Fans to witness ‘rebirth’ of local promotion
Atlantic Pro Wrestling returning to New Minas under new ownership
Annapolis Valley pro wrestling fans are about to witness the rebirth of a homegrown promotion, although it’s now under new ownership.
Richard Boudreau, of Centreville, launched Atlantic Pro Wrestling (APW) in September 2022, promoting events in Canning and New Minas. He continued as the owner and promoter until the fall of 2023, when he announced that he would stop running shows.
“I made the conscious decision that my overall mental health was more important than continuing as the owner of APW,” Boudreau said. “It was a fun experience, but it was time to move on.”
In late January, he sold the promotion to Doug Parker, a Summerside, P.E.I., resident who owns Island Pro Wrestling (IPW) and parent
Entertainment. company LMJ Sports
Boudreau said that although it was a great experience overall, there were times when the frustration involved was “a little overwhelming.” He said fans don’t realize how much time, money, and logistics go into putting on one wrestling event.
FORMER OWNER PLEASED
Boudreau said he’s pleased that APW will continue under Parker’s ownership and hopes it will be as successful as when he owned it. The sale included the promotion’s name, championship belt, and any equipment that was used for previous APW events.
Parker said he was approached by Boudreau in November about potentially buying APW. He paid $900 for the promotion’s assets. This didn’t include a ring, but he already owns two.
Parker, who grew up in Sackville and Mount Uniacke, said he plans to continue running shows in New Minas. APW returns to the Louis Millett Community Complex on April 5 at 7 p.m. with a show titled Rebirth. Admission is $20, payable at the door, or tickets can be purchased at www.atlanticwrestling.ca.
“We’re going to try to run
every two months over there,” Parker said. “I’ve learned over the years not to saturate by running every month.”
He said he’s excited to see how his first show in
New Minas goes. Fans will see Covey Christ square off against Jason Boa for the APW championship. Other talent includes Ryan Dennim, Mya Malek, Bobby Boyette, Draven Kyuss, and many more.
Parker also plans to run in
Canning. Digby, Bridgewater, and He’ll continue promoting under the IPW banner in P.E.I. and will promote under the APW banner in Nova Scotia.
Although he couldn’t say who because the deal has yet to be finalized, Parker said he’s working on bringing in “a big name” for the Digby show, which is scheduled for Aug. 31. This will coincide with the Digby Wharf Rat Rally.
Parker said it’s the energy and reaction of the fans that he enjoys most about wrestling, particularly the kids and older spectators who “get right into it.”
He said he first got involved in pro wrestling about 20 years ago, working as a sound man for Emile Duprée’s Atlantic Grand Prix Wrestling. IPW held a tribute show for Duprée in the fall after the legendary promoter died in September. The show featured Emile’s son, former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) superstar René Duprée.
FAN HELPING OUT
Jason Langille, of Whites Corner, an avid wrestling fan for more than four decades, said Parker contacted him in October for a fan’s perspective on pro wrestling in the area. They talked about the Maritime wrestling scene.
After Parker announced that he had purchased APW, Langille said he quickly volunteered to put up posters to help promote the April 5 event in New Minas.
“I care about pro wrestling and want to see events in the Annapolis Valley continue for everyone and grow across rural parts of the province,” Langille said.
He said he doesn’t care about backstage politics or who doesn’t like whom. He just wants today’s families to be able to make memories like he did growing up watching the likes of the legendary Leo
Assassin, Burke, The Beast, Cuban and Sweet Daddy Siki.
When looking at today’s wrestlers, Langille said he thinks Covey Steele, a.k.a. Covey Christ, is a unique talent and an example of someone who has connected with the APW crowd.
“We have some great talents in our province, so let’s make it better for everyone in the sport of pro wrestling,” Langille said.
He said fans can watch wrestling at home on TV or streaming platforms, but that experience doesn’t compare to being at a live event where you can feel the energy of the crowd and performers.