In a move that has the Maritimes buzzing like a steel chair to the back, Grand Prix Wrestling is making its triumphant return—and leading the charge is none other than recently retired Oromocto Senators Conor Sheary. Yes, the same Conor Sheary known for his scoring touch on the ice is now trading in his skates for spandex and suplexes.
After announcing his retirement from professional hockey at the end of last season, Sheary shocked fans by revealing that he’s purchased the rights to Grand Prix Wrestling, the once-legendary Canadian wrestling promotion that had its heyday in smoky high school gyms, local arenas, and the occasional parking lot next to a curling club.
“I wanted to do something that combined my love of sports with my love of yelling dramatically into a microphone,” Sheary said at a press conference held at the Oromocto Community Centre, flanked by two men in glitter capes and what appeared to be a person in a moose costume named ‘El Antlerico.’
The Main Event: Sheary vs. The Mall Cop
Not content to just sign the cheques, Sheary has booked himself as the headliner in the inaugural event of the rebooted promotion: Grand Prix Wrestling: Return to the Rink, taking place May 3 at the Aitken Centre in Fredericton. The main event? Sheary vs. “The Mall Cop”—a burly former bouncer from Saint John named Doug who insists on walking to the ring to the sound of elevator music.
The two will face off for the newly minted Maritime Heavyweight Belt, which Sheary described as “part brass, part recycled beer cans, and 100% destiny.”
“I’ve trained hard,” said Sheary. “I’ve been practicing moves like the Flying Lobster, the Maritime Maple Lock, and of course, the Donair Drop. I’m not just here for nostalgia. I’m here for glory—and possibly a pulled hamstring.”
Legends, Laughter, and Lobsters
The card is stacked with a mix of returning Grand Prix legends and colourful newcomers. Fan favourite “Moose Jaw Mike” is returning from retirement at 68 years old, although his knees have filed a cease and desist. He’ll face off against “The Halifax Hurricane,” whose signature move is yelling “Get yer storm chips!” before launching a flurry of slaps.
Also booked is a tag-team match featuring “The PEI Potatoes” vs. “The Newfoundland Screechers,” with rumours of a potato cannon entrance in the works. Intermission will include a live fiddler, a 50/50 draw, and—according to the event poster—“a commemorative hand towel for the first 50 fans wearing plaid.”
Wrestling With Nostalgia
For Sheary, bringing back Grand Prix Wrestling is about more than just body slams and baby oil.
“I grew up watching this stuff,” he said. “Saturday mornings, I'd be glued to the TV. The characters, the chaos—it was pure theatre. My dad once took me to see a match in Moncton where a guy got hit with a folding chair, then thanked the guy for folding it properly. I knew then that wrestling was something special.”
With streaming deals being discussed and merch already flying off the shelves (limited edition “Senator Slammer” shirts sold out in an hour), the return of Grand Prix Wrestling looks to be more than just a one-night nostalgia trip. Sheary plans to take the promotion on a Maritime tour, with stops in Miramichi, Sydney, Summerside, and even a rumoured “Beach Brawl” event at Parlee Beach this summer.
“I Don’t Need Hockey Hair to Lay the Smackdown”
As for what fans can expect from his debut in the squared circle, Sheary grinned.
“I’ve faced down slapshots at 100 km/h and played playoff hockey in Oromocto—how much worse can a choke slam be?”
While some critics are skeptical (one sports writer described the plan as “ambitious bordering on banana pants”), the early buzz is undeniable. Ticket sales are strong, and fans are already posting signs that read “SHEARY SMASH” and “MAKE GRAND PRIX GREAT AGAIN.”
Whether this wrestling renaissance turns into a Maritime mainstay or fizzles out like a fog machine at a high school dance, one thing’s for sure—Grand Prix Wrestling is back, and Conor Sheary is ready to rumble.
And honestly, who’s going to tell a man in tights and elbow pads otherwise?
4/10/2025 - 675 words
