Yvon Robert facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yvon Robert |
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| Born | October 8, 1914 Verdun, Quebec |
| Died | July 12, 1971 (aged 56) Laval, Quebec |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name(s) | Yvon Robert The French Canadian Lion |
| Billed height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Billed weight | 250 lb (110 kg) |
| Trained by | Emil Maupas |
| Debut | April 9, 1932 |
| Retired | 1959 |
Yvon Robert (born October 8, 1914 – died July 12, 1971) was a famous French Canadian professional wrestler. Fans knew him best as Yvon "The Lion" Robert because of his strength and fighting style.
Contents
Yvon Robert's Wrestling Journey
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Yvon Robert began his wrestling career in 1932 when he was just 17 years old. He trained with Emil Maupas. He was called the "French Canadian Lion" because he was from Quebec, Canada. His first professional match was on April 4, 1932.
Early Career in America
Yvon started wrestling in Boston with the American Wrestling Association (AWA). He faced tough opponents like Rasputin and Joe Cox. In 1935, he joined the National Wrestling Association (NWA). He became more famous after challenging the world champion, Danno O'Mahony, during a match.
Becoming a Champion in Montreal
In April 1936, Yvon started wrestling in Montreal, Quebec. This city became very important to his career. He won the Montreal International Heavyweight Championship 16 times! This shows how popular and skilled he was there. In 1943, he also won the Montreal British Empire Heavyweight Championship.
Winning World Titles
Yvon returned to the American Wrestling Association (AWA) in 1936. Just two weeks later, he beat Danno O'Mahony to win the AWA World Heavyweight Championship. This was his first world title! He was seen as the world champion in New England and Montreal.
In 1940, he joined the National Wrestling Association (NWA) again. He had one of his biggest wins on October 7, 1942. He defeated "Wild" Bill Longson to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in Montreal. He lost the title later that year in Texas.
Return to Montreal and Tag Team Success
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Yvon Robert went back to Montreal in 1944. He continued to be a very successful wrestler. In 1948, he wrestled against the famous Gorgeous George. Their match drew a huge crowd and made a lot of money.
In 1953, Yvon teamed up with another great wrestler, Whipper Billy Watson. They formed a very successful tag team. They won the Canadian Tag Team Championship together. In one famous match, they defeated Al Mills and Tiny Mills. The boxing legend Joe Louis was even the special guest referee!
In 1958, Yvon won his final title, the Mid-America Tag Team Championship. He retired from wrestling in 1959.
Yvon Robert's Life Outside the Ring
Yvon Robert was married to Leona. They had two daughters, Leona and Suzanne, and a son, Yvon Jr. His son also became a professional wrestler and later a wrestling promoter. In the 1950s, Yvon owned a cafe in Montreal called Cafe Le Boheme.
Yvon Robert passed away at his home in Laval, Quebec, on July 12, 1971. He was buried in the Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery in Montreal.
Championships and Awards
Yvon Robert won many championships and received special honors during his career:
- American Wrestling Association (Boston)
- AWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Fédération Française de Catch Professionnel
- World Heavyweight Championship (French version) (1 time)
- International Wrestling Association (Montreal)
- IWA International Heavyweight Championship (Montreal version) (16 times)
- IWA World Tag Team Championship (2 times) - with Herb Trawick and Pat O'Connor
- Maple Leaf Wrestling
- NWA British Empire Heavyweight Championship (Toronto version) (3 times)
- NWA Canadian Open Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Whipper Billy Watson
- NWA Mid-America
- NWA World Tag Team Championship (Mid-America version) (1 time)
- National Wrestling Association
- NWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum
- Class of 2017
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996)
Images for kids
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Yvon Robert against the "Green Mask", 21 May 1941
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Two brothers of the Dusek Family against Yvon Robert and Laurent "Larry" Moquin, during a tag team wrestling match, Montreal, June 1945
