RVD turns down invite to Iraq and is said to be fed up with WWE(possibly leaving)
 

Rob Van Dam is said to be in the "dog house" with WWE at the moment for not going to Iraq for the "Tribute to the Troops" event this year. The story making the rounds is that WWE is more upset with RVD about the way he turned down the invite then simply not going. According to reports, Vince McMahon made it very clear that he considers going to Iraq "optional", but that if you don't accept an invite, you are expected to explain what a great opportunity it would be and then thank Vince for the offer and "gently" turn him down for whatever reason. As you can guess, Rob Van Dam was said to be very blunt about his answer and didn't show any appreciation for the offer. In turn, McMahon reportedly resented that and saw it as attitude. According to many sources, RVD is well known for never giving in to the "ass kissing" in WWE, a courtesy many extend towards Vince and Stephanie McMahon and when they don't get it, they see it as attitude.

Speaking of Rob Van Dam, many have stated that his chances of jumping to TNA are very likely at this point in his career. RVD's deal with WWE expires early next year and he is said to be very open to leaving. One source has stated that RVD is quote "fed up" with the mind games and politics in WWE. Plus, with Paul Heyman being removed from the ECW creative team, he has lost confidence in the new brand and could easily see his character be taken in a different direction by Vince McMahon and David Lagana. It should also be noted that Sabu could end up leaving WWE as well and return to TNA if they were open to taking him back. It is believed that Sabu signed a standard two-year deal, with an option to cancel the deal at any time. Of course, WWE would have to release Sabu for this to take place. One concern or scenario that some WWE sources have described was a quote "mass exodus" of WWE/ECW talent leaving the company and debuting for TNA in a short period of time next year.

Source: Pro Wrestling Torch Newsletter

It's not like either of them are on my TV now anyways, going to TNA they still wouldn't be there. No big.

^ Maybe not to you, but that's not the point. Good for RVD for doing what he did, I wouldn't mind seeing him in TNA.

Fuck you. =D

If RVD goes to tNA...I would actually have a reason to watch TNA...and I would propably start doing so!!!

I'm not a massive TNA fan, and they do have the ability to fuck people around just as badly as the WWE do, but surely they'd let Van Dam off his leash if he went down there.

Regardless, ECW will be done by this time next year, and TNA will be no bigger having half the ECW roster with them.

I'm already enjoying TNA atm and they could use RVD but they do need to work on a few thing like stopping their WCW line of thinking.

He'll stand up for his principles. He'll then make fuck all in the indies or job to JArrett in TNA. Good on him.

There is always Japan...

I have a feeling that RVD could be HUGE in Japan

And he wouldn't be watered down, he could actually let loose there.

I have a feeling that RVD should not go to Japan...becouse I cant watch Japanese wretling!!! DONT TAKE RVD AWAY FROM ME!!!

I'd love to see RVD in Japan and MLW, I suggest you watch NJPW, there's some good shit.

Assuming he still gives a shit. How long has he been content to toke up on WWE's paycheck?

Well the thing is...I dont live in USA at the moment...I live in little wrestling hating Denmark...So I can only watch what I find online (I am able to watch wwe and TNA(not that I watch TNA) becouse there is allways some guy uploading it) But the more exotic wretling is kinda hard to find...

Oh, I thought you meant you just didn't like it.

No I neither like or dislike it...becouse I dont know it :)

That's the less reasonable assumption, so I can see why you'd think that.

Well if he doesn't care then he wouldn't want to leave.

You have to realize that Japan treats their top guys like Gods basically and if RVD went he would probably be treated as such. He could possible make more money working in Japan than he would in WWE.

Youtube has tons of it.

He's still human, and won't want to be mistreated, whether or not he cares about being misused.

Also, RVD's in no position to bitch about his treatment. The guy was champion, and he rewarded WWE by driving while high in a car loaded with drugs.

RVD fucked himself in the WWE. He can only blame himself.

Given this he could be gold anywhere in the world. Doubt RVD all you want but he has so much potential in TNA it's unbelievable. The X-Division screams Rob Van Dam.

I know...but I dont just wanna ehatch random matches if I am going to follow a show I want to be able to see it every week so that I can follow the feuds, the storylines, the caracter development etc.

You know, its no good me having Crippla on my ignore list if you keep quoting his posts in your own!

RVD vs Christopher Daniels :drool:

Nah cause you still get to see why people are calling him retarded and you get to skip a lot of the spam. IT'S A GOOD SYSTEM I TELLS YA.

I qoute the things I responds to...And thats the bottom line Cause MLW said so!

In regards to RVD's title reign and the whole getting busted thing... sure, he did shoot himself in the foot, BUT I bet it'd be different if it was Cena.

In fact, if it was Cena they'd use it to add to his "most controversial champ ever" thing. :roll:

You sir, are the reason I hate nerds.

King Diamond is from Denmark

Van dam with more than 4 moves = Ratings

Didn't RVD get put in the sog house last year for not going to the Iraq show? And the year before that. Wasn't RVD fed up with this shit last year? And the year before that. Wern't people talking about RVD jumping to TNA last year? And the year before that?

My point is, should this year be the year he actually leaves, good for him. Maybe split his time between TNA and NJPW, where I am sure he would make well into the millions, much more than the couple hundred thousand he is making currently for WWE. AND he would work fewer matches.

Also, RVD screwed RVD. The fact that WWE has kept him below the glass ceiling for 5 years belongs on McMahon's shoulders, but the fact RVD had everything he ever wanted (WWE Title, ECW Title, a newly created ECW franchise revolving around him) and screwed up is on his shoulders.

Yeh, RVD screwed RVD. You cant get arrested when you're WWE champion. He should have realised that once he won that belt, he became the new symbol of the whole company. It was his own mistake and neither he or his marks should moan about it.

On the other hand, I think he's genuinely done with it. It doesn't help when all his colleagues are doing the same. Angle, Jericho, Christian, Show, hell even the Rock. I dont see RVD in WWE for long.

If RVD went to TNA, I still wouldn't watch TNA, but good for RVD. Maybe losing a star like RVD will ight a fire under Vince's ass to make a better product.

I wish I could say I thought that could happen.

RVD has something that Kurt Angle doesn't have- A freakin' clult following. If RVD went to the home shopping network people would watch.

And you...Mam I guess are the reason the ignore list was invented

if he goes anywhere it would be tna, he would only have to work twice a month and he can spend the rest of the time stoned, him and paul heymen can go to tna togather they can make an invasion angle.

No more invasion angles please, they have been done to death and never work out how they should.

Hate to break it to you, but outside of living in Japan, or ordering japanese television through a satellite company, you wont be able to follow it like you can wwe.

Your best bet is to just check www.puroresufan.com, and their affiliates. They have daily news updates, so all the soryline developments and such are there.

I would...then again I watch the Home Shopping Network anyway

I think Sting, Angle, and Christian have all proven, no one has a cult fallowing. RVD is no different. Now, if they USE those people correctly they might become huge draws, but their names alone don't bring people to the dinner table.

Cena wouldn't dare shit outside his litter box. He's been so careful not to offend anyone...

...Well, except wrestling fans.

Believe it or not, I don't doubt RVD's ability.

However, I doubt his interest after all these years, and TNA. The X-Division might be better for his presence, but the show will still draw 1.0 ratings tops, and the same people who mark out for VKM will pop for him, but nobody else.

TNA can sign all the WWE leftovers they want, honestly. If Sting and Angle can't make an Impact!, I don't think anyone can.

RVD is ten times better than sting and Angle combined!!! RVD RVD RVD RVD RVD RVD!!! :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :heart:

(Sting+Angle)x10=RVD

Uh...No. And you sir are now beginning to borderline on being retarded.

Seriously I know there is a lot Anlge hate right but he is still one of the best wrestlers ever.

RVD though I like him is not.

And also Angle doesn't have a cult following?

I hate trying to have discussions with fanboys over their heros. Everyone claims that their favorite wrestler has a cult fallowing and could draw huge ratings wherever they went.

Pshh! It's like they think Kevin Nashs just grow on trees or something. :D

RVD is incredible when he's not doing the WWE "Five moves tops" thing. He's rivalled Austin and the Rock in therms of pops, too.

Not to knock Angle's abilities, but just because he's no Angle doesn't mean he isn't a great athelete and wrestler.

And Angle doesn't have a following that loves him enough to change TNA's ratings any. What does that tell you about his following?

RVD is great but Angle is still greater.

Also people loved Angle enough to think going to TNA would be a bad move because of his health. Showed that Angle was deeply cared for by quite a lot of people.

I think RVD probably has more fans than Angle does. And quite frankly I think RVD could help ratings more than Angle. I also personally enjoy RVD more, what I had a problem with is saying he is times times better than Angle and Sting combined.

Say what you will about Angle or RVD's popularity, but Sting is an Icon, and someone who non-wrestling fans have a fairly decent chance of knowing who he is. Now granted Sting's fans for the most part have all out grown wrestling, but there is no way on God's Green earth, he is as talented as Sting and Angle combined, or has the fan base of the two of them combined, never mind multiplying them.

(Anyone else notice it's odd that I am harping on this guys obviously over the top claim when I make even more ridiculoud claims on a day to day basis???)

:D

I really do love the attitude. I mean, Angle went to TNA, and the ratings went...Nowhere. He got the same effect as Christian and the Dudleys and the James Gang, and...Well, everyone this side of the janitor ("MOP THAT RING!" *clap clap clap*). Sting's the only one who significantly altered the ratings, and even then, it wasn't much, and wasn't long. And he was making his first TV appearance (Not counting PPVs and stuff) in years. If that's what it takes...

Worried about by a lot of people.

They also didn't tune in to watch him in TNA. That's where the fanbase we're talking about is.

When Eddie died, he got love from people who didn't like him. Angle getting concern isn't much different.

I disargee about RVD and Angle, but I argee about Sting

TNA just got there highest rating ever though. Angle could be a big reason.

I don't know if he has more fans than Angle.

And yes, I bet everyone's noticed, but we're used to you making extreme exaggerations and mentally "fag filter" it out.

So could Kevin Nash. So could Abyss, for that matter.

Ratings are going up for multiple reasons...(and by the way, last weeks was their frist show after a PPV, and it still is only TIED with their highest ratings ever...)

1) Between Kurt Angle, Sting, Christian, Samoa Joe, and AJ Styles...well you're bond to like at least one of their top draws.

2) The show have been improving.

3) They just got a significantly better time slot.

4) The X-Division has gone from "Look at the 300th flip" to a division with actual characters (thanks in no small part to KEVIN NASH) and it no longer is an amature gymnastics showcase (thanks to Shelley, Senshi, and Daniels)

So I don't know that Kurt Angle gets to take home the gold medel in ratings draw. He is a part, but certainly not the only reason.

I hope that was sarcasm...

FABULOUS!

It was not...but before you judge me you should take into consideration that I have never seen sting in action...NEVER...I didn't watch wrestling back in his dayes on the top...and well I HATE KURT ANGLE! and love RVD! Mmmm RVD :drool:

Oviously because of their Time slot is the big reason they were going up, but me saying Angle was a big draw cannnot be disproven so I stick by it.

:lol:

So because you love RVD and hate Kurt Angle that means that Angle and Sting (someone who you admit to never seeing before) combined are still one tenth as good as RVD?

See at leats when I say dumb shit, it's obvious I am making a grand a statement as possible half mixed with my opinion and the other half filled with sarcasim.

Angle is a big draw, I think the point is that he is not the only reason for the increase in ratings.

So how about this for prooving...

TNA without Kurt Angle in a midnight time slot = highest ratings of 1.2

TNA with Kurt Angle in a Prime Time time slot = highest ratings of 1.2

Yeah, I think that does a decent job of showing Kurt Angle is not a stand alone draw.

Besides, anyone who knows anything knows that Kevin Nash is the real reasons ratings are going up. Well, Nash coupled with Bob Backlund regulations.

If Angle was a big draw, ratings should be going up significantly more.

Well for one, you shouldn't form an opinion on a wrestler who you've never seen wrestle. As for you being a huge mark for RVD and hating Angle, I can understand that's your opinion so you can say RVD is better than Angle in your opinion but don't say that he's better than someone who you've never even seen until you see him.

Nope doesn't disapprove

OK well how about this...

Kevin Nash is better than Kurt Angle in every measuable way. And when Nash is injured, he stays down dammit. He doesn't keep finishing some house show match after getting like 3 injuries in a single match, nah, he won't even finish a televised match with one injury.

Nash > Angle. :D

Nash knows how to sell an injury.

Kurt Angle won't even lay down for a broken freakin neck!

That is pretty great right there I will give you that.

Don't forget he wouldn't even job to Chirs Sabin on a PPV, because he hurt his "neck."

As the boards biggest Angle mark I have to admit that this is 100% accurate.

LOL Tovo :y:

(Though I do fully credit Angle for the ratings increase, I believe that it will be LAX, AJ, and Nash's X-division that maintain the audience.)

Mmmmmmm...yes...say Nash is keeping the ratings up again Destor...say it again!

I think he is entertaining enough for people not to turn the channel. (And I mean that as a compliment, he will keep viewers tuned in once they're there.) But what I don't think is that he is a reason to tune in. I think Kurt got them to turn it on, but Nash, Konnan, and AJ are what will be keeping them there. Just my opinion.

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But do you only credit Kurt for that? I mean I agree he is probably the biggest reason people would tune in but I'd say a slightly smaller portion of the fans might tune in to see Christian, Sting, or Joe. I'd say Kurt was the biggest reason but I wouldn't give him all of the credit for it.

I still say TNA was doing as well WITHOUT Kurt as they are WITH Kurt. So please, someone, explain to me how Kurt Angle = Ratings.

I am kinda of joking with the Angle being the biggest reason for the ratings and everything.

I am argeeing with Destor and what he is saying, but Angle is a huge name so he has to bring in ratings.

That's my thinking anyway.

The problem is, you're right. Nobody wants to admit that, it seems, even though logically, you're showing it.

From how I see, and this is just my opinion, it takes word of mouth a while to spread. Just last week I got a call from my brother-in-law (hard-core WWE mark) and he asked me how long was Angle in TNA. He was shocked to hear my answer and said that if he had known that he would have been watching since then. I don't think he is alone on this. Angle is not a HUGE draw, but he is a draw. And I think the Angle ball is just starting to get rolling. I wouldn't be surprised to see them hit a 1.5 on the back of Angle. These .3 new veiwers I give to Angle. Just my opinion.

Only thing proven to help TNA is the ratings was the UFC lead in from the Ultimate Fighter

Besides those fans who watched WWE for Angle probably watch TNA anyways

Wrestling isn't built over night TOVO, you of all people should know that.

Oh I know, and yet I can't argue that if someone is a stand alone draw, their name attached to the product show at least somewhat create an initial spike. Sting's name alone pushed TNA's viewers from below the 1.0 mark to the 1.1 in one appearence. The ratings floated around the .9 to 1.1 mark for a while before dying down about 5 months ago. Now then, the ratings over the past few weeks have gone up somewhat, but again I would attribute that more to the fact they moved from a late night slot to a Prime Time slot more than I would Angle. I'm not arguing Angle could bring in a few fans here and there, but Kurt Angle's name is not going to cause the casual mark to tune into the show. ECW lost Angle the the ratings didn't change, TNA gained Angle AND a Primetime slot two months ago and they are only NOW reaching the peak of popularity they enjoyed without Angle and in a worse time placement.

Angle is great, he just isn't a great draw.

And I couldn't agree more that wrestling isn't built overnight. It take time. Also, TNA has been putting on a much better quality show than they had been before. The single greatest drawing force any promotion can have is a well put together show. THAT and a better time slot is why TNA has been on an up swing. Kurt Angle may be helping by carrying his share of the weight by puting on good matches, but quite frankly, you take Angle out, replace him with any talent wrestler, and I think the results would be the same.

A few people who I believe defy the law, and are themselves stand alone draws...Austin (or at leats he was), The Rock, Sting, Hogan (he WAS/is not anymore), Ric Flair (again, another WAS canidate), Andre The Giant (hard to judge based on lack of ratings), and Roddy Piper (probably a was)

People who might take with them a few thousand fans at most...Angle, Jericho, RVD, the likes...

Which is evidence enough that the whole "it takes time" line of reasoning is nonsense. It didn't take word of mouth time to travel with Sting; If Angle is the Lord and Savior of professional wrestling, why would it take longer?

Wrestling doesn't get built overnight, but if someone's a major draw, it's easy enough to actually see an effect, especially when we're talking a show the size of Impact!.

On a side note, LOL @ ECW not doing as well as Sci Fi Original premiers.

It's the TNA effect, happened to me twice. They signed Christian, I said I'd watch, I didn't. They sign Angle, I said I'd watch. I haven't.

TNA - you'll want to watch it, you just won't.

I don't know if this will change you mind...but Kevin Nash is there. :y: :D

But that's what YouTube is for, when I watch the clips, I might as well be watching The Kevin Nash Show for all I care.....and that show would get ratings.

I think you may be on to something here.

The Kevin Nash Show...has a good ring to it. Let's try to sell it! It will just be Kevin Nash talking for a half hour every week. Brilliant!

This week on The Kevin Nash Show, Kevin accuses a random wrestler of taking steroids, and it's genuinely the funniest thing ever.

YOU'RE A GASHEAD! :rofl:

LOL that's weird because i know exactly where you're coming from. I keep meaning to watch but usually forget and think 'ah well, who cares...'.

Yeah, what few reasons there are for me to watch just don't make me get off my ass and turn on the TV.

Then again, I also think most of TNA blows total ass.

And that show would easily be the best and most entertaining wrestling show every week.

thanks for adding nothing


The first paragraph of the first post sounds like a copy paste from a few years ago.

lol, penis joke. :o

RVD did this a few years back also. I was under the impression it was an optional thing.