SPECIAL: OUR STAR: The Life of Leo Burke, with guests Bret Hart, Mark Henry, Rene Dupree, Greg Oliver, Aidan Pringle, Gary Williams and Dave Meltzer

McGuire on Wrestling

The pride of Dorchester, New Brunswick, Leonce Cormier, best known as Leo Burke, was a Canadian Pro Wrestling Icon.

Known to fans across the Maritimes, Leo would find his way to Stampede Wrestling, Maple Leaf Wrestling, Puerto Rico, Japan, and even occasionally have stints in the United States, under the ring name of Tommy Martin.

Burke would become one of the most trusted, and most beloved trainers and mentors to some of the wrestling industry's biggest and brightest names.

In this special episode of McGuire on Wrestling, you'll hear from some of those names, including:
Bret "Hitman" Hart - Protege of Leo Burke's, who would go onto worldwide fame and reach the status of legend in Professional Wrestling. One of professional wrestling's all-time greats would first learn his way around a wrestling ring, thanks to Leo Burke.

"The World's Strongest Man", Mark Henry - A later student of Leo Burke's who found his way to Calgary after a rocky start in the WWE, Mark would also reach legendary status as a world champion and Hall of Fame wrestler.

Rene Dupree - Son of Emile Dupree, and part of the family that owned and promoted Atlantic Grand Prix Wrestling, where many would become stars, but Leo would become iconic. Renee would go on to become one of the youngest pro wrestlers to sign with WWE, and in addition to continuing his wrestling career today, hosts the popular "Cafe de Rene" Podcast.

Aidan "Synn" Pringle - An accomplished independent professional wrestler and actor, Aidan Pringle is a second generation wrestler who owes a lot of his lessons in and out of the ring to Leo Burke as they would remain friends to the final minutes of Leo's life.

Greg Oliver - Celebrated Author, historian and journalist, Greg would get to know Leo Burke and his family through years of wrestling coverage, and eventually be welcomed into the fold to take part in family events and memories.

"Wildman" Gary Williams - Another well known professional wrestler along Canada's independent scene, Williams would follow Leo Burke throughout the Maritimes, as a fan, and eventually as a student, following Leo to Calgary to train at the invite only Bret Hart camp.

Dave Meltzer - Founder of "The Wrestling Observer" Newsletter, and a historian and journalist of the professional wrestling world, Dave is a regular contributor to the McGuire on Wrestling podcasts, and offers some historical insight into Leo's impact across Canada.

This episode is presented commercial free. While not affiliated with this podcast, Leo's family encourages that donations in his memory be made in support of Alzheimer's research and care.

For more on our podcasts, please visit www.mcguireshow.com