by Stephen Von Slagle
Edouard Carpentier, who was known worldwide as “The Flying Frenchman,” began his legendary career in 1952 in his native France. His amateur skills translated well to the pro rings, but it was Carpentier’s unique acrobatic style inside the squared circle that helped set himself apart from the other wrestlers of the day, quickly launching himself to the upper-level of the profession. Known for always being in top physical condition, Carpentier proved himself to be one of wrestling’s biggest box-office draws and the profound impact he made as a World champion in three separate promotions cannot be questioned. During his prime, which lasted for well over a decade, Edouard Carpentier was truly among wrestling’s trend-setting elite and he unquestionably helped shape professional wrestling into what it is today.
“The Flying Frenchman” is a member of the Stampede Wrestling Hall of Fame (1995), the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (1997), and the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum (2010)
On October 30, 2010, Edouard “Edouard Carpentier” Weiczorkiewicz died of a heart attack at his home in Montreal. He was 84 years old.