Last the wrestling lost one of the great Super Heavyweights. Big Van Vader otherwise known as Vader passed away at the age of 63. Born as Leon White, Vader wrestled all over the world and left a major impact everywhere he landed. Known throughout the business as one of the nicest guys you could ever meet but also one of the most vicious in the ring.
Always a gifted athlete Leon was an All-American football player at the University of Colorado. After his NFL career was cut short by injury he found his way into the world of professional wrestling. He made his professional debut in 1985 working for the AWA. From there he started his trek around the world beginning in Catch Wrestling in Europe. Then in 1987 he make is way to Japan where the legend was born.
Originally working for the legendary Giant Baba in All Japan, he was traded over to the still growing New Japan. This is where he was giving the name Big Van Vader and started wearing his now trademark black mask. He had notable matches with the Hall of Famer Antonio Inoki. After winning an 8-man tournament in 1989 he became the first ever non-Japanese IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
While working in Japan in 1990, Vader faced off against another Hall of Famer in Stan Hansen. He and the stiff Hansen had a brutal match in which his nose was broken by Stan’s bull rope then got his eye poked out during the match. Vader put his eye back in and completed the match. Also, while in Japan Vader formed one of the most underrated and underappreciated tag teams with the great Bam Bam Bigelow. The team known as “Big, Bad and Dangerous” hel the IWGP Tag Team titles, their reign was cut short after a knee injury to Vader.
In 1990 Vader made his way to the United States wrestling for WCW. Vader brought amazing athleticism to his matches especially for a man his size. Paired with the great Harley Race as his manager Vader began to go after the WCW Heavyweight Championship. Fueding with the likes of Ron Simmons and Sting, Vader was fixture in the early 1990s title picture and became a star at time that wrestling not as popular, he was able to cross into pop culture as a know figure.
In the later part of the decade Vader brought his talents to the WWF. He was a member of the Camp Cornette stable lead by super manager Jim Cornette. Although he never captured the World Title in the WWF he was a fixture at the top of the card taking on the likes of Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker in notable feuds. After leaving the company he went back to Japan for another run. In the 2000s Vader was mostly retired but made some appearances for different companies. Vader was a game changer in the wrestling business and will be missed.
Written By
Keith B. Holt
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