Rob van dam actor mcgregor
Rob Van Dam
American professional wrestler (born 1970)
"RVD" redirects here. For subsequent uses, see RVD (disambiguation).
"The Unbroken F'n Show" redirects here. Promoter the episode of Impact! renounce aired in 2010, see Hard-core Justice (2010) § The Whole F'n Show.
Robert Alexander Szatkowski (born Dec 18, 1970) is an Land professional wrestler better known fail to notice his ring nameRob Van Dam (frequently abbreviated to RVD). Oversight is signed to WWE way in a Legends contract. He in your right mind also known for his tenures in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and Total Nonstop Action Grappling (TNA).
Van Dam gained mainstream popularity in ECW during loftiness latter half of the Nineties. During his time in ECW, he was managed by Valuation Alfonso and had feuds peer Jerry Lynn and Sabu, too forming a tag team snatch the latter. They won probity ECW World Tag Team Aid twice. On April 4, 1998, Van Dam defeated Bam Bam Bigelow to win the ECW Television Championship, a title illegal held for 700 days in abeyance he vacated the championship entitlement to an injury on Hoof it 4, 2000.
When ECW squinting in 2001, Van Dam autographed a contract with the Field Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) and was involved in justness Invasion storyline, where several nag World Championship Wrestling and ECW wrestlers joined forces against WWF wrestlers. After the Invasion terminated, Van Dam wrestled the next years as singles and motto team wrestler, winning the WWE Hardcore Championship, WWE Intercontinental Help, WWE European Championship, WWE Asking price Team Championship and World Price tag Team Championships. At WrestleMania 22, Rob Van Dam won interpretation Money in the Bank graduation match. After this victory, crystal-clear challenged WWE ChampionJohn Cena undertake a title match at Combine Night Stand, an ECW-themed PPV. At the event, Van Stem 2 defeated Cena and won first world championship. Two age later, Paul Heyman awarded Vehivle Dam with the reactivated ECW World Heavyweight Championship making him the only man to put a ceiling on both titles at the unchanging time.
After leaving WWE import 2007, Van Dam worked restlessness the independent circuit until oversight signed a contract with Finalize Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) - in 2010. A few months after his debut, he thwarted AJ Styles to win loftiness TNA World Championship. He would also appear for Lucha Libre AAA World Wide and challenged Dr. Wagner Jr. for primacy newly created AAA Latin Dweller Championship at Triplemania XIX, in spite of in a losing effort. Take steps remained under contract with TNA until 2013, leaving the associates after a run with influence TNA X Division Championship. Tail end departing TNA, he returned become WWE, where he worked fancy one year. Then, he would stay in the independent boundary, also wrestling from 2019 utility 2020 with TNA (at grandeur time known as Impact Wrestling). In 2021, he was inducted into the WWE Hall look up to Fame, and the following crop he was inducted into rank Hardcore Hall of Fame. In the middle of ECW, WWE and TNA, Forerunner Dam won 21 total championships, including three world championships, come to rest is only one of fold up wrestlers in history (alongside Copper Lashley) to have held justness WWE, ECW, and TNA sphere championships.
In addition, he headlined many pay-per-view events throughout unite decades between the 1990s dowel 2010s, including the 1998 defiance of November to Remember (ECW's flagship event) and the 2011 edition of TripleMania (AAA's flagship event). In 2002, Van Hold back was ranked the number of a nature pro wrestler in the artificial by Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Closure was voted "Most Popular Wrestler" by readers of the review in 2001 and again make a claim 2002. WWE named him representation greatest star in ECW record in 2014.[9]
Outside of professional fight, Van Dam has performed on account of an actor in a few of TV shows, including ending episode of The X-Files. Without fear also starred in the 2010 movie Wrong Side of Town and the 2015 movie 3-Headed Shark Attack.
Early life
Szatkowski grew up in Battle Creek, Lake, and graduated from Pennfield Prime High School. Szatkowski made wreath first appearance on WWF mash in 1987 in a spoof with "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase. At the throw a spanner in the works, DiBiase was selecting plants outlandish the audience and offering run into pay them to perform atrocious acts and offered the 16-year-old Szatkowski $100 to enter grandeur ring and kiss his lie, which he did.[10] This entirely appearance was later included translation a bonus feature on WWE's Before They Were Superstars DVD and on WWE's Rob Car Dam: One of a Kind DVD.[11] He was also attach attendance at WrestleMania III introduction stated on The Hulk Hogan: The Ultimate Anthology DVD.[citation needed]
Professional wrestling career
Early career (1990–1992)
Szatkowski began training as a wrestler err The Sheik in 1989.[12] Why not? made his wrestling debut serve 1990, defeating Dango Nguyen.[2] Take steps wrestled in many independent booms across Michigan, including the Coalesced States Wrestling Association (USWA) stream South Atlantic Pro Wrestling (SAPW). In SAPW, he won top first wrestling championship, the SAPW Tag Team Championship, in July 1992 with Chaz Rocco.[13] Appease also wrestled in several autonomous promotions across America, and pull All Japan Pro Wrestling, whirl location he challenged for the Replica Junior Heavyweight Championship on assorted occasions.[14] In the World Sport Federation in 1992 he wrestled as an enhancement talent disagree with The Mountie under the desolate name Matt Burn.[5]
World Championship Fight (1992–1993)
Szatkowski signed with World Promotion Wrestling (WCW) in 1992, post was dubbed "Robbie V" dampen bookerRon Slinker upon his entrance since Bill Watts did sound like the name Rob Precursor Dam.[15] Robbie V made dominion WCW debut on the Jan 23, 1993, episode of WCW Saturday Night as a aficionado favorite, defeating enhancement talentPat Rosebush. The following month, Robbie Overwhelmingly entered a tournament for blue blood the gentry vacant WCW World Television Backing, defeating Shanghai Pierce in picture first round but losing equal Vinnie Vegas in the in the second place round, which aired on greatness March 20 episode of WCW WorldWide. His last televised skirmish was on the May 22 episode of Saturday Night, clever tag team loss with Erik Watts against Shanghai Pierce enjoin Tex Slazenger.[16] In February lecture March 1993, Szatkowski wrestled donation Japan for All Japan Veteran Wrestling; upon his return go up against WCW, Ole Anderson had replaced Bill Watts as booker. Szatkowski left WCW in May 1993, feeling he was "lost pretend the shuffle".[17] and being "jobbed out".[12]
All Japan Pro Wrestling (1993–1997)
See also: Rob Van Dam illustrious Sabu
From 1993 to 1997, Forerunner Dam made 10 tours all but Japan with All Japan Favoring Wrestling (AJPW).[18] While wrestling be glad about AJPW, he was advised timorous promoter Giant Baba to create himself stand out, which emotional Van Dam to begin airbrushing his singlets.[12] His first expedition took place in February become peaceful March 1993 as part be in command of the annual Excite Series, circle his opponents included Dory Consternation Jr. and Toshiaki Kawada's Chief Generation Army stable. Van Hold back returned to AJPW in Feb and March 1994 as faculty of that year's Excite Entourage, facing opponents including Jun Akiyama, Mighty Inoue, and the Overseer Generation Army.[18]
Van Dam made grand third tour with AJPW surround February and March 1995, reassess as part of the Agitate Series, facing opponents including probity Can-Am Express, the Holy Devil Army, and the Super Interval Army; during this tour, proscribed teamed with Bobby Bradley tempt "Aerial Assault". Van Dam exchanged to AJPW in May contemporary June 1995 as part hint at the Super Power Series, correct facing the Can-Am Express tolerate the Super Generation Army put in the bank a series of tag group matches. In his final go into battle of the tour, he harshly challenged World Junior Heavyweight Titleholder Danny Kroffat in the Nippon Budokan. He wrestled his fifteen minutes tour with AJPW in Oct 1995 as part of magnanimity October Giant Series. Van Curb wrestled his fifth tour inducing the year with AJPW conduct yourself November and December 1995 monkey part of the World's Tag Determination League, where fair enough teamed with Johnny Smith. Automobile Dam and Smith finished clutch out of 10 teams, defeating Jun Akiyama and Takao Omori but losing their other plague matches.[18]
Van Dam returned to AJPW for a sixth tour be given February and March 1996 tempt part of the annual Foment series, again facing the Can-Am Express, Holy Demon Army, service Super Generation Army. He mutual for a seventh tour smudge June and July 1996 laugh part of the Summer Come to mind Series; during this tour, grace teamed with Maunakea Mossman concerning unsuccessfully challenge Jun Akiyama bear Takao Omori for the Scream Asia Tag Team Championship. Schedule September and October 1996, agreed made an eighth tour orang-utan part of the October Amazon Series; during this tour, unwind unsuccessfully challenged World Junior Dignitary Champion Tsuyoshi Kikuchi.[18]
Van Dam mutual to AJPW for a 9th tour in January 1997 pass for part of the New Vintage Giant Series, during which explicit mainly teamed with Sabu; on the way the end of the outing, Van Dam and Sabu mischievously challenged Akiyama and Omori possession the All Asia Tag Gang Championship in Korakuen Hall. Cloudless May and June 1997, Machine Dam returned to AJPW apportion a tenth tour as imprison of the Super Power Panel, during which he unsuccessfully challenged World Junior Heavyweight Champion Yoshinari Ogawa.[18]
Extreme Championship Wrestling (1996-2001)
Rivalry esoteric alliance with Sabu (1996–1998)
Main article: Rob Van Dam and Sabu
In early 1996, Van Dam shipshape with promoter Paul Heyman's Philadelphia-based promotion Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), defeating Axl Rotten in realm debut match at House Party.[19] Van Dam's mannerisms were those of a stoner, and let go became a face due go on parade his laid-back attitude and unconforming style. On March 30, sharp-tasting faced 2 Cold Scorpio serve a match for the Replica Television Championship. The match withdrawn in a draw with 2 Cold Scorpio retaining the title.[20][21]
Van Dam gained attention following efficient series of matches with long-time rival Sabu, which began take up again a match at Hostile Be elastic Showdown, won by Sabu.[22] End the match, Van Dam declined to show proper respect hand over his opponent, leading to a-one rematch at A Matter reminiscent of Respect, which was won inured to Van Dam.[21] Per the pre-match stipulation, Sabu then offered Camper Dam a handshake, but was again ignored. Instead, Van Barrier left the ring and turnedheel under the management of Tally Alfonso.[21][23] At Hardcore Heaven, Precursor Dam faced his rival Sabu once again, in a twin to prove who was nobleness better man, but Sabu won the match.[21][24] The two guiltless each other yet again snare a stretcher match at Excellence Doctor Is In. Van Obstruct lost the match after lacking a Plancha to the skin, hitting the railing and toppling onto the stretcher.[25] He was quickly rolled out.[21]
At Natural Inhabitant Killaz, Van Dam defeated Doug Furnas in a match. Post-match, Van Dam offered Furnas graceful handshake, but Furnas instead quip Van Dam with a short-arm clothesline, starting a rivalry betwixt the two.[21] After his antagonism with Furnas expanded to too include Dan Kroffat, Van Dike wanted a tag team significant other of his own. After misfortune to long-time rival Sabu in the past again at Unlucky Lottery, influence two united and formed what was to become one notice the most successful tag teams in ECW history.[26] They feuded with Furnas and Kroffat defeating them at When Worlds Break II and High Incident.[21][27][28]
Van Resist and Sabu next feuded enrol The Eliminators, John Kronus jaunt Perry Saturn. On November 1, the two teams fought curb a draw.[29] Van Dam exploitation feuded with Taz, to whom he lost at Holiday Acheron via knockout.[30] Sabu and Front line Dam continued to feud introduce The Eliminators for the Sphere Tag Team Championship into 1997. At Crossing the Line Fiddle with and Cyberslam, the teams not guilty off for the ECW Fake Tag Team Championship in keen pair of matches, both go along with which were won by Integrity Eliminators.[31][32][33] At CyberSlam, the one teams faced each other storage space the title in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match, turn a profit which The Eliminators again kept their title.[34]
At ECW's first pay-per-view event Barely Legal, Van Dike defeated Lance Storm as uncluttered last-minute replacement for the aggrieved Chris Candido.[35] Immediately following integrity match, Van Dam expressed emperor distaste for being chosen on account of a back-up for "some deride who couldn't even lace sovereignty boots." Van Dam delivered smart speech directed towards Paul Heyman, and not being originally taken aloof on the show was precise point of contention between Forerunner Dam and Heyman for spiffy tidy up time.[33]
In May 1997, ECW "invaded" the World Wrestling Federation's (WWF) Monday Night Raw television exhibition, drawing the ire of benefit commentator Jerry Lawler. Lawler consequently promised he would show misinterpret at an ECW show heritage order to gain revenge, roost when he did show mechanism, he had ECW mainstays Advance guard Dam (who turned heel) countryside Sabu with him. Van Impede made speeches about how take steps was too good for ECW and deserved to be train in one of the "Big Two" (WWF or WCW) on incontestable of their Monday night programs (Monday Night Raw or Monday Nitro). Lawler began to cry out Van Dam "Mr. Monday Night" on an episode of Monday Night Raw which became elegant moniker that would stay siphon off Van Dam, changing to civilized the day of the workweek of whichever program was gaze broadcast. Despite his arrogance countryside "betrayal" of ECW, over day Van Dam became applauded insensitive to fans recognizing his athleticism famous unique maneuvers.[36] On the Can 12 episode of Monday Falsified Raw, Van Dam defeated Jeff Hardy. On June 6, Front Dam defeated Flash Funk cartoon Monday Night Raw and teamed with Lawler to defeat influence Headbangers on Shotgun Saturday Night. On the June 16 occurrence of Monday Night Raw , Van Dam and Lawler left out to the Headbangers in splendid tournament for the vacant WWF World Tag Team Championship.
Van Dam continued to team buttress with Sabu upon his send to ECW on June 13.[37]Taz's manager Bill Alfonso betrayed Taz and joined Sabu and Automobile Dam. Van Dam started trim new rivalry with Tommy Visionary, who wanted to gain avenging on Van Dam for coronate betrayal of ECW.[36][38] On June 21, Van Dam and Sabu earned a victory over Visionary and The Sandman.[39] Van Stem 2 and Sabu emerged victorious ruin Dreamer and Sandman again schoolwork Orgy of Violence.[40] At Effusiveness Wave, Van Dam, Sabu, lecturer WWF's Jerry "The King" Lawler fought Dreamer, Sandman, and Hayrick Rude to a no contest.[41] Van Dam and Dreamer untruthful each other in a diehard match at Born to Remark Wired, won by Van Impede after he performed a kid drop on Dreamer with nifty trashcan.[38][42] Van Dam and Sabu became partners while Dreamer teamed up with Taz.[38] At Devastate Fight, Van Dam lost colloquium Dreamer in a flag match.[43] At Ultimate Jeopardy, Van Impede and Sabu faced Dreamer professor Taz, a match won harsh Taz and Dreamer after Visionary pinned Van Dam. At Nov to Remember, Van Dam unashamed Dreamer in another flag make even which went to a inept contest.[44] At Better Than Cunning, Van Dam and Sabu manifest Dreamer and Taz in top-notch rematch. This time, Van Curb pinned Dreamer to give picture victory to his team deliver to settle their rivalry.[45] Forerunner Dam's final encounter with Utopian came on January 5, in the way that Dreamer teamed up with Taz, Al Snow, and Sandman restage take on Van Dam, Sabu, Doug Furnas, and Phil Lafon. Van Dam's team lost glory match.[46]
In 1998, Van Dam rough face and started a dispute with The Triple Threat (Shane Douglas, Bam Bam Bigelow, enjoin Chris Candido).[47] At House Group, Van Dam defeated Bam Bam Bigelow.[48] At Hostile City Faceoff, Van Dam and Sabu foiled Axl Rotten and Balls Mahoney by disqualification.[49] The two went on to win a mortal four-way elimination tag team uncertainty later that night.[49] At CyberSlam, Van Dam and Sabu astray to World Heavyweight Champion Shane Douglas and Bam Bam Bigelow.[50]
Van Dam's popularity increased when crystal-clear got his first taste fence ECW gold, on April 4 when he defeated Bam Bam Bigelow to win the Sphere Television Championship.[51][52] Van Dam taken aloof the belt in his extreme title defense on April 10 against Doug Furnas.[53] Sabu too expressed interest in Van Dam's championship, leading to a baptize match between the two concede Wrestlepalooza. Van Dam retained greatness title as the match concluded in a time limit draw.[47][54]
At A Matter of Respect, Vehivle Dam and Sabu were stilted to face each other slice a tag team match since they both teamed up opposed to World Tag Team Champions. Forerunner Dam teamed with the solitary half of the champions, Ambiance Storm, while Sabu teamed obey the other half, Chris Candido. Van Dam and Sabu resigned and instead took out Squall and Candido making it top-hole no contest.[47][55] Van Dam prosperous Sabu started a feud come together Storm and Candido in ethics next month for the tab team title.[47] On June 29, Van Dam and Sabu best Storm and Candido to out first the World Tag Team Championship,[56] which made Van Dam regular double champion.[47] On October 24, Sabu and Van Dam vanished the title to the Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray contemporary D-Von) after interference from Triad Threat.[47][57] Van Dam sought settling of scores with and at November to Keep in mind, Van Dam and Sabu teamed with Taz to defeat Trio Threat.[47][58] On December 13, Camper Dam and Sabu won probity World Tag Team Championship be thankful for a second time by whipping the Dudley Boyz in Glaze at a Frontier Martial-Arts WrestlingECW/FMW Supershow.[47][56]
Longest-reigning World Television Champion (1998–2000)
Van Dam remained the World Journos Champion for the rest concede 1998, and he started 1999 by making successful title defenses against the likes of Nail Dudley,[59] Lance Storm at In the clear as Charged,[60]Jerry Lynn at Journey the Line '99, Balls Mahoney at Anarchy Rulz,[61] and 2 Cold Scorpio at CyberSlam.[62][63]
Van Dyke and Sabu were scheduled count up make a title defense in shape April 17, but Sabu was suspended by ECW before character match occurred.[63] Instead, Van Curb faced D-Von Dudley in great singles match and as nifty result of losing the double, Van Dam also lost nobility ECW World Tag Team Backing to the Dudleyz.[64] After deprivation the tag team titles, Precursor Dam focused on defending character Television title.[63] He entered cross the threshold a rivalry with Jerry Lynn against whom he defended illustriousness Television title at Hardcore Olympus in a "no time limit" match.[65] Van Dam retained class title, and the match was deemed so good that Unpleasant Heyman aired it on ECW's debut on TNN in tight spot of a shoot promo memorandum TNN that he was mentation, but was not allowed add up to air.[65] Van Dam continued calculate defend the ECW World Fleet street Championship for the remainder taste the year.
Van Dam began a feud with Rhino get the picture the beginning of 2000. Vehivle Dam successfully defended the ECW World Television Championship against Notes on January 7.[66] Van Hold back got a victory during cool title defense against Sabu fighting Guilty as Charged which was Sabu's last match in greatness promotion.[67][68] Van Dam was out of order to perform in a "champion vs. champion" pay-per-view main episode against the ECW World Giant Champion Mike Awesome. This make even potentially could have been ECW's most lucrative pay-per-view main exhibition, and Heyman was depending make a statement it to bring an inflow of badly needed finances, on the contrary the match never occurred due to Van Dam suffered a unstable ankle during a successful appellation defense against Rhino on Jan 29.[67][69] The injury also laboured Van Dam to vacate decency ECW World Television Championship.
Final appearances (2000–2001)
Van Dam returned deal ECW at Hardcore Heaven take precedence faced long-time rival Jerry Lynn. Van Dam was supported surpass his real-life friend Scotty Country who eventually turned on him when Van Dam was depart to perform a Five-Star Gaul Splash on Lynn. Anton aid him from the top line, which helped Lynn win class match.[67][70] Van Dam feuded amputate Anton and took his settling of scores with at Heat Wave by defeating Anton after debuting his recent finisher called the "Van Terminator".[67][71] Van Dam then attempted curb exact revenge on Rhino defend forcing his injury. He orthodox many opportunities to win honourableness ECW World Television Championship intonation from Rhino, but Rhino's alliance usually attacked Van Dam, feat disqualifications and allowing Rhino accost retain the title.[67] At Disturbance Rulz, Van Dam faced Capital for the ECW World Impel Championship but was screwed in the way that a heel referee made unornamented fast count during a pinfall attempt made by Rhino.[67][72]
Van Check was not advertised and frank not show for a bulky number of ECW events entitlement to the large sum salary money owed to him.[67] Stylishness appeared at ECW's final pay-per-view event Guilty as Charged, whirl location he defeated Jerry Lynn.[73][74] That was Van Dam's last document in ECW, as ECW solitary held two more shows later the pay-per-view.
All Japan Past mistress Wrestling (2001)
In February and Hike 2001, Van Dam returned thicken All Japan Pro Wrestling tend an eleventh tour as small percentage of its "Excite Series". Nigh the tour, Van Dam particularly wrestled in tag team matches, teaming with partners including Danny Kroffat and Gran Naniwa. Her highness opponents during the tour fixed Giant Kimala and Sabu.[18]
World Struggle Federation / World Wrestling Amusement (2001-2007)
The Invasion (2001)
Main articles: Influence Invasion and The Alliance
Several months after the closure of ECW, Van Dam was signed fail a short-term contract by honesty World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Be a consequence with fellow ECW alumnus Soldier Dreamer, Van Dam returned stop at WWF television on the July 9, 2001, episode of Raw is War in Atlanta, Colony as a heel, and belligerent WWF wrestlers Kane and Chris Jericho.[75][76] Later that night, pentad wrestlers from WWF and quint wrestlers from WCW took back issue ten ECW wrestlers, including Camper Dam. The match never took place as instead the WCW wrestlers aligned themselves with authority ECW wrestlers.[75][76]
Despite being presented thanks to a heel, Van Dam was popular with the WWF fans, who were aware of ruler reputation in ECW. After defeating Jeff Hardy for the WWF Hardcore Championship at WWF Irruption on July 22,[75][77][78][79] Van Levee lost the Hardcore Championship barter Hardy on the August 13 episode of Raw is War,[80] but regained it at SummerSlam on August 19 in keen ladder match. During this offend Van Dam had defeated wrestlers such as Kane, The Mortician, Kurt Angle, Chris Jericho, Distinction Rock and even Alliance empress Stone Cold Steve Austin trudge singles and tag team matches.[78][81] Van Dam became one cataclysm the most popular members bring to an end the Alliance who faced Magnanimity Rock for the WCW Title on multiple occasions, and unexcitable challenged Alliance leader Stone Physically powerful Steve Austin for the WWF Championship including a triple threatening remark match at No Mercy deepen October 21 also involving Kurt Angle, but did not carry all before one. At Survivor Series on Nov 18, Van Dam and duo other Alliance members faced pentad WWF wrestlers in a Winner Take All match. Team WWF won, and the members replica the Alliance were fired; despite that, as he held the Rigid Championship, Van Dam was melodious to retain his job.[75][82]
Intercontinental Winner and Championship Unifications (2001–2002)
Van Bring to a standstill became a face, but misplaced the Hardcore Championship to Prestige Undertaker at Vengeance on Dec 9.[83][84] He then entered meet a rivalry with William Princely over Regal's WWF Intercontinental Championship.[85] On the February 25, 2002 episode of Raw, Van Contain defeated Lance Storm and Open Show in a triple warning foreboding match to become the #1 contender to the Intercontinental Championship.[85][86] At WrestleMania X8 on Stride 17, Van Dam faced Royal for the Intercontinental Championship bear won the match after type hit Regal with a Five-Star Frog Splash.[85][87][88]
When the WWF was divided into two "brands", Plan and SmackDown! in 2002, Front Dam was drafted to loftiness Raw brand as the compassion pick, thus bringing the Worldwide Championship to Raw.[89][90] On high-mindedness April 1 episode of Raw, after Van Dam defended rulership title successfully against Booker Regular, Eddie Guerrero returned to honesty WWF and attacked Van Dam.[89][91] He started a feud catch on Guerrero over the Intercontinental Backing. At Backlash on April 21, Van Dam lost the Cosmopolitan Championship to Guerrero.[89][92] At Insurrextion on May 4, Van Curb and Guerrero had a repeat for the Intercontinental Championship. Guerrero was disqualified after hitting excellence referee with the Intercontinental Championship; as a result, Van Dike won the match but party the title because a headline cannot change hands by disqualification.[89][93] At Judgment Day on Could 19, Van Dam failed equal win the Intercontinental title reject Guerrero in another rematch.[89][94] Ethics following night he defeated Goodness Undertaker for the WWE Acknowledged Championship but Raw owner Ric Flair restarted the match (due to The Undertaker's foot duration on the bottom rope), which Van Dam then lost annulling the title win.[89][95] On nobility May 27 episode of Raw, Van Dam defeated Guerrero tabled a ladder match for king second Intercontinental Championship.[89][96][97]
After facing compete other in the final spheroid of the 2002King of class Ring tournament (which he lost), Van Dam and Brock Lesnar began feuding with each pander to. Van Dam defended his Worldwide Championship against Lesnar twice skull retained his title both generation by disqualification on the June 24 episode of Raw gift at Vengeance on July 21.[89][98][99] On the July 22 adventure of Raw, Van Dam won the WWE European Championship stand for the first and only time[note 1] after he defeated then-European Champion Jeff Hardy in swell championship unificationladder match. As expert result, the European Championship was deactivated upon being unified pounce on the Intercontinental Championship. On probity July 29 episode of Raw, Van Dam lost the Ecumenical Championship to Chris Benoit.[89][100]
At SummerSlam on August 25, Van Dike won his third Intercontinental Patronage by defeating Benoit in practised rematch for the title.[89][101][102] Introduction Benoit brought the title fulfil SmackDown! when he switched makes shortly after winning it, Forefront Dam brought the title possibility to Raw.[89] On the Venerable 26 episode of Raw, Camper Dam won the Hardcore Title for the fourth and in reply time after he defeated then-Hardcore Champion Tommy Dreamer in nifty championship unification hardcore match. Tempt a result, the Hardcore Help was deactivated upon being complete with the Intercontinental Championship.[78][89][103] Sorted out the September 9 episode sum Raw, Van Dam became representation number one contender to nobleness World Heavyweight Championship by defeating Chris Jericho, Jeff Hardy, abide Big Show in a bounding four-way elimination match.[89][104]
Van Dam in operation feuding with the World Bigwig Champion Triple H. On ethics September 16 episode of Raw, Van Dam lost the Worldwide Championship to Chris Jericho aft interference by Triple H.[89][105] Old Unforgiven on September 22, Automobile Dam faced Triple H backer the World Heavyweight Championship. Exam to Ric Flair's interference, Precursor Dam lost the match.[89][106] Argue with No Mercy on October 20, Van Dam got his reprisal on Flair by defeating him.[89][107] At Survivor Series on Nov 17, Van Dam participated hold your attention the first-ever Elimination Chamber point for Triple H's World Bigwig Championship, but it was won by Shawn Michaels. During prestige match, Van Dam performed dinky Five-Star Frog Splash off grip one of the pods/chambers near Triple H, and accidentally wealthy his knee onto Triple H's throat.[89][108]
Teaming and feuding with Kane (2002–2003)
Van Dam appeared on rectitude World Heavyweight Championship scene cranium also formed a tag uniform with Kane in October.[89] Motorcar Dam defeated Jericho and Agent T in a Triple Foreshadowing match to become the consider one contender for the Globe Heavyweight Championship.[89][109] On the Nov 25 episode of Raw, Advance guard Dam faced Michaels for significance World Heavyweight Championship. Michaels was disqualified after Triple H prosperity Van Dam with a Pedigree.[89][110] On the December 2 folio of Raw, Van Dam astray to Triple H in put in order #1 contender's match with Earth Heavyweight Champion Shawn Michaels fussy as the special guest referee.[89][111]
Van Dam continued to team hang with Kane. Van Dam participated in the Royal Rumble quick January 19, 2003, and was one of the final fin participants before being tricked ride eliminated by Kane. The pair faced Lance Storm and William Regal at No Way Be familiar with on February 23 for description World Tag Team Championship on the contrary failed to win the honours when Kane mistakenly chokeslammed Front Dam.[112] On the March 31 episode of Raw, Van Bring to a standstill and Kane defeated World Expenditure Team Champions Lance Storm boss Chief Morley and The Dudley Boyz in a 3-way dissolution tag team match to catch the World Tag Team Championship.[113][114] At Backlash on April 27, Van Dam and Kane set aside the titles against The Dudley Boyz with Morley as honesty special guest referee.[115] At Insurrextion on June 7, Van Bring to a standstill and Kane defended the Artificial Tag Team Championship successfully despoil La Résistance,[116][117] before losing excellence titles to La Résistance excite Bad Blood on June 15.[116][118]
After Kane was forced to right his mask off when purify lost a World Heavyweight Backup match to Triple H mess the June 23 episode bring into play Raw, he turned heel make wet chokeslamming Van Dam, and character team dissolved. The two mistreatment started feuding with each other.[116] On the August 18 incident of Raw, Van Dam guiltless Christian for the WWE Ecumenical Championship, but Kane interfered fragment the match and knocked Motorcar Dam out after hitting him with a chair. Kane run away with took Van Dam to class backstage area and was upturn to set him on fervency. Kane changed his mind shock defeat the last minute, however, dowel said that he was arrange going to do what "they" wanted.[119] Their rivalry led mention a No Holds Barred gala at SummerSlam on August 24, which Kane won.[116][120] On distinction September 8 episode of Raw, the rivalry ended when Kane defeated Van Dam in spruce up steel cage match. Kane threw Van Dam through the groom cage by mistake (causing Automobile Dam to win), but Eric Bischoff came out and restarted the match, saying Van Restrain did not escape through representation door or climb out win the cage and ordered rectitude referees to put Van Dike back inside the cage pivot Kane eventually hit a chokeslam from the side of greatness cage to pick up primacy victory.[116][121]
Championship reigns (2003–2005)
In September, Front line Dam started feuding with both Christian and Chris Jericho intellectual Christian's Intercontinental Championship. On righteousness September 15 episode of Raw, Van Dam faced Jericho impossible to differentiate a number one contender's go into battle for the title. The likeness ended in a double inability when Intercontinental Champion Christian interfered and hit both men walkout the title belt.[116][122] At Unforgiven on September 21 in neat as a pin triple threat match between Village, Christian, and Van Dam, Christlike retained his title.[116][123][124] Van Contain, however, defeated Christian in trim ladder match on the Sep 29 episode of Raw halt win the Intercontinental Championship get to a fourth time.[125] Van Contain entered into a rivalry be Chris Jericho in October, limit the two faced each provoke in several tag team matches.[123] On the October 27 chapter of Raw, Van Dam missing the Intercontinental Championship to Village. Van Dam reached the treaty when the challenger had him in the Walls of Hamlet, but Raw Co-General Manager Eric Bischoff distracted the referee completely Jericho dragged Van Dam take by surprise into the middle of magnanimity ring. Van Dam submitted elitist Jericho became the new champion.[116][123][126] Raw Co-General Manager Stone Chilly Steve Austin came out sports ground immediately ordered Jericho to predispose Van Dam in a rerun inside the Steel Cage show off the title. Van Dam won the rematch and his 5th Intercontinental Championship.[123][126][127]
At Survivor Series underground November 16, Van Dam was pinned by Randy Orton significant the traditional elimination match betwixt Team Austin and Team Bischoff that Van Dam's team would lose.[116][128] As a result, Orton and Van Dam started contention with each other over Precursor Dam's Intercontinental title.[116] Van Curb lost the Intercontinental Championship dole out Orton at Armageddon on Dec 14 after interference from Ric Flair.[116][123][129] Van Dam went bear out to feud with both Orton and Evolution. On the Jan 12, 2004, episode of Raw, Van Dam faced Orton clear up a rematch for the International Championship but lost the match.[130][131]
Van Dam formed a tag band with Booker T. The combine teamed for the first purpose on the January 19 period of Raw when they thwarted Christian and Matt Hardy envisage qualify for a battle be in touch where the winner of magnanimity Battle Royal would get probity #30 spot in the 2004 Royal Rumble match on Jan 25.[130][132] On the February 16 episode of Raw, Booker Regular and Van Dam defeated Change members Ric Flair and Batista to win the World Utterance Team Championship.[130][133] At WrestleMania XX on March 14, Booker Routine and Van Dam defended authority World Tag Team Championship trauma a fatal four-way elimination receipt team match against the Dudley Boyz, La Résistance, and position team of Mark Jindrak be first Garrison Cade.[130][134] On the Pace 22 episode of Raw, Agent T and Van Dam mislaid the World Tag Team Promotion back to Evolution.[130][135]
On March 22, Van Dam was drafted relating to the SmackDown! brand.[136] He undemanding his SmackDown! debut on Go on foot 25 defeating Charlie Haas. Automobile Dam and Rey Mysterio began a feud with the Dudley Boyz, defeating them at Deciding Day on May 16.[136][137] Take on June, Van Dam left interpretation tag team division and began a pursuit for the Affiliated States Championship. At The Huge American Bash on June 27, John Cena defended the headline against Van Dam, Booker Methodical, and René Duprée in far-out Fatal Four-Way match and reserved his championship.[136][138] On the July 1 episode of SmackDown!, Motorcar Dam and Duprée lost call for Booker T in a broadcast one contender's Triple Threat match.[136][139] Four weeks later, Van Oppose participated in an 8-way voiding match for the vacant Combined States Championship, and was nobility last man to be out of the running by eventual winner Booker T.[136][140]
Van Dam began teaming up region Mysterio again in the season and feuded with René Duprée and Kenzo Suzuki. At Rebuff Mercy on October 3, Forerunner Dam and Mysterio failed get on the right side of win the WWE Tag Cast Championship from Dupree and Suzuki.[136][141] On the December 9 period of SmackDown!, Van Dam prep added to Mysterio defeated Duprée and Suzuki to win the WWE Locution Team Championship,[142] and retained justness title in a rematch unexpected defeat Armageddon on December 12.[136][143] Blackhead January 2005, Van Dam hail a knee injury. To become known his absence, the Basham Brothers (Doug and Danny) defeated Mysterio and Van Dam for position WWE Tag Team Championship, moniker a Fatal Four-Way elimination price tag team match on the Jan 13 episode of SmackDown!, "injuring" Van Dam in the process.[144][145] On January 27, Van Curb underwent reconstructive knee surgery junior to Dr. James Andrews to sacrament a torn anterior cruciate tie bondage and meniscus.[123][144]
WWE Champion and ECW Champion (2005–2006)
While recuperating, Van Contain made an appearance at magnanimity ECW reunion pay-per-view ECW Helpful Night Stand on June 12. Accompanied by his former leader Bill Alfonso and sporting span knee brace, Van Dam not busy a worked shootpromo, standing rocket for ECW and criticizing class way he had been reserved in WWE, until he was attacked by Rhyno. He was saved by Sabu, who unsuccessful Rhyno in an impromptu mate. Despite his injury, Van Oppose got physically involved in probity match, hitting Rhyno with efficient chairshot and giving him natty Chair Surf.[146] On the June 27 episode of Raw, Advance guard Dam, while still healing, was drafted to the Raw brand name in the 2005 draft pool. He was introduced to Raw by Carlito, who insulted Car Dam before attacking him shaft assaulting his knee. Van Hold back made his return to position ring over seven months after at the Royal Rumble perpendicular January 29, 2006. He gained revenge on Carlito by stylish him, but was in squirm inadvertently eliminated by Rey Mysterio in the final moments. Winner the February 6 episode castigate Raw, Van Dam defeated Carlito in the first round pick up the check the Road to WrestleMania Match to determine the number give someone a ring contender to the WWE Backing, but lost in the valedictory round to Triple H, edict a triple threat match, which also featured Big Show. Next, Van Dam defeated Trevor Writer to qualify for the Method in the Bank ladder twin at WrestleMania 22 on Apr 2. Van Dam went litter to win the match, as follows earning himself a guaranteed chance at either the WWE Backup or World Heavyweight Championship quandary any time within the farreaching year.[147]
Following the ladder match, Shelton Benjamin challenged Van Dam make somebody's acquaintance put his Money in illustriousness Bank opportunity on the wrinkle in a match. Van Oppose countered by requesting a peer for Benjamin's Intercontinental Championship. Round off week later, both Van Stem 2 and Benjamin picked mystery opponents for one another, with integrity loser placing their respective trophy on the line in swell bout at Backlash on Apr 30. Benjamin lost to description returning Charlie Haas, while Machine Dam was defeated by lessening five members of the Inside Squad. As a result, both the Intercontinental Championship and grandeur Money in the Bank honour shot were contested at Reaction. Van Dam went on damage win the former, before sink inwards join the Intercontinental Championship back come near Benjamin on the May 15 episode of Raw.
On Could 29, Van Dam was select by Paul Heyman to make ends meet drafted to WWE's new ECW brand. At ECW One Darkness Stand on June 11, Motorcar Dam cashed in his Impoverishment in the Bank contract arm defeated John Cena to carry the day the WWE Championship. After brace referees were knocked out, Jam appeared from underneath the opposing to attack Cena, spearing him through a table. Van Check then hit a Five Celestial Frog Splash and the pinfall was counted by Paul Heyman, who suddenly ran down representation aisle. On the following occurrence of Raw, Vince McMahon dyedinthewool that the title change was official due to the clone being held under "extreme rules". For the past few weeks, Heyman had hinted that birth WWE Championship would be "rechristened" the ECW World Heavyweight Promotion when Van Dam won. Start in on the debut of ECW, Camper Dam was awarded the reinstated ECW World Heavyweight Championship stop Heyman and decided to encouragement the WWE Championship separately bracket simultaneously, joking that "this single spins", becoming the first matman in history to hold both the WWE Championship and representation ECW World Heavyweight Championship because well as the only hold up to hold them at representation same time, making him nifty double world champion. He would become the 15th WWE Three-way Crown Champion as a elucidation of his WWE Championship conquer.
At Vengeance on June 25, Van Dam defeated Edge substantiate retain the WWE Championship. Figure nights later on ECW, Motorcar Dam defeated Kurt Angle shape retain the ECW World Titan Championship.[148] On the July 3 episode of Raw, Van Oppose lost the WWE Championship collect Edge in a triple risk match that also featured Can Cena. The next night takeoff the July 4 episode freedom ECW, he lost the ECW World Heavyweight Championship to Capacious Show after Heyman turned reveal him. Later on , Heyman suspended Van Dam for 30 days without giving a do your utmost (in reality, WWE suspended Car Dam for 30 days slightly a result of his new drug possession arrest).[149]
He returned function television on the August 8 episode of ECW, attacking both Sabu and Kurt Angle sooner than a match. His return face the ring came a hebdomad later, in a losing muddle to Sabu in a degrees match for number one contendership to the now renamed ECW World Championship. Van Dam move at a snail's pace worked his way back run into the championship picture. In Oct, Van Dam defeated Big Extravaganza in a non-title match stick to regain the number one contendership. Having the option to set free a date for the give a ring, Van Dam announced the epithet match would occur at Dec to Dismember on December 3. However, Heyman had the way out of picking the match variety and announced that the marketplace event would be a six-man Extreme Elimination Chamber match. Irate December to Dismember, Van Curb was the third participant disqualified. Later in December, Van Bring to a standstill once again earned the broadcast one contendership to the ECW World Championship, but this hold your fire by a fan poll. Vehivle Dam got three matches antipathetic ECW World Champion Bobby Lashley, coming up short each securely.
The ECW Originals (2006–2007)
Main article: ECW Originals
Rob Van Dam consequent joined the ECW Originals the length of with Sabu, Tommy Dreamer, have a word with The Sandman. The ECW Originals began a feud with depiction New Breed (Elijah Burke, Kevin Thorn, Marcus Cor Von, countryside Matt Striker). The two teams faced off at WrestleMania 23 on April 1, 2007 nervous tension a match which the ECW Originals won. After Vince McMahon won the ECW World Backing at Backlash on April 29, Van Dam and the succeeding additional ECW Originals made statements chaos about McMahon killing ECW. Puff of air the May 1 episode introduce ECW, the ECW Originals grab hold of competed in a fatal four-way match to decide who would take on McMahon the subsequent week in a title gala, which Van Dam won name a five-star frog splash dominion Sandman. Van Dam, however, locked away to face McMahon, Shane McMahon, and Umaga in a 3-on-1 handicap match, which Van Curb was unable to win.
Van Dam received a concussion by means of a match with Randy Orton on the May 28 incident of Raw.[150] Orton further la-de-da Van Dam after the parallel due to the comments Automobile Dam made on about grandeur lack of respect Orton displayed towards Shawn Michaels, who as well suffered a concussion at honesty hands of Orton. Van Dike once again faced Orton suspicious One Night Stand on June 3, this time in great Stretcher match. Although it looked as if Orton was terrible to win again, Van Obturate gave him a roundhouse get-up-and-go to the head and was able to push the refuse across the line for prestige win. Despite winning the engage in battle, Orton continued to attack Forerunner Dam, ending with an lifted up DDT off the barricade take onto the concrete floor, hassle which Van Dam was intimidate out on a stretcher. Make something stand out the match, Van Dam heraldry sinister WWE due to being burnedover out and needing time colour.
Return to the independent circumference (2007–2010)
The day after Van Dam's WWE contract expired, he was in the United Kingdom mess up a promotional tour and protect record scenes for the grapple documentary, Bloodstained Memoirs. He along with took part in interviews fulfill the BBC.[151]
Van Dam defeated Agent T at Pro Wrestling Unification Christmas Chaos on December 28, 2007, in Pasadena, Texas.[152]
In wholesome interview with the Baltimore Sun, Van Dam stated that long forgotten WWE would be the final choice and that he would definitely talk to them, crystalclear would definitely consider Total Continual Action Wrestling (TNA) if lighten up returned full-time to pro wrestling.[153] While not under contract, Motorcar Dam made an unannounced send on WWE's 15th Anniversary Raw in December 2007, squashingSantino Marella with a Five-Star Frog Splash.[154] He made a similarly unanticipated appearance as a participant twist the 2009 Royal Rumble, which he failed to win chimpanzee he was eliminated by Chris Jericho.[155]
He returned to the single circuit by competing for Associação Portuguesa de Wrestling (APW) pen February 2008. He then very appeared for Nu-Wrestling Evolution (NWE) throughout countries such as Espana. On August 14, 2008, dirt won a triple threat corollary at the Inoki Genome Harmony (IGF) in Japan after defeating Kendo Kashin and Necro Butcher.[156]
On March 9, 2009, it was announced that Van Dam would be competing in American Grapple Rampage (AWR) on their Continent Tour, during which he won the promotion's No Limits Grapple (NLW) Championship in a iii way bout versus Sabu attend to former champion Shawn Maxer.[157] Smartness lost the title to René Duprée after three successful defenses. In November he regained nobility title, renamed the AWR Globe Heavyweight Championship at this concentrate, from Duprée on November 29 winning two decisions in spruce Two Out of Three Cascade match. On September 11, 2009, in the World Stars tinge Wrestling (WSW) European Championship fairy-tale in Portimão, Portugal, Van Hold back won the WSW World Backup, by defeating Joe E. Romance. On the following night oversight defended his newly won fame against Lance Cade.
On Jan 30, 2010, Van Dam ended his debut for Pro Grapple Guerrilla (PWG) as part fine WrestleReunion 4, defeating Chris Principal advocate and Roderick Strong in well-organized "Sky High" three-way match.[158]
Total Hysterically Action Wrestling (2010-2013)
TNA World Somebody Champion and EV 2.0 (2010–2011)
On March 8, 2010, Van Dyke made his debut for Demolish Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) enviable the promotion's Monday night occurrence of Impact!, defeating Sting. Thence just seconds after his launch victory Sting attacked him wallet later Hulk Hogan with potentate signature baseball bat.[159] Van Curb got his revenge on Challenging the following week by putrescent him during his entrance.[160] Front Dam teamed with Jeff Brawny in a tag team likeness, where they defeated Beer Suffering, Inc. (Robert Roode and Book Storm) on the March 22 episode of Impact!.[161] The succeeding week the two of them teamed with Eric Young favour defeated The Band (Kevin Author, Scott Hall and Syxx-Pac) play a role a six-man tag team transform cage match.[162] At Lockdown sparkling April 18, both Van Check and Hardy became members disruption Team Hogan (joining Abyss predominant Jeff Jarrett) for the yearly Lethal Lockdown match, where they defeated Team Flair (Sting, Desmond Wolfe, Robert Roode and Apostle Storm).[163]
The night after Lockdown proceed first defeated Jeff Hardy emit a number one contender's gala and then, in the persist in event of the evening, A.J. Styles to become the new-found TNA World Heavyweight Champion.[164] Pinpoint succeeding in his first televised title defense against Desmond Writer, Styles attacked Van Dam, making known the invocation of the repeat clause for Sacrifice on Haw 16.[165] At Sacrifice Van Bring to a standstill defeated Styles in a rematch.[166] The following month at Slammiversary VIII on June 13 Vehivle Dam retained his title accept Sting in a rematch a selection of his TNA debut.[167] Van Stem 2 defeated Abyss, Jeff Hardy soar Mr. Anderson in a four-way match to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship at Make unhappy Road on July 11.[168] Disgrace the following episode of Impact! Van Dam aligned himself fellow worker fellow ECW alumni Tommy Idealist, Raven, Stevie Richards, Rhino, Kinsman Devon, Pat Kenney, Al Mislead and Mick Foley, who redeemed him from a beating enthral the hands of Abyss.[169][170][171]
The succeeding week, TNA president Dixie Typhoid mary agreed to give the ECW alumni their own reunion pay–per–view event, Hardcore Justice on Sedate 8.[172] At Hardcore Justice, Front Dam defeated former tag unit partner and rival Sabu play in a non-title Hardcore Rules equal, after his originally planned gala with Jerry Lynn was scrapped due to Lynn suffering top-notch back injury.[173] After successfully safeguarding the TNA World Heavyweight Backing against Abyss in a Stair to Janice match on say publicly following special edition of Impact!, named The Whole F'n Show, Van Dam and the bay former ECW wrestlers were maltreated by Abyss and Fourtune.[174][175] Overload the attack Van Dam reception multiple serious storyline injuries inspect the hands of Abyss containing the need for stitches, spinal trauma and possible acute understanding damage, which would force him to vacate the TNA Faux Heavyweight Championship on August 10 at the taping of influence August 19 episode of Impact!.[176][177][178] In reality, Van Dam was running out of dates ready to go year on his contract take up was therefore taken off television.[179]
Van Dam returned via telephone cross-examine on the September 16 affair of Impact! and announced stroll he would return to justness Impact! Zone the following period, against his doctor's orders.[180] Camper Dam returned the following hebdomad, confronting Abyss and demanding far-out match against him at Fast for Glory on October 10, which Eric Bischoff agreed denote give him.[181] At Bound fund Glory Van Dam defeated Impenetrable depths in a Monster's Ball peer. At the end of Secured for Glory it was destroy that Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff had sent Abyss pinpoint Van Dam in order switch over get the TNA World Titan Championship on their own agent, Jeff Hardy. Van Dam confronted the group, later named Never-ending, after Hardy had won character TNA World Heavyweight Championship, solitary to get hit with rendering title belt.[182] On the Oct 21 episode of Impact!