Wrestling Legend and Promoter Paul LeDuc Passes Away at 89

Paul LeDuc, a Canadian professional wrestler and promoter widely known as one half of the LeDuc Brothers, passed away on August 30, 2026, at the age of 89, according to reports shared on social media by Pat Laprade and corroborated by outlets including ITR Wrestling.

LeDuc’s career began in Montreal in 1957 when he started wrestling at the age of 18, as detailed by ITR Wrestling. Early in his journey, he convinced his close friend Michel Pigeon to enter the business and change his ring name to Jos LeDuc, creating a kayfabe partnership that fans accepted as genuine brotherhood for decades. The duo got their first major break in Stampede Wrestling under the guidance of Stu Hart, portraying a rugged lumberjack gimmick that drew inspiration from Eric Holmbac, according to ITR Wrestling’s retrospective.

Championships and Legendary Feuds in the Territory Era

Throughout the territory era, the LeDuc Brothers traversed major regional promotions and captured significant gold. According to Pat Laprade’s reporting, Paul LeDuc secured titles including the Grand Prix Wrestling, NWA Florida, and NWA International tag team championships. Among their standout achievements, Paul and Jos teamed up to defeat Dusty Rhodes and Dick Slater in 1973 to claim the NWA Florida Tag Team Championship, as noted by ITR Wrestling.

Their territorial battles forged rivalries against tag teams such as the Vachon Brothers and the Rougeau family. Notably, a clash between the LeDucs and the Vachon Brothers drew the largest crowd ever recorded for a professional wrestling event in Quebec City, according to historical accounts shared by Pat Laprade. Beyond standard tag team competition, Paul LeDuc also participated in an in-ring wedding ceremony at the Montreal Forum in 1971, cementing his status as an attraction in Canadian wrestling history.

Post-In-Ring Career and Founding The FLQ

After stepping away from full-time active competition in 1978, Paul LeDuc spent time working in the media sector before returning to the industry. In 2000, he founded his own professional wrestling promotion, The FLQ, which has remained active for more than two decades. His legacy in the ring also continued through family lines; his son, Carl LeDuc, followed him into the sport and competed for TNA as recently as 2024, according to ITR Wrestling.

News of LeDuc’s passing brought immediate condolences from across the professional wrestling community, with tributes highlighting his impact on Canadian and international grappling. According to Pat Laprade, Paul LeDuc is survived by his sons, Carl and Yan, and his daughter, Kim. Wrestling organizations and historians alike continue to honor his contributions as a competitor, a territorial draw, and a promoter who shaped Quebec wrestling for generations.