Rob Van Dam Explains Why Wrestling Retirements Are Meaningless

RVD has competed all over the world in various pro wrestling promotions such as WWE, ECW, AEW and more, which is why many fans have been wondering whether he will ever retire from in-ring action. However, it appears that RVD believes retirements in professional wrestling are meaningless.

While speaking on his 1 of a Kind podcast, RVD made it clear that he doesn’t consider himself retired and doesn’t plan to make a big announcement about it. He believes retirement in wrestling is meaningless since many wrestlers eventually return for another match.

Instead of declaring he is done for good, the WWE Hall of Famer prefers to go with the flow. If years pass without him wrestling, he might simply acknowledge it without making it official.

“I don’t think I am retired, and I don’t think I will retire. That’s how I feel right now. I feel like even if I don’t take wrestling bookings anymore, I won’t make a big deal out of retirement. Because when wrestlers retire, they often end up coming back anyway, saying, ‘No, I want one more match.’ They are meaningless.

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For me, that completely ruins the credibility of wrestling retirement matches. I doubt that I’ll ever feel like, ‘No, I’m going to be different. I never want to wrestle again. I’m done.’ I just see myself going with the flow. And someday, if you ask, ‘Are you still wrestling?’ I might say, ‘It’s been six years,’ and then I might still have a match.”

RVD stated that his focus has always been on maintaining his value instead of overworking or lowering his worth. He has seen many wrestlers take on too many matches in their prime, only to reduce their rates later when demand decreases. RVD refuses to follow that pattern. He would rather have fewer bookings at a high value than wrestle himself into a grave for $5.

“I’ve always said I just want to price myself out and not wear myself down or devalue myself. A lot of my peers work so much in their prime, and when they’re no longer worth as much or can’t get booked as often, they lower their rates and compromise. That creates a cycle where their value keeps dropping.

I’m not going to do that. I’d rather have fewer people who can afford to book me than wrestle myself into a grave where my last match was for $5.”

Many fans might not agree with what RVD said considering the fact that John Cena is already on his retirement tour and it’s been a success. Regardless, RVD isn’t wrestling as often, but he has no plans to officially retire. Since his last bout was in April 2024, we’ll have to wait and see when he steps into the ring again.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.

Do you agree with RVD’s stance on wrestling retirements being meaningless? Should more wrestlers follow his approach, or do you think official retirement announcements still matter? Share your thoughts in the comments below!