Vader Says Doctors Have Given Him Two Years To Live

Tragic news from a wrestling legend.

by Andy H Murray
vader promo
WWE.com

The bad news keeps coming for Big Van Vader. Involved in a "near-fatal" car accident last week, Vader said on Twitter last night that he is suffering from congestive heart failure, and that doctors have given him two years to live:-

As noted above, doctors blame Vader's football and wrestling careers for the condition.

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Though better known for his time in wrestling, Vader played two seasons in the NFL, and started for the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl XIV (1980) before retiring through injury, . His wrestling career kicked-off with the American Wrestling Association in 1985, but Vader headed to New Japan Pro Wrestling in 1987, and that's where he built his legacy.

Vader entered WCW in 1990, and became World Heavyweight Champion on three separate occasions during his five-year run. His WWE spell (1996-98) wasn't quite as successful, sadly, and while often featured prominently, Vader was largely misused and never given the opportunity to reach his old heights.

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Now 61 years old, Vader was recently seen wrestling Will Ospreay in England's Revolution Pro Wrestling. He remains semi-active on the independent circuit, but this news will likely bring his long career to an end. Tragic news from a man widely regarded as one of the best monster heels in wrestling history.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.