Reactions to the passing of wrestling legend Big Van Vader

Big Van Vader -- known in WWE as Vader and to friends and family as Leon White -- passed away on Monday, June 18, 2018.

This was confirmed by Vader's son via Twitter as related to complications from pneumonia. Prior to being affected by pneumonia, Vader had battled heart-related ailments in recent years, notably working with WWE Hall Of Famer Diamond Dallas Page to help get his health back on track.

A champion within multiple wrestling promotions -- including World Championship Wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling, and All Japan Pro Wrestling -- beyond runs in the American Wrestling Association, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling and the World Wrestling Federation, Vader was a world-renowned talent.

He wrestled a "who's who" of wrestlers within his 30-plus years as an in-ring talent, including Sting, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan and Mick Foley, even reigniting his career with a recent feud alongside NJPW favorite Will Ospreay.

The passing of Vader has many within wrestling community talking, of course. Below are some of the recently-posted highlights related to this news.

Will Ospreay, with whom Vader recently feuded, posted condolences on Twitter:

Nick Aldis, husband of WWE Superstar Mickie James, offered his two cents on Vader:

Recently-returned WWE Superstar James Ellsworth discussed the legacy of Vader:

Sportskeeda sends its condolences and best wishes to the family of Vader. As one of the greatest "big men" to ever step into the squared circle, thanks to Vader for decades of entertainment.

About the author

Darren Paltrowitz is a New York resident with over 20 years of entertainment industry experience. He began working around the music business as a teenager, interning for the manager of his then-favorite band Superdrag. Since then, he has worked with a wide array of artists including OK Go, They Might Be Giants, Mike Viola, Tracy Bonham, Loudness, Rachael Yamagata, and Amanda Palmer.

Darren's writing has appeared in dozens of outlets including the New York Daily News, Inquisitr, The Daily Meal, The Hype Magazine, All Music Guide, Guitar World, TheStreet.com, Businessweek, Chicago Tribune, L.A. Times, and the Jewish Journal.

Darren is also the host of the bi-weekly "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz" podcast, as co-produced with V13 (formerly PureGrainAudio.com). He has also co-authored two published books, 2018's "Pocket Change: Your Happy Money" (Book Web Publishing) and 2019's "Good Advice From Professional Wrestling" (6623 Press), with a second podcast set for a June 2020 launch.

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