The book opens with a question WWE fans had for quite some time. When will Vader finally be inducted into the WWE hall of fame. Vader would posthumously be inducted in 2022. The man they called Vader reflected in “Vader Time,” that his WWF stint wasn’t his favorite run. Heck, the boss, Vince McMahon, wanted to change his ring name to the Mastodon, but Jim Cornette convinced McMahon to relent.
Vader played college football at the University of Colorado and was drafted by the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams. While his NFL career would be cut short due to an injury, his team would face the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl. After impressing the Gagne’s, Vader was able to bypass the wrestling territories, and signed with the AWA. He would learn the ropes from veterans such as Bruiser Brody and Stan Hansen.
While he was successful in the AWA and wrestling in Germany, it would be signing with New Japan Pro Wrestling that would turn him into a megastar. Antonio Inoki gave him the Big Van Vader gimmick, which was based on a comic book character. World Championship Wrestling would eventually sign him and allow the big man to moonlight in Japan. Here, Vader shares many WCW road stories, and sets the record straight on his manager, Harley Race.
Vader minces no words and is refreshingly honest about his WCW stint. He shares what really happened during a backstage incident with Paul Orndorff, which would seal his fate with the company. Vader discusses the now infamous Sid Vicious-Arn Anderson stabbing incident, and his perspective on the match with Mick Foley resulting in Foley’s gruesome ear injury. Vader also reveals why he didn’t want to work with Hulk Hogan.
Vader was present for the Montreal screw job. Was it work or a shoot? Vader dissects both viewpoints and gives him personal opinion on the subject. Additionally, Vader discusses the incident in Kuwait, and how the situation was finally remedied. He reveals how he finally made up with Shawn Michaels, and his health issues. I am glad Kenny Casanova offered this captivating work as audiobook!
By: Leon White, Kenny Casanova
Narrated by: Virtual Voice
Length: 15 hrs and 18 mins
Release date: 03-31-24
Publisher: Walking On Hot Waffles