Since launching in 2021, Love Pro Wrestling (LPW) has built a reputation as one of Canada’s most exciting independent promotions — blending punk-rock attitude with pop-culture flair and some of the best talent in the country. But what really sets LPW apart is its progressive spirit: women headline cards, intergender matches are embraced and fans can expect a safe, welcoming atmosphere free from the misogyny, homophobia and tired stereotypes that once defined the sport. By reimagining what pro wrestling can look like — and who it can be for — LPW has become a stage where Edmonton’s wrestling community shines brightest.
Ahead of its next two events on August 28th and 29th, founder Spencer Love spoke with Edify about what makes the promotion stand out and why Edmonton wrestling deserves a global spotlight.
Edify: What inspired you to found LPW?
SL: When I was 18-years-old, I saw a flyer on Whyte Ave for a professional wrestling show hosted by the Prairie Wrestling Alliance. I’m very much a “yes” person, so I just decided I’d go check it out. I saw the show and absolutely fell in love with it. From there, I started attending local shows as often as I could, doing a little bit of content creation, like writing articles, doing recaps and interviewing wrestlers. Then, I started my own website to specifically focus on that. Some sponsors reached out to me, as my blog had gotten fairly popular.
To be honest, I never thought that I would have gotten into this until after I hosted my first show in October 2021, and I just fell madly in love with it from there. Immediately we started to try and find ways that we could continue to run events. We’ve been running consistent events at the Rec Room at South Edmonton Common since March 2022.
Edify: What makes LPW different from other wrestling promotions?
SL: A couple of different things: Number one, we want to really put a highlight on Edmonton and Calgary, and we’re privileged to work with some of the most talented professional wrestlers, production agents and techs. We’ve been very selective on wanting to work with the best of the best, whether that’s inside or outside of the ring.
Also, inclusive and positivity-forward — those are the two biggest things that we really push. When people talk about professional wrestling in the late 90s and early 2000s, there was a lot of good, but there were also many things that would turn people off from wanting to be a part of our sport like gender stereotypes and homophobia. It’s always been our priority that if you come out to a LPW show, or be a part of our fan base, you might hear some cursing, but you’re certainly not going to hear anything homophobic, transphobic, racist, sexist or misogynistic. Anybody who comes out to a show should feel included and safe to be themselves.
Lastly, a lot of our shows pay homage to artists and moments in pop culture that we love like punk rock and Chappell Roan, but they also strategically target people who have never been to a pro wrestling event before.
Edify: Tell us about the events this month on August 28 and 29.
SL: For our event on Thursday August 28 we’ve collaborated with the Clandestine Wrestling Society — a training facility here in Edmonton. There’s an opportunity to see all of our regular rosters mixed in with some of the students getting some of their first opportunities to wrestle in front of a crowd.
LPW 40 on Friday August 29 is part of our monthly flagship event. It streams live on Independent Wrestling TV. The coolest thing for me is that the world’s finally getting to see Edmonton wrestling for the first time through LPW. Our goal is always to be bigger and better with every show and make it better than our last.
Edify: Who are some of the must-see wrestlers to watch at LPW 40?
SL: Michael Richard Blais would be one of them — he was trained by Tyson Kidd, who is currently one of the producers for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Zoë Sager was one of the first Canadians signed to the WWE Independent Development program. Stephen Crowe is our current champion and one of the most eccentric characters in professional wrestling. I could go down our entire roster and give you one great reason on why you should watch them. But those are the first to come to mind for me.
LPW 40 will be taking place at the Rec Room in South Edmonton Common on August 29. Ticket prices range from $33 (general admission), $44 (reserved seating) and $66 for VIP.
