Mad Dogs, Midgets and Screw Jobs

Mad Dogs, Midgets and Screw Jobs chronicles the rich history of professional wrestling in Montreal from the early 1900s through modern times. The book examines Montreal's unique role in developing wrestling talent and shaping the international wrestling industry. Author Pat Laprade conducted extensive research and interviews with wrestlers, promoters, and other key figures in Montreal's wrestling scene. The narrative covers major events, influential personalities, and behind-the-scenes stories from Montreal's wrestling territory. The book details the evolution of wrestling styles, business practices, and cultural impact in Quebec's largest city. It explores both the local wrestling promotions and Montreal's connections to major wrestling organizations. This comprehensive history reveals how Montreal's distinct culture and passionate fans helped create a wrestling legacy that influenced the sport on a global scale. The book stands as an important documentation of a vital but often overlooked chapter in professional wrestling history.

Readers describe this book as a thorough historical record of Montreal wrestling. Multiple reviews note the depth of research and volume of first-hand accounts from wrestlers and promoters. Liked: - Coverage of lesser-known regional wrestlers and events - Extensive photo collection - Details about the business side and promotional tactics - Professional-level writing quality Disliked: - Some found the early history sections too detailed - A few readers wanted more focus on modern eras - Limited coverage of female wrestlers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.21/5 from 14 ratings Amazon: 4.6/5 from 23 ratings One reader on Amazon called it "the definitive book on Montreal wrestling history." A Goodreads reviewer praised the "incredible depth of research" but noted it "can be dry at times." Wrestling Observer readers highlighted the book's coverage of behind-the-scenes business operations and territorial conflicts.

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🤼‍♂️ The Montreal Forum hosted its first wrestling match in 1922 and remained a cornerstone venue for professional wrestling until its closure in 1996. 🏆 Author Pat Laprade went on to become a WWE French commentator and producer after publishing this book, bringing his expertise directly to the wrestling industry. 👥 The famous Rougeau wrestling family of Montreal produced three generations of wrestlers, beginning with Eddie Rougeau in the 1940s. 📺 Montreal's wrestling scene pioneered French-language wrestling broadcasting, with weekly shows starting in 1952 on Radio-Canada. 🗣️ The book's title references the infamous "Montreal Screwjob" of 1997, one of professional wrestling's most controversial real-life incidents, where WWE champion Bret Hart was legitimately deceived in his hometown.