This day in Pro Wrestling history: December 18th

Trish Stratus would transform from a vamp into a serious wrestler

#3 Rob Van Dam – Born December 18th, 1970

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Rob Van Dam is one of the few wrestlers to have completed the requirements for the WWE Grandslam Championship and the WWE Triple Crown Championship.

Having started his career with ECW in the late 90s, Van Dam did wrestle in the WWE during 1997 as part of a talent exchange with ECW. However, he signed his first contract with the WWE in 2001 after the demise of ECW.

Did you know a top WWE Superstar just wrestled outside the company? More details HERE

Despite being portrayed as a heel during the Invasion angle, Van Dam’s charisma and ‘educated feet’ would strike a chord with the WWE fans and he was soon transformed into a fan favourite. He was voted as PWI’s ‘Most popular wrestler’ in 2001 & 2002 – a time when Stone Cold Steve Austin and the Rock were at their peaks.

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WWE failed to put the World title on him during that time period, but RVD finally won the big one in 2005 by cashing in his Money in the Bank contract on John Cena at ECW One Night Stand. He would be awarded the ECW Championship and would become the only man to hold those two world titles concurrently.

Van Dam would leave the WWE in 2007 and move on to TNA where he would capture the TNA World Championship as well. RVD has occasional return stints with the WWE, with his last appearance being in 2014.

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