WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam has shown interest in honing the talent of tomorrow and welcoming them into the world of pro wrestling. Speaking on his 1 Of A Kind podcast, Van Dam shared that he’d love to do more with WWE from a talent development standpoint.

“I have some interest…  I could see [myself] doing that, especially with the big welcome vibe. You know, like, ‘You’re welcome here anytime.’ That really encourages me.”

WWE’s newest tactic to bring new talent on board is WWE LFG (Legends & Future Greats.) The A&E-produced show will see wrestling legends team with young contestants, eager to earn a contract with WWE. These contestants (the titular Future Greats,) will participate in weekly matches, and learn the behind-the-scenes workings of the wrestling business. Mentors confirmed for the show include Booker T, Bubba Ray Dudley, The Undertaker, and Mickie James.

WWE LFG: New Competition Series Coming to A&E in 2025

Van Dam has made several sporadic appearances for WWE in recent months, including being at SmackDown’s return to the USA Network in September. The next month, the WWE Hall of Famer appeared in NXT to share that he’d be at the following week’s show in the 2300 Arena. Inside the legendary ECW venue, RVD backed Je’Von Evans, who’d defeat Wes Lee on the night.

Whether fans see Rob Van Dam as part of WWE LFG, that remains to be seen, but the former WWE & ECW World Champion is certainly interested in doing more. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Rob Van Dam as the wrestling legend continues to tease a closer future with the Sports Entertainment juggernaut.

WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam has stated that he feels WWE is focusing more on the legends now and he’s glad that they are being acknowledged.

Several legends alongside Rob Van Dam have appeared in WWE recently. NXT held its November 6th edition of the weekly show at the famous 2300 Arena and it featured the return of several ECW originals.

During Busted Open Radio, Rob Van Dam said that it was “an awesome time to be a legend” in WWE. He explained how WWE has been acknowledging the legends more in recent times. He said:

“It’s an awesome time to be a legend because WWE has come around to where they’re focusing more, putting energy on those who laid the ground before us, and that’s important, and it’s really changed the business for people like you and me, Tommy [Dreamer], and many of our peers. It’s really changed in a good way. Just a few years ago, I don’t even know if the wrestles knew who used to do it before them because you just tap into your ego so much to get into this job that you’re thinking of me and nobody else.”

Rob Van Dam believes that more legends are likely to make appearances often rather than just nostalgic cameos. He further stated that the veterans will receive more love and acknowledgment for their valuable contributions to the business.

“But to take a moment and say, ‘Hey, let’s show some respect,’ it goes a long way. It’s a really good time to be a legend. The legends, I feel like they’re gonna be popping up a lot, doing more work, more promotions, be part of the show more, and I love it. I love history. I love how it adds depth, as opposed to erasing the history and acting like it didn’t exist…I do feel like very much like I keep saying, moving forward, even if it’s just on the royalty deals for the legend deals or whatever, I just think it’s gonna be a good year for the legends. They’re gonna get a lot of love and acknowledgment for what they’ve done, and that’s really important.”

‘The Whole F’n Show,’ recently revealed that he has been on a Legends deal with WWE and had also made an appearance on the October 29th edition of WWE NXT.

At NXT 2300, Rob Van Dam was involved in a backstage segment with Kelani Jordan, who was practicing RVD’s signature pre-match stretch which is a split on two folding chairs. Later that night, Wes Lee assaulted him backstage. However, the ECW legend avenged the attack by costing Lee his match against Je’Von Evans.

Rob Van Dam is channeling “The Terminator” to describe future appearances with WWE NXT. Van Dam made a few appearances at NXT’s 2300 Special on Wednesday, held at the former ECW Arena in Philadelphia, PA.

He first had a segment with Kelani Jordan, who was practicing his signature ‘Van Dam stretch’ by doing a split on two folding chairs. Later in the show, the Whole F’N Show was attacked backstage by Wes Lee. He’d exact revenge later in the evening. 

During Lee’s match against Je’Von Evans, RVD came out and distracted his attacker. This allowed Evans to get the victory, and they celebrated together in the ring .

A fan on social media says he wishes Van Dam had wrestled a match on the show, which prompted an agreeable response: “Me too. But I’ll be back.”

WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam says it was a great experience to visit NXT last weeks. ‘The Whole F’n Show,’ who has been on a Legends deal with WWE, recently made an appearance on the October 29th edition of WWE NXT and told the brand’s General Manager Ava that he wanted to be involved at NXT 2300 which will take place at the famous 2300 Arena this Wednesday. During a brawl between Wes Lee and Je’Von Evans at the end of the show, Rob Van Dam said that he got an idea regarding his involvement on the upcoming show.

Speaking on his 1 Of A Kind with RVD podcast, the WWE Hall of Famer reflected on his experience at WWE NXT and the WWE Performance Center. The former WWE Champion recalled that he has been on the brand in the past but things have changed drastically ever since. Rob Van Dam said that being involved in the show was a great experience and revealed meeting several fellow legends. He said:

“I’ve been there twice before, and it was a long time ago, ten years ago, and it did look a little different. They definitely had moved some stuff around, and if they had that many warehouses, then I didn’t realize it before, but a lot of that is theirs. It was really cool. It was just a good experience, everybody was grateful. Everyone’s happy and giving the legends a lot of love. So nothing terribly exciting, but also seeing a lot of my peers as well, and Bubba Ray Dudley, he was standing in the ring when I walked in one time to that area, and I slid in behind him to surprise him, and his calfs almost exploded in my face. I texted him and told him that [laughs], but his calves were huge and veins popping out. Looks like he’s been doing some toe raises, so good job, Bubba. Saw Shawn Michaels, saw Terry Taylor, yes I did [see William Regal].”

Rob Van Dam was also asked about his interaction with NXT General Manager Ava. He said that she was cool and made it clear that everyone that he met was cool.

“She was cool. Everybody was cool. I was just kind of like an extra, popping in and being me, and they were all there, learning and doing….I met everybody, everyone was super cool. They all came up and go, ‘Hi, I’m Veronica, good to meet you.”

RVD further revealed that he had been keeping an eye on the show to prepare for the following week. It is currently not known how Rob Van Dam will be involved in NXT 2300 and was tight-lipped regarding it on the podcast as well.

Next week, WWE NXT will air from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, better known to wrestling fans as the ECW Arena. A huge 10-person tag team match has been announced for the show, and fans can expect to see Rob Van Dam return to the arena he made his home for years.

In the main event of this week’s show, Je’Von Evans and Cedric Alexander challenged NXT Tag Team Champions Nathan Frazer and Axiom. During the match, Wes Lee tried to get involved with a steel chair but Evans chased him off. This left Alexander all to himself and it wasn’t long after that ‘Fraxiom’ retained the gold.

Backstage, Evans and Lee continued their brawl as security and NXT General Manager Ava tried to stop the fight. Then, WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam walked up and said “I know what I wanna do next week, you just gave me an idea“, ending the show on a cliffhanger. Earlier in the night, RVD had said he wanted to earn a spot on the November 6, WWE NXT from the ECW Arena.

WWE NXT in the ECW Arena is shaping up to be a huge night for the silver brand with stars from the past and present set to collide in Philadelphia. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from WWE NXT including breaking news and live results.

WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam recently shared details on his Legends Deal with WWE. RVD has competed in AEW a handful of times recently. However, he has made appearances for WWE as well. His last appearance for AEW took place in April while he made an appearance in WWE on the September 13th on WWE SmackDown premiere show on USA Network.

Recently, Rob Van Dam had revealed that he was on a WWE Legends Deal during his appearances in AEW. Soon, speculation sparked if he had inked a new contract. However, the WWE Hall of Famer cleared the air. While speaking with SEScoops correspondent Dominic DeAngelo on his 1 of a Kind Podcast, Van DAm was asked to reflect on his comments regarding his Legends Deal. Here is what he said:

“Yeah, I saw today that it’s news, people are congratulating me and stuff. Okay, I just liked a comment anyway. It’s what I do. They think I’m confirming something whenever I like it, but I try to like all the comments. But yeah, a lot of congratulations, and then I did mention on that one, yeah, it is true, in 2021 I did a legends deal.”

Flexibility in the deal

DeAngelo said that it seemed that some talents have restrictions on what they can do while being under contract. However, others could “go do stuff” while being on a Legends Deal. Rob Van Dam replied that he feels it was a “flexible template” that varied, depending on the individual circumstances. He explained:

“I think it’s a flexible template that they have, and depending on everybody’s individual circumstances, you might say, ‘Hey, I already signed with these two video games already,’ so I think they have them excluded from it or something like that. Or if you say, ‘I want to do it, but I don’t want to give you guys exclusivity to action figures because I got five other companies that are doing it,’ then they might say, ‘Well, then we don’t want to sign you up.’ But also, they gotta pay you, even if you’re not under the contract. If they’re selling your likeness, they owe it to you anyway, but they’re not obligated tomorrow make anything new with you if you don’t have a Legends Deal.”

Rob Van Dam is among the list of WWE legends, including DDP, Victoria, Jesse ‘The Body’ Ventura, and Armando Estrada, who have penned WWE Legends contracts.

WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam made a surprise return on the September 13, episode of SmackDown, as part of the blue brand’s premiere on the USA Network. Interestingly, The Whole F’n Show” has made sporadic appearances in AEW since last year, despite being under a WWE Legends deal.

On the February 21, episode of AEW Dynamite, Van Dam teamed up with ‘Hangman’ Adam Page and HOOK to face Samoa Joe, Swerve Strickland, and Brian Cage. His most recent AEW match took place on the April 20 edition of AEW Collision where he won a four-way elimination match against Isiah Kassidy, Lee Johnson, and Komander.

In a recent interview on the Cheap Heat Productions Podcast, Rob Van Dam confirmed that despite his AEW appearances, he is under a WWE Legends deal. The former WWE & ECW Champion added that this deal will naturally limit his involvement with AEW.

“The first time that I talked to Tony Khan about doing this (working with AEW), a factor was that I still have a WWE Legends deal. So, my use to AEW would be limited as far as they can’t put me on video games, action figures, stuff like that and so, you could say it’s limited on both ends or you could say I got both ends going, best of both worlds or you could just say RVD does whatever he wants.”

Rob Van Dam joins a growing list of wrestling legends, including DDP, Victoria, Jesse ‘The Body’ Ventura, and Armando Estrada, who have recently signed WWE Legends contracts. Fans are eager to see when the high-flying icon will make his next WWE appearance.

Rob Van Dam may have been on SmackDown this past Friday, but he wasn’t feeling blue and says Cody Rhodes is a positive proponent in the new WWE.

‘Mr. Monday Night’ was ‘Mr. Friday Night’ SmackDown as he and his wife Katie Forbes attended the premiere episode of the USA Network. Van Dam was all over the arena on Friday hanging out with fellow legends, meeting up with Triple H, but also ran into ‘The American Nightmare’ Cody Rhodes.

Speaking with me on “1 Of A Kind With RVD,” Van Dam said he and Forbes actually hung out by Rhodes’ tour bus. Cody apparently had a set-up like a camp out by his bus with fold out chairs. Rhodes happened to pass by on more than one occassion before his big WWE Title match against Solo Sikoa.

“Me and Katie hung out there for awhile and he came by a few times and just was like super cool and even gave us a bottle of vodka. He was just really cool.”

Van Dam added that Dustin Rhodes has always been really cool and making everyone laugh. He recalled a time when Dustin would do a “vomit” trick with passerbys, but RVD would no-sell it.

Cody Rhodes: Apart Of The Positive Vibe In WWE

Before RVD changed subjects, he noted how different the WWE dressing room was from the days of his past. Earlier in the show Rob mentioned that there was a refreshing energy with the company and Van Dam reiterated that by running into Cody.

“Cody definitely was part of that vibe … in general the boys don’t look so tired anymore, you know? They look legitimately happy to be there, happy to be part of something, having fun and it used to be a different kind of vibe of a long drawn out day of tired people while trying to get to the end of the day and it didn’t ring true to that so much this time and I’ve heard a lot of people tell me, ‘Oh, you just gotta see how it’s changed,’ but I gotta say, they wasn’t lying.”

You can catch new episodes of “1 Of A Kind With RVD” every Monday at 4:20 PM ET.

Rob Van Dam had a busy Friday as the WWE Hall Of Famer made his return to SmackDown, and Mr. Monday Night noticed a very different vibe to Triple H’s new regime.

RVD and his wife Katie Forbes were invited as guests for the first SmackDown on USA Network. The power couple were seen sitting ringside for Kevin Owens & Randy Orton vs. Austin Theory & Grayson Waller and Van Dam was impressed with what he saw.

Speaking to me on a yet-to-be-released episode of his ‘1 Of A Kind With RVD’ podcast, the Hall of Famer shared his view of how different WWE is these days, both in the ring and backstage in the locker room.

“It was in a way that’s refreshing to make me realize how out of touch with the product I am because I didn’t realize that a lot of the things people have been telling me are in effect.”

Rob says in just watching the one match in some ways WWE seems to be aiming at bringing the wrestling product back to more storytelling and simplifying the exhibition of the in-ring action. Van Dam also loved the new SmackDown logo.

“I love creative s*** like that.”

Backstage Interactions With Triple H & The Modern Roster

Rob Van Dam had a brief interaction with Kevin Owens backstage after his match with a fist bump, hung with Booker T, Ron Simmons and Teddy Long in the legends dressing room. He also did some interviews on behalf of WWE for future projects. He also did get to chat with Triple H.

“He was really cool, in a good mood and I got good vibes off him as well.”

Van Dam did hear Triple H talk during a meeting about how the touring schedule would change and it reminded him of how daunting the old WWE schedule used to be.

A lot of the modern roster approached him to thank him for being there and saying how they enjoy his podcast too. RVD noted even a talent appreciated the knowledge they get from listening to Mr. Monday Night.

“Just getting feedback from social media or whatever, not only is it toxic, but it’s also deceiving because they were there to have fun. It was so obvious, again I’m gonna use the word refreshing, it was so refreshing.”

RVD said the fans were completely along for the ride and that was a big strong takeaway from the crowd.

“I get it, it’s a very fun vibe.”

Rob also made mention that he found entire WWE dressing room to be positive. No one was tired or exhausted as he remembered when he was full time and everyone looked very happy to be involved in the growth of the company.

New episodes of “1 Of A Kind With RVD” releases every Monday at 4:20 PM ET. Please h/t to SEScoops for the transcription.

Rob Van Dam and John Cena had one of the most memorable matches in pro wrestling history and RVD is confident he and Cena could repeat it before John hangs up the jorts.

Speaking on an upcoming episode of his 1 Of A Kind With RVD, Rob Van Dam was asked his thoughts on John Cena announcing his 2025 retirement tour for WWE. Van Dam is still very active in the squared circle and believes the two could recreate the magic they did back at ECW One Night Stand 2006.

“I Hope they bring me in for a rematch with Cena. That would be super cool. I don’t know if they know, but I know I could have that same match, Absolutely.”

Rob Van Dam has shown he hasn’t missed a beat in the several matches he’s had in AEW and even over WrestleMania 40 weekend, competed against Speedball Mike Bailey in a memorable singles match that featured Jerry Lynn as the special guest referee.

Due to injury, RVD was unable to compete at the first WWE version of One Night Stand in 2005, but fate would have it that Van Dam would battle Cena for the WWE Championship a year later. RVD arguably had one of, if not the greatest Money In The Bank cash-in, by calling his shot ahead of time to challenge Cena at the Hammerstein Ballroom.

RELATED: Rob Van Dam Is Open To An Extended Run With AEW

Rob Van Dam Enjoyed Working With John Cena

Van Dam was asked what it was like grappling up with Cena that night and he commended John for his pure strength, but also how he handled the hostile crowd in the Hammerstein Ballroom.

“He was able to pull the strings with the crowdvand he knew going out there that he was going to be up against a crowd that that hated him. A really vocal, physical, most opinionated crowd ever, but he was ready for it, and he handled it great, and I enjoyed working with him. And also he was very, very snug.”

RELATED: RVD Says It’s Cool That Paul Heyman Is Getting His Flowers Ahead Of WWE HOF Induction

Pro wrestling legend Rob Van Dam has shed some light on his future at AEW after making only a handful of appearances. 

Since making his debut in August 2023, he has competed in only six matches. This sparked concern for his future with the promotion but RVD is not ruling out a longer run with AEW. Speaking on 1 of A Kind Podcast, he said that he would consider an offer but he is yet to have discussions for a possible extended run. He said:

“I would like to think that I’m open to any conversation. So anything’s worth considering. Let’s hear what you got in mind, whatever. But no, I don’t have any of those talks. What you see is what you get, and that’s all anybody is talking about. All anyone is talking about doing, let me put it that way.”

He further said that taking time off and not wrestling full-time has a disadvantage – it impacts the conditioning. RVD has explained that if he wrestled more often then fans could see a more ‘fluid’ version of himself. He said:

“One thing the fans don’t take into consideration that I do, it’s cool having time off and I don’t want to be full-time, anything like that. But it is a big disadvantage, being in the ring, because no matter how much conditioning that I do, there’s no wrestling conditioning like wrestling. So if I was wrestling like every week, instead of sometimes every six weeks, maybe eight weeks, whatever, then you would have a little bit even more fluid RVD.”

Rob Van Dam’s AEW career

The 53-year-old has been making sporadic appearances in AEW. He immediately made a mark after his debut when he went up against then-FTW Champion Jack Perry. Though he was unsuccessful in dethroning the champ, he received massive praise for the match. RVD then went on to team up with Hook for a couple of matches over two months.

• Jack Perry Praises RVD: Still A World Class, One Of A Kind Freak Athlete

Earlier this year in January, the veteran wrestler faced Sean Strickland in a Hardcore match but endured a defeat. RVD competed in a six-man tag team match joining forces with Adam Page and Hook in February. His last match for the promotion took place a few weeks back when he picked up his maiden win after defeating Isiah Kassidy, Komander, and Lee Johnson.

While fans might wonder why RVD is not heading to WWE, the veteran star blames the lack of connection with WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H. Read more below:

WWE made a big deal about ECW WrestleMania weekend and it was reportedly for good reason.

With WrestleMania 40 taking place in Philadelphia it only seemed appropriate for WWE to induct Paul Heyman into the Hall Of Fame. The home of Extreme Championship Wrestling was in the “City Of Brotherly Love” and Heyman had a lot to say about Philly and the homebase fans.

Heyman hat-tipped not just the fans but the legends ECW helped to cultivate, shouting out names like Rob Van Dam and Bully Ray. He even donned the appropriate attire as he pulled out the hat, headset, cinderblock cell phone and leather duster. Heyman’s words immediately became an all-time Hall of Fame speech, but that speech could be bittersweet in the immediate.

According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Heyman’s speech signified WWE “spiritually closing” the book on ECW. This was also why Heyman was the primary induction for the year and the focus was put on Rob Van Dam, Tommy Dreamer and The Dudley Boyz.

ECW fans experienced a satisfying follow-up on night two of WrestleMania 40 as Bully Ray ended up being the surprise referee for the Philadelphia Street Fight between The Final Testament and The Pride.

WWE also had a full ECW entryway set-up installation on display at WWE World over WrestleMania weekend.

As for the actual ECW residence, the 2300 Arena on the corner of Swanson and Ritner, the venue stayed very busy with live events including a Busted Open Radio party and RVD in competition.

Mick Foley aims to have one more match with part of his goal was losing weight in the process and he’s gotten a little help from an old friend in Al Snow.

As of recent, the WWE Hall of Famer has gotten himself involved with Al Snow’s OVW and Foley found a little more than just the squared circle while working with Snow and his talented Ohio Valley Wrestling roster.

In a new Instagram video, Foley revealed that he is receiving help from two OVW talents in cutting weight. Crystal White and Katie Gannon have taken Foley under their workout wing and have assisted ‘The Hardcore Legend’ to drop over 24 pounds.

In the video, Foley talked about he happened to love the Netflix series, Wrestlers, which spotlighted the talent in OVW, prompting Mick to reach out to Snow. Foley wanted to get himself involved with an ongoing storylin and being there is where he met White and Gannon.

One Last Match For Mick Foley

Before he ended his “Foley Is Pod” podcast, Mick Foley happened to drop the bombshell that he planned to shed 100 lbs in order to have one last match and he has a desire to make it a deathmatch. Just turning 60 years old, Foley has been serious in that desire and he’s had several interested parties in obliging him.

Matt Cardona, the self-proclaimed “Deathmatch King”, has made a case as to why he should face the “Three Faces Of Foley,” but fellow WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam also threw his hat in the ring, noting that he was the last WWE Hardcore Champion, but for some reason, Foley has that title in his possession. Despite the fact that RVD and Foley are both ECW legends, the two have never squared off against one another.

Rob Van Dam is a bonafide WWE Hall Of Famer and now so is the man who put him on the map in Paul Heyman, but who will induct the original orchestrator of extreme?

In the upcoming episode of “1 Of A Kind With RVD” Van Dam said that he wasn’t originally planning on attending the WWE Hall Of Fame this year, but with Heyman getting announced, RVD said he’ll have to make plans.

Per usual, a lot of the fun speculation heading into WrestleMania is who will induct the inductees and there are several names who are worthy of inducting Heyman, including RVD. However, Rob had his own thoughts regarding that matter.

“I think they can definitely find somebody better than me. You know, it’d be an honor. And of course, if I was, nominated and asked to do it, I would give it my best.”

If I were to induct Paul Heyman…

Van Dam added that if he were to induct Heyman, he’d want input from other wrestlers who were impacted by Heyman, but named three names who would be more fitting to do the actual induction.

“I mean, [Tommy] Dreamer, Bubba [Ray Dudley]. Taz, those guys, they know Paul a lot more than I do. They were in New York. 

“I would see him on the weekends. They’d see him all week too and they were there in the office and the production studio helping move the TV forward, also with the merchandise and just booking towns.”

Taz or RVD would both be interesting names considering both have a working relationship with AEW, but Van Dam is featured in WWE 2K24 and has an upcoming figure set to be released by Mattel.

Heyman leads a Hall Of Fame class that so far has Bull Nakano, The U.S. Express and Muhammad Ali.

The new episode of 1 Of A Kind With RVD releases Monday at 4:20 PM ET.

Please credit “1 Of A Kind With RVD” and h/t to SEScoops for the transcription.

Former WWE and ECW World Champion Rob Van Dam is pleased that Paul Heyman is getting his proverbial ‘flowers’ with his upcoming Hall of Fame induction. 

Earlier this month, it was announced that Heyman will be inducted as part of this year’s class on April 5. The honor is richly deserved for Heyman, who has excelled in various roles in wrestling. In addition to being Roman Reigns‘ special counsel, Heyman has managed others, worked as a commentator, a writer, and ran ECW during the company’s peak.

Rob Van Dam on Paul Heyman’s Induction

Few names did better under the watchful eye than RVD, who became a success in both the original ECW and WWE. In a recent interview with Wrestle Binge, the former World Champion was pleased that Heyman is getting his due. 

“It’s pretty cool they’re giving him his flowers because he was the man. He was the one that made ECW happen… he’s the guy that made everything possible.”

RVD also heralded Heyman’s work in WWE and recalled many in the company being opposed to Paul at first due to his ECW history. 

“When I was there back then… he didn’t get a lot of respect in the way of the other agents didn’t like ECW, were trying to fight it, didn’t want it to come in. They were giving him a hard time.”

Van Dam concluded by stating that ECW became a success of Heyman’s leadership, braveness, and passion, and is pleased to see the sacrifices Heyman has made pay off. 

WWE Hall of Fame 2024

Heyman will be part of what is shaping up to be a star-studded class of inductees. Bull Nakano will be inducted this year. The former WWF Women’s Champion had a successful run in and out of WWE and is currently the commissioner of Bushiroad. The US Express will also be inducted as part of this year’s class. 

H/T – Fightful

Could Vince McMahon have ties to the mob which led to the Chairman’s dominance in New York City for decades? Rob Van Dam believes so. 

During the territory days, McMahon’s World Wrestling Federation was based in New York. It was from the Big Apple that McMahon launched his ‘aggressive expansion’ that resulted in McMahon domination of the United States and subsequently the world of professional wrestling. 

Vince McMahon & The Mob? 

With Madison Square Garden in the heart of the city, McMahon could not have picked a better home for his base of operations than NYC. On a recent edition of his 1 of a Kind podcast, however, Rob Van Dam had a theory as to how McMahon was allowed to operate in the city that never sleeps. 

“I am expecting to hear something about Vince and the mafia eventually, you know. Yeah, you know he’s got to be tied up in the mafia.

“There were certain years you couldn’t do anything in New York without working with them, his dad worked with them they ran the Arenas and the and the entertainment business pretty much everything you know at one point, so I know there’s some stories there yeah.”

Van Dam also referenced the alleged text messages sent by McMahon, which he believes were referencing the mafia instead of lawyers. 

“When he was like, ‘Hey you can’t give me any problems on this. I have phone numbers on speed dial, I have contacts on speed dial in my phone, they solve problems instantly. 

“Things of that nature and at the time I was thinking it read like I thought he met like big ass High powerful lawyers but now I’m thinking [imitates gun] someone will knock her off.”

Responses to Janel Grant’s Lawsuit

McMahon has denied all allegations of misconduct and has claimed that Janel Grant’s lawsuit is rife with fabrications. 

John Laurinaitis, who is named in Janel Grant’s lawsuit, has claimed he is a victim in this situation and not a predator. 

Brock Lesnar has been pulled from all WWE plans. Grant’s lawsuit claims she was trafficked to a former UFC Heavyweight Champion.

It’s been almost a decade-and-a-half since Rob Van Dam first grappled up with Samoa Joe in TNA and now the roles are somewhat reversed this Wednesday on AEW Dynamite.

RVD first wrestled Samoa Joe on the July 8, 2010 episode of TNA Impact. Back then, Van Dam was the World Heavyweight Champion of the promotion and he took on Samoa Joe in a non-title match main event. 

RVD came out victorious after he pulled a “Bret Hart to Roddy Piper at WrestleMania VIII” 1-2-3 when Joe had him in the Kokina Clutch, but Van Dam used the turnbuckle to flip over and pin the then “Samoan Suplex Machine.”

RVD on Working with Samoa Joe in 2010

On his latest “1 Of A Kind With RVD” podcast, Van Dam commented on that previous bout.

“Samoa Joe is awesome by the way, you know, and it doesn’t seem like that long ago to me having that match. So when you put the year in like that it makes sense, then it’s like, ‘Wow, okay.’ So I guess 14 years ago, that’s a pretty big chunk of time. You only get so many 14 [year] blocks of time in your life.”

Now this Wednesday RVD will tag up once again with HOOK and the wild card, Hangman Page as they take on Joe, Swerve Strickland and Brian Cage. However, this time, it’s Joe who’s the World Champion in this full-circle situation.

Does Van Dam Have His Eyes On AEW Gold?

RVD later makes note that he isn’t one to shy away from making firsts in pro wrestling and getting hold of the AEW “Big Platinum” isn’t something he’s ruling out of the cards forthcoming.

“So if I go after the AEW Championship, say I collect that f***ing gold and add that and become the only wrestler to have held the WWE, TNA, ECW and AEW Championship. I mean, I do s*** like that. I’m always finding new ways to stand out and be one of a kind. Imagine if that happened, how inspired people would be in general to think they grew up watching me decades ago. And then here at 53, they’re seeing me, perspectively, maybe having the best matches or the best year of my career.”

An AEW World Title match could certainly fit the bill for Rob Van Dam forthcoming as Mr. Monday Night is scheduled for Saturday night when AEW Collison takes place on 4/20.

Tune into “1 Of A Kind With RVD” every Monday at 4:20 PM ET at RVDTV.com or wherever you get your podcasts.

AEW has brought in a few names for one-time appearances, and several of them have been former WWE Superstars. RVD has made a couple of appearances for Tony Khan already, and now he’s booked for one more.

RVD’s Next AEW Appearance

Tony Khan logged onto Twitter/X to reveal that RVD is booked for AEW Collision’s April 20th event. That 4/20 return for RVD in AEW is most appropriate. This is exciting, but AEWTix currently has no listing for the April 20th show, so we’re not sure which market is getting the Whole F’n Show.

While Tony Khan was at it, he also threw in a plug for tonight’s episode of AEW Dynamite’s upcoming episode. 

I’m excited to announce that RVD will return to @AEWonTV on TNT for 4/20 Saturday Night AEW Collision!

I can’t wait for THIS Wednesday #AEWDynamite in Tulsa on TBS: AEW World Champion @SamoaJoe / @swerveconfident / @briancagegmsi vs Hangman Page/FTW Champion @730hook / @TherealRVD !

I'm excited to announce that RVD will return to @AEWonTV on TNT for 4/20 Saturday Night #AEWCollision!
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I can't wait for THIS Wednesday #AEWDynamite in Tulsa on TBS:
AEW World Champion @SamoaJoe/@swerveconfident/@briancagegmsi vs
Hangman Page/FTW Champion @730hook/@TherealRVD!

— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) February 16, 2024

What’s Next For RVD

RVD has a big match coming up before 4/20. Big Time Wrestling booked a first-time ever collision between Matt Riddle and RVD will take place Saturday, March 9th, 2024 during “The Reunion 3: Cavalcade of Legends” Super Show from Chillicothe, Ohio at the OU-Shoemaker Center.

Rob Van Dam and Tony Khan are not under any written contract. That being said, his participation with AEW could have cost him a spot during the WrestleMania 40 festivities. Only time will tell if he shows up in Philly for the big two-day extravaganza, but he will be on AEW Collision for their Stoner Christmas episode.

Rob Van Dam can still get it done at a “high” level in the wrestling ring, but can Mick Foley? Mr. Monday Night is intrigued to find out.

On the latest episode of “1 Of A Kind With RVD” Van Dam was asked if he heard about Mick Foley wanting to have one last match as he turns 60 years old in 2024.

“I think I saw the headline, you know, something like that, and heard a little inside chatter on it.”

Van Dam noted that he and Foley were possibly on tap to have a match while in TNA together, but it never came to fruition. It was around the time when Abyss was answering to someone or somebodies as “they” and that “they” was slated to be Foley. That match never did happen with rumor being that Foley decline to work with Rob.

However, when RVD heard of Mick wanting one more match, Van Dam thought about his history with Mrs. Foley’s Baby Boy.

“My first thought was, ‘Dude, that should be me.’ That’d be a huge draw because we have never wrestled each other and we’re both, you know, kings of hardcore.”

The only time RVD worked with Mick in a ring happened to be in Peach State Wrestling where the two were in a battle royal together.

Not only does RVD and Foley have strong ECW ties, but there’s something else that Mick Foley has which Rob Van Dam thinks should be in his possession.

“This is very relevant. When I was in WWE and I won – well, first, even before I got to WWE, like when I started watching the product before I got there, I was a little insulted by the Hardcore Championship because I felt like they were kind of making fun of ECW. And no offense to Crash [Holly], but he would do things to make them laugh. They would fight in the pit of balls for the kids and knock the taco cart over and fight at weird places. And when I won the WWE Hardcore Championship, I was Rob Van Dam. Just kept being me and, and, uh, and having great f***ing matches, and I loved it.”

WWE Hardcore Championship

RVD goes on to say that he established the Hardcore Championship as a must-see title in WWE, much like he did with the Television Championship in ECW. He made the belt so relevant that he’d main event house shows with it.

“I was f***ing loving it, and then it meant too much. So that wasn’t their plan. So what do they do? They retire it. They retire the f***ing championship while I’m wearing it while I’m having these kick ass matches. Me and Tommy Dreamer had a match I think to retire it.”

RVD won that match against Dreamer to become the Intercontinental Champion, putting an end to the Hardcore Title. However, Van Dam made that valuable to the fans and himself, but surprisingly enough it doesn’t sit in his trophy case.

“Did they give me the Hardcore Title? Do I have that hanging in my Rob Van Dam room of outstanding f***ing accomplishments and memorabilia? No. You know who has that Hardcore Championship? Mick Foley.”

That gives RVD further incentive to have a “one of a kind” go-around with Mick Foley.

“So deep inside, there’s a little bit of resentment on my behalf. Not resentment, but I would like to have it.”

Subscribe to RVDTV.com for full episodes and exclusive clips of “1 Of A Kind With RVD.”

Please credit “1 Of A Kind With RVD” and h/t to SEScoops for the transcription.

RVD blazed a trail behind him for years that others walked down. He inspired a generation of risk-takers, and helped put ECW on the map as well. Now, as a WWE Hall of Famer in the latter part of his pro wrestling journey, he has the ability to look back and make certain observations, even if they may be a bit morbid.

RVD Speaks On His Legacy

One fan commented on X to say that RVD should get far more love for the contributions that the has made in the pro wrestling world. “My hot take is RVD don’t get enough credit for how much he changed American Pro Wrestling,” they wrote.

The WWE Hall of Famer saw this tweet, and he had a response in the chamber, ready to go. The way that he sees it, he might be in line for a more posthumous celebration of his career.

‘‘I think the plan is to give me credit post humorous…humus…uhm, after I die. [smiling emoji]”

I think the plan is to give me credit post humorous…humus…uhm, after I die.
? https://t.co/36VnBymG49

— Rob Van Dam (@TherealRVD) January 13, 2024

RVD’s Current Status With WWE

Rob Van Dam has been coy about a possible spot on the WrestleMania 40 card in Philadelphia, especially when it came to the idea that he might have lost that invite after his AEW appearances. RVD hasn’t signed any deal with Tony Khan, and his agreement was only on a per appearance deal.

In the past, the Whole F’n Show also admitted that his lack of communication with Triple H might be the reason why he’s not around WWE more often. He was a part of the 2023 WWE Draft, but he hasn’t been back on their programming since.

Rob Van Dam believes HOOK has a very “high” ceiling in pro wrestling.

On the upcoming episode of “1 Of A Kind With RVD” Van Dam got word that Samoa Joe was going to put his AEW World Title on the line against HOOK. Taz’s son will actually be Joe’s first title defense and it’s set to go down next week on AEW Dynamite.

RVD was asked what he thought about the Joe vs. HOOK match-up and if he thinks the current FTW Champion has what it takes to be a top guy.

“From what I know about him, absolutely. What I don’t know about him is very important here because this sounds like a good matchup. It’s probably a really exciting matchup.”

Van Dam said that he wasn’t completely aware of HOOK’s AEW journey and the path that he has taken to get to Samoa Joe, but believes their styles and size difference will compliment one another.

When asked about the bout itself, Van Dam believes HOOK being with Joe will elevate him even further and could see the finish of the fight involving the two earning one another’s respect. He adds that when that happens along with the two stars earning the crowd’s respect, that creates a special moment in wrestling.

“I could totally see that happening with these two guys. You know, I could see Samoa liking [HOOK] and maybe who knows, maybe take him under his wing or something?”

RVD also happened to share a special moment with Joe. On the previous episode of “1 Of A Kind” Van Dam talked about how while the two were in TNA Samoa Joe saved his life from choking to death on a hot dog. 

RVD made a name for himself thanks to his innovative move set, and one of a kind attitude. At 53-years-old, Rob Van Dam is still able to perform in the ring, but WWE isn’t calling him.

RVD’s Status With WWE

The WWE Hall of Famer stands out as one of the most skilled competitors to grace the squared circle. He can still get fans to chant his name to this day, and he can still execute every one of his signature moves.

Over the course of RVD’s career, he has clashed with numerous top-tier opponents, including the likes of Triple H. However, RVD believes that a lack of communication with Triple H is a significant barrier preventing his return to WWE.

RVD saw an appearance on WWE television was during the 2023 Draft, but there have been no further developments since then. He has since made it very clear that he’s down to appear for WWE, in pretty much any way they want to use him.

During a discussion on Marty Jannetty’s “Party with Marty” podcast, RVD revealed that he never had a substantial relationship with Triple H, and that is likely why The Game didn’t call him for a comeback.

“No… I never really talk to Hunter. If I had that relationship with him where we talked, then maybe I would be there. I’m assuming that’s a big reason why I’m not there… Everyone can see I’m still in f*cking better shape than ever. I can work with a motherf*cker. If you ask me why I’m not there, I’d probably say relationships with the office but I don’t know.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kiCKVxwR-Y

RVD and Triple H’s Careers Now

RVD’s journey in the wrestling world includes a successful stint in ECW before signing with WWE in 2001. He spent six years as an active wrestler in WWE, securing numerous championships, including the WWE and ECW Championships. Despite leaving WWE in 2007, RVD made a brief return in 2013 before departing again in 2014.

Although RVD appeared for AEW, he never inked a deal with Tony Khan. Those per appearance deals were definitely a sign that the Whole F’n Show is down to appear whenever he’s called.

RVD did previously allude to the idea that he might have lost a spot at WrestleMania in Philadelphia after those AEW appearances. If true, that would also be a Triple H call. RVD also stated his uncertainty that younger AEW talent want any advice from veterans.

In his current role as Chief Content Officer, Triple H holds a key position in WWE, making crucial decisions for the company. He worked for years to climb up WWE’s corporate ladder, and that paid off. 

Although Triple H and RVD are in different places in the pro wrestling world, they are still pro wrestlers at heart. WWE fans can only hope that The King of Kings gives RVD a call down the road. 

Rob Van Dam has been associated with WWE for the past two decades, but his appearances might not be plentiful now. RVD made a surprising debut in AEW during the August 2nd episode of AEW Dynamite this year. That may have tainted his relationship with WWE.

During Marty Jannetty’s “Party with Marty” podcast, RVD hinted that his AEW debut might impact his chances of appearing at WrestleMania 40 in 2024. That is a shame, because the show of shows is going down in Philadelphia next year.

While RVD confirmed his presence at next year’s WrestleCon, he provided a somewhat elusive response regarding his WrestleMania 40 status, implying that there might not be a planned appearance. 

“Allegedly I got booked for an appearance, and then allegedly that appearance was canceled when I showed up on an alleged competitor’s TV program, and then allegedly I might be pre-booked — either way, I’m going to be there at WrestleCon!” 

WrestleMania 40 is set to take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the former stomping grounds of ECW, sparking fan speculation about The Whole F’N Show being a natural addition to the festivities. If anything, Philly fans would love to chant “R-V-D” once again.

RVD never inked a contract with Tony Khan, and he was on a per appearance deal. He still made some waves in the pro wrestling world with that debut, as another WWE Hall of Famer graced an AEW ring.

We can only hope that RVD is included in WrestleMania 40 in some way, because Philadelphia really would be a great place to see him re-appear under WWE’s bright lights. If that booking is going to happen, RVD isn’t saying anything about it at this point. At least fans know RVD will be at WrestleCon.

AEW promised a new era of professional wrestling when they opened their doors. Their rebellious branding may have also filtered into their backstage environment as well, because the company has a reputation of having younger talent who aren’t interested in taking veteran advice.

CM Punk and Jack Perry’s backstage scuffle at All In London was caused by Perry’s defiant nature. Punk advised against Perry using real glass several weeks prior, but he didn’t have a say in his match at Wembley Stadium. After Perry dropped Hook on the windshield of a car, he made a point to tell the camera that it was real glass so, “cry me a river.”

The Backstage Rumor About AEW

It appears that RVD can back up that attitude that is currently in the AEW locker room. The Whole F’n Show has made a few AEW appearances so far, but never inked an official contract.

During an interview with Party with Marty, RVD stated that he’s head the same thing from Tully Blanchard and Arn Anderson. AEW has those veteran minds around, but nobody is sitting under their learning tree.

“I heard Tully Blanchard say it, and I’m told Arn Anderson said it too, although that is hearsay, that the young guys don’t want their input ever. [They] never ask them ever for any help or anything on their matches and stuff … I mean, that’s important to me. It makes me think, do they think they know it all? Do they not respect them enough? But also, it’s awkward for them because they’re not taught like us to go around and shake everyone’s hand and stuff.“

AEW May Have A Problem

CM Punk had a great time at the WWE Performance Center. He reported while he was there as well. It appears that he found himself in a setting where younger talent were more than happy to listen. Life Goes On For CM Punk

CM Punk had a great time at the WWE Performance Center. He reported “held court” while he was there as well. It appears that he found himself in a setting where younger talent were more than happy to listen.

CM Punk and Jack Perry’s backstage altercation wasn’t the only one in AEW history. Other skirmishes and backstage drama have also dotted the company’s history, such as Sammy Guevara and Andrade El Idolo’s public tiff, one that involved a backstage altercation.

AEW has a lot of veteran talent around, and we haven’t heard from all of them on this subject. Jake “The Snake” Roberts is backstage, and he has also spoken in the past that he is willing to do anything Tony Khan asks of him. We have to wonder if Tony Khan is supporting the practice of listening to the veterans he has on his payroll.

It seems that the rumor and innuendo would say that AEW talent aren’t too interested in hearing what the former generation has to say about what they’re doing for Tony Khan’s company. 

WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam is feeling “awesome” ahead of this Saturday’s WWE Royal Rumble Premium Live Event.

Van Dam, a veteran of six WWE Royal Rumble matches, hasn’t competed for WWE since August 2014 when he was on the losing end of a match to Seth Rollins.

Outside of WWE, RVD has competed for TNA/Impact Wrestling and various other smaller promotions.

Rumble Return

With only 15 spots filled in the Men’s Royal Rumble match, there are plenty of available spots for returning Superstars such as RVD.

Speaking to Steve Fall’s “The Ten Count” podcast, Van Dam was asked whether he’ll be donning his singlet for this weekend’s show in San Antonio.

“It’s happened before [returning at a Rumble.] you know when I left way back in 2006 or seven. I guess it was six. But yeah, hey, that’d be cool. I got no plans to share with you.” 

Rob Van Dam.

Van Dam in the Rumble

After signing with the WWF in 2001, RVD would make his Rumble debut in January 2002 as the 29th entrant.

Van Dam would not last long, being eliminated by Booker T (his future tag-team partner) in just over two minutes.

Van Dam would fare much better the following year, lasting 33 minutes and scoring two eliminations, before being thrown out by Kane (another tag-partner of his.)

After an injury forced Rob to miss much of 2005, he returned in 2006, and would make a one-night return as part of the 2009 Rumble match (which was won by Randy Orton.)

h/t – eWrestlingNews