In modern-day pro wrestling, many big men have become extremely versatile. It's no longer uncommon to see a big man take to the skies and execute an aerial move. However, 30 plus years ago, the idea of a super heavyweight executing a move as simple as a moonsault was mind-blowing. Enter, Big Van Vader.
The former collegiate and pro football player transitioned seamlessly into pro wrestling in the late 80s and never looked back. There were some growing pains and a few evolutions of his character along the way. Regardless, every incarnation of Vader proved to be jaw-dropping in its own way.
7 Vader: WWE Run
There has never been a more poorly mishandled situation than that of Vader's run in WWE. In 1996, the wrestling world was buzzing over Big Van Vader's departure from WCW. Many fans rejoiced when Vader opted to sign with WWE rather than returning to NJPW. In hindsight, signing with WWE was the biggest mistake of Vader's career.
At SummerSlam 1996, Vader had the unfortunate luck of working with WWE Champion, Shawn Michaels. After a miscue on Vader's end, Michaels scolded and berated Vader in the middle of the ring. Mysteriously, all plans to make Vader a star were suddenly abandoned. He would hang around WWE's mid-card scene until leaving the company for good in 1998.
6 Vader: The Final Years
The final years of anyone's life can often be a difficult time. Sadly, for Vader, his last few years consisted of a slow death in the public eye. In 2016, Vader was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Doctors told the pro wrestling legend that he only had two years to live. Despite the grim outlook, Vader didn't let that discourage him from doing what he loved most, wrestling.
Vader would continue to work independent shows and even made a few bookings in Japan. During this time, Vader made his desire to be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame public. Unfortunately, WWE ignored the dying legend's request. Vader had open heart surgery early in 2018 and things seemed to be looking up. Regrettably, a case of pneumonia started the big man's quick decline in health, before he passed away in 2018 at the age of 63.
5 Bull Power: Up And Coming International Star
In 1985, Leon White would begin training to be a pro wrestler. He would make his debut for the AWA, going by the name of Baby Bull. He later changed his name to Bull Power. By 1986, Bull Power was ready to embark on a tour of Europe for the Catch Wrestling Association. In March of 1987 Bull would defeat Otto Wanz to win the CWA World Heavyweight Championship, the first championship of his career.
Bull Power would go on to establish himself as an absolute force to be reckoned with in the CWA. When it was all said and done, Bull would be a three-time CWA World Heavyweight Champion and the inaugural CWA Intercontinental Champion. He would translate his success in Europe into arguably his most legendary run in 1987.
4 Leon White: Actor
Many professional wrestlers have aspirations of being Hollywood actors. In the 80s, the likes of Jesse "The Body" Ventura, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, and Hulk Hogan were all able to dip their toe in the Hollywood water. By the 90s, acting roles weren't as easy to land for pro wrestlers.
However, in 1995, Vader made the first of his three reoccurring appearances on the network television sitcom, Boy Meets World. Vader would essentially play himself on the show with a few minor twists. His appearances on Boy Meets World would go on to become cult classics. In 1996, Vader would once again play himself, this time on the smash television hit, Baywatch. Vader would never make it to the silver screen, but his TV appearances are remembered fondly by many fans.
3 Big Van Vader: Tag Team Run In Japan
For some wrestlers, their time as a tag team competitor can be rather forgettable. For others, their tag team run can be just another great chapter in an extraordinary career. The latter was true in Vader's case. It just so happens that Vader was one-half of arguably the most intimidating teams in Japanese wrestling history.
In March of 1992, Big Van Vader and Bam Bam Bigelow began teaming and calling themselves "Big, Bad, and Dangerous." The duo would reach the top of the NJPW Tag Team division, when they defeated Hiroshi Hase and Keiji Mutoh for the IWGP Tag Team Championships. They would hold the titles for almost four months before dropping them to The Steiner Brothers. After his run with Bigelow, Vader would begin to transition into the role of an exclusive WCW performer before leaving NJPW altogether.
2 Big Van Vader: WCW Run
When Vader first started performing in WCW, he was the reigning IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. In 1991, WCW and NJPW began having a working relationship which made it easier for Vader to work both promotions more frequently. In 1992, he began working full-time with WCW and received a monster push. He was paired with Harley Race and began pursuing the WCW World Heavyweight Championship.
At the 1992 Great American Bash, Big Van Vader defeated Sting to win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. In the end, Vader would win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship on three separate occasions along with one reign as WCW United States Champion. He would be voted Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Wrestler Of The Year in 1993. It's fair to say that Vader was the top heel in the business during his time in WCW.
1 Big Van Vader: New Japan Pro Wrestling Run
After originally starting his Japanese wrestling journey as a part of AJPW, Vader's contract was sold to NJPW in 1987. It's there where he was given the "Big Van Vader" gimmick that would take his career to new heights.
In 1989, Vader would defeat Shinya Hashimoto in the finals of an eight-man tournament to win the vacant IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. Vader made history becoming the first gaijin competitor to win the prestigious championship. He would go on to win the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship a total of three times, to along with one reign as IWGP World Tag Team Champion alongside Bam Bam Bigelow. Big Van Vader is considered by many Japanese wrestling experts to be the greatest heel in the country's history.