On a recent edition of his “1 Of A Kind” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam discussed signing with WWE in 2001 and his Hardcore Championship reign.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On his run as Hardcore Champion in 2001: “That was one of my favorite championships to defend, and it helped me adjusting to WWE, because when I was the hardcore representative, I was able to be myself within limitations. You know, within their guidelines and their time limit and whatever, but I was able to express myself in the way that RVD needs to be showcased, so that was really cool.”
On making the title mean something: “I started making the belt mean something, adding prestige to it, credibility, which it didn’t have before. I mean, it was a joke. It was a joke. I mean, a hardcore match before was going to the hotdog stand and squirting mustard all over each other. And pretty soon I’m main eventing the live events, and so they had to get rid of that belt.”
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In a recent episode of his podcast, “1 Of A Kind,” WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam opened up about his experience signing with WWE in 2001 and his reign as Hardcore Champion. Van Dam’s insights shed light on the significance of this championship and how he transformed it from a joke to a prestigious title.
During his interview, Van Dam expressed his fondness for his time as Hardcore Champion, stating that it was one of his favorite championships to defend. He explained that holding this title allowed him to showcase his true self within the boundaries set by WWE. Despite the limitations imposed on him, Van Dam found a way to express himself authentically, which made the experience truly enjoyable for him.
Van Dam also discussed how he worked to elevate the Hardcore Championship’s status during his reign. He acknowledged that prior to his involvement, the title was seen as a joke. Hardcore matches were often portrayed as comedic skits involving condiments and other silly props. However, Van Dam saw an opportunity to bring credibility and prestige to the belt.
Through his performances and dedication, Van Dam gradually transformed the Hardcore Championship into something meaningful. He main evented live events as the champion, proving that the title could be taken seriously. This forced WWE to recognize the newfound significance of the belt and eventually led to its retirement.
Van Dam’s impact on the Hardcore Championship serves as a testament to his talent and ability to elevate the status of a championship. His reign not only allowed him to express himself fully but also paved the way for future wrestlers to bring credibility to lesser-known titles.
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