Quebec Pro Wrestling: The Best of Theoretically French-Canadian Old-School Wrestling

[1PWfan]

The Totally Extreme Podcast

 

“It's time for our weekly podcast, I'm your host Jay Reso and joining me four our first segment tonight is Canada's newest promoter, Quebec Pro Wrestling owner and head booker 'The Halifax Hobgoblin' Hugh 'The Devil' Dansigny. Welcome to the show, Hugh, and I think you know what the first question will be...why?”

 

“Trust me, Jay, I ask myself that question every single day. Honest answer, though, is that I saw an opportunity in the market and decided to go for it. Indy wrestling in Canada, we've basically got 4C in Toronto and All Canada Pro running out of Nova Scotia, but that leaves a lot of gaps, particularly when you figure that the wrestling fanbase in Quebec is just huge- maybe not Tri-State huge, but there's a lot of fans here.”

 

“So there was a gap in the market?”

 

“Exactly. You look at the Quebec fanbase, they're definitely looking for a local promotion to invest in, something that they can call their own or whatever. I've been living up here for a couple of years now, and I just figured, I've got this opportunity, there's money on the table, let's go for it and if it doesn't work then at least I did it, y'know? At least I gave it a go”

 

“Good news is just about every successful promoter we've ever had on the show has said the same thing, so you're definitely in good company there. One thing I also wanna flash up is your mention of money on the table, what's the story there?”

 

“Yeah, I made that sound really intriguing, eh? Basically the Quebecois government offers a lot of tax breaks and favourable loans for small businesses, and we managed to get access to a lot of the schemes on offer because a local wrestling outfit? Pretty much the definition of a small business. At the moment we're sitting on about fifty thousand dollars in the bank and I'd put anywhere from 25 to 50% of that coming from business incentives. Plus, and this is the big thing, we've been able to turn some of the investment into opening a new dojo, the Quebecois State Wrestling Camp, to help provide a steady stream of Canadian-based workers to help the scene. ”

 

“That's what, the fourth dojo to open in Canada?”

 

“Between us, The Combat Academy, the Decolt school and The House of Stone, yeah, we're not exactly thin on the ground when it comes to training. But my justification, and what I said when I applied for the funding, is this: you look at the other four, they're all quite specialised. The DeColts only train guys and they're very much a brawling school, the Combat Academy's all about the high-fliers and Jeremy very much focuses on technical wrestling. The Quebecois Pro Wrestling Camp focuses on a more generalised training programme- we're not about creating wrestlers tailor-made for our own company, we want to put as many people out there as possible to help support Canadian wrestling.”

 

“I guess the next question has to be, what can we expect from Quebec Pro Wrestling going forward?”

 

“One thing we're really pushing, our big keyword, is integration. QPW recognises no gender boundaries in our competition, men and women are free to wrestle each other with no restrictions, though I can't guarantee that we'll be featuring male and female wrestlers equally as we're still working out roster deals. In terms of product, we're leaning towards a version of what North of the Border do- slightly modified, but essentially similar.”

 

“Okay, you know I've got to ask what 'slightly modified' means”

 

“Essentially speaking we're bringing in some of that NYCW-style mainstream appeal, so QPW is kind of a mix of North of the Border's emphasis on wrestling and in-ring action with some of the commercial, narrative elements I picked up working in New York. Essentially speaking, if you're a fan of what the Stones do, the kind of show they put on, then you'll definitely enjoy watching a QPW show but if you're just a casual fan who wants something fun and accessible then you should also enjoy what we do as well.”

 

“Now, obviously you're still in the planning stages so there's only so much to tell us about what's in the pipeline for QPW, but is there anything you can tell us about what to expect?”

 

“As you say, we're still in the planning stages so there's not a lot to confirm right now, but I can definitely say that we've made offers to some of the most recognisable names on the Canadian indy scene, plus we'll be importing a couple of guys from the other side of the border if everything works out as planned. Oh, and Tamara McFly will almost certainly be on the roster or I'm not speaking to her for the foreseeable future- and given that we're married that could be awkward.”

 

“Honestly? Not as much as you'd think. One last thing before we go- where and when can people see QPW's debut show?”

 

“QPW's debut show, QPW To Begin With, will be taking place at Club de Quebec in Montreal on the second Saturday of the month, tickets available on the door or in advance from our sponsor, Scott and Jagged's Wrestling Treasure Trove, the best source for discount wrestling merchandise in the whole province of Quebec. If you want to see some of the best independent wrestling in Canada come along and check us out, I can promise that you won't be disappointed.”

 

“And on that note it's time to say goodbye to Hugh, we'll be right back after the break with our regular preview of all of Canada's upcoming wrestling shows, including a look ahead to 4C Presents...Cage Rage and ACPW's The Brave and the Bold. Stick around and we'll be right back”

 

***

 

Card for QPW To Begin With

 

FOR THE QUEBECOIS OPENWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE

Ant-Man vs. Tamara McFly

 

Emma Bitch vs. Jerry Martin

 

The Rock City Stars (Rockin' Ryan Turner & Stan 'The Man' Manna) vs. American Splendour (Rayne Man & Filth Sylvain)

 

Cal Sanders vs. Sterling Whitlock

 

Laura Flame vs. Raphael

[Herrbear]

<p>Interesting start.</p><p> </p><p>

Card for QPW To Begin With</p><p> </p><p>

FOR THE QUEBECOIS OPENWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE</p><p>

Ant-Man vs. <strong>Tamara McFly</strong></p><p> </p><p>

Emma Bitch vs. <strong>Jerry Martin</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>The Rock City Stars (Rockin' Ryan Turner & Stan 'The Man' Manna)</strong> vs. American Splendour (Rayne Man & Filth Sylvain)</p><p> </p><p>

Cal Sanders vs. <strong>Sterling Whitlock</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Laura Flame</strong> vs. Raphael</p>

[Historian]

<p>Interesting start. In my RMW game, QPW started out open (I made them open), but unfortunately, they did not last. I'm interested to see where you take them. The old school emphasis on wrestling mixed with the new school intergender is an interesting take!</p><p> </p><p>

Card for QPW To Begin With</p><p> </p><p>

FOR THE QUEBECOIS OPENWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE</p><p>

<strong>Ant-Man </strong>vs. Tamara McFly</p><p>

Ant-Man is, by all accounts, a stud of a wrestler that a lot of people seem to really get into. I've never booked him myself, but I think he's a good starting champion. Love the Openweight idea.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Emma Bitch</strong> vs. Jerry Martin</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>The Rock City Stars </strong>(Rockin' Ryan Turner & Stan 'The Man' Manna) vs. American Splendour (Rayne Man & Filth Sylvain)</p><p>

Even though I hate Rock City Stars, I think they make a lot of sense as first champs.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Cal Sanders </strong>vs. Sterling Whitlock</p><p> </p><p>

Laura Flame vs. <strong>Raphael</strong></p>

[1PWfan]

Interesting start. In my RMW game, QPW started out open (I made them open), but unfortunately, they did not last. I'm interested to see where you take them. The old school emphasis on wrestling mixed with the new school intergender is an interesting take!

 

Thanks for the kind words, your RMW dynasty is what drove me to QPW in the first place (I was planning to do an RMW one myself, then I saw The Climb and was like 'yeah, maybe don't try competing'). As for lasting, COTT is set in my game to be a consortium so finances are less of an issue, which should help.

 

Show will be up later today sometime, so if anybody else wants to predict feel free.

[Jaded]

Ant-Man

Emma

RCS

Cal

Laura

[1PWfan]

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="font-size:36px;">QPW To Begin With</span></strong></p><p><strong>

</strong><strong><span style="font-size:24px;">Live from Club De Quebec</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-size:24px;">

Friday, Week 2, January</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-size:24px;">

Audience:118</span></strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

<strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:18px;">The Show</span></span></strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Laura Flame vs. Raphael</strong></p><p>

We kicked things off with a fairly standard squash match to introduce two of our most promising workers. Raph's a talented guy, and whilst he's not in the first flush of youth or anything he's probably one of the youngest guys around the main-event scene (right now it's between him and Jerry for the number two heel spot- Jerry get his turn tonight, Raph's turn will be next month), and whilst he wasn't amazing here or anything I wasn't expecting him to be. As for Laura, I think the only people in Canada who've ever heard of her were the 118 folks in the audience- and only once Nat had announced her- but she's a talented worker with bags of potential and could be a big star for us once she gets over (for what it's worth she was more or less performing on the same level as Raph tonight). For now, though, she's resolutely part of the job squad and took the loss here, Raph putting her away via pinfall with Cupid's Arrow (Flying Fist Drop)</p><p>

<strong>Winner:</strong> Raphael <strong>Match Rating:</strong> <em><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">D-</span></span></em></p><p>

<strong>Other Notes:</strong> Raphael debuted his Old School Heel gimmick, rated Great</p><p>

Laura Flame debuted her Arch Competitor gimmick, rated Very Good</p><p> </p><p>

*</p><p> </p><p>

With the match over and done with, I step into the ring, mic in hand and holding a title belt.</p><p> </p><p>

<span style="color:#FF8C00;">“How're you enjoying the show so far?”</span></p><p> </p><p>

Naturally this is received with some muted cheers- I'm a heel and the fans know it but they're still pumped up and wanting to cheer.</p><p> </p><p>

<span style="color:#FF8C00;">“Well, to be honest I don't really care what you think. No, tonight I'm standing in this ring to recognise one of the finest wrestlers on the Canadian independent scene and award them the inaugral Quebecois Openweight Championship Title. Ladies and Gentlemen, put your hands together for our very first ever champion, my wife Tamara McFly!”</span></p><p> </p><p>

'American Woman' brings out Tamara McFly, to another shower of boos as she gets in the ring.</p><p> </p><p>

<span style="color:#FF00FF;">“Firstly, honey, I just want to say this: I am the best wrestler in this company. There is not a man or a woman currently working in Quebec Pro Wrestling that could possibly beat me, and you know what that is? Not a coincidence. Face it, this may be the very best of the Canadian indy scene, that I don't dispute, but me? I'm from America, and we do things better south of the 49th Parrallel than on this side. Besides, any of those pencil-necked geeks in the back starts thinking they can get lucky, well, guess what? I got ownership on my side, so something tells me that, well...”</span></p><p> </p><p>

It's at this point that Tammy is cut off by the distinctive drum intro to Antmusic, signalling the arrival of Ant-Man</p><p> </p><p>

<span style="color:#008000;">“Y'know, I hate to interrupt the love-in here, but on behalf of the great Quebecois fans in the audience tonight, I've just got to step in and say: you really think you're the best in QPW?”</span></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="color:#FF00FF;">“Yes, Ant-Man, I really do. After all, have you ever gone half-an-hour with The Sensational Ogiwara, or defended the most prestigious title in women's wrestling, the NOTBPW Womens Title, against stars like Rebecca Petty, Junko Hayakawa and Victoria Stone?”</span></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="color:#008000;">“Didn't Victoria Stone beat you literally every time you wrestled?”</span></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="color:#FF00FF;">“...shut up, insect! You think you're better than me? You really aren't Ant-Man, there's nobody in this company that can beat me!”</span></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="color:#008000;">“Well then, if I've got no chance of beating you there's no harm in putting that title up for grabs in the main event tonight, is there?”</span></p><p> </p><p>

At this point I try to head this topic off, but before I can speak Tammy cuts me off.</p><p> </p><p>

<span style="color:#FF00FF;">“You're on Ant-Man! Tonight, your @ss is mine and I am not gonna be merciful. Hit the d@mn music, I'm outta here”</span></p><p> </p><p>

This went well- I'm not 100% committing to it until they get in the ring but Ant-Man/Tammy is currently pencilled in as our headline feud and this did a good job introducing the major issues. Plus, we probably had three of our best talkers in the ring, which always helps.</p><p>

<strong>Rating:</strong> <span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">D</span></span></p><p>

<strong>Other Notes:</strong> Tamara McFly debuted her Bitch gimmick, rated Above Average.</p><p>

Ant-Man debuted his Old School Face gimmick, rated Average.</p><p> </p><p>

*</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Cal Sanders vs. Sterling Whitlock</strong></p><p>

This one was surprisingly good, given that I'd booked it it to emphasise story-telling over action. In fairness, both these guys are talented workers, and Cal in particular looks like he could challenge Ant-Man for the top babyface spot. Okay, so he's is a disaster on the mic but even holding back he still delivered a decent performance, so I'm looking forward to seeing what happens when the brakes come off. As for Sterling, he's a rookie but you wouldn't know it from his performance here, as with Laura it wasn't a lot worse than his veteran opponent. Cal took the win here- c'mon, let's not pretend Sterling's getting close to a win for at least a year- putting Mortlock away via pinfall with the Frog Splash.</p><p>

<strong>Winner:</strong> Cal Sanders <strong>Match Rating:</strong> <em><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">D-</span></span></em></p><p>

<strong>Other Notes:</strong> Cal debuted his Machine gimmick, rated Very Good.</p><p>

Sterling debuted his Ice Man gimmick, rated Average</p><p> </p><p>

*</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>The Rock City Stars vs. American Splendour</strong></p><p>

On the one hand, this wasn't a great match- decent enough, but nothing special- but a lot of ancillary factors here tipped it over into a very positive match. For a start off, the crowd loved all the characters here, which is always good. Plus, by this match it was becoming clear that me and Nat had pretty good chemistry working the commentary desk, and given that it's been a while since I worked the commentary desk full-time that's always reassuring. Okay, so the individual performances were pretty much average- Sylvain abd Ryan were weak but they're both pretty obscure in Canada (plus Filth was having a real off-night) so it's forgiveable- but still, average with lots of fringe benefits is better than average with disappointing sidelights. Rayne Man took the win here, forcing Stan to submit to the Rayne Fall (STF).</p><p>

<strong>Winners:</strong> American Splendour <strong>Match Rating:</strong> <em><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">D-</span></span></em></p><p>

<strong>Other Notes:</strong> Filth debuted his Punk gimmick, rated Very Good</p><p>

Rayne Man debuted his Arrogant Heel gimmick, rated Great</p><p>

Stan Manna debuted his Rock Star gimmick, rated Above Average</p><p>

Rockin' Ryan Turner debuted his Rock Star gimmick, rated Very Good</p><p> </p><p>

*</p><p> </p><p>

We then head to the QPW Interview Position (otherwise known as a camera pointed at a big QPW poster backstage), where Jerry Martin's on hype duty ahead of his match with Emma.</p><p> </p><p>

<span style="color:#8B0000;">“People always ask me, Jerry, why are you looking at me like that, oh god no my leg leg he broke my leg, and for the most part I'm fine with that. But just sometimes, people ask me questions I don't like, questions like 'can I please sit down?' or 'Would you mind awfully telling me what time it is?' or even 'What're you looking at?', I really hate that one. But you, Emma, do you know what you asked me? I don't blame you if you don't remember, it wasn't asked with words. You asked me 'how hard will you break?' Well, I'm looking forward to finding out.”</span></p><p> </p><p>

I'm starting to get a handle on what my guys are capable of, and this wasn't bad- I'm a little disappointed that the reaction wasn't better, but the crowd at least took to his Psycho character in a big way.</p><p>

<strong>Rating:</strong> <span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">D-</span></span></p><p>

<strong>Other Notes:</strong> Jerry debuted his Psycho gimmick, rated Great.</p><p> </p><p>

*</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Emma Bitch vs. Jerry Martin</strong></p><p>

Well, that was disappointing. Okay, it wasn't actually that bad, no worse than the tag match for example, but these are meant to be my number two guys and an unfortunate case of bad chemistry really hamstrung the match. That's forgivable, it's not really anyone's fault, but the individual performances would seem to indicate that neither of these guys are really ready for the number two slot. It's not too big a deal- we can just move and Cal and Raph into higher spots- but Jerry's one of our most expensive workers and his performance was one of the worst of the night so he really needs to buck his ideas up if he wants to be kept on. As for Emma, she didn't look especially motivated but still delivered a reasonable performance (plus she's not that expensive) so I'm inclined to give her another chance and hope the issue here was just the chemistry.</p><p>

<strong>Winner:</strong> Emma Bitch <strong>Match Rating:</strong> <em><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">D-</span></span></em></p><p>

<strong>Other Notes:</strong> Emma debuted her Bad Ass gimmick, rated Great.</p><p> </p><p>

*</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Ant-Man vs. Tamara McFly</strong></p><p>

After the semi-main underperformed I was genuinely worried about this one, but thankfully our top guys guided us home in some style with the best performances of the night, plus some good chemistry to lock this up as our headline feud going forward. Tammy was definitely the star, though given her ability and the fact that she's our biggest name that's no great surprise, but Ant-Man did his bit as well and looked good. Plus, his power game and her lack of size made for some great visuals- he threw her around like a rag doll, she begged off and ran for the hills like a classic chickensh*t heel, everything worked and the crowd knew who to root for. I went for Tammy to win- I'm not always a fan of heel champions but with us leaning on the Tammy/Me dynamic it made for more storytelling sense for Ant-Man to be chasing to start with- and he lost after Rayne Man interfered and hit him with a baseball bat, allowing Tammy to hit the McFly Roll (rolling fireman's carry slam) and hook the leg to get the pinfall victory and the championship.</p><p>

<strong>Winner:</strong> Tamara McFly <strong>Match Rating:</strong> <em><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">D+</span></span></em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

<strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Overall Rating:</span></strong> <span style="font-size:24px;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">D+</span></span>, with the main event and solid-if-never-great undercard combining for a very solid show. Plaudits go to Ant-Man, Tammy and Raph as our top performers of the evening.</p>

[1PWfan]

EDIT: Due to technical issues this dynasty has had to be rewritten- I've already edited the first two posts to reflect the minor changes from the new save- but the next few posts might be a bit delayed whilst I do some more substantial reworking.

 

In the meantime, let's take a look at how the predictions went:

 

Herrbear: 1/5

Historian: 3/5

Jaded: 2/5

 

So Historian wins out this month, and I'm going to go back to my old favourite for rewards- Historian, you have the right ask a question, in or out of kayfabe, or any worker on the QPW roster. Post the question on the thread and I'll have the answer up before the next show.

[Historian]

How does Tamara feel about being counted on to carry the ball for a new promotion at this stage of her career?

[1PWfan]

Okay, people, some more bad news. Due to a technical issue with my computer that can best be summed up as 'hey, where'd that virus come from?', I've lost the revived version of the QPW game that this dynasty was based on. Fortunately I've not lost anything else thanks to a recent back-up, but I'm gonna scrub this dynasty and start over, either this evening or tomorrow.