Mad Dogs, Midgets and Screw Jobs: The Untold Story of How Montreal Shaped the World of Wrestling

Demonstrating how the famed Canadian city influenced a hugely celebrated sport, this chronicle digs deep into Montreal’s past, depicting how the metropolis helped form pro wrestling from every angle. Journeying from the late 1800s to the present, this book provides the lowdown on all the major wrestlers who emerged from Montreal and the province of Quebec, including Yvon Robert, the Rougeau and Vachon families, Jos Leduc, Gino Brito, and Pierre-Carl Ouellet. Big names born outside the province are also explored, from Andre the Giant and Abdullah the Butcher to Edouard Carpentier. Going beyond pro wrestling, the study shows how Montreal also held what is known as the very first midget match worldwide, covering personalities such as Little Beaver, Sky Low Low, and Tiger “Doink” Jackson in an overall look at this unique scene. Additional topics include the history of women’s wrestling in Montreal, the war between the Rougeau’s All Star Wrestling and the Vachon’s Grand Prix, the complete title history of the heavyweight championship, and some of the unfortunate tragedies that befell the region’s competitors. From the renowned McMahon promotions to the indie scene that exists today, this is the Montreal wrestling scene from top to bottom.