15 Things We Learned From Dark Side Of The Ring: Vader
13. Vader’s Wild Story Of Breaking Into Wrestling
The soon-to-be Vader's NFL dreams died a sudden death due to various injuries that prevented him from going as far as he wanted to in the sport. A bit lost and seeking something else, Leon turned to pro wrestling. The problem? He couldn't just sign up to a local training school or catch WWE's eye then jaunt down to the Performance Center for seasoning. No, he'd have to break in the hard way.
The really hard way.
Some audio clips from various interviews with Leon revealed that he put on a cowboy hat and boots, then walked straight into a show in Denver. None other than Bruiser Brody met him head on and said, “What the f*** do you want in my locker room?”. Replying, White said: “Man, I’m here to get a job”. He admits he was “scared to death”, but did it anyway because he couldn't think of another career path that'd suit his look or goals.
Brody must've been impressed by Leon's ballsy move, because the next thing White knew he was on his way to Minnesota to train and start working. Bruiser and Stan Hansen pretty much beat the hell out of him, which is when Leon learned to work stiff. Guys like Mick Foley might not thank Brody and Stan for introducing Vader to the thrill of pasting lumps out of your peers!
Leon's lucky he didn't get into a fist fight when he marched into a crowded locker room full of protective wrestlers and asked for a gig in the 1980s. That could've ended very badly for the man.