Former NWA Tag Team Champion and wrestling promoter Paul LeDuc, who boasted a 21-year in-ring career, has died at age 89.
Paul LeDuc, a wrestling icon in Canada, has died. He was 89.
Despite being advised against pursuing wrestling because of his small stature, LeDuc carved out a 21-year in-ring career, winning championship gold multiple times.
"In 2000, he founded his own promotion, the FLQ, which remained active for more than two decades," Laprade added. "My deepest condolences to his sons, Carl and Yan, to his daughter, Kim, as well as his loved ones."
LeDuc began training to become a wrestler in Montreal at 18. During the 1960s, he convinced his friend and future tag team partner Michael Pigeon to pursue wrestling, too.
The talented duo, known as the LeDucs, debuted in Stampede Wrestling in 1968. Over the years, they carried memorable feuds with Maurice 'Mad Dog' and Paul 'The Butcher' Vachon.
The legendary tag team also defeated Dusty Rhodes and Dick Slater in 1973 to win the NWA Florida Tag Team Championship.
His tag team partner, Pigeon, died in 1999 at the age of 54. LeDuc also retired in 1978.
"The Cauliflower Alley Club is saddened to learn of the passing of Paul LeDuc, a respected and enduring figure in Quebec professional wrestling,"
the organization wrote on Facebook. "From his legendary tag team with Jos LeDuc to his lifelong dedication to independent wrestling, Paul left an indelible mark on the industry he loved. His contributions spanned generations. His passion for professional wrestling remained with him throughout his life.They also wrote, "We extend our heartfelt condolences to Paul's family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched. Rest in peace, Paul!"
Paul LeDuc is survived by his sons, Carl and Yan, and his daughter, Kim.
