Rob Van Dam

Rob Van Dam is an American former professional wrestler best known for his work in WWE, TNA, and ECW. Besides exceptional runs in these promotions, Van Dam has also wrestled for WCW, Pro Wrestling Noah, AEW, and throughout the independent circuit. Known as RVD, he is currently signed to WWE under a Legend’s contract.

Early Life

RVD’s real name is Robert Alexander Szatkowski. He was born on December 18, 1970, in Battle Creek, Michigan, USA. He was raised there and attended Pennfield Senior High School. At the age of 16, Van Dam was able to make his first on-screen WWE appearance. The Million Dollar Man ‘Ted DiBiase’ offered the kid a $100 bill for a segment. Soon, Van Dam began training professionally and made his Indies debut three years later.

RVD Pro-Wrestling Career

Training and Early Years (1990 - 1992)

Van Dam began his wrestling career in 1990, competing in various independent promotions across Michigan. Notably, he won the SAPW Tag Team Championship with Chaz Rocco in 1992. He gained experience wrestling in different parts of the United States and even challenged for the World Junior Heavyweight Championship in All Japan Pro Wrestling. Further, he had a brief stint in the WWF as an enhancement talent in 1992.

WCW and AJPW (1992 - 1997)

After a brief stint in WCW as Robbie V, Van Dam embarked on a multi-year journey with All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) from 1993 to 1997. During this period, he honed his skills and gained international recognition for his high-flying and innovative style.

Original ECW Career (1996 - 2001)

Early Years and Tag Team Success

Van Dam's ECW career began in 1996, where he quickly established himself as a rising star. Initially a face, his laid-back attitude and innovative style made him popular with fans. However, a rivalry with Sabu led to a heel turn, and the two engaged in a series of intense matches. After teaming up with Sabu, they formed a highly successful tag team, feuding with teams like The Eliminators and Furnas and Kroffat. Despite their efforts, they were unable to capture the ECW World Tag Team Championship from The Eliminators.

Van Dam's career took a significant turn when he became a last-minute replacement at Barely Legal, leading to a brief feud with Paul Heyman. He then aligned himself with Jerry Lawler, betraying ECW and expressing his desire to join a major promotion. In 1998, Van Dam turned face and engaged in a feud with Triple Threat. He achieved significant success, winning the ECW World Television Championship and the ECW World Tag Team Championship with Sabu.

Singles Championship Success

Van Dam continued to dominate as ECW World Television Champion in 1998 and 1999, defending the title against top contenders like Jerry Lynn and Sabu. However, an unfortunate ankle injury in early 2000 forced him to vacate the title and sidelined him for a significant period.

Upon his return, he feuded with Scotty Anton and Rhino but was unable to regain the Television Championship. Despite the setbacks and financial disputes with ECW, Van Dam left a lasting impact on the promotion and is still regarded as one of its most iconic figures.

WWE (2001 - 2007)

Invading the WWF

After ECW's demise and its sale to WWF, Van Dam transitioned to the WWF, initially aligning with ECW but quickly becoming a popular figure among WWF fans. Despite his heel status, he showcased his incredible skills and charisma, defeating top stars like Kane, The Undertaker, and Stone Cold Steve Austin. However, his team could not win the final battle and he failed to win the WWE’s top titles at the time.

Title Unification & Teaming up with Kane

Rob Van Dam won the Intercontinental Championship multiple times and briefly held the WWE Undisputed Championship. He feuded with Eddie Guerrero, Brock Lesnar, and Triple H, showcasing his athleticism and high-flying abilities. He also won the European Championship and unified it with the Intercontinental Championship, participating in the first-ever Elimination Chamber match.

Van Dam continued his pursuit of the World Heavyweight Championship, facing Shawn Michaels for the title but falling short due to interference from Triple H. He also teamed up with Kane, winning the World Tag Team Championship together. However, their partnership ended when Kane turned heel and attacked Van Dam, leading to a heated rivalry.

Multiple title runs

Rob Van Dam (RVD) had a busy and eventful year in 2003. He started the year feuding with Christian and Chris Jericho over the Intercontinental Championship, trading the title back and forth multiple times. He also formed a tag team with Booker T, winning the World Tag Team Championship.

After being drafted to SmackDown!, RVD continued to be a prominent figure, feuding with the Dudley Boyz and René Duprée. He teamed up with Rey Mysterio and together they won the WWE Tag Team Championship. Unfortunately, a knee injury forced RVD to undergo surgery, ending his active wrestling career for a period.

ECW Revival

After a lengthy recovery from his knee injury, RVD made a surprise appearance at ECW One Night Stand, a nostalgic event celebrating the legacy of Extreme Championship Wrestling. While still recovering, he got involved in a physical confrontation with Rhyno, showcasing his fighting spirit. RVD's return to WWE was marked by a feud with Carlito, who attacked his injured knee. Van Dam returned to in-ring action at the Royal Rumble and went on to win the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 22, securing a guaranteed title shot. He cleverly cashed it in at ECW One Night Stand to defeat John Cena and become the WWE Champion. This reign was unique as it happened under "extreme rules" with help from Edge and Paul Heyman.

RVD's reign reached new heights when he was simultaneously awarded the reinstated ECW World Heavyweight Championship, making him a double world champion and the only person to hold both titles at the same time. He even achieved Triple Crown Champion status due to his WWE Championship win. However, his championship reign was short-lived. He lost both the WWE and ECW titles within a month, the latter due to a betrayal by Heyman. After a brief suspension for a real-life incident, RVD returned and battled his way back into the ECW title picture but ultimately came up short in his attempts to regain the championship.

ECW Originals

In ECW, RVD aligned with Sabu, Tommy Dreamer, and The Sandman as the ECW Originals and feuded with the New Breed. They triumphed at WrestleMania but Vince McMahon's championship win and perceived disrespect towards ECW reignited tensions. Van Dam emerged from a four-way match to challenge McMahon but was disadvantaged in a 3-on-1 handicap match. Injuries also plagued him, including a concussion from Randy Orton. Though he defeated Orton in a Stretcher match, the brutality of the attack led him to leave WWE, needing a break.

Indies (2007 - 2010)

After leaving WWE, RVD continued his wrestling career on the independent circuit. He wrestled for various promotions such as Pro Wrestling Alliance, APW, NWE, IGF, AWR, and PWG. He won several championships during this period, including the NLW Championship and the WSW World Championship.

TNA (2010 - 2013)

TNA Debut and Championship Reign

Rob Van Dam made a high-profile debut in TNA Wrestling in 2010, immediately setting his sights on the top prize. He quickly formed alliances and rivalries, including a memorable one with Sting. Van Dam's charisma and high-flying style captivated the TNA audience, and he soon captured the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. His reign was marked by intense feuds with top stars like A.J. Styles, Abyss, and Jeff Hardy.

ECW Reunion

TNA capitalized on the popularity of ECW by reuniting several former stars, including RVD. This led to a nostalgic Hardcore Justice pay-per-view, where Van Dam faced off against Sabu in a classic hardcore match. However, a storyline injury, likely a strategic move to address contractual issues, forced him to vacate the title.

Van Dam's return to TNA was met with a renewed vigor. He aligned himself with ECW Originals and feuded with the dominant stable, Immortal. His intense rivalry with Abyss culminated in a brutal Monster's Ball match at Bound for Glory. Despite his initial alliance with ECW Originals, internal strife and betrayal led to a confrontation with Tommy Dreamer.

X-Division Dominance

RVD continued to be a major player in TNA, challenging for the World Heavyweight Championship and engaging in high-flying battles in the X-Division. He captured the X-Division Championship and defended it against top contenders like Kenny King and Zema Ion. His reign was marked by breathtaking aerial maneuvers and intense matches.After a successful run in TNA, RVD's contract expired in 2013. He expressed dissatisfaction with the company's atmosphere and hinted at a potential return to WWE.

Return to WWE (2013 - 2014)

After a significant absence, Rob Van Dam made a triumphant return to WWE in 2013. He immediately immersed himself in high-stakes matches, including the Money in the Bank ladder match and a feud with the Intercontinental Champion, Dean Ambrose. RVD continued to deliver thrilling performances, facing off against top stars like Alberto Del Rio and Randy Orton. His high-flying style and intense matches captivated the audience. However, despite his efforts, he couldn't secure a world championship.

In 2014, RVD remained a prominent figure in WWE, competing in high-profile matches and feuds. He participated in the Intercontinental Championship tournament and had notable clashes with Cesaro and Jack Swagger. Ultimately, RVD's time in WWE came to an end in 2014.

Indies (2015 - 2019)

After his WWE stint, Rob Van Dam continued his wrestling career on the independent circuit. He appeared at various promotions like House of Hardcore, Pro Wrestling Syndicate, Pro Wrestling Pride, PCW Ultra, and Insane Championship Wrestling. He won the PCW Heavyweight Championship and participated in several high-profile matches against notable wrestlers.

Return to Impact Wrestling / TNA (2019 - 2020)

RVD returned to Impact Wrestling in 2019, reuniting with ECW alumni like Sabu and Tommy Dreamer. He had a successful run, feuding with top stars like Moose and Sami Callihan. However, a surprising heel turn and subsequent alignment with the "Cancel Culture" stable marked a controversial period in his career. Despite this, he continued to deliver high-impact matches and left a lasting impact on Impact Wrestling before departing in 2020.

All Elite Wrestling (2023 - 2024)

RVD made his AEW debut in 2023, challenging Jack Perry for the FTW Championship. Though unsuccessful in capturing the title, he continued to appear on AEW programming, teaming with Hook and facing off against top stars like Swerve Strickland and Samoa Joe. He also had a memorable four-way match on AEW Rampage.

WWE (2019 - 2023 & 2024)

RVD has continued to make sporadic appearances in WWE, including a memorable return to Raw Reunion and his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. He has also been involved in recent WWE programming, announcing draft picks and making appearances on NXT. Reportedly, RVD has signed a Legend’s contract with WWE. In October 2024, he announced that he was going to appear on NXT 2300 episode.

Rob Van Dam's Wife

Rob Van Dam has been married to Katie Forbes since 2021. RVD and Forbes are a wrestling couple who have been together since 2016. Their relationship has been quite public, with both often sharing their experiences on social media. They got married in 2021 and have even collaborated professionally in Impact Wrestling. However, their relationship has also been unconventional, as RVD publicly acknowledged a “throuple” relationship with Forbes and Jennifer Barlow, his ex-wife from 1998 to 2018.

Rob Van Dam’s Net Worth 2024

Rob Van Dam is estimated to be worth around $5 Million in 2024, as per Celebrity Net Worth. Van Dam’s fortune can be credited to his years of greatness inside the squared circle.

Rob Van Dam Championships