Season 6 of the heartbreakingly human documentary collection VICE TV’s Darkish Facet of the Ring continues with a headfirst dive into the seismic, singular lifetime of Leon Allen White — higher identified to the world (and the ring) as Large Van Vader.
In an unique clip from the newest episode of Darkish Facet 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 massive. He was Japan’s kaiju come to life — an excellent heavyweight who moved like he was mild on his ft 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 cause his identify nonetheless echoes. There’s a cause followers nonetheless say it a little bit breathlessly: Vader was the GOAT.
In case you’ve by no means watched Vader then please carve out a night to take a look at Darkish Facet of the Ring. You’ll see what we imply. He was brutal. He was lovely. 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 a way unforgettable he made it look.
You possibly can watch the complete episode “Large Van Vader” on VICE TV on April 8, 10:00-11:00 PM ET or on Hulu. New episodes air weekly.
