Big Van Vader x SPLX
Big Van Vader, born on May 14, 1955, in Lynwood, California, was an American professional wrestler and former football player who became one of the most dominant big men in wrestling history. Known for his combination of immense size, agility, and brutal in-ring style, Vader made a lasting impact in various promotions, including World Championship Wrestling (WCW), World Wrestling Federation (WWF), and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW).
In New Japan Pro Wrestling, White was rebranded as Big Van Vader, a character inspired by a Japanese warrior figure. Wearing an intimidating mask and headpiece, Vader quickly gained attention for his extraordinary agility and athleticism, especially for someone of his size. He performed high-flying moves like the moonsault, a maneuver typically reserved for much smaller wrestlers, and he combined this with his immense power, making him a force to be reckoned with. His impact in Japan was immediate. He became the first non-Japanese wrestler to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in 1989, establishing himself as a top star. His matches against legends like Antonio Inoki solidified his status in Japan and garnered international recognition.
Vader joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1990 and quickly became one of the most feared competitors in the promotion. Managed by Harley Race, he was positioned as an unstoppable monster, dominating the likes of Sting, Ric Flair, and Cactus Jack (Mick Foley). Vader won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship three times and became known for his brutal, stiff in-ring style. His matches with Sting, in particular, stand out as defining moments of WCW’s early 1990s era, showcasing Vader’s ability to both deliver and absorb immense punishment.
In 1996, Vader moved to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), debuting in a highly anticipated appearance at the Royal Rumble. Though his run in WWF wasn’t as dominant as his time in WCW, he had memorable feuds with stars like Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, and Yokozuna. His WWF tenure was marked by strong performances but limited by backstage politics and injuries, preventing him from reaching the same heights he had in WCW and Japan.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Vader returned to Japan and worked for various independent promotions, continuing to wrestle into his 60s despite ongoing health issues.
Big Van Vader is widely regarded as one of the greatest “big men” in the history of professional wrestling. His ability to combine size, strength, and agility made him a unique talent. Many wrestlers, both past and present, credit Vader with redefining what a big man in wrestling could do in the ring.
In his later years, White publicly battled health issues, including heart complications. Despite undergoing heart surgery, he passed away on June 18, 2018, at the age of 63, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most physically imposing and technically impressive wrestlers of all time.
Big Van Vader’s career spanned multiple continents and promotions, and his legacy continues to influence modern wrestling. Known for his brutal style, surprising athleticism, and memorable feuds, Vader remains a legend in the annals of professional wrestling.