10. The Ultimate Warrior Was First Choice For 'Big Van Vader' Character
Story: In 1987, Antonio Inoki was looking for a new character to dominate in New Japan Pro Wrestling. Inoki was interested in bringing over an American to play the role of 'Big Van Vader', and had the gimmick all ready to go. Vader would wear a giant helmet on his way to the ring, one that would spew smoke. As the story goes, Leon White wasn't the first choice for the role. Instead, both Sid Vicious and The Ultimate Warrior were considered, which is really quite fascinating. Neither man would get the gig however, due to their athletic limitations when it came to working the Japanese style. Why People Believe It: The man who would go on to fill the gimmick, Leon White has alluded to this many times in interviews. White is extremely candid about the fact that he wasn't the first choice, and understands the reasons why he was chosen. Should We Believe It: In a word, yes. Vader has talked openly about this on numerous occasions. It's one wrestling fact not many people talk about these days.
Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.
