10 Larger than Life moments from Vader's career.

#8. Brutal, history-making match against Stan Hansen.

Vader nearly lost an eye in a brutal fight with Stan Hansen.

There's a saying in pro wrestling; Red is green. The idea is that brutality and blood pay off dividends when it comes to making money.

Vader and Stan Hansen certainly decided that they liked this philosophy. Both men were known for being 'stiff' in the ring--meaning their blows and body slams were genuinely painful and sometimes caused injury for real.

However, when the two behemoths locked up for an AJPW vs NJPW event, all hell broke loose. Hansen decided to smack Vader with his bullrope, which featured a heavy metal bell. Vader wasn't prepared for the unscripted attack and was nearly knocked unconscious. In pro wrestling, being 'potatoed' by another grappler means you are entitled to 'receipt,' meaning some real life blows are acceptable. Vader beat Hansen down in the corner while bellowing at him for the bullrope shot.

Vader backed away, figuring he'd made his point--then Stan Hansen thumbed him in the eye. More than a simple poke, the blow broke Vader's nose, fractured his eye socket and caused his eyeball to protrude from his face. Ouch!

Vader shoved the eye back into the socket and continued the match for another half hour. When Vader unmasked during the match due to pain and swelling, the gathered crowd--not to mention Stan Hansen--were horrified by the carnage. It was a legendary moment from a legendary career, and not for the squeamish.