Jun 7th 2024 05:08pm

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Big Van Vader

Big Van Vader

Nickname: The Mastadon

Height: 6' 5"

Weight: 450 lbs

From: Denver, CO

Birthday: May 14th

Pro Debut: January 1987

Aliases: Leon White, Vader, Super Vader, Little Bull

Feds Worked For: AWA, DI2IW, IZW, JCW, MSWA, NEW, NWA-TNA, TNA, WCW, WWE, WWF, All Japan Pro Wrestling (Japan), Big Time Wrestling (SC), Catch Wrestling Association (Europe), FMW (Japan), Inoki Genome Federation (Japan), Jersey All-Pro Wrestling (NJ), Maryland Championship Wrestling (MD), New Era Frontier Wrestling (MA), New Japan Pro Wrestling (Japan), NWA Ring Warriors (FL), Pro Wrestling NOAH (Japan), Pro Wrestling Syndicate (NJ), Real Japan Pro Wrestling (Japan), Resistance Pro Wrestling (IL), UWA (Mexico), Shinjuku Face (Japan), Top Of The World Wrestling (Canada), Xtreme Wrestling Alliance (RI), Z1 Hustle-1 (Japan),

Finisher: Vader Bomb

Signature Moves: Powerbomb, Vadersault, Avalanche, Chokeslam, Face Eraser, Vader Punch, Vader Hammer, Short-arm Clothesline, Lariat, Falling Slam, Front Powerslam, Bearhug, Spinning backfist, Shoulderblock

 

Career Highlights: -AJPW Tag Team Champions (w/ Steve Williams)
-AJPW Unified Triple Crown Champion (2x)
-CWA Champion (3x)
-CWA Intercontinental Champion
-IWGP Champion (3x)
-IWGP Tag Team Champion (w/ Bam Bam Bigelow)
-IZW Champion
-NOAH Tag Team Champion (w/ Scorpio)
-UWA Champion
-WCW United States Champion
-WCW World Champion (3x)
-XWA Champion
-Winner of the 1991 Super Grade Tag League Tournament (w/ Tatsumi Fujinami)

Affiliates: Sid Vicious, Harley Race, Takeshi Kitano, Paul Bearer, Stan Hansen, Jim Cornette, Ric Flair, Jimmy Hart, Col. Robert Parker, Bam Bam Bigelow, Steve Williams, Scorpio, Tatsumi Fujinami, Team Vader, Jesse White

Notable Feuds: Ric Flair, Sting, Davey Boy Smith, Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, Yokozuna, Kane, Goldust, Aaron Neil, Striker, Tatsumi Fujinami, Riki Choshu

Other Facts: -Father of pro wrestler Jesse White
-Played for the Los Angeles Rams and was a member of the team during their Super Bowl XIV match. He is the only wrestler to win a World Title and compete in a Super Bowl.
-Wrestled his first match against King Kong Brody
-As Leon White, he used the nicknames "Baby Bull" and "Bull Power"
-Changed his nickname from "Baby Bull" to "Bull Power" because he didn't like being called a baby.
-The name "Big Van Vader" is the name of a manga character, much like Jushin "Thunder" Liger
-In his debut for NJPW, he demolished Japanese wrestling legend Antonio Inoki. This ended Inoki's 4-year winning streak, causing a riot and resulting in NJPW being banned from promoting shows in the Sumo Hall until 1989
-Was the first person to hold 3 different titles for 3 promotions on 3 different continents (IWGP in Asia, CWA in Europe, UWA in North America)
-During the course of a match between Vader and Stan Hansen on February 10, 1990, Vader's eye was knocked out of its socket.
-Because New Japan Wrestling owned the copyright for the name "Big Van Vader", he began competing as simply Vader. New Japan then gave the name and gimmick of Big Van Vader to Sylvester Terkey.
-Forced Nikita Koloff into retirement
-Broke the back of WCW preliminary wrestler Joel Thurman
-Was Cactus Jack's opponent in Germany in the match where Jack lost part of his right ear
-Was supposed to be the wrestler who made the "surprise appearance" on the first WCW Monday Nitro. That spot eventually went to Lex Luger. Allegedly he was supposed to beat Hulk Hogan the next week for the WCW World Title on the 2nd episode of Nitro.
-In 1995, when the Horsemen were being reformed, Vader and Steve Austin were seriously considered for spots in that group.
-Was fired from WCW due to a fight backstage with Paul Orndorff.
-Was arrested for using foul language and charge with assault after an appearance on "Good Morning Kuwait". The presenter on the show asked Vader if wrestling was fake. Vader responded by grabbing the presenter, Bassam Al Othman, by the tie, using an expletive and then giving him a hard shove, knocking other chairs and a table over in the process. This was Vader's manner of getting the presenter to respect the work the wrestlers do in the ring. Vader spent 10 days under house arrest in Kuwait for his actions.
-Was the 1st man to ever hold both the IWGP Heavyweight Title & the All-Japan Triple Crown.
-Appeared on an episode of "Boy Meets World" and the live-action version of "Fist of the North Star"
-His son Jesse White played football at the University of Oklahoma until he sustained a career ending knee injury
-Former member of the Takeshi Puroresu Gundan
-Former member of the Dungeon of Doom
-Former member of Camp Cornette
-Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2022
-Ranked # 33 in the 1991 PWI 500
-Ranked # 15 in the 1992 PWI 500
-Ranked # 2 in the 1993 PWI 500
-Ranked # 4 in the 1994 PWI 500
-Ranked # 7 in the 1995 PWI 500
-Ranked # 14 in the 1996 PWI 500
-Ranked # 46 in the 1997 PWI 500
-Ranked # 65 in the 1998 PWI 500 (as Vader)
-Ranked # 18 in the 1998 PWI 500 (as Vader)
-Ranked # 11 in the 2000 PWI 500 (as Vader)
-Ranked # 48 in the 2001 PWI 500 (as Vader)
-Ranked # 54 in the 2002 PWI 500 (as Vader)
-Ranked # 30 in the 2005 Oklafan Top 50
-Passéd away June 18, 2018 at the age of 63, due to complications from pneumonia.

Supplemental Information

1

Spotlight in History

  • 1969 Jose Lothario def. Johnny Valentine for the WCCW Texas Heavyweight Champion
  • 2008 Ky-ote Johammed def. Dane Griffin for the 3DW Violent Division Champion
  • 2008 Mo'Body Gillespie def. Ky-ote Johammed for the 3DW Violent Division Champion
  • 2013 Bobby Starr def. Steven Sterling for the ComPro Showtime Champion
  • 2013 Ignition def. Super Skunk Ape, Jr. for the ComPro Oklahoma X Division Champion
  • 2013 The Canadian Red Devil def. Michael York for the ComPro Heavyweight Champion
  • 2014 Steven Sterling def. Sam Stackhouse for the ComPro Showtime Champion
  • 2014 Jake O'Brien def. The Canadian Red Devil for the ComPro Heavyweight Champion
  • 2014 Terry Montana def. Ignition for the ComPro Oklahoma X Division Champion
  • 2014 Havoc def. Buster Cherry for the SWCW All-American Champion
  • 2014 Rick Russo def. David Kyzer for the SWCW Luchadore Champion
  • 2014 Kevin James Sanchez def. Kareem Sadat for the SWCW Hardcore Champion
  • 2014 Kareem Sadat def. Kevin James Sanchez for the SWCW Hardcore Champion
  • 2014 Terry Pantera became the BPPW Junior Heavyweight Champion

Week of Sun 06-02 to Sat: 06-08

  • 06-02 1979 The Spoiler became the WCCW American Heavyweight Champion
  • 06-02 2007 Damien Morte def. Kareem Sadat for the SWCW Hardcore Champion
  • 06-02 2007 Lady Venom became the SWCW Womens Champion
  • 06-02 2007 Prophet def. Dexter Hardaway for the SWCW Sooner Xtreme Champion
  • 06-02 2010 Michael Barry def. Kevin James Sanchez for the BYEW Heavyweight Champion
  • 06-02 2010 Saints of the Damned (Draven Cross & Sage) def. New Canada (The Canadian Red Devil & The Canadian Luchadore) for the BYEW Tag Team Champion
  • 06-02 2010 Death Row [2nd] def. Rick Russo for the BYEW Caution Champion
  • 06-02 2012 Brandon Walker became the UWE Heavyweight Champion
  • 06-02 2012 The Syndicate (Scott Sanders & Shawn Sanders) def. The Franchise Players (Rick Russo & Les Mayne) for the SWCW Tag Team Champions
  • 06-02 2012 Drake Gallows def. Kareem Sadat for the SWCW Hardcore Champion
  • 06-02 2017 Cody Burns def. Brandon Groom for the BPPW Oklahoma Champion
  • 06-02 2019 Team Boner (Drake Gallows & Mascara La Parka/MLP) def. The Saints of Pro Wrestling (Scott Sanders & Shawn Sanders) for the ASP Tag Team Champions
  • 06-02 2019 Brock Landers def. Adam Patrick for the ASP Inter-County Champion
  • 06-02 2019 Erica became the ASP Women's Champion
  • 06-02 2024 Toxic Masculinity (Johnny Lightning & Johnny Dynamite) def. Mr. Nasty & Eddie LeVaughn for the WFC Tag Team Champions
  • 06-02 2024 Thrash def. Tim Rockwell for the WFC Heavyweight Champion
  • 06-03 1968 Fritz Von Erich def. Spoiler #1 for the WCCW American Heavyweight Champion
  • 06-03 1968 Danny Hodge & Lorenzo Parente def. Jack Donovan & Ron Reed for the TSW United States Tag Team Champion
  • 06-03 1969 Baron Von Raschke became the WCCW Texas Brass Knuckles Champion
  • 06-03 1980 David Von Erich def. Gino Hernandez for the WCCW Texas Heavyweight Champion
  • 06-03 2016 Brock Landers def. Terry Pantera for the MSWA Oklahoma Champion
  • 06-03 2016 C. J. Ward became the MSWA Mid-South Cruiserweight Champion
  • 06-03 2017 The Pinnacle (Anthony Andrews & Shawn Hendrix) def. Excellence Personified (Dustin Heritage & Duke Swellington) for the ComPro Tag Team Champions
  • 06-04 1937 Ray Villmer became the TSW Missouri Junior Heavyweight Champion
  • 06-04 1981 Kerry Von Erich def. Ernie Ladd for the WCCW American Heavyweight Champion
  • 06-04 1981 The Spoiler became the WCCW Texas Brass Knuckles Champion
  • 06-04 1984 Gino Hernandez def. Chris Adams for the WCCW Texas Brass Knuckles Champion
  • 06-04 1986 The Von Erichs (Kevin Von Erich & Lance Von Erich & Mike Von Erich) became the WCCW World 6-Man Tag Team Champion
  • 06-04 2002 Billy & Chuck def. Rikishi & Rico for the WWE RAW World Tag Team Champion
  • 06-04 2004 Justin Lee def. Brian Lakewood for the TPW Oklahoma Heavyweight Champion
  • 06-04 2010 The Foreign Legion (Boris Saarikoski & Dutch Hagen) def. The Old School Express (Jason Jones & Jake Boulder) for the MWA Tag Team Champions
  • 06-04 2021 Warren Powers def. Father Padge for the EPW Internet Television Champion
  • 06-04 2022 Tommy Dean def. Mr. Nasty for the CPW Heavyweight Champion
  • 06-04 2022 Phoebe def. Killista for the CPW Women’s Champion
  • 06-04 2022 Mascara Purpura def. Double D for the CPW 918 Champion
  • 06-05 1975 Dick Murdoch def. Danny Miller for the TSW North American Champion
  • 06-05 1997 Generation X (Zane Morris & Ian St. James) became the OPW Oklahoma Tag Team Champion
  • 06-05 2009 El Super Colibri became the MWA MAX-Division Champion
  • 06-05 2010 Rick Russo def. 3rd Rail for the SWCW Heavyweight Champion
  • 06-05 2021 Two Man Sam (Sam Stackhouse & Samuel Savage) became the CPW Tag Team Champions
  • 06-05 2021 Tommy Dean def. Double D for the CPW Heavyweight Champion
  • 06-06 1966 Fritz Von Erich def. Brute Bernard for the WCCW American Heavyweight Champion
  • 06-06 1972 Tom Jones & Ivan Putski def. The Continental Warriors (Bobby Hart & Lorenzo Parente) for the TSW United States Tag Team Champion
  • 06-06 1981 Jake Roberts def. The Grappler for the MSW North American Heavyweight Champion
  • 06-07 1969 Jose Lothario def. Johnny Valentine for the WCCW Texas Heavyweight Champion
  • 06-07 2008 Ky-ote Johammed def. Dane Griffin for the 3DW Violent Division Champion
  • 06-07 2008 Mo'Body Gillespie def. Ky-ote Johammed for the 3DW Violent Division Champion
  • 06-07 2013 Bobby Starr def. Steven Sterling for the ComPro Showtime Champion
  • 06-07 2013 Ignition def. Super Skunk Ape, Jr. for the ComPro Oklahoma X Division Champion
  • 06-07 2013 The Canadian Red Devil def. Michael York for the ComPro Heavyweight Champion
  • 06-07 2014 Steven Sterling def. Sam Stackhouse for the ComPro Showtime Champion
  • 06-07 2014 Jake O'Brien def. The Canadian Red Devil for the ComPro Heavyweight Champion
  • 06-07 2014 Terry Montana def. Ignition for the ComPro Oklahoma X Division Champion
  • 06-07 2014 Havoc def. Buster Cherry for the SWCW All-American Champion
  • 06-07 2014 Rick Russo def. David Kyzer for the SWCW Luchadore Champion
  • 06-07 2014 Kevin James Sanchez def. Kareem Sadat for the SWCW Hardcore Champion
  • 06-07 2014 Kareem Sadat def. Kevin James Sanchez for the SWCW Hardcore Champion
  • 06-07 2014 Terry Pantera became the BPPW Junior Heavyweight Champion
  • 06-08 1959 Frankie Kovacs & Jerry Miller def. Pretty Boy Collins & Duke Scarbo for the TSW Louisiana Tag Team Champion
  • 06-08 2013 L. J. McDaniels became the SWCW Hardcore Champion
  • 06-08 2013 Hurricane Ross def. Billy Ray for the NAW Heavyweight Champion
  • 06-08 2019 Michael Duplanti def. Anarchy [2nd] for the NAW Lightweight Champion
  • 06-08 2019 Big Smooth def. Hurricane Ross for the NAW Heavyweight Champion
06-07
  • Morgan Levay Jun 7th Today!
  • Stevie Caballero Jun 7th Today!
  • Mick Foley Jun 7th Today!
  • Eddie Sullivan Jun 7th Today!
  • Gideon Vane Jun 7th Today!
  • Steve Hartley Jun 7th Today!
  • Michele Leone Jun 8th
  • Rick Vyper Jun 8th
  • Mustafa Bin Akbar Jun 8th
  • Jim Barnett Jun 9th
  • Jamie Jun 9th
  • Dutch Savage Jun 9th
  • Mark Wilson Jun 9th
  • Dick Listener Jun 9th
  • Jeff Wolfenbarger Jun 9th
  • Largus RagnaBrok Jun 10th
  • Dick Dunn Jun 10th
  • J. D. Richards Jun 11th
  • Mathmagician Jun 11th
  • Magnum T. A. Jun 11th
  • King Parsons Jun 11th
  • Stan Pulaski Jun 12th
  • Baby Blimp Jun 12th
  • Lady Sensacion Jun 12th
  • Deuce Rodriguez Jun 12th
  • Zac Royal Jun 12th
  • Steven Dane Jun 12th
  • D'Licious Jun 12th
  • Rolling Thunder Jun 12th
  • Chandler Hopkins Jun 13th
  • Bill Ash Jun 13th
  • Mikey D Jun 13th
  • John Pfanz Jun 13th
  • Dustin Heritage Jun 13th
  • Geronimo Jun 13th
  • Neo Genesis Jun 13th
  • Buzz Sawyer Jun 14th
  • Jaxon Stone Jun 15th
  • Sean Ryan Jun 15th
  • Trey the Bae Jun 15th
  • Lilith Grimm Jun 15th
  • Paul Linam Jun 15th
  • Brad Armstrong Jun 15th
  • Paul Jones Jun 16th
  • Shawn Matthews III Jun 16th
  • Ultimate Warrior Jun 16th
  • Chuck Hinds Jun 16th
  • Brock Landers Jun 16th
  • Ted Arcidi Jun 16th
  • Jef Tiger Jun 16th
  • Ray Martinez Jun 17th
  • Rob Justice Jun 17th
  • Talos Jun 17th
  • Mario Galento Jun 17th
  • Cam the CODA Jun 18th
  • Bruiser Brody Jun 18th
  • Bad Boy Jun 18th
  • Andy Dalton Jun 18th
  • Sashimi Deluxe Jun 18th
  • Abe Jacobs Jun 18th
  • Johnny Angel Jun 18th
  • Canadian Red Devil Jun 19th
  • Miguel Padilla Jun 19th
  • Top Dollar Bill Jun 19th
  • Kodi Ocean Jun 19th
  • Mike Two Jun 19th
  • Wahoo McDaniel Jun 19th
  • Billy the Kid Jun 19th
  • Jon Cross Jun 20th
  • Koko B. Ware Jun 20th
  • Professor Ito Jun 20th
  • David Kyzer Jun 20th

More Look Back In History

Card Results

1

Current Champions

Texoma Pro Wrestling

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Dynasty Champion
Kari Wright

 
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  • Rose Champion: Killa Kate
  • Tag Team Champions: K. O. A.
  • Oklahoma Champion: Tim Storm
  • Texas Champion: Gorilla Militia