RVD is certainly one of the most technically-gifted pro wrestlers to have ever graced the squared circle. The pro wrestling legend has competed in several promotions such as ECW, WCW, WWE, and IMPACT Wrestling during his career that has lasted over thirty years. He is also offended by the safety-first rule in pro wrestling nowadays.

The Whole F’n Show became a fan of the pro wrestling world in the 80s and realized he wanted to do it all his life. In fact, RVD was also instructed during the early days of his career to say that he was actually related to Jean-Claude Van Damme.

While speaking on the Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling podcast, RVD talked about the modern-day pro wrestling landscape. RVD made it clear he is offended by the safety first rule in pro wrestling nowadays.

“The number one rule was to protect the business, always, always, always was, and then somewhere way down the road, it became, ‘number one rule: safety first.’ Like, what?!”

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“The way we trained, if you got bloody, that was good for the match, it made it looked good. And there was no air allowed between anybody, my whole training with Sheik was about grabbing each other and bringing each other in tighter. Bringing each other in whether its a headlock, or a waistlock, or an armlock, it was always about coming in and squeezing. Anytime someone was on their back, boom, you better be jumping on him trying to pin him, trying to win. And that’s not the way I see a lot of wrestling today. A lot of times, it eats me up.”

“What’s the right way to put it? Some things are less than enjoyable for me to watch just because of that mentality, old school perspective that I have,” Van Dam continued, trying to be as political as possible with his answer, “because I see what’s missing and the audience might not always know what’s missing, but they just know they’re not connecting in the way they used to be, you know, back in the day with other wrestlers when it was different.”

RVD is an old-school veteran and he is opinionated when it comes to what he truly believes in. It is likely many fans will still not agree with what the legendary pro wrestler said in the end.

What’s your take on this story? Sound off in the comments!

Subhojeet Mukherjee

Subhojeet is a professional wrestling fan for over 22 years. He got captivated by the sport during the Monday Night Wars and has a passion for it ever since. He also enjoys TV shows, movies, anime, novels and music, which broadens his perspective and appreciation for wrestling. He is a knowledgeable and respected voice in the industry.

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