WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam, renowned for his contributions to ECW and beyond once held a staunch stance against the supernatural characters
WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam, renowned for his contributions to ECW and beyond once held a staunch stance against the supernatural characters prevalent in the wrestling industry. In the latest episode of his “1 of a Kind” podcast, RVD reflected on his initial aversion to characters like WWE’s Undertaker shedding light on his journey from opposition to appreciation.
During the emergence of RVD’s career in ECW, the wrestling landscape was marked by a shift towards reality-based programming. Unlike WWE and WCW which embraced supernatural characters, ECW targeted a more adult demographic with a focus on gritty realistic storytelling. RVD as a key figure in ECW found himself at odds with the extravagant gimmicks employed by the industry giants.
“I would have thought that it was killing the credibility that I worked so hard to build,” admitted RVD, expressing his reservations about the impact of supernatural characters on the authenticity of professional wrestling.
However, RVD’s perspective underwent a transformation over time leading him to appreciate the dedication and creativity invested by his peers in crafting unique personas. He acknowledged the integral role these characters played in the overall entertainment value of wrestling. “Now, my understanding of what professional wrestling is is quite different from what my understanding was back then.”
The evolution of RVD’s viewpoint extended beyond just supernatural characters. He developed an appreciation for the contributions of actors, comedians, and celebrities to wrestling programs, recognizing their role in enhancing the entertainment spectacle. RVD emphasized that these elements while diverse collectively form a part of the broader wrestling experience.
Highlighting the significance of characters like The Undertaker, RVD acknowledged their ability to captivate audiences and become central to the wrestling narrative. Despite initial reservations, he acknowledged the impact of iconic moments like the lights dimming and The Undertaker’s entrance which resonated with fans and became integral to the show.
RVD’s own foray into the realm of supernatural characters occurred when he briefly teamed up with Kane in 2003 experiencing both the camaraderie and eventual rivalry with “The Big Red Machine.” This personal involvement allowed RVD to witness firsthand the intricate storytelling possibilities that supernatural characters bring to wrestling narratives.
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