The Canadian pro wrestling crowd is different.
Prior to WWE’s flagship program Monday night Raw, returning to Toronto in August for the first time since the pre-pandemic era, there was a palpable enthusiasm among those who attended the event. But it wasn’t just because Toronto native Edge was returning to his hometown.
Canadian cities are often referred to as the “bizzarro world” by fans and wrestlers alike. Baby faces are mocked, heels are celebrated. It’s a sentiment few cities can relate to, with Toronto offering one of the most unique atmospheres in wrestling.
“I never stop talking about how great Toronto is,” says Toronto native All Elite Wrestling performer Allie, aka The Bunny. “I know not only the fans are looking forward to it but I know our entire roster and crew are just all very excited to go to Canada. I’m looking forward to going to Canada, but most of all I’m looking forward to going to Toronto.”
All Elite Wrestling makes its international debut in Toronto this week with back-to-back dates on Wednesday and Thursday at the Coca-Cola Coliseum, home of the AHL Marlies. The wrestling promotion was originally scheduled to visit Canada in 2020, but the pandemic put those plans on hold.
“It’s been a long time coming for AEW to come to Canada,” said AEW President Tony Khan ahead of the debut. “I want to do different cities across Canada. There are so many good markets and wrestling cities in Canada and Toronto had to be our first. It’s one of the best wrestling cities in the world in my opinion.”
Echoing Khan’s sentiment, Allie said, “Toronto fans are so passionate. There is such a rich history of wrestling not only in Canada but in Toronto as well. Thinking back to Maple Leaf Gardens, wrestling has been very big in Toronto for a long time, the fans are very passionate. I think some of the members of our squad will be slapped in the face with a bit of Canadian reality on Wednesday.”
Toronto has been a hotbed for professional wrestling since the early 20th century. Raised in the Toronto area, Allie often attended pro wrestling events with her father and cites WWE Hall of Famer and Toronto-based Trish Stratus as influences.
Aside from Stratus, Canada has also produced other legendary wrestlers like Bret Hart, Owen Hart, Roddy Piper, and the aforementioned Edge, among many, many others, not to mention some of the big Canadian stars on the AEW roster. Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega and Christian Cage lead the Canadian contingent at All Elite Wrestling along with others like Kyle O’Reilly, Angelo Parker, Matt Menard, Ethan Page, Shawn Spears, Evil Uno and Luther.
“There’s definitely a lot of buzz about visiting Toronto,” Khan said. “Probably more than any other city. It’s always cool to debut in a new market, but this is special in many ways.”
“I’m so excited. I haven’t stopped talking about it,” Allie added. “I can’t wait to go back. I haven’t performed in Toronto for a few years, so I’m really excited to be in town to come back and come back with AEW which is great.”
Toronto will be the first Canadian city to be visited by AEW, but it certainly won’t be the last. While Khan declined to go into specifics about where the promotion will go next, there are some obvious wrestling hotbeds in Canada.
“For selfishness, I really want to go to Calgary, I really want to go to Vancouver and Winnipeg,” Allie said. “I have a feeling that fans would surely love to go in that direction.”
Also in the running for Canada’s hottest crowd is Montreal, hometown of WWE Superstar Sami Zayn. Earlier this year, Zayn told Sportsnet: “The crowd is always, always, always amazing in Montreal, always. And I’m saying that not just as a Homer, but as a hometown guy. All wrestlers know that when you come to Montreal it’s an amazing crowd.”
WWE’s next visit to Canada will be in December when the promotion visits Toronto.
Jericho, a Winnipeg native, is always one of the main draws for AEW, but this week there is a special focus on the eight-time world champion as he is set to defend the Ring of Honor World Championship. Meanwhile, Christian from Orangeville, Ontario will accompany Luchasaurus to the ring for his grudge match against Jungle Boy.
“I know I keep saying this and it sounds so cliche, but I’m just so excited to come back, I have so much energy,” Allie noted. “I really believe that the fans aren’t just there to see the show, they’re part of the show and I have a feeling because it’s our first time going to Canada, our first time going to Toronto, the fans will be more more energetic than usual I would say and I think that will make the show very special. I think it’s going to excite all of us and (we’re going to) just put on a fantastic show.”
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