A WWE executive has explained why Big Van Vader‘s 1996 to 1998 run with the company did not work out as planned.
Vader’s brief and turbulent run in WWE remains one of the more puzzling chapters in the company’s 1990s history, and Bruce Prichard has offered fresh insight into why the partnership never truly clicked. Speaking on his Something to Wrestle podcast, Prichard reflected on The Mastodon’s arrival in WWE in 1996 and revealed that the company quickly discovered the former WCW Champion was not in ideal physical condition.
“We got damaged goods, and he didn’t tell us till after he was signed,”
Prichard said, explaining that the big man required shoulder surgery almost immediately after joining the promotion. Despite the issue, WWE still opted to introduce Vader in a major way. He debuted at the Royal Rumble before defeating Savio Vega on WWE Raw, only to disappear from television shortly thereafter. According to Prichard, the plan was always for Vader to step away following an impactful debut.
“And it was like, okay, well, you got to have the surgery anyway,” Prichard explained. “So let’s go out, make a splash, and let’s do this and give a reason. Give you a debut. Give you an impactful debut, and then give a reason for you to go away.”
Prichard added that creative considerations also played a role in how Vader was positioned. At the time, WWE was attempting to establish Ahmed Johnson as a dominant babyface, and there were concerns about safety in the ring.
“During that time, you’re trying to create a big monster babyface in Ahmed,” Prichard said. “And he didn’t look like the guy that would do a lot of stuff. It was part of safety for Ahmed and safety for who he was working with.”
While Vader remains revered for his work in Japan and WCW, Prichard’s comments highlight how injuries and timing undermined what many hoped would be a defining WWE run for the powerhouse legend.
When Did Vader Leave WWE?
Vader left WWE in 1998, bringing an end to a run that never fully matched expectations. After debuting in 1996 with significant fanfare, injuries and creative frustrations limited his momentum, despite high-profile programmes with Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker.
Following his departure, Vader continued to wrestle internationally, most notably returning to Japan, where he enjoyed greater success and consistency than he had during his WWE tenure.
