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Early career and education of Rob Van Dam

Rob Van Dam, originally called Robert Alexander Szatkowski, was christened “Rob Van Dam” by Ron Slinker in 1991.

This name may have been chosen due to his resemblance to actor Jean-Claude Van Damme and his extensive martial arts experience.

His journey into professional wrestling began with various independent promotions, including the ‘Wrestling Association of the United States,’ The ‘South Atlantic Pro Wrestling,’ and that ‘All Japan Pro Wrestling.’

Success of independent circuits

In July 1992, Rob Van Dam won his first wrestling title, the ‘SAPW Tag Team Championship,’ next to Chaz Rocco.

This victory marked the beginning of a successful career in wrestling. Later that year, he joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he adopted the ring name “Robbie V“” by Ron Slinker. Rob made his debut as a face on January 23, 1993, when he defeated Pat Rose.

Transition to Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW)

In mid-1996, Rob Van Dam moved to Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). In his debut match at House Party, he defeated Axl Rotten.

Van Dam quickly became a well-known figure through his intense battles with long-time rival Sabu. Although he lost the first encounter, he won the rematch and became the villain, a role for which he became famous.

The two wrestlers fought numerous fights with different outcomes.

Tag Team Glory with Sabu

In search of a tag team partner, Rob Van Dam unexpectedly joined forces with his rival Sabu. Together they became one of the most successful tag teams in ECW history.

They competed against the “Eliminators” to win theECW World Tag Team ChampionshipHowever, both attempts in 1997 were unsuccessful.

Despite these losses, Van Dam’s reputation continued to grow, earning him the nickname “Mr. Monday Night” after ECW joined Monday Night RAW.World Wrestling Federation’ (WWF) in May 1997.

Championship reign and notable feuds

On April 4, 1998, Rob Van Dam defeated Bam Bam Bigelow to win the World Television Championship. He defended the title against numerous opponents, including Doug Furnas and Sabu.

Although Van Dam and Sabu lost their tag team titles to the ‘Dudley Boyz’ on October 24, 1998, they won them within two months at the ‘Frontier Martial Arts Wrestling ECW/FMW Supershow‘ in Japan.

Dominance in 1999

Van Dam had an excellent start to 1999 and successfully defended his World Television Championship against challengers such as as Spike Dudley, Lance Storm, Jerry Lynn, Balls Mahoney and 2 Cold Scorpio.

On April 17, 1999, a scheduled tag team match was converted to a singles match due to Sabu’s suspension, resulting in Van Dam losing the title to D-By Dudley.

Despite this setback, he successfully defended his title throughout the year until an injury forced him to retire on January 29, 2000.

Transition to WWF/WWE

Join the WWF and become a Hardcore Champion

After the closure of ECW, Rob Van Dam joined the WWF as a heel. He quickly made an impression by defeating Jeff Hardy and becoming the “WWF Hardcore Champion‘ in ‘The Invasion’.

Although he lost the title on August 13, 2001, he regained it six days later. Although Van Dam challenged The Rock several times for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, he was unsuccessful.

Intercontinental and Tag Team Championships

After his career as a face, Van Dam lost the Hardcore title to The Undertaker on December 9, 2001. However, he won theIntercontinental Championship‘ by Regal on March 17, 2002.

After the WWF was renamed WWE and split into “Raw” and “SmackDown!”, Van Dam was drafted to “Raw.”

Although he lost the Intercontinental title to Eddie Guerrero on April 21, 2002, he regained it on May 27, 2002. He also unified the WWE European Championship with the WWE Intercontinental Championship after defeating Jeff Hardy on July 22, 2002.

Mid-2000s and Tag Team Ventures

Forming a tag team with Kane

In early 2003, Van Dam formed a tag team with Kane. Although their first attempts to win the World Tag Team Championship were unsuccessful, they eventually secured the title.

However, they lost it to La Resistance on June 15, 2003, which led to a feud between Van Dam and Kane.

On September 29, 2003, Van Dam won the Intercontinental Championship from Christian, but lost it to Chris Jericho within a month. He regained it after a rematch, but lost it again to Randy Orton on December 14, 2003.

Form a tag team with Booker TVan Dam won the World Tag Team Championship on February 16, 2004, but lost it to Evolution on March 22, 2004. He was then drafted to SmackDown! and made his debut three days later.

Pursuit of the WWE United States Championship

In June 2004, Van Dam wanted to win the WWE United States Championship, but several attempts were unsuccessful.

He then formed a tag team with Mysterio and won the WWE Tag Team Championship on December 9, 2004, but lost it the following month. Beginning of 2005Van Dam suffered an injury that kept him out of action for most of the year.

Independent Circuit and TNA/Impact Wrestling

Between 2007 and 2010, Van Dam was active in the independent circuit. He won, lost and captured the “No Limits Wrestling Championship”, which was later renamed the “AWR World Heavyweight Championship”.

His performances during this time cemented his status as a top wrestler outside of mainstream promotions.

In 2010, Van Dam moved to ‘Total Nonstop Action Wrestling’ (TNA)now known as “Impact Wrestling”, and became its “World Heavyweight Champion”.

Although he successfully defended the title, serious injuries forced him to relinquish the title on August 10, 2010. Although he struggled to regain the title, he went on to win other titles, such as the TNA X Division Championship.

Return to WWE and later career

• Van Dam returned to WWE from June 2013 to mid-2015, but failed to make much of an impression. He then returned to the independent circuit in June 2015 and joined Impact Wrestling in 2019, where he continues to perform.
• On July 22, 2019, Van Dam made a cameo appearance for WWE to remind fans of his lasting legacy in professional wrestling.
• Rob Van Dam’s career is defined by his spectacular style, his martial arts background and his ability to adapt to different wrestling environments.
• His legacy in professional wrestling is defined by his reigns as champion, memorable feuds, and the ability to captivate audiences with his unique in-ring performances.
• Van Dam’s influence goes beyond his championship victories, as he inspired a generation of wrestlers with his innovative style and dedication to the craft.