Season 6 of the heartbreakingly human documentary sequence VICE TV’s Darkish Aspect of the Ring continues with a headfirst dive into the seismic, singular lifetime of Leon Allen White — higher recognized to the world (and the ring) as Massive Van Vader.
In an unique clip from the newest episode of Darkish Aspect of the Ring, we see the early rumblings of Vader’s transformation from a professional soccer participant to a full-blown wrestling legend. It’s narrated by WWE and AEW star Chris Jericho with uncooked, firsthand perception from Vader’s son Jesse, wrestling historian Jim Cornette, and fellow professional wrestler Stan Hansen.
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Vader wasn’t simply huge. He was Japan’s kaiju come to life — a brilliant heavyweight who moved like he was mild on his toes however hit like a falling constructing. His time in Japan with New Japan Professional-Wrestling (NJPW) and All Japan Professional Wrestling (AJPW) redefined what it meant to be terrifying in spandex. There’s a purpose his title nonetheless echoes. There’s a purpose followers nonetheless say it a little bit breathlessly: Vader was the GOAT.
For those who’ve by no means watched Vader then please carve out a night to take a look at Darkish Aspect of the Ring. You’ll see what we imply. He was brutal. He was stunning. He was actual. Although Leon Allen White died in 2018 on the age of 63, his legacy as Vader, like his presence within the ring, stays outsized — not only for what he did but additionally for the way unforgettable he made it look.
You possibly can watch the total episode “Big Van Vader” on VICE TV on April 8, 10:00-11:00 PM ET or on Hulu. New episodes air weekly.
