Eddie Quinn (1906-1965)

Real Name - Edmund Regan Quinn

Lifespan - 5/22/06 - 12/14/65

Waltham, MA

Occupational Background - Boxing Promotion

Mentor(s) - Paul Bowser

Promotional Background - Waltham(`35), Boston(`35-`39), Montreal(`39-`64), Chicago(`59-`60)

Peak Years - 1950s

Place in History - An amateur boxer, Eddie Quinn, stayed in the fighting game through promotion starting in his hometown of Waltham.  He caught the attention of Paul Bowser, one of the premier pro-wrestling promoters of the era, who helped him with numerous opportunities.  He managed Montreal superstar Yvon Robert and when it became apparent that the market was ripe for the picking, he headed North.  Local promoter Jack Ganson’s old-school style was quickly eclipsed by Quinn’s “pink wrestling” with the gimmicks, blood and ballyhoo.  Yvon Robert’s popularity in the market was undeniable as pro-wrestling was second only to hockey in the province.  Quinn and Robert were the perfect team and bringing in opposition like Wild Bill Longson, Bobby Managoff and Buddy Rogers to headline hugely successful shows.  While Robert was irreplaceable, Quinn was able to build up an impressive roster of talent including Killer Kowalski, Yukon Eric and Eduardo Carpentier, who were reliable draws.  Montreal was also able to attract all the top names of the era and Eddie Quinn formed relationships with many of them.  His friendship with NWA Champion Lou Thesz was crucial when Quinn convinced him to do a disputed finish that would allow Carpentier to become a top star and title claimant.  It was a significant event that became the catalyst for the creation of numerous world titles.  During this period, Quinn actually left the NWA after they began working with Jack Pfefer and the tension grew.  Chicago promoter Fred Kohler, who was struggling to keep his toehold on his market after suddenly losing his national TV slot on the Dumont Network, wooed Carpentier away from Quinn.  The Montreal promoter responded by moving into Chicago for a brief promotional war that reinvigorated the market, but ultimately was forced to leave.  Back in his own market, boxing and pro-wrestling came under fire for their promotion of violence from the government.  Quinn also began having problems with the athletic commission related to his boxing promotions and a last minute cancellation in 1961 led to him losing his promoting licenses.  While he was allowed to continue promoting pro-wrestling, he only did so for a few more years before retiring back to New England.  He died the following year.