Big Van Vader, legend to WWE fans everywhere, dies at 63

Vader passes away after a lengthy battle with Pneumonia and heart issues.

Leon White, better known to wrestling fans as Big Van Vader, passed away on Monday night. He was 63.

Vader underwent heart surgery in in March and feared he only had 12 months to live following the operation. He was diagnosed with a severe case of Pneumonia in late April.

A super heavyweight that was ahead of his time, Vader combined a brawling style with agility not seen by many men his size. He got his start in the American Wrestling Association in 1985, before going to New Japan Pro Wrestling. He won the IWGP heavyweight title in 1989, defeating Shinya Hashimoto in the finals of an eight-man tournament.

He made his WCW debut in 1990, didn’t take off until 1992 during his feud with Sting. He engaged in legendary feuds with Sting, Cactus Jack and Ric Flair during his time in WCW.

He jumped ship to WWF in 1996, replacing Yokozuna in Jim Cornette’s stable, Camp Cornette. His feud with Shawn Michaels during the summer of 1996 was the highlight of his WWF run. He went back to Japan in 1998 and popped up in TNA in 2003 as his career as a full-time wrestler began to wind down.

His championship accolades include winning the AJPW Triple Crown heavyweight title (twice), the IWGP heavyweight title (three times), and the WCW world heavyweight title (three times). He was named Wrestler of the Year by PWI and the Wrestling Observer in 1993.

Before entering pro wrestling, Vader spent time in the NFL as an offensive lineman. He was forced to leave football after suffering a ruptured patella. Along with his success in wrestling, Vader showed up on multiple episodes of Boy Meets World.

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We here at FanSided send our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of the man known as Vader.