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When Eddie Quinn took over the Montéal Promotion of the National Wrestling Alliance, Pro Wrestling took a giant leap and drew thousands of fans into the old Forum. The reason was of course Yvon Robert. Having won the NWA championship for about 16 times, no matter the crowd came over to see him battle the wrestling heroes of the time.
Among them was Lou Thesz. Son of a St-Louis shoemaker, Thesz had a unique style of wrestling that would revolutionized the sport: he was a master of the flying kick, a move which knocks down the opponent at any time. Mastering this technique, Thesz won most of his matches. But against Yvon Robert and his devastating Japanese Arm Lock, Lou had a hard time with the Québec champ.
"Whipper" Billy Watson
Originating from Toronto.. |
One that would fire passions was indeed the rivalry between Robert and Whipper Billy Watson. As the latter came from Toronto, matches were like renditions of the eternal NHL rivalry between the Montéal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Each time those two fought, it was memorable.
However, as the crowds packed up the Forum in the cold months, in the summertime, Eddy Quinn moved some of his shows to former Delorimier Stadium, where 35 000 people could watch Yvon Robert wrestle against any challenger.
Larry Moquin
(from Archives) |
The Montéal Forum, home of
pro wrestling in the 40s and 50s |
Many Québec wrestlers at the time, following Robert's footsteps, were up and coming at the time. Larry Moquin was one of them (he came from the same wrestling school as Yvon Robert: the Maupas Camp) as well as Bob Langevin (who,later, would serve as bodyguard for several dignitaries), Omer Marchessault, who wrestled as one Masqued Marvel and six strongmen from outside Québec City known as the Baillargeon Brothers.
As the 50's came around the corner, Montéal was indeed the Mecca for Pro Wrestling in that era. Knowing that Yvon Robert would accept the challenge to put his belt on the line, many came and also discovered how Québecquers at the time enjoyed the sport...
Next chapter: The 50's: The Golden Age of Wrestling
Copyright © 1999, Productions Leduc 2000
ltd, Montrèal, QC.
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