10 Wrestlers Who Debuted At The Top
1. Big Van Vader
As far as big time debuts go, they don't come much bigger than that of Big Van Vader.
Having learned the ropes in the AWA, Leon White (then known as Bull Power) soon made his way over to New Japan Pro Wrestling, where he was given the persona of Big Van Vader. The gimmick itself was based on a dominant warrior figure from Japanese folklore and his New Japan debut presented him as just that.
On his very first night in, Vader - appearing in his trademark metal headpiece - challenged Japanese wrestling royalty, Antonio Inoki, to an impromptu bout. Inoki had already wrestled Riki Chosu moments prior but agreed all the same and the match was on. Less than three minutes later, Vader stood victorious.
The bout itself was a veritable mugging, with very little offence from Inoki from bell to bell. Vader clubbed the beloved icon with a string of stiff rights, toying with him like a lion with a wounded gazelle. The sheer decimation of the Japanese hero was shocking to see, so shocking that the fans in attendance rioted at the outcome.
New Japan were banned from the Sumo Hall - their home turf - for two years afterwards. Meanwhile, Vader would ride his newfound notoriety to three IWGP Championships, making him the first gaijin to raise the coveted gold.