Maurice Vachon
Joseph Maurice Régis Vachon (September 14, 1929 − November 21, 2013) was a Canadian professional wrestler, best known by his ring name Mad Dog Vachon. He was the older brother of wrestlers Paul and Vivian Vachon, and the uncle of wrestler Luna Vachon.
| Maurice Vachon | |
|---|---|
Vachon, circa 1973 | |
| Birth name | Joseph Maurice Régis Vachon |
| Born | September 14, 1929 Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Died | November 21, 2013 (aged 84) Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Family | Vachon |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name(s) | Mad Dog Vachon |
| Billed height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Billed weight | 231 lb (105 kg) |
| Billed from | Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Debut | 1950 |
| Retired | 1986 |
| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Men's Freestyle wrestling | ||
| Representing Canada | ||
| British Empire Games | ||
| 1950 Auckland | Middleweight | |
Vachon started his career as an amateur wrestler, participating in the 1948 Summer Olympics and winning a gold medal at the 1950 British Empire Games. He made the switch to professional wrestling and spent time in various promotions in the United States while occasionally teaming with his brother Paul. In Portland, Oregon, he received the name "Mad Dog" Vachon. In the early 1960s, Vachon became a main eventer in the American Wrestling Association. He was one of the promotion's all-time great heels, known for his wild style and intense interviews. He was a five-time AWA World Heavyweight Champion. Starting in the 1970s, Vachon became a fan favourite, particularly in his home province of Quebec.
After a stint in the World Wrestling Federation, Vachon retired from the business in 1986. The following year, he was struck by a hit-and-run driver, resulting in the amputation of one of his legs. Vachon was highly influential, especially in Canada, and was inducted into numerous professional wrestling halls of fame.