Headliner: expect big things from Grand Prix Wrestling
by Kirk Starratt/The Advertiser
Article online since September 4th 2007, 10:00
Kings County Register
Grand Prix Wrestling’s headline attraction says fans can expect big things from the promotion, and wrestlers haven’t forgotten their fans in the Valley despite the lack of a 2007 tour.
Pro wrestler Jeff Dupre, son of legendary promoter Emile Dupre and brother of former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) superstar Rene Dupre, says those in the Grand Prix Wrestling office remember the strong support shown last year by Valley fans of the squared circle during the 50th anniversary tour. Shows held at the Berwick Arena last summer drew the biggest wrestling crowds the venue has seen in over 20 years.
Even though there isn’t a tour scheduled now, everyone is training, staying in shape and generally working hard - with a focus squarely on the future.
Dupre says wrestlers recently held an autograph signing, with Grand Prix Wrestling legend Robert “Kurrgan” Maillet, at Parlee Beach in New Brunswick. Maillet, better known to Maritime wrestling fans as the Acadian Giant, stands 7’1” and weighs an impressive 315 pounds. The 37-year-old debuted with Grand Prix Wrestling during the final season televised by ATV in 1990. He was signed by the WWE in 1997, where he gained fame as The Interrogator with the Truth Commission and later as Kurrgan with the Human Oddities, accompanied by the infamous band, Insane Clown Posse. Maillet recently played the role of Uber Immortal in Warner Brothers’ controversial box office hit 300. His character has a prominent appearance in one of the battles between the Spartans and the Persians.
Dupre said many Maritimers, especially those of Acadian descent - whether they’re wrestling fans or not, are proud of Maillet’s success on the world stage.
“It’s not the last time we hear from Robert “Kurrgan” Maillet,” Dupre says, pointing out there could soon be an encounter between the giant and himself in the Grand Prix ring.
Dupre says, despite rumours, it was his brother, Rene, who decided to part ways with the WWE.
“He’s going to be wrestling a tour for New Japan Pro Wrestling in Tokyo.”
Giving local wrestling fans something else to look forward to, Dupre says he and his brother plan to team up in the near future to tour the Maritimes with another exciting season of Grand Prix Wrestling.
