By Brian Hoops, Torch nostalgia specialist

PWTorch VIP members have first-look access to all of Torch Nostalgia specialist Brian Hoops's latest blogs in the newly upgraded VIP Forum. His blogs are published first in the PWTorch VIP Forum, and Hoops interacts with other VIP members and Torch staff and contributors in the blog comments area afterward. Some of Hoops's blog entries will be exclusive to the VIP Forum.

Lots of nostalgia wrestling news this week to talk about.

Long time AWA wrestling legend, Mad Dog Vachon, is moving from his present home in Omaha, Nebraska to his native Montreal, Canada. Vachon, who lost part of his leg after being struck by a car while jogging in 1987, is moving back to Canada to take advantage of that country's national health care system.

Superstar Billy Graham was fired by the WWE last week. Graham had been working under a legend's contract doing promotional work for the company and his contract was terminated as part of the WWE's latest cost cutting measures. The letter sent to Graham originally had language that claimed WWE owned the name "Billy Graham," however the WWE later sent another letter to Graham to clarify that he indeed did own the "Billy Graham" name and would still be able to use that name. Graham's real name is Wayne Coleman.

Awesome article written by Mike Mooneyham about legendary wrestler Danny Hodge. Hodge was an awesome amateur wrestler at the University of Oklahoma and later as NWA Jr. Heavyweight Champion. This is a must read article. Article link.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press has an article on former boxer and AWA referee Scott LeDoux. This is a really sad story as LeDoux is suffering from ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease. LeDoux is also the Minnesota Boxing and Wrestling Commissioner. Article link.

Former AWA wrestler, WWF and WCW announcer, and Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura is making news again as Ventura has called for Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman to stand down from his fight to win the state's held up Senate seat from Al Franken. Ventura, who defeated Coleman for Governor in 1998, has called Coleman a hypocrite. You gotta love Ventura. And in this case, he makes a great point. Article link.

Nice story about Dr. Death Steve Williams in the Denver Post. Williams, who has battled and overcome throat cancer but has trouble with speaking, hopes to raise enough money to receive a hands free box. Williams was one of the legitimate tough guys of the business and really needs your help. Williams is working for Southwest Airlines in Denver, Colorado. Article link.

For those of you that remember former NFL star, actor and opponent of steroids later in life, Lyle Alzado, his former father in law died last week. Bill Pike was predominately mentioned in Alzado's book. No mention of Alzado in Pike's obituary as his daughter has remarried.

I have been reading Jim Cornette's book, the 25th anniversary of the Midnight Express. It's awesome. I will have a full review of the book later, but if you love wrestling history, this is a must read. Article link.

This week's Torch should have the article I wrote on the NWA PPV from 20 years ago, WrestleWar 1989. This was basically a one match show with Ric Flair regaining the NWA World Title from Ricky Steamboat. This was an epic encounter and must viewing for the nostalgia wrestling fan. I will have the complete run down off the card in this week's nostalgia podcast as well as all the other historic wrestling matches from this week.

Good to see Joe Mauer back with the Twins and what a difference he is making to their lineup. Mauer, in only 40 at bats, already has four home runs and 12 RBI's. Plus, he is hitting .500 and is the best defensive catcher in the game. The Twins are a completely different team with him in the lineup as not only does Mauer's hitting help the club, but his defense and his ability to call a game and manage the pitching staff makes the entire team better. The Twins still need to improve the middle relief, their best option will be to bring up some young, fresh arms from the minors rather than to trade for someone. The Twins are deep in the minors with strong arms, its just a matter of time before one of them is brought up.

The Twins will also need to address Carlos Gomez soon. I am a big fan of Gomez, but he needs at bats and to play everyday. He is basically the 5th choice in the outfield now and not getting enough playing time to develop. If Mauer takes a day off of catching and DH's, Kubel needs to stay in the lineup and will play left field. Next month will begin interleague play where half the games will be in the National League where there is no DH, meaning Kubel will be in the outfield for those games as well. Gomez has a ton of potential, but won't realize until getting more playing time.

The Brett Favre soap opera continues. No doubt the Vikings will sign Favre if he decides to play as he will be the best QB on the roster, even at 39 years old, assuming he is healthy. Favre also means tons of media attention, national television and sell out at every game. If the Vikings sign Favre, they will be forced to trade or release one of their existing QB's and will likely trade T-Jackson as he is on the last year of his contract. No way to recoup the second round pick spent on Jackson, but a late round pick is a possibility.

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