As one of the best big men to ever step inside the squared circle, it’s no surprise tributes are being paid across the wrestling family after news broke today of Leon “Vader” White’s passing. Below are just some which have been relayed via social media:
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
Leon White entertained (and intimidated) audiences all over the world with his size, strength, and agility. Saddened to hear of his passing and our thoughts are with his family at this time. #RIPVader pic.twitter.com/5jtryoSvpI
— Triple H (@TripleH) 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
Sorry To Hear About The Loss Of Another Great! Rest In Peace My Friend! pic.twitter.com/O0NvIINS3l
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) June 20, 2018
It’s with sad condolences to hear that my long time friend @itsvadertime has passed away. He was a great person to manage and a great human being. pic.twitter.com/R7itvDEdpe
— Harley Race (@8XNWAChampion) 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
Very sad to here of the passing of @itsvadertime . He was @DakotaRunnels22 Godfather and a friend. He will be missed. #RIPLeonWhite
— Dustin Rhodes (@Goldust) June 20, 2018
Sad to hear of the passing of Leon “Vader”White.i Spent a lot of time with him in WCW in 93 & 94. pic.twitter.com/rJWI8BIjq9
— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) 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
Thoughts & prayers go out to the family & friends of Leon White after his passing. @itsvadertime made an ENORMOUS impact on our industry. Godspeed, Big Van Vader.
— #WOKEN Matt Hardy (@MATTHARDYBRAND) 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
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
Vader’s last @WWE PPV was a match with me, he wanted me to kick out of his finish/he told me “today you get the old Vader, I want it to mean something when you win.” RIP big man, and thanks! #respect pic.twitter.com/t3FiP2jMmh
— John Layfield (@JCLayfield) June 20, 2018
Vader changed the wrestling buisness
He set the tone for how a BIG man should wrestle
Celebrate his life
Watch his greatness in the ring#ItsTime pic.twitter.com/syCKHKeRcv— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) June 20, 2018
RIP Big Van Vader. One of the best “Big Men” ever. pic.twitter.com/2hyneKinpm
— Hurricane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) 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
May you finally be in peace.
RIP Vader— ウィル・オスプレイ (@WillOspreay) 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
Rest In Peace Big Van Vader. One of my favorites watching as a teenager. Thank you for years of entertainment.
— Christopher Daniels (@facdaniels) June 20, 2018
RIP Vader. This is very sad news as a wrestling fan and @RamsNFL fan. Godspeed big man.
— Frankie Kazarian (@FrankieKazarian) June 20, 2018
Only a handful truly revolutionize the business I love. This man was one of them. I grew up in awe of him and eventually admired him.
“No Pain!”#RIPBigVanVader pic.twitter.com/IVDvoktWgO— Scott Dawson (@ScottDawsonWWE) June 20, 2018
Rest In Peace Vader https://t.co/oEDRknKVoW
— Lina Fanene (@NiaJaxWWE) June 20, 2018
— Alexa Bliss (@AlexaBliss_WWE) 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
Just read about Vader. RIP. One of my all time favorites. Condolences to his friends and family. I still binge watch Vader matches every so often.
— Gabe Sapolsky (@BookItGabe) 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
RIP Vader
— Zack Ryder (@ZackRyder) 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 one of my favorites #Vader! It will always be #VaderTime! V pic.twitter.com/LrhSpbWbCP
— Lince Dorado (@LuchadorLD) June 20, 2018
I want you to reply with some Vader Love! Throw it up! pic.twitter.com/JHaZCkzi05
— Lince Dorado (@LuchadorLD) June 20, 2018
RIP VADER pic.twitter.com/u1dO7xgtIi
— Bad Boy Joey Janela (@JANELABABY) June 20, 2018
My thoughts are with the family, friends and fans of Vader. An unmistakable force of nature. pic.twitter.com/C1rY3Y90Lo
— Rob Schamberger (@robschamberger) June 20, 2018