Leon Allen White, better known by his ring names Big Van Vader or simply Vader, was an American professional wrestler and professional football player. Throughout his career, he performed for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), and Pro Wrestling Noah (NOAH) during the 1990s and 2000s. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest super-heavyweight professional wrestlers of all time.
Vader in 1997
Vader in 1996
Vader (far right) and other WWE legends after attacking Heath Slater at WWE Raw 1000 in July 2012
Vader in 2014
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is an American professional wrestling promotion. It is owned and operated by TKO Group Holdings, a majority-owned subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings. A global integrated media and entertainment company, WWE has also branched out into fields outside of wrestling, including film, football, and various other business ventures. The company is additionally involved in licensing its intellectual property to companies to produce video games and action figures.
Vincent J. McMahon with Verne Gagne and Bruno Sammartino in 1975
Hulk Hogan, pictured in 1989, was the WWF's top star during the 1980s professional wrestling boom.
Shawn Michaels became one of the biggest star in WWF during this time, since an iconic ladder match at WrestleMania X.
Stone Cold Steve Austin rivalry with Vince McMahon is often cited as having turned the tides for WWF in the Monday Night War against rival promotion WCW.