Don Callis Brings The Family to Edmonton for AEW Dynamite and Collision Double-Header
The Don Callis Family will be making a significant appearance in the City of Champions when All Elite Wrestling (AEW) brings its Dynamite and Collision events to Edmonton's Rogers Place for a double-header on April 8. This marks a notable stop on AEW's Canadian tour, with Callis leading one of the promotion's most formidable stables.
Callis Returns to Canadian Soil with Mixed Feelings
Don Callis, the outspoken AEW manager and Winnipeg native, recently expressed his candid views about returning to Canada. Speaking from Winnipeg ahead of AEW's events at the Canada Life Centre, Callis did not hold back his opinions. "It's horrible," Callis stated. "There's a snowstorm today, and it reminds me of all the reasons I never wanted to be here in the first place."
Regarding Edmonton, Callis offered a blend of critique and praise. "I actually don't mind Edmonton, but I just find Edmonton is like a poor man's Calgary," he remarked. "Edmonton has some nice people, but Calgary has classy, classy people, western culture, they've got all the mountains, you don't have any of those. You guys have weather like Winnipeg, Calgary gets the chinook."
However, Callis did acknowledge the quality of Edmonton's venue. "Having said all that, I find the building in Edmonton is one of the nicest buildings I've ever been in North America. I actually love working in Daryl (Katz's) venue there. Connor McDavid has already reached out to me to go grab a bite to eat, but I told him I'd have to get back to him because I'm very busy."
Supporting Canadian Wrestling and Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling
Despite his humorous jabs at Canadian cities, Callis remains a strong supporter of the Canadian wrestling scene. He recently participated in an announcement for Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling (MLP) in Windsor, Ontario, where it was revealed that MLP has secured a national TV deal on TSN starting in July with the debut of MLP: Mayhem.
"I think MLP getting a national television deal in Canada is gigantic news," Callis emphasized. "It's the first time since, I think, '86 or '89, since anyone has had national television in Canada in terms of a quote, unquote, independent promotion. Of course, AEW is also on TSN, so I think it's a great partnership."
Callis added, "I'm excited for Canadian fans that Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling is back. I think Canada has great wrestling fans — I don't want to speak or interact with them — but they are intelligent in terms of pro wrestling."
Leading The Family: AEW's Dominant Faction
Callis heads The Family, the largest stable in AEW, featuring over a dozen members. This impressive roster includes legendary Japanese wrestler Kazuchika Okada, Konosuke Takeshita, current TNT champion Kyle Fletcher, and Mexican superstar Andrade El Idolo, among others.
Callis describes his management style as unique. "I don't run my faction like a wrestling faction, but like a family and like a professional sports franchise," he explained. "The future of All Elite Wrestling is in the Don Callis family. Much like the Edmonton Oilers, I've got my Connor McDavid, I've got my Leon Draisaitl, I've got my Zach Hyman, go up and down the lineup, I've got all the talent, and it's almost unfair."
Road to AEW Dynasty
The Edmonton shows serve as the final stop before AEW's next pay-per-view, AEW Dynasty, scheduled for April 12 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, B.C. The Dynasty main event will feature AEW men's world champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) facing off against Callis's former protégé and fellow Winnipegger, Kenny Omega, adding further intrigue to the buildup.
As AEW continues to expand its presence in Canada, the Edmonton double-header promises to deliver high-energy entertainment, with Don Callis and The Family at the forefront of the action.
