OTTAWA: Maurice "Mad Dog" Vachon, 84, one of professional wrestling's greatest villains, died Thursday morning at his Nebraska home, according to his Facebook page.
At five-foot, seven inches (1.7 meters) and weighing about 230 pounds (104 kilos)in his prime, Vachon terrorized opponents and fans alike with his bald head, jet black beard and toothless snarl.
Vachon's career in the ring lasted more than four decades. Ranked fourth in the "Heels" category of the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame, he would gouge and bite his opponents before unleashing his signature "pile driver" move, earning a reputation as the most feared rule-breaker in wrestling.
Born in Ville-Emard, Canada in 1929, he competed in the 1948 Olympics in London at 18 years old, pinning the then Indian world champion in 58 seconds, but ultimately finished in seventh place.
He went on to join the pro wrestling circuit in 1954, and appeared regularly in televised American Wrestling Association matches alongside Hulk Hogan, Jesse Ventura and other wrestling greats.
Vachon is survived by his wife Kathie, who was reportedly by his side when he died, as well as his younger brother Paul, who was also a wrestler, and a sister Vivian.
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