Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling launches new TSN series from Windsor tapings

MLP Wrestling is coming to Windsor this weekend, hitting the airwaves on TSN for the first time in 40 years.

Maple Leaf Pro president Scott D’Amore called the television tapings a historic milestone for Canadian wrestling.

“It’s been close to 40 years since truly Canadian professional wrestling has been on the national airwaves in Canada,” D’Amore said. “The shows we do this week will form the very first television episodes that go on TSN from coast to coast. I think that’s a historic and monumental moment.”

D’Amore said a national platform will provide new opportunities for wrestlers while uniting fans across the country.

“Canadian wrestling fans are renowned around the world for being some of the very best, most vocal, most passionate and most loyal,” he said. “For the first time in nearly 40 years, there’s going to be a national product that can bring us together as a country of wrestling fans.”

The weekend’s cards feature a blend of internationally known performers and emerging Canadian stars.

“We have a wonderful mix of talent,” D’Amore said. “You have legends like Billy Gunn and D’Lo Brown, current stars like Jay Lethal and Johnny TV, but the thing I’m most excited about is the crop of amazing Canadian talent.”

The lineup also showcases some of Canada’s top independent wrestling talent, including Stu Grayson, Brent Banks, MLP Canadian Women’s Champion Gisele Shaw, Sheldon Jean and Psycho Mike. D’Amore said highlighting homegrown performers alongside internationally recognized stars is central to the promotion’s mission.

“There really is an unbelievable amount of Canadian wrestling talent out there,” D’Amore explained. “And one of the things that MLP is looking to do is showcase that they truly are world class by featuring them along with some of the very best in the world.”

He said Maple Leaf Pro aims to showcase Canadian wrestlers on a world-class stage by featuring them alongside established international names.

For D’Amore, the project represents years of planning and the realization of a vision inspired by Canadian wrestling icon Bret Hart.

“Maple Leaf Pro was born out of a vision that Bret Hart had years ago,” he said. “He wanted a talent pipeline and development system for Canadian wrestlers. The fact that we get to bring that dream to life is huge.”

D’Amore believes this weekend’s tapings will have a lasting impact on the industry.

“I think this weekend is going to be one of those moments that goes down as truly special,” he said. “It’s historic, and it’s going to be memorable not just this week or this month, but for years to come.”