It has not been a good week for wrestling fans.
The week began with the passing of Ole Anderson (Alan Rogowski), founding member of the NWA's legendary Four Horsemen faction in the mid-80's, and a multi-time tag team champion, at 81. Anderson also was a matchmaker for Jim Crockett Promotions during the 80's, and had his final significant run in 1990-1 fronting the Horsemen.
Then, Mike Jones, better known as Virgil from his stint with the then World Wrestling Federation (1987-94), and under a variety of aliases in WCW, as well as Soul Train Jones on the indie circuit, passed at 61. Jones had suffered a pair of strokes in the last year or so. Best known as Ted DiBiase's valet from 1987-91 before turning babyface to finish his WWF run.
And, today, the last member of the Vachon wrestling family, Paul "Butcher" Vachon, passed at 86. Vachon was one of a number of heels (villains) who were regulars on WWWF programming in the 70's, before being used as enhancement talent in the 80's, leading to his retirement from in-ring competition.
Following is an episode of Championship Wrestling from 1977. Vachon was, at the time, managed by Capt. Lou Albano. The card also features a few more future Hall of Famers (Vachon was inducted a few years ago), including Mil Mascaras and Dusty Rhodes.
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