WWE remembered Vader with the following announcement on their website:
Vader passes away
WWE is saddened to learn that Leon White, better known to WWE audiences as Vader, passed away Monday night at the age of 63.
White began his sports-entertainment career in the mid-1980s after retiring from the NFL due to injury. He rose to national prominence in Verne Gagne’s American Wrestling Association before joining New Japan Pro Wrestling as the masked Big Van Vader. He went on to become one of the promotion’s biggest stars and most feared competitors.
Vader then transitioned to World Championship Wrestling, where he would make the biggest mark of his career. He engaged in memorable rivalries with the likes of Sting and Ron Simmons, becoming a dominant, three-time WCW World Champion in the process.
In 1996, Vader joined the WWE roster, where he squared off against Superstars such as Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker. He also found success on the small screen with a recurring guest role on the popular 1990s television program, “Boy Meets World.”
WWE extends its condolences to White’s family, friends and fans.
Several wrestling personalities have taken to Twitter to react to the news, which you can see below.
Rest in Power Big man. A shame we never got to mix it up more. #VaderTime pic.twitter.com/mFIEUfY1xE— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) June 20, 2018
RIP Vader 🙏 https://t.co/wEgrcdzJMH— PAIGE (@RealPaigeWWE) June 20, 2018
Maaaaan…Vader was my guy as a child and was a sweetheart when he came down to FCW to help train us. I’m forever grateful for the conversations I was able to share with him. Condolences to Leon’s son, Jesse, and the rest of his family.— Florida Man (@WWEBigE) June 20, 2018
RIP BIG MAN. 🖖#Vader pic.twitter.com/x55ovH1xAB— Bubba Ray Dudley (@bullyray5150) June 20, 2018
My prayers and thoughts go out to the family Of truly one of the greatest big men to step foot in the ring. Vader my friend May you R.I.P— D-von Dudley (@TestifyDVon) June 20, 2018
My deepest condolences, Jesse! I am so sorry to hear this. I had just received a text and qkly researched. So sad to find it to be true! I had hoped it was just a bad rumor. I learned much w wrkg w your dad. His stamp on wrestling will long be remembered! RIP Leon! 😔 https://t.co/aneD6B4neb— Shane Douglas (@TheFranchiseSD) June 20, 2018
“I fear no man and I feel no pain!”Vader terrified me as a kid and later fired me up as a rebellious teenager. I was such a pure fan of him. RIP big man. #VaderTime #RIPVader pic.twitter.com/Qm5OWcckRB
— Nick Aldis (@RealNickAldis) June 20, 2018
Sad news on the passing of Leon White aka Vader, who has been battling heart problems for some time. Leon was a very unique athlete had the huge size of a football player and the speed,agility of a small man played in Super Bowl and was champ pro wrestler RIP Leon.— Gbrisco🤼♂️ (@Fgbrisco) June 20, 2018
So sad to hear of the passing of Leon White, Vader. Leon was so far ahead of his time. R.I.P. Leon— Bruce Prichard (@bruceprichard) June 20, 2018
GOD BLESS VADER FOREVER— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) June 20, 2018
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