OUR STAR: The Life of Leo Burke

---

 On July 24, 2024, the Canadian professional wrestling family lost one of its brightest stars, and most influential figures behind the scenes, as Leonce Cormier, professionally known as Leo Burke, would pass away at age 76.  Leo Burke held the top spot in the Maritime provinces of Eastern Canada, and could draw crowds comparable to Hulk Hogan in his heyday, or John Cena and The Rock compared to today’s superstars.  

Leo’s fame would carry him to Calgary, Alberta, where he would continue to dominate as a star in Stu Hart’s Stampede Wrestling.  In this made-to-air 46-minute podcast/radio show, radio host and pro wrestling commentator, Mike McGuire, who hosts the weekly, “McGuire on Wrestling” podcast, takes us through Leo Burke’s career with help from some of the greatest stars in pro wrestling history, and the historians and authors who studied and followed Burke’s remarkable 50+ years in professional wrestling.  

Guests include:  

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.  

"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.