The WWE Hall of Fame 2022 is fast approaching and with only one inductee as The Undertaker so far, things were about to accelerate. WWE has now confirmed that former World Champion, Vader will also join this year’s Hall of Fame class. This came up as a comforting piece of news for the fans, who have nothing but respect in their hearts for the late wrestling icon.
Vader will be inducted into the HoF posthumously, and as of now, it is not known who will induct him. Vader had died on June 18, 2018, at the age of 63, after dealing with heart problems for years. He had fought a tough battle with pneumonia as well. It will most probably be his son, who will be attending the ceremony on behalf of his beloved father.
Vader Enters the WWE Hall of Fame
What to Know About Legendary Superstar
BREAKING: As first reported by @BleacherReport, Vader will be posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2022. #WWEHOF https://t.co/TUhbKIzUgQ pic.twitter.com/L3lizCgCcl
— WWE (@WWE) March 7, 2022
As was first reported by Bleacher Report, WWE Hall of Fame 2022 will see the celebration of the career of Vader beside The Phenom. Leon White, also known as Big Van Vader, enjoyed a fascinating wrestling career that saw him amass a multitude of supporters. His career spanned for almost three decades, ending with his retirement in 2012. Leon had a short career in the NFL, post which he decided to try his hand in the squared circle. Initially, he wrestled in The American Wrestling Association under the name Baby Bull and Bull Power.
Next, he traveled overseas to Europe and fought in the Catch Wrestling Association. Working under several legends during this period, he also won the CWA World Championship, which is noted as his first wrestling title. Despite all of his early wrestling, Leon gained momentum while he worked for All Japan Pro Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. It was in these two promotions that Big Van Vader was first exposed to the major wrestling industry. Vader gradually turned into a big name in the Japanese pro wrestling business. In 1989, he became the first non-Japanese wrestler to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
His term under World Championship Wrestling began in 1991, where he feuded with some of the promotion’s biggest stars. In 1992, at The Great American Bash, Vader got the better of Sting and clinched the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. He didn’t stop at this and held the title thrice, besides the United States Championship. In WWE, he shared the ring with big names like Kane, Bret Hart, The Undertaker, and many others. He made his final appearance in WWE when he inducted Stan Hansen into the WWE Hall of Fame, which seemed to be an emotional moment for both the stars.
It is certainly delightful for the wrestling industry to know that Vader will get the respect that he deserves. Even though he is not here with us, the wrestling icon has left his magnanimous mark in our lives. As a performer, he would amaze the crowds with his agility and in-ring prowess. His intimidating figure is always remembered as a force to deal with. The WWE Hall of Fame 2022 has become more glorious by making this outstanding addition to its prestigious list of wrestling dignitaries.
The 2022 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony will stream live on Peacock directly after SmackDown on April 1. Fans in attendance at the American Airlines Center get a 2-for-1 special with SmackDown and the Hall of Fame ceremony.
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