Vader stands out in professional wrestling history for his remarkable physical presence. Standing at six feet five inches and weighing 450 pounds, he loomed large in promotions like WWE and New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Arn Anderson, who faced Vader during his time in WCW from 1991 to 1995, shared his thoughts on a recent episode of “ARN,” expressing a strong preference for having Vader as an ally rather than an opponent.
“I’d much rather have Vader on my side than be across the ring from him,” Anderson remarked. “It was no walk in the park. He would really rough you up, and overpowering him wasn’t an option.”
While Anderson reflected on his experiences in two matches where he teamed with Vader, he noted that they clashed more often as adversaries. Their last encounter was a handicap match against Ric Flair on “WCW Clash of the Champions,” where Vader triumphed over both competitors.
“My main goal when entering the ring was simply to survive,” Anderson admitted regarding his bouts with Vader. “Tomorrow would feel different. Anyone stepping into the ring with Vader who claims they aren’t anxious is lying. Call it cowardice or common sense—whatever you wish to label it—he was genuinely intimidating.”
Known as Big Van Vader, he had a career that spanned over 25 years, earning fame worldwide. Beyond wrestling, Vader was also a former football player and made appearances in Hollywood, including a role in the Disney sitcom “Boy Meets World.” Leon Allen White, his real name, passed away in 2018 at the age of 63.