As we noted moments ago, pro wrestling legend Big Van Vader has passed away at the age of 63, and the following are reactions from the pro wrestling world, along with a statement from WWE:
WWE is saddened to learn that Leon White, better known to WWE audiences as Vader, passed away Monday night at the age of 63. https://t.co/UNIbdS680I
— WWE (@WWE) June 20, 2018
RIP BIG MAN. 🖖#Vader pic.twitter.com/x55ovH1xAB
— Bubba Ray Dudley (@bullyray5150) June 20, 2018
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
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
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
Was there a more terrifying figure in the late 80s-early 90s than @itsvadertime ? #RipVader pic.twitter.com/HDNYgcDB9C
— SiriusXM Busted Open (@BustedOpenRadio) June 20, 2018
One of the greatest ‘big guys’ to ever lace up a pair of boots. Incredibly sad news. https://t.co/iAhBFVVkUT
— Adam Pacitti (@adampacitti) June 20, 2018
Incredibly sad to hear. HUGE influence. #RIPVader https://t.co/gG92orpHAI
— Killian Dain (@KillianDain) June 20, 2018
I wanted to be as good as any “Big Man” in the business, watched what Vader was doing. I was then honored to be able to work with him so many years later. Im very sad to hear of his passing, my thoughts are with Jesse and the family. He paved the road for the Big guys! #RIPVader
— Bill DeMott (@BillDeMott) 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
I’m saddened to hear about the passing of Leon “Baby Bull” White aka “Big” Van Vader! My prayers of strength go out to his family at this time, I’m sorry for your loss. #RIPVADER
— Brian G. James (@WWERoadDogg) June 20, 2018
GOD BLESS VADER FOREVER
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) June 20, 2018
My heart is heavy with the news of Leon White’s passing. He was an amazing performer who brought out the very best in so many. Best big man ever, the most effective monster heel of his generation. My heartfelt prayers to his loved ones, and my gratitude for having known him. pic.twitter.com/uy3yBfwZOs
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) June 20, 2018
Rest In Peace Vader🙏🏽 https://t.co/oEDRknKVoW
— Lina Fanene (@NiaJaxWWE) June 20, 2018
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Vader. Our thoughts are with his family today. pic.twitter.com/7olr0V4NNR
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) June 20, 2018
It will ALWAYS be Vader Time. #RIPVader https://t.co/Zg50TuP5v2
— WWE (@WWE) June 20, 2018
When I was a kid I was legit scared of Vader
Thanks for making me believe #RIPVader
— James Ellsworth (@realellsworth) June 20, 2018
Sad to hear about the passing of Vader. He was one of the all time greats. My prayers go out to his family, may he rest in peace. #RIPVader pic.twitter.com/6Lk3nuP4kA
— Booker T. Huffman (@BookerT5x) June 20, 2018
RIP one of my favorites #Vader! It will always be #VaderTime! V pic.twitter.com/LrhSpbWbCP
— Lince Dorado (@LuchadorLD) June 20, 2018
Very sorry to hear about Vader this morning. Man was a Gentle Giant the years I worked with him and after. Love to his family, friends and fans.
— Vince Russo (@THEVinceRusso) June 20, 2018
RIP Vader
— Zack Ryder (@ZackRyder) June 20, 2018