In season 3, episode 20 of Dark Side of the Ring, titled "The Many Faces of Luna Vachon," we take a deep dive into the life of professional wrestler, Gertrude Elizabeth Vachon, also known by her ring name Luna Vachon. Known for her unique look and persona, Luna was an integral part of the professional wrestling industry in the 80s and 90s, and this episode explores her rise to fame as well as her personal struggles.
The episode begins by introducing Luna's backstory, including her upbringing as part of a famous Canadian wrestling family and her early wrestling career in Montreal. Luna's intense and eccentric personality was apparent from a young age, and we see footage of her early matches where she already had a unique style that stood out from the crowd. Eventually, she was signed by the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1993, and this marked the beginning of her ascent to the top of the industry.
As Luna's star continued to rise, we learn about the different personas she adopted throughout her career, including her trademark wild and crazy look, as well as her later, more subdued role as the manager of other wrestlers. We hear from several wrestlers who worked with Luna during this time, including Bret Hart and Mick Foley, who speak to her talent and professionalism in and out of the ring.
The episode also delves into Luna's personal life, including her struggles with mental illness, addiction, and abusive relationships. We hear from Luna's sister and fellow wrestler, Vivian Vachon, as well as Luna's daughter, who shed light on Luna's personal demons and the toll they took on her. Despite these struggles, Luna remained a beloved figure in the wrestling industry, and she continued to be a force to be reckoned with in the ring until her untimely death in 2010.
Throughout the episode, we see footage of Luna's most memorable matches and moments in the ring, as well as interviews with those who knew her best. The episode does a great job of showing both sides of Luna's complex personality, both the wild and unpredictable performer and the vulnerable woman behind the character. Overall, "The Many Faces of Luna Vachon" is a fascinating and heartfelt tribute to one of wrestling's most unforgettable figures.
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Genres
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CastVan HurdDavid HeathMick FoleyMick FoleyDavid Heath
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Channel
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First AiredOctober 14, 2021
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Content RatingTVMA
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Runtime44 min
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LanguageEnglish