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L-R: BEN SAVAGE;LEON ALLEN WHITE

Source: ABC Photo Archives / Getty

Former WCW World Heavyweight Champion Vader has died after struggling with a severe case of pneumonia

Read more at http://www.mandatory.com/wrestlezone/news/967263-big-van-vader-passes-away-at-the-age-of-63#U3mpkvuCT0SIQg0Q.99. Vader, real name Leon White was a  two-time All-American center for the University of Colorado in the 70’s before being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1978 NFL Draft. After suffering a career-ending injury, White decided to try his hand a Professional Wrestling. He saw small success as ” Baby Bull” and “Bull Power” before leaving the United States to wrestle in Japan.

In Japan he changed his name to “Big Van Vader” and the rest is history. In a February 1990 match with Hall of Fame wrestler Stan Hansen, Vader was hit so hard that his eye popped out of its socket. He removed his mask, caught his eye, popped it back in the socket and continued to wrestle before a “No-Contest” was called.

Vader went on to sign with WCW where he saw the majority of his success. He feuded with wrestlers such as Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan and Sting. He also wrestled in The WWF in the mid-90’s. Vader is a 3-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion and 1-Time US Champ.

Vader was 63 Years Old.