WWE News: Rob Van Dam not invited to RAW 25, talks preferring the Indies to WWE
What’s the story?
Former WWE Champion Rob Van Dam recently spoke to Sports Illustrated about a number of topics, including the 25th Anniversary show of WWE RAW this past Monday, and what he is up to these days.
In case you didn’t know…
Having recently turned 47 years old, Rob Van Dam has no desire to return to WWE on a weekly basis, at least that is what he is saying now. A fan recently asked RVD on social media if he could return to WWE for a match with WWE Champion AJ Styles to which he replied that it was ''up to Hunter''.
RVD's merchandising contract with WWE ended in July 2017 and wasn't renewed. Rob Van Dam is apparently no longer able to perform for WWE due to a concussion that he suffered in 2016.
The heart of the matter
While speaking to Sports Illustrated, RVD noted that he was not asked to return for the 25th Anniversary of RAW, saying it had been a while since he had spoken to any WWE officials.
RVD would also talk about how he prefers wrestling on the independent scene today instead of WWE.
RVD said: "I know some people can't understand that, but I'm wrestling overseas and I'm wrestling way less matches. I don't enjoy the road life or WWE's really hectic schedule. It doesn’t interest me to be on the road 300 days a year anymore, so I’m sticking to my guns and the universe seems to take care of me. PCW is better competition than I could find by flying six or 16 hours away."
What’s next?
Rob said he currently has about 20 or so independent appearances planned for 2018, a lot less than originally planned, due to the concussion. He also said that most of his planned appearances will take place outside of the United States.
Author’s take
Rob Van Dam is one of the most popular and entertaining performers in WWE history, so I find it a major shame that he and WWE may not be seeing eye to eye today.
RVD did make a cameo appearance just over 10 years ago on the 15th Anniversary of RAW, with a quick 30-second victory over Santino Marella in a match where Rob wasn't physically touched, so an appearance like that or even as just a part of the APA's poker game shouldn't have been out of the question.