Robert Alexander Szatkowski, better known to fans as Rob Van Dam or simply RVD, is an iconic American professional wrestler of Belgian and Polish descent. As of November 2024, he is affiliated with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) under a Legend agreement. His famous moniker, "Rob Van Dam," was given to him in 1992 by Florida promoter Ron Slinker, inspired by his martial arts prowess and resemblance to veteran actor Jean-Claude Van Damme.
Van Dam has been active in professional wrestling for over thirty years. Throughout his career, he gained prominence for his incredible performances in promotions such as Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). In ECW, Van Dam won the ECW World Tag Team Championship twice with Sabu and once held the ECW World Television Championship for a record-breaking 700 days. Following the closure of ECW, Van Dam continued to compete in WWE/WWF until 2007. In 2010, he finalized an agreement with TNA and promptly made a name for himself by capturing the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. He also held the TNA X-Division Championship for 137 days before departing the company in March 2013.
What is Rob Van Dam’s Finisher?
According to the SmackDown Hotel, Rob Van Dam's finishing moves included the Five Star Frog Splash, a high-angle frog splash, which he used from January 23, 1993, to April 20, 2024. He also employed the Van Daminator (Spinning wheel kick) and the Van Terminator (Corner-to-corner missile dropkick) from January 5, 1996, to April 20, 2024. Prior to these, Van Dam utilized the Coup de Grâce, a split-legged moonsault, as his finisher from January 23, 1993, to January 4, 1996, based on the SmackDown Hotel.
Rob Van Dam’s Finishers List
Finisher | Duration |
Five Star Frog Splash (High-angle Frog Splash) | January 23, 1993 – April 20, 2024 |
Van Daminator (Spinning wheel kick, usually to a steel chair held in front of the opponent's face) | January 5, 1996 – April 20, 2024 |
Van Terminator (Corner-to-corner missile dropkick, usually with a chair or a trashcan positioned on the opponent's face) | January 5, 1996 – April 20, 2024 |
Coup de Grâce (Split-legged Moonsault) | January 23, 1993 – January 4, 1996 |
Rob Van Dam’s Trademark Moves
According to Pro Wrestling Fandom, Apart from the finishers, Rob Van Dam has trademark moves such as Air Van Dam (Senton Bomb), Bridging northern lights suplex, Double underhook falling facebuster. He has also used the Modified Leg-feed Enzuigiri, Chair Surf (Running dropkick), Corkscrew and Steamroller Slam (Rolling fireman's carry slam).
FAQs on Rob Van Dam Finisher
A. The Five Star Frog Splash is Rob Van Dam's signature move.
A. Rob Van Dam quit wrestling because he felt his spirit needed a serious tune-up, which he couldn't achieve under the conditions he was in.
A. Yes, Rob Van Dam is considered a good wrestler.
A. Yes, Rob Van Dam was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2021.
A. Yes, RVD is still signed to WWE under a Legend contract.