Stephanie McMahon romance angle was nixed due to jealous ex-wife, WWE legend says
Stephanie McMahon appeared in several romance storylines during her days as a WWE on-screen character. In a recent interview, Rob Van Dam (RVD) explained why his relationship angle with Vince McMahon's daughter was nixed.
Van Dam was one of WWE's most popular stars during his first full-time run with the company between 2001 and 2007. The 53-year-old married fellow wrestler Katie Forbes in 2021. Prior to that, he was married to Sonia Delbeck between 1998 and 2018.
On the Cheap Heat Productions Podcast, Van Dam recalled how his ex-wife did not want him to appear in the storyline with Stephanie McMahon:
"They wanted to do a romantic angle with me and Stephanie McMahon, and my shoot wife was like the most insecure person on the planet. She hated it, totally didn't trust me being on the road already, didn't trust anyone I worked with. It was one of those horror stories which a lot of people can relate to, and I prioritized in trying to make my marriage work above my job." [12:10 – 12:43]
Van Dam won several titles in WWE, including the ECW World Heavyweight Championship and WWE Championship. He is also a six-time Intercontinental Champion.
How Stephanie McMahon pitched WWE romance idea to RVD
In the 2000s, Stephanie McMahon was also a member of WWE's creative team. She reported to her father Vince McMahon, who ultimately had the final say on storyline developments.
According to Rob Van Dam, Stephanie McMahon tried to convince him to be her on-screen partner:
"My evil ex knows that I would have left and got on a plane and gone to her if she needed me, but we also knew that I wasn't her priority and she wouldn't do the same to me, so it was like off lopsided already. But, yeah, this was a time when Stephanie was like, 'You know, Dad says it's like we're acting. Just look at it like you're doing a part.'" [12:57 – 13:22]
Van Dam added that he would have been more inclined to proceed with the storyline if he performed under a different name. At that point, he had been known as RVD for more than a decade and did not want people to confuse reality and fiction.
Do you think the romance angle would have worked? Hit the discuss button and let us know.
Please credit the Cheap Heat Productions Podcast and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.