Maurice "Mad Dog" Vachon dead at 84

Longtime pro wrestler Maurice "Mad Dog" Vachon died on Thursday morning at age 84. Greg Oliver of Slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2013/11/21/21283811.html reports that Vachon died at 4:00 a.m. in Omaha, Nebraska.

Powell's POV: I grew up watching the tail end of Vachon's career in the AWA. He was a great heel earlier in his career, but by the time I saw him he was a beloved figure and had a great feud with the late Jerry Blackwell. Vachon also teamed with his brother Paul "The Butcher" Vachon earlier in his career.

In 1987, Mad Dog was the victim of a hit and run while jogging, and doctors were forced to amputate his leg. In 1996, Vachon sat at ringside of the WWE "In Your House: Good Friends, Better Enemies" event. During the Shawn Michaels vs. Kevin Nash main event, Nash removed Vachon's artificial leg and attempted to use it as a weapon.

In 2010, Mad Dog was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by longtime friend Pat Patterson. Maurice had six children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He was the uncle of late WWE performer Luna Vachon. Our condolences to his friends and family. Thanks for the memories, Mad Dog.