Remember Vader: Five of his top matches to watch

Versus Stan Hansen at AWA Rage in a Cage on August 28, 1986

Stan Hansen is a name that may not come up as often as it once did; but he deserves recognition for his contributions to the sport. One of those contributions was helping in the development of Leon White, well before he took up the name Vader. Back in 1986 they fought – key word “fought” as the brutality in this match was far from wrestling – for what was then the AWA championship.

If today’s standard of what is considered a “stiff” match was applied to what Vader and Hansen did to each other in 1986 – then this match should be classified as a fight. Everything from their punches to their submission holds were put on with such ferocity that it makes it painful to watch, let alone for what each man had to go through. Back then, Vader was still new to the industry as he was making his transition from playing in the National Football League. While he was clearly green, it’s interesting to see White in his early stages as a professional wrestler and recognizing the great big man he would become years later.

Go back and watch Vader versus Stan Hansen for an interesting contrast to how professional wrestling matches are formulated compared to today. Even if you have a strong opinion for today’s product, this is a match that everyone can enjoy.