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Who was Mad Dog Vachon?
Mad Dog Vachon was one of the most famous and influential wrestlers in Quebec and Canada. He was born as Joseph Maurice Régis Vachon in Montreal in 1929, and he grew up in a large family of 13 children. He started wrestling at the age of 12, and he soon became a national champion and an Olympian. He competed in the 1948 London Olympics, where he finished seventh in the middleweight category.
How did he become a professional wrestler?
After his amateur career, Vachon turned to professional wrestling in 1950. He traveled around the world, wrestling in various promotions and countries. He adopted the name Mad Dog Vachon in Portland, Oregon, where he developed his wild and aggressive style. He also grew a trademark beard and shaved his head, creating a distinctive look that made him stand out from other wrestlers.
What were his achievements and impact?
Mad Dog Vachon was a five-time world champion in the American Wrestling Association (AWA), one of the most popular and prestigious wrestling organizations in the 1960s and 1970s. He also teamed up with his brother Paul, who was known as The Butcher, to form a formidable tag team. They won several tag team titles in different promotions, including the AWA and the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF).
Mad Dog Vachon was also a huge star in his home province of Quebec, where he wrestled for Grand Prix Wrestling and International Wrestling. He was one of the first wrestlers to use the microphone to deliver fiery and provocative interviews, which helped him generate heat and excitement from the fans. He was also known for his feuds with other wrestlers, such as Killer Kowalski, Verne Gagne, The Crusher, and Andre the Giant.
Mad Dog Vachon influenced many wrestlers who came after him, especially in Canada. He was a mentor and a friend to many young wrestlers, such as Rick Martel, Dino Bravo, and Jacques Rougeau. He also helped his niece, Luna Vachon, become a successful female wrestler in the 1980s and 1990s. He was inducted into several wrestling halls of fame, including the WWE Hall of Fame in 2010.
How did he die?
Mad Dog Vachon retired from wrestling in 1986, after a long and illustrious career. However, he faced many health problems in his later years. In 1987, he was hit by a car while jogging, which resulted in the amputation of his right leg. He also suffered from diabetes, which caused him to lose the use of his left leg. He had to use a wheelchair for the rest of his life.
On November 21, 2013, Mad Dog Vachon died in his sleep at the age of 84. He was living in Omaha, Nebraska, with his wife Kathie, who also passed away in 2021. According to Wikipedia, the cause of his death was diabetes. He left behind six children and a large extended family.
Conclusion
Mad Dog Vachon was a legend in the wrestling world, and a hero in Quebec. He was a pioneer of the sport, and a master of the art. He entertained millions of fans with his charisma, his intensity, and his skill. He inspired generations of wrestlers with his passion, his courage, and his generosity. He was a mad dog in the ring, but a gentle soul in life. He will always be remembered and respected by those who knew him and loved him.
