How big of a draw is RVD?

[Rollermacka]

So two weeks ago RVD returned and is already booked to wrestle for the world title at Sacrifice. In typical TNA fashion they've put someone into the main event picture who hasn't been around for awhile, but he's still in good shape and can still hit the 5 Star from anywere. So how big of a draw would you say is RVD in pro wrestling today?

[Corporate CockSnogger]

Not very big at all as far as I'm concerned. But I'm of the view that he's highly overrated as it is.

[#1-norm-fan]

Not very

And I'm actually a fan...

[Xero]

"Not very" is exactly what I was going to post.

Once WWE bungled him in the Invasion, where he was over as shit and could have been enormous, he's not been worth much outside of what guys like Truth and Morrison have been - guys who could be cycled in and out of the main event but never a true main eventer. The one exception was when he beat Cena, but even that was doomed to failure whether he fucked up like he did or not.

[Swiss Ultimate]

How old is he these days anyways?

[Xero]

Early 40s.

[Swiss Ultimate]

I just don't imagine his match-style is going to be as exciting now as it was in the 90s.

[whiteyford]

Less of a draw now since he joined TNA,its amazing how quickly that happens, but he wasn't really a big draw anywhere outside ECW,whatever that was worth. Like Xero said,he had the potential to be huge during the Invasion but was poorly booked and never really recovered.

[whiteyford]

I just don't imagine his match-style is going to be as exciting now as it was in the 90s.

In fairness its the same match he was having in the 90s that he still puts out there.

[Mr. Nerfect]

He's probably about as much as a draw as anyone not named Brock Lesnar, The Rock or John Cena, to be fair. He moves a ton of merchandise for TNA and is fairly over, so I see no problem in having him step into the main event scene for a little bit to put over Roode as champ some more. Now, if RVD wins the title, that'll be another issue...

[screech]

If RVD wins the title again, it'll be business as usual for TNA.

Shocking the world and all that.

[Xero]

Does he still have his shit theme?

[screech]

Yes.

[Swiss Ultimate]

So horrible.

[The Gold Standard]

There was only one night when RVD was a big draw. One Night 2006. Before and after that? I never thought he was a big draw. I always thought he was overrated. I know I will probably get heat for that, but thats how I feel.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Do people know what a draw is? A draw isn't how much you like a guy or how good he is in the ring. It's about whether or not people clunk down money to see said person. There is no doubt that RVD, at one point, was one of the hottest acts in professional wrestling.

[screech]

I feel like he drew big in ECW, and slightly during the Invasion, but I think his power to pull in viewers has diminished.

In fairness its the same match he was having in the 90s that he still puts out there.

This may have something to do with it.

[Dukelorange]

He hasn't evolved since ECW... That's the issue. If he changed up a little, then he would be fine...

[Xero]

He should have joined the RTC.

Robert Van Darn

[Mr. Nerfect]

He needs to snap and...

[Swiss Ultimate]

go to UFC?

[Lock Jaw]

Negative draw. Was gonna give TNA yet another shot, but heard RVD was back and fighting for the title, so I said "nah".

Then again, I have always hated RVD.

[Swiss Ultimate]

Always?

[McLegend]

In fairness no one is a draw in TNA.

[Lock Jaw]

Always?

Yeah.

To be fair, I never saw him in ECW though.

So to me he was always just this craaaazy overrated dude.

[Corporate CockSnogger]

He's probably about as much as a draw as anyone not named Brock Lesnar, The Rock or John Cena, to be fair. He moves a ton of merchandise for TNA and is fairly over, so I see no problem in having him step into the main event scene for a little bit to put over Roode as champ some more. Now, if RVD wins the title, that'll be another issue...

He's definitely far far far lower down the drawing ladder than those you mentioned. There's a ton of other people who are much more of a draw currrently.

[Corporate CockSnogger]

Billy Gunn for example.

[Lock Jaw]

And Bobby Eaton

[screech]

Maven

[Swiss Ultimate]

Yeah.

To be fair, I never saw him in ECW though.

So to me he was always just this craaaazy overrated dude.

His style never fully meshed with the WWE for me. I don't know if I ever got over the fact that Bill Alfonso wasn't his manager and he wasn't allowed to hit people with chairs.

[St. Jimmy]

No Buys.

[PHBro]

I think RVD next dvd should be call RVDVD. That would be LULZ. RVD was like my 5 or 7th best wrestler of all time but he was'nt my 6th fav cuz that whas HBK. He was a good?

[Nicky Fives]

In fairness no one is a draw in TNA.

James Storm could be if TNA had decent booking.....

[St. Jimmy]

No one can draw in TNA. Stop pretending.

[#1-norm-fan]

RVD was like my 5 or 7th best wrestler of all time but he was'nt my 6th fav cuz that whas HBK. He was a good?

Yep

[#1-norm-fan]

No one can draw in TNA. Stop pretending.

The writers can. I'm pretty sure the script for Impact every week is just a bunch of doodles that are then interpreted into what's going to happen on the show. They have to have gotten good at it by now.

[PHBro]

Yep YES YES YES

[Immortal Moose]

I think RVD next dvd should be call RVDVD. That would be LULZ. RVD was like my 5 or 7th best wrestler of all time but he was'nt my 6th fav cuz that whas HBK. He was a good?

Yes, he was a good.

I don't see RVD helping TNA draw more at all really.

[PHBro]

TNA would draw better if they toured more. They are always tapping their show in Orlando Studios and alot of people in this country do'nt live near there. Plus Hulk Hogan needs to wrestle more because he is the Michael Jordan of pro wrestling and michael jordan alsways drew big crowds. U know?

[stultiloquy]

Was never really a fan - I always thought he came off as a bit of a goofball despite how he was packaged, and his in ring stuff always seemed sloppy to me.

With regard to drawing, I don't think so.
If he came to WWE I could see him drawing a little bit, at least initially, but as far as TNA is concerned...I don't think anyone can help that train wreck.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Rob Van Dam rules, faggots.

[BigCrippyZ]

As much as fan I was of RVD in his ECW days, not very much. Pretty much what everyone else has said, he was big in ECW, Invasion, 2006, etc. Currently, especially in TNA, NO.

He may be a good name to have on a card or a filler champion for TNA, no doubt, but he's not going to make a company, feud, superstar, storyline or anything like that.

Although, to be fair to TNA, what else do you expect them to do? I mean, if he's available, why not? What do they have to lose putting him an a feud with a younger guy? The writing's not good enough and they don't have any other draws, legends or veterans any bigger or better to help put young guys over.

Granted I haven't watched TNA in a LONG ASS time, but MAYBE, they get a few good matches out of him that makes a young guy look good.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Good post, faggot.

[James Steele]

:lol:

TNA is already going to recycle the "Let's bring RVD in and put him over one of our established home-grown stars without much build" angle. It was dumb enough when they put him over AJ on iMPACT! with no fucking build, but at least this is on PPV.

[Mercury Bullet]

I don't think he was ever a draw to a mainstream audience. He's always had his following but he's not a guy that sells tickets.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

RVD sells tickets. But you might have been confused because you're a faggot.

[MoFo]

He was good a decade ago.

But Pokemon cards were good a decade ago too.

Neither are of any use now.

[dablackguy]

If he was going to draw piles of money, he would have done it for SOMEONE by now

So not much of a draw

[Mercury Bullet]

RVD sells tickets. But you might have been confused because you're a faggot.

http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b476/robitusson2/Good-good-let-the-butthurt-flow-through-you-1.jpg

[Rollermacka]

He was good a decade ago.

But Pokemon cards were good a decade ago too.

Neither are of any use now.

Oh yea...
http://games.yahoo.com/blogs/unplugged/10-priciest-collectible-cards-232119394.html

[Tom Guycott]

I had an elaborate opinion on the matter. Then I got bored while writing about RVD.He's talented, no doubt. I actually like the guy. However, a smark gets bored writing about him, what does that tell you about how much of a draw he is?

To be fair, whenever we ask ourselves this question about someone, we assume that it is 100% on them to either "get over" or "be a draw" or both. Yes, it's his fault he's "had the same match since the 90's", and most of those were against Jerry Lynn, but aside from being "backstabbed" by the freshly Heel Hardy back when that first happened, I don't remember him being booked in many programs with anyone for any other reason than "lets have this guy in a match vs. RVD... that should be fun!" You know you're in for a reasonably entertaining match, but since there is rarely ever a "why?" involved, nobody gives a damn to go out of their way for it. If there were no conflict an angles between Bret & HBK, it would just be two good wrestlers having a match that only the IWC would remember.

As it stands, he's not so much a draw as he is a "bonus".

[Mercury Bullet]

I had an elaborate opinion on the matter. Then I got bored while writing about RVD.He's talented, no doubt. I actually like the guy. However, a smark gets bored writing about him, what does that tell you about how much of a draw he is?

To be fair, whenever we ask ourselves this question about someone, we assume that it is 100% on them to either "get over" or "be a draw" or both. Yes, it's his fault he's "had the same match since the 90's", and most of those were against Jerry Lynn, but aside from being "backstabbed" by the freshly Heel Hardy back when that first happened, I don't remember him being booked in many programs with anyone for any other reason than "lets have this guy in a match vs. RVD... that should be fun!" You know you're in for a reasonably entertaining match, but since there is rarely ever a "why?" involved, nobody gives a damn to go out of their way for it. If there were no conflict an angles between Bret & HBK, it would just be two good wrestlers having a match that only the IWC would remember.

As it stands, he's not so much a draw as he is a "bonus".

I mostly agree with this assessment. I like him too, I've always thought he was a very enjoyable guy to watch, put on exciting matches, guy knew how to work. But that doesn't = draw. And he wasn't a draw. Not even at his peak.

[whiteyford]

He was good a decade ago.

But Pokemon cards were good a decade ago too.

Neither are of any use now.

You take that Pokemon jab back now:mad:

[GD]

http://thehistoryofwwe.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Rob_Van_Dam_05.jpg

This image makes me chuckle. I always saw him as a decent upper mid-carder. I will also add that I marked the fuck out when he made his surprise return at the 2009 Royal Rumble. Also, I am not sure if winning any accolades in TNA gives you any credit in the double double e.

[Gertner]

He's a decent draw. Not main event draw though.

[dronepool]

I'd love to see RVD VS Daniel Bryan. Love them both.

[Mr. JL]

No one draws in TNA.

RVD could draw in the WWE though, if used correctly. It would all depend on how well his intial return goes and how the WWE pushes him.

[Rock Bottom]

I think RVD could be a really big draw in a limited market. For something as broad as the WWE, not so much, but it'd be noteworthy I'm sure.

[#1-norm-fan]

I mean with the right booking, MOST guys could be a draw. It would take RVD too long to get back in the thick of things at his age/love of weed.

[Kane Knight]

Less of a draw now since he joined TNA

I find it hard to consider anyone in TNA a draw.

[Kane Knight]

No one draws in TNA.

RVD could draw in the WWE though, if used correctly. It would all depend on how well his intial return goes and how the WWE pushes him.

RVD probably wouldn't draw much these days, even in WWE.

[Blakeamus]

RVD signs a new deal and gets a title shot? Is that the norm to throw someone in a title match when they resign in TNA? I thought Storm and Roode could go atleast two more times.

[dronepool]

TNA is a bit of an anchor for him. I really like the guy, but watching TNA for him doesn't really feel like an obligation. It's like "Oh cool, RVD is back... but he's in TNA".

If he was in WWE his current fans would probably have a higher chance of tuning in and he'd win new fans with how many people know the WWE exists. Right now he mostly appeals to his old fans and super hardcore wrestling fans.

[Blue Demon]

No one can draw in TNA. Stop pretending.

RVD is a decent artist if I remember correctly.....BA-ZING

[Maluco]

Definately not M.E quality and TNA should not be looking to put him there. He should be a stepping stone, a feud that certain guys can use to get to Main Event level.

The guy is athletic and can be exciting and someone commented positively here that he is still capable of doing the same match he did in the ninties....but that is the problem, it is the same match he was doing 15 years ago.

He is not good for promotional work or to be the face of the company as he is not great on the mic either.

TNA should be working on having Angle, Sting and RVD (guys on their way up) putting over guys like Roode, Storm etc... on PPV to transition into a period with their own stars.

Do they still have the X-Division title? Should put Aries cleanly over RVD for THAT title instead of bring him back and by-pass all the other guys to the top of the card

[Sepholio]

The only way I could see RVD ever draw again is if he came back to WWE short term and had a feud with CM Punk. He could continue with the current Jericho storyline playing off of Punks straight edge behavior. Complete with a video of Punk going into a pot cafe in Amsterdam or Vancouver or something.

Come on Punk just mellow out and hit the doobie maaaaaan. You know you wanna.

[DAMN iNATOR]

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Sxm0TJWK8-0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Still remember that moment. One of the probably lesser-known moments in RVD's career but still a great one, in my mind.

[CSL]

Van Dam hasn't given a fuck for about 6-7 years now. Nobody has ever given a fuck about TNA. So "not much".

[Fox]

RVD was one of the hottest draws in the Attitude Era. He grew this reputation while in ECW for being this acrobatic, quick, innovative, MUST-SEE guy who had held this championship for over a year and was having incredible matches with all kinds of opponents. Most of that can be directly attributed to Paul Heyman's creativity and booking of RVD as the "Whole fucking show." It was so much hype and people bought it.

He brought that same attitude to the WWF during the InVasion and was arguably more over than Steve Austin and Kurt Angle at one point. If WWE had capitalized back then, he could've been escalated into that upper tier that very few enter in their careers. But it never happened, and I feel like RVD just kind of sat back and "did his thing" and collected the paychecks for awhile. He vented his frustrations with the WWE creative staff at the first One Night Stand, and I think that lit a fire under him to get better, which he did. But after the WWE Championship/pot bust debacle, he just receded back to doing his same old schtick, night in and night out.

At this point, he's about as big of a draw as Dolph Ziggler.

[Rollermacka]

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/96fNTJRis4E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The crowd was going crazy here in his debut. Of course, TNA has a 30 second match and then has Sting beat the crap out of him for like 20 minutes

[Mr. JL]

RVD probably wouldn't draw much these days, even in WWE.

I think he could definitely draw in some serious merchandise numbers for people already attending a WWE show, but you are most likely right when it comes to drawing ratings/buyrates.

[whiteyford]

His contract expired last month i think and WWE didnt put much effort in to re-signing him so that sums it up for me.

[Mr. Nerfect]

People are seriously saying RVD was never a draw? Are you people fucking high? Like Rob Van Dam?

I can understand people talking about his drawing power now like that, don't get me wrong, but the idea that RVD was not one of the most over talents available in professional wrestling at one point is absolutely ridiculous. And I'm no mark for him -- I must have missed the boat, I guess.

Also, I'm fairly certain that Bobby Roode will defeat RVD at Sacrifice, thus putting a home-grown talent over -- which is what people are saying should happen, right? So why are people complaining? Also, for those wondering why RVD has jumped to the front of the cue? Bobby Roode vs. Jeff Hardy has been done to death lately, and RVD got a pretty hot reaction when he returned to the company -- it's just them capitalising on it for a month or two before they move Roode into something else.

Also, I do agree with whoever said that RVD should be working in the X-Division. I always felt that the best way to use talents from the WWE like RVD and Jeff Hardy (who can work the higher risk style, obviously) was to use them in the X-Division. They could have said that the reason they came to TNA was because it was the only place that challenged them like that. It uses some big name stars in ways that don't cut the balls off your current roster.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Does anyone know how long RVD's latest TNA contract is for? I ask because I do think that RVD can still make some money in the WWE. Not as a draw, no, but as a big merchandise mover (which is all the WWE really has, anyway). He could get a good six months out of a WWE return coasting, surely. They'd be some fresh matches waiting for him, too. Also, CM Punk vs. RVD is a perfect way to transition into Punk vs. Austin.

[Kane Knight]

RVD is a decent artist if I remember correctly.....BA-ZING

Yeah, but not in TNA.

<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/96fNTJRis4E" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe>

The crowd was going crazy here in his debut. Of course, TNA has a 30 second match and then has Sting beat the crap out of him for like 20 minutes

As crazy as a TNA audience can get. But can he get people warmed up outside the Impact Zone?

I think he could definitely draw in some serious merchandise numbers for people already attending a WWE show, but you are most likely right when it comes to drawing ratings/buyrates.

I'm not even sure of that, but I think there's a more valid argument there than in terms of numbers.

His contract expired last month i think and WWE didnt put much effort in to re-signing him so that sums it up for me.

Let's be fair, though. What WWE thinks is a draw and what draws hasn't always been in sync. They think Hogan's a draw, for one.

[PHBro]

I would like to see RVD come back to the WWE cuz then he could have a fued with CMPunk and punk could tell him he is on the drugs and that weed is bad.

[Rammsteinmad]

RVD was one of the hottest draws in the Attitude Era. He grew this reputation while in ECW for being this acrobatic, quick, innovative, MUST-SEE guy who had held this championship for over a year and was having incredible matches with all kinds of opponents. Most of that can be directly attributed to Paul Heyman's creativity and booking of RVD as the "Whole fucking show." It was so much hype and people bought it.

He brought that same attitude to the WWF during the InVasion and was arguably more over than Steve Austin and Kurt Angle at one point. If WWE had capitalized back then, he could've been escalated into that upper tier that very few enter in their careers. But it never happened, and I feel like RVD just kind of sat back and "did his thing" and collected the paychecks for awhile. He vented his frustrations with the WWE creative staff at the first One Night Stand, and I think that lit a fire under him to get better, which he did. But after the WWE Championship/pot bust debacle, he just receded back to doing his same old schtick, night in and night out.

At this point, he's about as big of a draw as Dolph Ziggler.

Basically this.

The guy could have been huge.

Today, he's as big a draw for TNA as anyone else is.

[Rammsteinmad]

But with that said, I'm still a fan. :yes:

[Rollermacka]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/b2w3C6mrzkU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I was actually very impressed with this match. I like the way RVD is breaking out the moonsaults and went for a 450 last week.

Side note, he won with a crucifix and not to long ago with a black slide while doing the splits. Like Noid said, he is breaking out some diffrent things and isn't always winning with the 5 Star. I like it because it makes the matches seem more entertaining to me (you never know, any pin actually can get him a win)

[DAMN iNATOR]

6', 237 lbs...oh, wait, you mean how many butts he can put in seats?

Well then I'd have to say however many children under 12 and women attend each taping of TNA. And really, why the hell does the crowd chant along with his theme? It's bad enough on it's own...you'd think they'd give earplugs for the crap that's RVD's current theme.

[K.Smoke]

He's definitely far far far lower down the drawing ladder than those you mentioned. There's a ton of other people who are much more of a draw currrently.



So your saying he isn't a bigger draw then Christian?

In all honesty, who would people pay quicker to see, RVD vs Sheamus or Christian vs Sheamus? or RVD vs CM Punk against Christian vs CM Punk.