Born: 1962
Biography:
Gertrude Elizabeth Vachon, better known as Luna Vachon, was an American-Canadian professional wrestler who made a significant impact in the world of wrestling during her 22-year career. Born on January 12, 1962, Vachon had a passion for wrestling from a young age and was determined to continue her family’s wrestling legacy. Despite facing objections and discouragement from her family and close friend André the Giant, Luna persevered and pursued her dreams in the wrestling business.
At the age of sixteen, Luna began her training under her aunt Vivian and later under The Fabulous Moolah, a renowned wrestler. She made her professional debut in Moolah’s all-women’s promotion and then moved to Florida where she joined a four-woman wrestling troupe led by Mad Maxine. During her time in Florida, Luna resided with fellow wrestlers Scott Levy (later known as Raven) and Denny Brown, immersing herself in the wrestling community.
In 1985, Luna Vachon made her debut in Florida Championship Wrestling as Trudy Herd, a young, soft-spoken reporter. However, her character underwent a dramatic transformation after being mistreated by Kevin Sullivan, which led her to join Sullivan’s Army of Darkness stable under the new persona of Luna Vachon. As part of her new gimmick, Luna shaved half of her head, marking the beginning of her iconic Mohawk hairstyle. She also covered her face in body paint and consistently sported a menacing sneer. Reflecting on this angle later in her career, Luna revealed her unease with certain elements of the character’s portrayal.
During her time in Florida, Luna Vachon engaged in a heated rivalry with fellow wrestler Madusa Miceli, which would endure throughout their careers. She also formed a tag team called the Daughters of Darkness with The Lock, who were part of Sullivan’s Army. Beyond her wrestling career, Luna and The Lock provided back-up vocals for the thrash metal band Nasty Savage, showcasing her diverse talents beyond the squared circle.
Luna’s career took her across various wrestling promotions, including stints in Japan where her father Butcher Vachon acted as her manager. She also ventured to Puerto Rico and participated in David McLane’s Powerful Women of Wrestling (POWW). During POWW’s association with the American Wrestling Association (AWA), Luna had the opportunity to showcase her skills in the AWA’s only pay-per-view event, SuperClash III in December 1988, competing in a Battle Royal.
Throughout her career, Luna Vachon demonstrated exceptional wrestling abilities, captivating audiences with her intensity and physicality in the ring. She faced numerous challenges and obstacles but always remained dedicated to her craft. Luna’s unique appearance, combined with her fierce in-ring persona, made her a standout figure in the wrestling industry.
Luna Vachon’s contributions to women’s wrestling earned her a place in history. Her impact on society extends beyond her in-ring performances, as she broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of female wrestlers. Luna’s fearlessness and determination serve as an inspiration to aspiring wrestlers, proving that gender should never be a deterrent in pursuing one’s dreams.
In recognition of her remarkable career, Luna Vachon was posthumously inducted into both the WWE Hall of Fame and the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. Her legacy as a trailblazer in women’s wrestling continues to be celebrated and remembered.
Awards:
– WWE Hall of Fame inductee
– Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee