Summary of IT'S TIME: How Vader Went From WWF Jobber to AJPW Champion

00:00:00 - 00:55:00

This YouTube video discusses the career of Vader, from his time as a WWF jobber to his eventual success in Japan's AJPW. The video highlights Vader's matches against Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels, as well as his rivalry with the Undertaker. Vader's success in Japan is largely due to his brutal style of wrestling, which is reminiscent of the late, great Mitsuharu Misawa.

• 00:00:00 In 1997, Leon White aka Big Van Vader was still at or close to Main Event level in WWE for the most part. However, something happened that would change his career for the better. He got into a altercation with a TV host and wrestler, Undertaker, and the two went on a heated rant on live TV. This solidified Vader's place in the public eye, as he was now seen as a tough and dangerous wrestler.
• 00:05:00 This YouTube video reviews the history of Vader, from his time in the WWF as a jobber to his successful return to the company as part of Monday Night War. The first three matches on the card feature various established storylines and characters. The fourth match is a championship match between Undertaker and Stone Cold Steve Austin.
• 00:10:00 The video discusses the history of Vader and WWF, focusing on his matches against Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels. Vader was injured in a car accident while on his way to a WWF match against the Undertaker, and was replaced in the match. He returned to the company a few weeks later and was set to face the Undertaker in a title match. However, Sid Vicious, who was also injured in the accident, got the opportunity to fight the Undertaker instead. This led to a feud between Vader and Taker, which lasted for several months.
• 00:15:00 The video discusses how Vader went from WWF jobber to AJPW Champion. Takeo Iwasa and Vader had a good match, but it's not the best on the card. After the match, Vader attacks Bret Hart and the Heart Foundation. Vader eventually wins and faces Del Wilkes for the title.
• 00:20:00 In this video, Luol talks about the storyline changes that led to Vader becoming a heel in the WWF. Vader's best match in the company is considered to be his match against Owen Hart on the one night only pay-per-view in Manchester. Vader's last significant storyline involvement before leaving the WWF was his feud with Kane.
• 00:25:00 The video discusses the career of Vader, who started out as a jobber in the World Wrestling Federation before becoming a champion in Japan's AJPW. After a series of unsuccessful matches on television, Vader's career went into a downward spiral, culminating in a loss to Mark Henry. Vader's last few months in the WWF were marked by more losses and usually poor matches.
• 00:30:00 In October 1991, Vader was released from the WWF for refusing to take part in scripted storylines. He subsequently signed with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he teamed up with Hanson and won the Real World Tag League tournament. In November, he debuted for AJPW and defeated Misawa and Yoshinoi Agawa in his first matches.
• 00:35:00 This video discusses the transition of Hanson Vader from WWF jobber to AJPW champion. Vader's success in Japan is largely due to his brutal style of wrestling, which is reminiscent of the late, great Mitsuharu Misawa. In January of 1999, however, a broken arm forced Vader to vacate the Triple Crown. Nine days later, Giant Baba died of colon cancer. This led to a huge match between Vader and Misawa for the vacant title, which Vader won in a 12-minute match. This match is also significant because it is the first time a Gaijin (non-Japanese) wrestler has held a championship belt in Japan.
• 00:40:00 This video discusses Vader's successful comeback in Japan, which started with a victory over Misawa for the IWGP heavyweight championship and then led to the Champion Carnival Final match against Misawa. The match was a classic and proved that Vader is still one of the best wrestlers in the world.
• 00:45:00 This video discusses the turnaround in Vader's career, from WWF jobber to AJPW champion. His 1998 year was especially successful, with him winning numerous awards including "Wrestler of the Year". He is set to face Akiyama in a 2000 match for the title.
• 00:50:00 This video discusses the career of Vader, who started out as a WWF jobber before becoming a champion in AJPW. After his victory over Kabashi in February 1999, Vader became known as the "Triple Crown" champion, and his rivalry with Kabashi was one of the most anticipated in wrestling. In 2003, Vader left Japan for good and retired from wrestling.
• 00:55:00 This video looks at the story of Vader, who went from working as a jobber in the WWF to becoming AJPW's champion. Despite having many detractors, Vader proved that he had more to give by coming back and winning the title in 1999. This moment is one that feels incredibly real, and without a shadow of a doubt, Vader was one of the greatest big men in wrestling history.