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RVD was recently announced for the 2021 Hall of Fame class. Van Dam will join Kane, Molly Holly, The Great Khali and Eric Bischoff.
Van Dam has had a career spanning decades. He's had memorable moments in multiple promotions. Fans still look back fondly on his high-flying offense and memorable character work.
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RVD is also known for collecting gold everywhere he goes, from ECW to Impact. He's even amassed a fair amount of gold during his multiple WWE runs.
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One of Van Dam's most significant moments came when he won the WWE Championship at One Night Stand in 2006. The fan-favorite toppled John Cena in a fantastic match. The roar of the diehard ECW fans in attendance only added to the moment's atmosphere.
Unfortunately, the subsequent title run didn't live up to the hype. Many were left disappointed by the circumstances surrounding RVD's title run, as he lost both his WWE and ECW titles after just a few weeks.
The most memorable moment was the title win itself. RVD didn't get a chance to do much as an ill-timed police stop derailed any plans for the Whole F'n Show. With hindsight being 20/20, we can now look back and think of how RVD's dual-title run should've been different.
#5. RVD should've won the title on his own
As great as RVD's title win was, it came with an asterisk. It was great to see Van Dam beat the golden goose in John Cena. He should've been able to beat him on his own, however.
When Van Dam won the title at One Night Stand, many remember him hoisting the belt while surrounded by the ECW fateful. That image will live forever in our heads as fans.
What was quick to forget is that RVD didn't really win the big one on his own. An assist from Edge, who had been feuding with Cena at the time, is what finally did Big Match John in.
The moment was cool. Edge snuck into the ring disguised with a biker's helmet. The swerve did have an ECW vibe to it. RVD should've gone over on his own, though. A clean win over the franchise player would've made RVD's title win (and run) feel that much more special.
#4. RVD should've had a lengthy title reign
This one is a no-brainer. RVD should've had a lengthy WWE title reign. Van Dam could've easily carried the belt for months as a fan-favorite champion.
Granted, what happened with Van Dam isn't necessarily anyone's fault but his own. As stated earlier, Van Dam was pulled over by police days after his big title win. He and Sabu were both charged with possession due to the drugs found in the vehicle.
Over the next two weeks, Van Dam lost both his titles. He lost his WWE Championship to Edge and later lost his ECW title to The Big Show. Both losses were seen as punishment for his run-in with the law. Did this have to happen, though?
In the past, we've seen WWE make exceptions for star's mistakes outside the company. WWE has a dicey track record at enforcing its own rules. If there was a time to make an exception, this would've been the time.
WWE was attempting to legitimize the revitalized ECW brand. They needed a strong champion who could head the brand. RVD fit the mold perfectly, so it could be argued taking away both of his belts so quickly was a mistake.
#3. Did RVD need to lose both belts?
Was it necessary for RVD to lose both his championships? It's a question that's bugged many fans over the years. Did WWE do the right thing by completely stripping Van Dam of both his titles?
By stripping Van Dam of his WWE title, fans never got to see what he could do as a top contender in the company. All that was left of his run was the moment at One Night Stand.
The only thing that felt just as disappointing in comparison was RVD also losing his ECW title. That championship was literally made for Van Dam. When you think of ECW guys in WWE, you think of Rob Van Dam.
This begs the question, if you had to take away his WWE title, did you also have to take his ECW title?
Mr. Monday Night could've carried the new ECW brand. He could've also solidified the careers of many up-and-coming stars who made their debuts on the show, all while solidifying the ECW originals' legacy.
#2. RVD should've lost the title on a pay-per-view
RVD should've lost his WWE title on pay-per-view. If you have to do it, you better do it right. The fact is Van Dam had at least earned the right to lose his title on a pay-per-view event.
The Whole F'n Show had been an MVP on PPV's for years at this point. No matter what match he was in, the guy delivered. He was a reliable hand that could be put in just about any match and help elevate it.
Simply put, the man was an all-star for WWE. As someone who delivered at such a high level for so long, it makes sense to take the belt off him at a major money show. It also could've helped bolster pay-per-view buys as RVD has proven himself to be a draw for fans.
Doing this would've been a major milestone in RVD's career. It also accomplishes other things.
Fans would've seen Van Dam travel between brands with the WWE title. RVD could've appeared on RAW and brought more fans over to ECW. Oh, the possibilities.
#1. Just let RVD remain champ
WWE should've just let RVD hold the WWE championship. WWE has made exceptions for superstars' indiscretions in the past, as we've discussed. By helping Van Dam and letting him hold his WWE title, this could've been seen as a sign of good faith from the company.
It also would've allowed WWE to exploit a potential boom period. Mr. Monday Night had the potential to do major business for the company.
At the time, RVD as champ was as close to a true "fan's" champion as you could get. He was someone beloved by hardcore and casual fans alike. At the height of the "Super Cena" era, Van Dam as champ was a welcome change.
Not only was it a loss for the fans, but WWE also lost out on a lot by having him lose his WWE title so quickly. There was so much potential for the company to make money off the back of having RVD as the top guy. WWE should've reconsidered taking the belt off him.
