Episode
Dark Side of the Ring: Big Van Vader
Overview
With an iconic look and skills few of his size could match, Big Van Vader stood out as a wrestling monster but controlling his anger became a bigger battle in and out of the ring.
Details
- Series
- Dark Side of the Ring
- Season
- Season 6
- Episode
- Episode 3
- Air date
- 2025-04-08
- Runtime
- 44 min
Episode context
Big Van Vader is Episode 3 in Season 6 of Dark Side of the Ring. It aired on 2025-04-08. The runtime is 44 min.
Previous / Next
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A Finnish wrestling bad guy turned real-life racist politician, Tony Halme’s time in the WWF as Ludvig Borga is only the start of his chaotic and destructive life.
Episode 4: Tony Atlas: Too Much, Too Soon
With the physique of an Adonis and endless charisma, Tony Atlas made his mark as one of wrestling’s first Black stars but racism, addiction and ego kept Mr. USA from the top.
More episodes from this season
Episode 1: Mick Foley: Hell in a Cell
From the first terrifying fall off the cage to the impact he still feels today, Mick Foley relives one of wrestling’s most iconic matches, Hell in a Cell ‘98 moment by moment.
Episode 5: The Original "Superstar": Billy Graham
Often imitated, never duplicated, Superstar Billy Graham broke the mold for what a wrestler could be but steroid abuse and battles with the McMahons kept Graham from the spotlight.
Episode 6: “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert
Skilled as a performer in the ring and as a booker, who created storylines behind the scenes. ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert was a ticking timebomb of talent and self-destruction.
Episode 7: Truth, Lies and Billy Jack Haynes
An 80’s wrestling star, Billy Jack Haynes’ life of violence and mystery has led to his current situation—behind bars and charged with the second degree murder of his wife.
Episode 8: Blood, Fire and the Original Sheik
One of the most hated heels in wrestling history; The Sheik, whose violent career spanned 50 years is revealed by his family and the few who survived his hardcore bloodbaths.
Episode 9: The Scream Queen: Daffney
With her piercing scream, Shannon Spruill became a cult star as Daffney in the squared circle. Outside the ring, Daffney fought a much more punishing battle with bipolar disorder.
Episode 10: Becoming Muhammad Hassan
Just three years post-9/11, Marc Copani sees the highs and lows of wrestling when he’s given the chance to portray Muhammad Hassan, a villainous Arab-American character for the WWE.