The WWE universe would agree that Leon White, better known as Big Van Vader, definitely deserves a Hall of Fame Induction. Well, WWE has confirmed that the wrestling legend will be posthumously honored as a Hall of Famer this year during WrestleMania week.
The ceremony will be on April 1st, where Vader’s legacy will be honored and he will be officially inducted in the Hall of Fame Class of 2022 alongside The Undertaker. Following the big news from WWE, several fans expressed their love for the legend on Social Media. As a response, Leon White’s son took it to Twitter to thank all the fans who continue to appreciate his late father.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Vader’s son, Jesse White, who is also a professional wrestler known as Jake Carter, thanked fans on a Twitter post for all the love they continue to show?his father.
Jesse revealed how much it means to his family and himself. He wrote, “I can?t tell you how much I appreciate the love you guys continue to show my father. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. It means the world to my family and I. (the Vulcan Salute emoji)”
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the love you guys continue to show my father. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. It means the world to my family and I. 🖖
— Big Van Vader (@itsvadertime) March 8, 2022
Big Van Vader and His Legacy
Vader’s magnificent career lasted for over three decades and he proved himself in both Japan and the United States. Interestingly, Vader was the first non-Japanese wrestler to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. In addition, he won the World Championship Wrestling title three times in the nineties, while having feuds with Sting and Ric Flair.
However, White was also an offensive lineman while he was at the University of Colorado in the seventies. Further, he almost had a short-lived career with the Rams but had to quit after an injury. He signed with WCW in the early nineties and has served extensively for the company.
Watch This Story: Top WWE & AEW News of The Week
Vader defeated Sting for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship 1992 and won the title three times. Moreover, ‘The Mastodon’ has feuded with many of the WCW superstars and always possessed the quality to intimidate anyone inside and outside the ring, with both his performance and appearance.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In 1996, he debuted at the WWF Royal Rumble event and knocked out many superstars and worked with several major promotions in his long career. Furthermore, Vader has made several appearances on Pro Wrestling NOAH, TNA and WWE between 2005 to 2016. His last appearance was in 2016, where he inducted Stan Hansen into the WWE Hall of Fame.
The Posthumous Tribute for ‘The Man They Call Vader’
Vader passed away on June 18, 2018. He was dealing with heart problems for a long time and had pneumonia in his last days. Ironically, the legendary big man performer had even once expressed his wish to be a Hall of Famer. Sadly, it didn’t occur in his lifetime.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Read More: How Many Kids Does Ric Flair Have
As of now, there are no confirmations on who will induct the Big Van Vader into the Hall of Fame. However, the loving tributes by fans have reached Vader’s family as per his son’s Tweet. Late or on time, it is a great honor for one of the best heavyweight performers in WWE history.