The Beatiful “Monster” with a Huge Heart
By Dr Mike Lano

(Watch for more photos in the coming days)

I’d known Luna Vachon (we still called her Angel) since ‘85 and we kept in touch during her up and down years from the Kevin Sullivan 80’s period angle on.  At the last Cauliflower Alley reunion we saw her at (and she absolutely loved coming and seeing all her peers and “family” as she said), she was so proud, “overwhelmed” were her words again at being one of our top honorees.  She cried and was so taken after getting her plaque and crystal trophy as our female wrestler of the year, and had to have Papa Paul help her at the podium, as she was “so full of emotion seeing Harley Race, Nick Bockwinkel, Manny Fernandez, and many other people who’ve been my family for decades here.”

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Funk’s Corner – Tough Tony Borne

Tough Tony Borne’s finishing hold was the Cannon Ball Jump from the top rope landing seat first on his opponent. Tough Tony’s standard offer was for anyone to lay down and take his Cannon Ball Jump from the top rope. If they were able to come to their feet within 30 seconds Tony would give them $500.

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Legendary wrestler and member of the famed Vachon wrestling family Gertrude “Luna” Vachon was found dead today in Florida, at the home of her mother.  Vachon was 48 years old.  She was the daughter of Butcher Vachon and the niece of “Mad Dog” and Vivian Vachon.  Luna is survived by two sons, Joshua and Van, and a granddaughter, Lauren.

We at PW Digest extend our deepest sympathies and send our prayers to Luna’s family and friends.

See a special tribute from the PGWA below, and look for a special tribute and photo gallery from Dr. Mike Lano coming soon to PW Digest.

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Noted ring historian and photographer Dr. Mike Lano remembers the late, great Skador Akbar, and sends a couple of his classic photos.

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Funk’s Corner – Skandor Akbar / Jim Wehba

06/22, 1980 – Tulsa, OK Dory Funk, Jr., Andre The Giant & Brian Blair beat James J. Dillon, The Spoiler & Skandor Akbar.

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WWE.com today reported the death of former WWE Superstar Lance “Cade” McNaught.

Lance McNaught is survived by his wife Tanya and daughters, Natallye, 7, and  Laryssa, 2.  His wife reported that he had been rushed to the hospital on Tuesday after passing out due to breathing difficulties, then left the hospital and went to his father’s house on Wednesday.

We at PWDigest extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of McNaught.

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Toni Adams, wrestling valet and ex-wife of “Gentleman” Chris Adams, died June 24 at Norton Brownsville Hospital in Louisville, KY, at the age of 45.

We at PWDigest send our condolences and prayers to her friends and family.

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Indy wrestler Michael Verdi, who was known to fans as Trent Acid, was found dead by his mother at home in Philadelphia this morning around 9:00am.  He was 29.  Best known as a member of the Backseat Boyz tag team with partner Johnny Kashmere, Trent wrestled for numerous independent promotions including CZW, ROH, JAPW, and PWU.

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Funk’s Corner – Gene Kiniski, “Give Him Hell Kid”

Giant Gene Kiniski caught me with a double leg pick-up and spun me around in a “Giant Swing” (Grabbed me by the ankles and spun me 360 degrees around and around). I could see the ring light at the Amarillo Sports Arena spinning overhead then I nearly passed out but came to as Gene slowed the Giant Swing and dropped me to the mat. Gene jumped on top of me with a rear chin lock and said, “Here comes your mother, kid. She is coming to help you. Dorothy is coming to ringside.”

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Article and photos by Dr. Mike Lano

Putting Over Cauliflower Alley Club And Beloved Gene Kiniski
By Mike Lano, CAC’s photographer

Next Monday through Thursday in Las Vegas is almost our 50th annual CAC reunion, and it promises to be the major event it always is.  Just a peek at Caulifloweralleyclub.org and you’ll see the many greats who’ll be attending as well as being honored at our main event night-our awards banquet a week from tonight.

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