It’s past time!
According to a report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, announcers were told not to mention the passing of the legendary Vader or even say his name on Monday Night Raw. There was a graphic that memorialized him, preceding the broadcast but no other indication. The WWE did make a tribute to him that’s present only on Instagram. The downplaying of his death left more than just a few people angry and it also further fed skepticism that Vader’s controversial omission from the WWE Hall of Fame would continue. Fans, the Wrestling Industry, and the man himself, have long campaigned for his inclusion into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Adversity overcame
Vader’s treatment isn’t unprecedented. It comes down to public relations, Vince McMahon’s ego, and simply falling through the cracks. Vader got into the business after being forced into retirement from the NFL after an injury plagued career with the LA Rams. He became more famed in wrestling than he ever was in football, despite playing in Super Bowl XIV. Vader came to the attention of most fans during his tenure with WCW in the 90s, where he was a star. Vader came to the then WWF in 1996 but his star dimmed after a promising start due to bad booking. Vader returned to stardom in Japan, where he had previous success. He made sporadic appearances in WWE and continued wrestling in Japan and in the Indy Circuit as recently as April 2017 despite years of health issues.
Vader’s HOF probability
When it comes to merit, the only argument is whether Vader should’ve been included in the inaugural WWE HoF class. Vader is in the same class as guys like Eddie Guerrero, Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit, and AJ Styles in terms of achieving legendary domestic and international stardom. He was a groundbreaking big man thanks to his strength, agility, and aerial ability. Vader was one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. Vader’s Japanese career was greater since he wasn’t utilized properly in the mid/late stage of his initial WWE run. That and his WCW run seem to have made him unworthy in Vince’s eyes according to those familiar with his thinking. Vader wanted to be inducted before he died, as he should’ve. He overcame the loss of his football career to excel in pro wrestling. He also overcame marginalization and the mental toll it exacted on him as well.
It’s a gamble as to whether Vader will be posthumously inducted in the Class of 2019. Bam Bam Bigelow, another long time worthy omission, may finally be inducted next year. The Beast From East was slated to be inducted this year but that didn’t come to past due to an contractual impasse between WWE and Bam Bam’s family. It was rumored a few months back that he would be inducted in the 2019 Class, which would be a fitting tribute since WrestleMania 35 will be held in MetLife Stadium on April 7, 2019. Both men should be inducted but the edge belongs to Vader. He was simply more iconic. His WCW tenure matters since it’s now part of WWE, as does his AWA tenure since WWE has acquired the library and rights to AWA. Hopefully, we’ll be privileged to see Vader’s son carry out his father’s wish in April.
