Rob Van Dam (born Robert Szatkowski) is a professional wrestler performing for World Wrestling Entertainment on the SmackDown! brand.
Profile
- Height: 6' 0"
- Weight: 237lbs
- Birthday: December 18, 1970
- Hometown: Battle Creek, Michigan
- Trained By: The Original Sheik
- Professional Debut: 1990
- Previous Identities:Robbie V (WCW jobber), Mr. Monday Night, Mr. Pay Per View, The Whole F'n Show
- Previous Manager(s): Bill Alfonso
- Quotes: "I'm R-V-D!"
- Signature Illegal Weapon(s): Steel Folding Chair
- Film(s): Superfights, Superfights 2, Black Mask II, X-Files, Bloodmoon, Black Mask 2: City Of Masks
Signature/finishing moves
Wrestling career
He debuted in 1990 after being trained by the Original Sheik (Ed Farhat) and wrestled in many independent promotions across Michigan. He signed with World Championship Wrestling in 1992 and was dubbed "Robbie V" upon his arrival. His WCW run was uneventful and he left in 1994.
He wrestled in several independent promotions across America and was a frequent gaijin for All Japan Pro Wrestling before signing with Extreme Championship Wrestling in 1996.
He gained considerable success in ECW including a record 23-month reign as ECW World Television Champion , before having to vacate the title due to a broken leg. He was the most popular wrestler to ever grace an ECW ring.
He stayed with ECW until its demise in 2001. A couple of moths later, he signed with the WWF and was an immediate hit with the fans. Despite being very popular with WWE fans, Van Dam has yet to cement his legend. He is considered small compared to most in WWE talent.
While in WWE he has captured the Hardcore, Intercontinental and Tag Team Championships.
On March 21, 2004 Rob Van Dam was traded from RAW to SmackDown!. He made his SmackDown! debut on March 24th, 2004, defeating Charlie Haas.
On January 27, 2005 Rob Van Dam underwent reconstructive knee surgery under Dr. James Andrews in Alabama to repair a torn ACL he suffered earlier in the month.
Out of wrestling
He has also appeared in several films and television shows in the past few years, and currently owns a comics shop in Orange County, California.
He is also the inventor of the "Van Dam Lift" for weight lifting. This involves doing a split between two benches and lifting a dumbell from the floor to the waist.
Championships/accomplishments
World Wrestling Entertainment
Extreme Championship Wrestling
- 1-time ECW World Television Champion
- 2-time ECW World Tag Team Champion
Misc.
- 1-time SAPW Tag Team Champion
- 1-time NWC Tag Team Champion
- 1-time ASW North American Heavyweight Champion
- 1-time PSW Cordele City Heavyweight Champion
- 1-time IWF Television Champion
External links
