was shaved by Whipper Billy Watson. This occurred after a hard-fought match and remains a legendary spectacle. The Sheik’s dominant undefeated streak captivated audiences for five years. It finally came to an end in 1974. He lost to Andre the Giant by disqualification. This was a major event that signaled a shift in the Toronto wrestling landscape. Bruno Sammartino made numerous appearances at the Gardens. His matches against Buddy Rogers and Lou Thesz resonated deeply with the city’s large Italian community. These events solidified his status as a beloved figure. Frank Tunney passed away in 1983. Following this, his nephews, Jack and Eddie Tunney, took over the promotion. They ultimately aligned with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1984. This transition brought a new wave of wrestling to Maple Leaf Gardens, with WWF events drawing large and enthusiastic crowds. While the Gardens remained a regular stop, major WWF events also took place at larger venues. Exhibition Stadium drew over 65,000 fans in 1986. The SkyDome, now Rogers Centre, hosted Wrestlemania VI in 1990 with a staggering 67,678 attendees. Even with these larger stadium shows, Maple Leaf Gardens hosted many important WWF events. They included television tapings for WWF Maple Leaf Wrestling. The last WWE-promoted event at Maple Leaf Gardens occurred on September 17, 1995. This was the conclusion of a long relationship between the venue and the world’s biggest wrestling promotion. It was well-known at the time.
WWE held another show under their NXT brand at the Mattamy Athletic Centre on September 9, 2017. Drew McIntyre retained his NXT Championship over Andrade Almas, now known as simply Andrade. The card included Tye Dillinger, now Sean Spears. It also featured Ember Moon, Johnny Gargano, and Aleister Black. Other wrestlers were Bobby Roode, Eric Young, and Hideo Itami (KENTA). From August 2013-August 2019 Ring Of Honor (ROH) ran shows once a year at the iconic venue with names like KUSHIDA, Hangman Adam Page, Michael Bennett, Matt Taven, Roderick Strong, Adam Cole (BAY BAY!), Bobby Fish, Kyle O’Reilly, Paul London, The Young Bucks, Kevin Steen (Owens), Jay Lethal, The American Wolves (Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards), Michael Elgin, Christopher Daniels, Frankie Kazarian, Moose, Chris Sabin, Juice Robinson, Tetsuya Naito, Evil Uno, Stu Grayson and AJ Styles. The last ROH Event in the venue was on August 9, 2019 for ROH Summer Supercard 2019. I attended this event. It was on the same weekend as WWE SummerSlam, which took place at the Scotiabank Arena. Matt Taven retained his ROH World Championship over Alex Shelly. The drunk guy two rows in front of me ringside passed out. Alex Shelly took his shoe and threw it at Matt Taven. The shoe was thrown back to him. He was escorted out of the venue. The main event featured The Briscoes (Jay and Mark) in a ladder war. They defeated the Gorillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa) for the ROH Tag Team Championship.
Attending a wrestling night at Maple Leaf Gardens was a unique experience for fans. Many fondly recall the electric atmosphere and the strong sense of community among the Toronto wrestling faithful. The passionate Toronto fanbase was known for its multicultural makeup. They enthusiastically supported their heroes. They especially admired those who shared their ethnic backgrounds, like Bruno Sammartino. For many, the regular Thursday night wrestling shows in the 1950s and 1960s were part of their weekly routine. These shows were deeply ingrained in their lives. These shows were cherished weekly events. Fan accounts often describe the palpable excitement. There was anticipation as they entered the Gardens. They were eager to see their favorite wrestlers in action. Some recall the unique layout of the venue. It included the platform connecting the dressing room to the ring. This platform occasionally became an extension of the match itself. It added an element of unexpected drama. Events at larger venues, like the SkyDome, drew even bigger crowds later on. However, some fans felt that the intimate setting of Maple Leaf Gardens was special. They believed it fostered a more intense connection with the action. Fans also felt a personal link to the matches.
Professional wrestling at Maple Leaf Gardens held significant cultural importance for Toronto. The city established itself as a major wrestling market. It rivaled the likes of New York and Los Angeles in terms of fan interest. Attendance was also high . Toronto wrestling crowds were known for their knowledge and appreciation of various wrestling styles. They valued different promotions, making it a desirable location for performers. Beyond wrestling, Maple Leaf Gardens served as a vital landmark in Toronto. It hosted a wide array of cultural, political, and sporting events. This further embedded its wrestling legacy within the city’s broader history. For many families, attending wrestling at the Gardens became a cherished tradition, with multiple generations sharing the experience. Television broadcasts of Maple Leaf Wrestling played a crucial role. They helped shape the local wrestling culture. Personalities like Lord Athol Layton became familiar figures. They were beloved by Toronto wrestling fans.
A new chapter is beginning. Maple Leaf Wrestling is being revived as Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling (MLP). This revival is under the ownership of Scott D’Amore. MLP aims to be the spiritual successor to the original Maple Leaf Wrestling. It carries forward the legacy established decades ago. Scott D’Amore brings a wealth of experience to this endeavor. He was involved with Border City Wrestling (BCW) for many years. He also contributed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) for many years. He acquired the trademarks for Maple Leaf Wrestling in 2024. He officially announced the brand’s revival on August 8th of that year. MLP’s inaugural event, “Forged in Excellence,” took place over two nights in Windsor, Ontario. It showcased a roster of talent from various promotions. Demonstrating a global vision, MLP has also formed the Pro Wrestling Alliance (PWA) with promotions from Qatar and Oceania. Mauro Ranallo as the voice of MLP adds to the credibility and excitement. Don Callis also brings excitement as a color commentator. MLP’s mission is to deliver world-class wrestling entertainment. It also aims to honor the rich history of Maple Leaf Wrestling. MLP plans to celebrate the iconic figures who graced its ring. To further connect with the past, MLP has begun uploading archival footage of the original Maple Leaf Wrestling. It has also started sharing classic BCW content online. This provides a valuable resource for both nostalgic fans and those new to the history.
The upcoming Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling Northern Rising event on May 10th in Toronto marks a significant moment. It will be held at the Mattamy Athletic Centre. This venue is the former Maple Leaf Gardens. This return to the historic venue highlights MLP’s deep connection with Toronto’s professional wrestling legacy. The event was originally scheduled for May 11th. The date was later changed to Saturday, May 10th. It will start at 7:00 PM. The main event of Northern Rising will be a 20-person Gauntlet Match. Its purpose is to crown the inaugural MLP Canadian Champion. This match is highly anticipated. It signifies MLP’s commitment to establishing a strong national identity. Among the announced participants are Bishop Dyer, who was formerly known as Baron Corbin in WWE. PCO, formerly Pierre Carl Ouellet, is also participating. They bring recognizable names and experience to the match. Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling confirmed several other names. Some of the participants are Matt Cardona (FKA Zach Ryder), Rich Swann, QT Marshall, and Billy Gunn. The lineup also includes Rhino, Josh Alexander, Jonathan Gresham, and current NWA World Heavyweight Champion Thom Latimer. The event will also feature the final match in the tournament. This match will determine the first MLP Women’s Canadian Champion. In this match, Gisele Shaw will face Kylie Rae. This match concludes a tournament that began at MLP’s “Mayhem” events in Windsor. It has further built anticipation for this championship showdown. The “Mayhem” events in Windsor served as the beginning of the “Road to Northern Rising.” Storylines and rivalries developed there will continue to unfold in Toronto. The crowning of the inaugural PWA Champion’s Grail holder at “Forged in Excellence” introduces new opportunities for story development. This title will be defended across all PWA member promotions.
The event for Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling Northern Rising is set for Saturday, May 10th. It will take place at 7:00 PM at the Mattamy Athletic Centre. The venue is located at the historic corner of Carlton and Church Streets in Toronto. Tickets were primarily sold through Ticketmaster. Tickets are still available. For the most up-to-date information on the event, including any new match announcements fans should visit the official Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling website (mlpwrestling.com) and their social media channels.
Professional wrestling at Maple Leaf Gardens holds an enduring legacy, a testament to decades of captivating stories and larger-than-life personalities. The upcoming Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling Northern Rising event is not just a nostalgic return to a historic venue. It is also a vibrant continuation of this rich tradition. It offers a chance for fans to witness the next chapter in Toronto’s wrestling history. Fans will experience the thrill of the sport in the very same location where legends were made. The Mattamy Athletic Centre is gearing up for professional wrestling once again. This preparation reminds us of Maple Leaf Gardens’ lasting impact on the sport. The excitement surrounding it continues.
Table 1: Top Drawing Matches at Maple Leaf Gardens During the Frank Tunney Era
| Year | Main Event Match | Attendance |
|---|---|---|
| 1931 | Jim Londos vs Gino Garibaldi | 15,800 |
| 1935 | Dan O’Mahony vs Jim Browning | 16,000 |
| 1947 | Whipper Billy Watson vs Wild Bill Longson | 15,000 |
| 1956 | Whipper Billy Watson vs Lou Thesz | 15,000 |
| 1957 | Whipper Billy Watson/Yukon Eric vs Gene Kiniski/Dick Hutton | 15,000 |
| 1959 | Whipper Billy Watson vs Gorgeous George | 14,000 |
| 1962 | Buddy Rogers vs Bruno Sammartino | 14,000 |
| 1969 | The Sheik vs Gene Kiniski | 15,000 |
| 1970 | The Sheik vs Whipper Billy Watson | 17,000 |
| 1971 | The Sheik vs Tiger Jeet Singh | 18,000 |
| 1972 | The Sheik vs Carlos Rocha | 18,000 |
| 1973 | The Sheik vs Andre the Giant | 18,000 |
Table 2: Notable NWA World Heavyweight Championship Matches at Maple Leaf Gardens
| Date | Match (Champion vs. Challenger) | Winner | Title Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1956 | Lou Thesz vs. Whipper Billy Watson | Whipper Billy Watson | Yes |
| 1957 | Dick Hutton vs. Whipper Billy Watson | Dick Hutton | Yes |
| January 1963 | Buddy Rogers vs. Lou Thesz | Lou Thesz | Yes |
| February 11, 1973 | Dory Funk, Jr. vs. Johnny Valentine | Dory Funk, Jr. | No |
| 1977 | Terry Funk vs. Harley Race | Harley Race | Yes |
Table 3: Announced Matches and Participants for Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling Northern Rising
| Match Type | Participants | Stipulations |
|---|---|---|
| MLP Canadian Championship Gauntlet | Bishop Dyer, PCO, + more | 20-Person Gauntlet Match for Inaugural Title |
| MLP Women’s Canadian Championship Final | Gisele Shaw vs. Kylie Rae | Tournament Final |
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