Overview

The true story of one of pro wrestling’s most charismatic, feared, and beloved icons Who was Maurice the man, and who was Mad Dog the character? Maurice “Mad Dog” Vachon was a gold medalist, a pro-wrestling legend, and a pop culture icon — but he was also a son, husband, and father. Mad Dog explores Vachon’s career and personal struggles with painstakingly detailed historical research and through both Maurice’s own recollections and those of the people who knew him best. As a young man, Maurice could have chosen a dark criminal path, but then wrestling and family changed him. Chronicling his slow but steady rise to prominence across America and internationally in some of pro wrestling’s most important territories, this in-depth biography shows how Vachon’s life came to be defined by the words of Mark Twain: “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” Fiercely proud, motivated, and supremely talented, Vachon’s story is also the amazing tale of how a lifelong make-believe heel became a real-life hero outside of the ring. With a foreword by his brother, Paul Vachon, and an afterword by his widow, Kathie Vachon.

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9781770413320

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Reviews

Praise for <i>Accepted</i> That story line is surprisingly wistful, tender, and accessible to all readers . . . Patterson is a very good storyteller, and his tales from the road about well-known personalities such as the fun-seeking Andre the Giant and the forever-young-at-heart Ray Stevens are wonderfully told, and many of the wrestlers' time-killing pranks are laugh-out-loud funny. -- <i>Publishers Weekly</i> Fans of professional wrestling and those interested in LGBTQ rights from the 1960s to the present will find much to enjoy in this book from the first WWE intercontinental champion. -- <i>Library Journal</i> It should come as no surprise that Patterson's penchant for telling a good story in the ring translates to his storytelling ability within the confines of a book. . . For Pat Patterson, wrestling was his life and the greatest thing that ever happened to him. He and co-author Hebert do a sterling job of bringing that out through the pages of a story that's been long overdue. -- <i>Charleston Post and Courier</i> It's the author's perspective as a gay man in a world where gay was not a public option that gives the book its real value. -- <i>Montreal Gazette</i> A moving story about staying true to one's dreams, ambitions, and identity - even in the face of improbable odds. Pat Patterson shares a stirring portrait of his rise to wrestling icon and trailblazer for LGBT athletes everywhere. <i>Accepted</i> is yet another display of strength and courage in Patterson's storied career as one of the world's most well-known wrestlers. -- Sarah Kate Ellis, President & CEO, GLAAD Praise for <i>Mad Dogs, Midgets and Screw Jobs</i> [Laprade and Hebert] do an excellent job covering the history of one of North America's richest wrestling hotbeds . . . The ultimate guide to Montreal's legendary wrestling scene. -- <i>Post and Courier</i> An informative and entertaining read for any professional wrestling buff. -- <i>Slam! Sports</i>

A definitive history of this hardcore heel who lived life to its fullest and wrestled even harder. . . The authors did their homework well and we reap the reward of their efforts. Mad Dog is a must-have read for every serious fan of pro wrestling. -- George Schire, author of Minnesota's Golden Age of Wrestling I've learned so many things about Maurice. It was very revealing. I couldn't wait to read more about him, I was really captivated. I already had respect for Maurice; I have even more now. -- Raymond Rougeau, former WWE wrestler and announcer I never saw Mad Dog Vachon wrestle because he was before my time, but I always heard about how wild he was and after reading this book I now perfectly understand why people were so fascinated with him. It truly captures the essence of who Mad Dog Vachon was. -- WWE Superstar Kevin Owens

Author Information

Bertrand Hébert co-wrote Pat Patterson’s autobiography, Accepted. He lives in Beauharnois, Quebec. He also co-wrote Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s 2013 book of the year, Mad Dogs, Midgets and Screw Jobs with Pat Laprade. Laprade is the co-author of Sisterhood of the Squared Circle, created the Quebec wrestling Hall of Fame, and lives in Montreal. George Tombs is a biographer and literary translator based in Montreal.

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