Vader's best days were behind him when WWE signed him in 1996. The closest 'The Mastodon' got to any meaningful success in the company was winning a Slammy for 'Crime of the Century' when he attacked Gorilla Monsoon. His debut in the company was much hyped which suggested he would be one of the main players on the roster. His career to date backed up that claim also. He was the 13th entrant in the 1996 Royal Rumble but was eliminated by Shawn Michaels before reentering the ring and assaulting everyone, including Michaels. He would also appear at that year's WrestleMania in a six-man tag team match alongside Owen Hart, and The British Bulldog against Yokozuna, Ahmed Johnson, and Jake Roberts. Vader would pin Roberts for the win. Vader would go on to have to huge programmes with Michaels and The Undertaker, battling The Deadman for the WWF Championship at In Your House 16: Canadian Stampede. But, he would be demoted and left to fued with the likes of Goldust and Kane before becoming a jobber to the main event stars. He would leave the company for All Japan Pro Wrestling in 1998.
