Rob Van Dam recently looked back at a couple of his memorable injuries in his career and how they affected him. The WWE Hall of Famer talked about two injuries on his 1 Of a Kind podcast, and you can see some highlights below (per Wrestling Inc):
On breaking his ankle in ECW: “There was the time when I broke my ankle and I had to give up the Television Championship. I really thought that I was indestructible before that, so that did a lot to my ego and humbled me.”
On his ACL tear in WWE from 2001 to 2005: “Then when I tore my ACL in WWE, that sucked. It then hurt for four years and it just [kept] getting progressively worse and worse. It killed me every single night. People don’t know that, when they’re watching my matches from 2001 to 2005, pretty much every night my knee was killing me, and I didn’t want anybody to know.”
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Rob Van Dam, the legendary professional wrestler, recently opened up about two significant injuries he experienced during his career and how they impacted him both physically and mentally. In a recent episode of his podcast, 1 Of a Kind, Van Dam shared his thoughts on these injuries and their lasting effects.
One of the injuries Van Dam discussed was when he broke his ankle while competing in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). He revealed that prior to this incident, he believed he was indestructible. However, the broken ankle served as a humbling experience for him, shattering his ego and forcing him to confront his vulnerability. This injury made him realize that even the toughest wrestlers are susceptible to harm.
The second injury Van Dam discussed was a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) that he suffered during his time in WWE from 2001 to 2005. He described the pain as excruciating and revealed that it persisted for four years, gradually worsening over time. Despite the constant agony, Van Dam kept his suffering hidden from others, not wanting anyone to know the extent of his pain. This injury highlights the physical toll that professional wrestling can take on the performers, often pushing them to their limits.
These revelations from Rob Van Dam shed light on the physical and emotional challenges that professional wrestlers face throughout their careers. Injuries are an inherent risk in this physically demanding industry, and they can have a profound impact on both the wrestler’s performance and their mental well-being.
Van Dam’s willingness to share these personal experiences serves as a reminder that behind the larger-than-life personas in the wrestling ring, there are real individuals who endure pain and sacrifice for their craft. It also highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting the physical toll that wrestlers endure to entertain their fans.
For fans of professional wrestling, it is crucial to appreciate the dedication and resilience of these athletes. Their commitment to their craft often comes at a great cost, both physically and mentally. By understanding and acknowledging the challenges they face, fans can develop a deeper appreciation for the artistry and athleticism of the sport.
In conclusion, Rob Van Dam’s reflections on his past injuries provide valuable insights into the physical and emotional toll that professional wrestling can have on its performers. These stories serve as a reminder of the sacrifices wrestlers make to entertain their fans and should be a source of admiration and respect for their dedication and resilience.