Legend reveals what WWE Hall of Famer Vader planned to do in wrestling before he passed away (Exclusive)
Vader is widely viewed as one of the most talented big men in WWE history. Legendary reporter, Bill Apter recently recalled how the WWE Hall of Famer still wanted to create a buzz in the industry in the latter years of his life.
In 2018, Vader passed away at the age of 63 after being hospitalized for pneumonia. The three-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion had also been diagnosed with congestive heart failure two years before his death.
Apter appeared on Sportskeeda Wrestling's The Wrestling Time Machine show alongside host Mac Davis and WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long. Sportskeeda Wrestling's Senior Editor revealed that Vader pitched him wrestling storyline ideas shortly before he passed away.
"When he was in the hospital and struggling for his life, I love telling this, he called me and he said, 'If I get outta here,' and he was throwing angles at me to put on interviews on 1wrestling back then, when 1wrestling.com was around," Apter said. "As ill as he was, he never lost that fire to be known in the business. I always love to tell that story. I still have the voicemail." [11:05 – 11:36]
Watch the video above to hear Teddy Long's story about WCW's finances playing a role in the company's downfall.
How WWE Hall of Famer Sting helped Vader
Between 1991 and 1994, Sting and Vader crossed paths dozens of times in WCW. One of their most notable matches came at the Great American Bash 1992, where Vader beat his on-screen rival to win the World Heavyweight Championship.
On the topic of Vader, Mac Davis said Sting often visited his former opponent toward the end of his life. He praised the legend and said he was a wonderful human being who was always trying to help his friends and that means a lot and that was also one of the reasons why nothing bad is ever spoken about him.
"I heard that he spent a lot of time with Vader in his last couple of years when he wasn't doing too well. He spent a lot of time with him and talking with him, and that says a lot because, as I understand it, he would make trips and see him. When you have a friend and you'll fly to get into somewhere just to help them out, that means a lot, and Sting has always been one of those guys you never hear a single bad thing about," he said. [10:37 – 11:00]
Vader was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2022. He was represented by his son Jesse and widow Debra.
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Please credit Sportskeeda Wrestling's The Wrestling Time Machine and embed the video if you use quotes from this article, with an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.