John “Jack” Tunney Jr. Canadian Wrestling Royalty and former President of the WWF
Remembering Jack Tunney Jr. — The Toronto Wrestling Promoter Who Helped Build the WWF Era
On a walk through Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Thornhill, just north of Toronto, I came across the grave of Jack Tunney Jr., a pivotal figure in Canadian professional wrestling and former president of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).
Born in Toronto, Jack Tunney was more than just a promoter — he was the linchpin of WWF’s expansion into Canada during the booming 1980s wrestling boom. In June 1984, he made a bold move, switching from the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) to the WWF, and began exclusively promoting WWF events in Toronto and surrounding regions.
This partnership between Tunney and the legendary McMahon family propelled the WWF to new heights. The era of “Hulkamania” saw packed arenas and roaring crowds, with Maple Leaf Gardens consistently sold out. Historic events like the 1986 Exhibition Stadium show drew over 65,000 fans, and WrestleMania VI at the Skydome in 1990 attracted a staggering 68,000 attendees — landmark moments for wrestling in Canada.
Yet, the relationship was not without its challenges. In 1995, amid controversy and changing business dynamics, Vince McMahon decided to take control of the Toronto shows entirely, ending the Tunney family’s involvement. The era of Jack Tunney Jr.’s leadership came to an abrupt close.
Jack Tunney Jr. passed away on January 24, 2004, in Lindsay, Ontario, at the age of 69. Despite his significant contributions to wrestling in Canada, it is a sad footnote that no representatives from the WWE attended his funeral.
1935-2004
