BIG VAN VADER
Leon White, known to pro wrestling fans as Big Van Vader passed away on Monday June 18th according to CBSSports. He was 63 years old. At 6'4 450 pounds, Big Van Vader was one of the most intimidating and athletic personas in wrestling. Big Van Vader won 11 championships in a career that spanned over three decades. He worked in every major promotion in the world including the AWA, WCW, New Japan Pro Wrestling, All Japan Pro Wrestling, and WWE.
Big Van Vader best run came in the late 80's and early 90's. From 1987 to 1992 Vader worked for New Japan Pro Wrestling where he was the IWGP Heavyweight champion and worked with such legends as Antonio Inoki and The Great Muta.
In 1992 he went to WCW (World Championship Wrestling) where he began a feud with Sting. Vader would win the World title on three different occasions. He would have great feuds with Sting, Rick Rude, "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, Ric Flair, and Hulk Hogan.
By 1996 Vader had moved onto the WWE but due to injuries he was not the same athlete he had been. He feuded with Yokozuna, Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, and The Undertaker, but he would never reach the top of WWE like he did in WCW.
Vader was a true superstar that redefined what a super heavyweight could do in the ring. He made fans and wrestlers tremble with fear at the mention of his name.
Thank you Mr. White. Your legacy in this business will never be forgotten.
Class Dismissed,
THE PROFESSOR
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