One big thing: Rob Van Dam is under a WWE Legends contract while still making appearances for AEW
WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam confirmed he’s signed to a WWE Legends deal during a recent interview on the Cheap Heat Productions Podcast.
• RVD has made sporadic appearances on AEW television since last year, including matches on Dynamite and Collision.
• He recently appeared on the September 13th episode of WWE SmackDown.
• Van Dam explained that his AEW appearances are based on per-appearance agreements.
Why it matters
This revelation sheds light on the flexibility some veteran wrestlers have in working with multiple promotions, even while under contract with WWE.
By the numbers
• RVD’s last AEW appearance was on April 20th, 2023.
• He has made several AEW appearances since August 2023.
What they’re saying
“The first time that I talked to Tony Khan about doing this (working with AEW), a factor was that I still have a WWE Legends deal,” Van Dam said. “So, my use to AEW would be limited as far as they can’t put me on video games, action figures, stuff like that.”
The big picture
WWE Legends contracts allow the company to use a wrestler’s likeness for merchandise and video games while often permitting the talent to make limited appearances elsewhere.
• Other recent WWE Legends deal signings include DDP, Victoria, and Armando Estrada.
• These deals provide financial stability for retired wrestlers while allowing WWE to maintain connections with popular legends.
The bottom line
RVD’s situation demonstrates the evolving landscape of professional wrestling, where talent can potentially work with multiple promotions while maintaining ties to WWE.
What do you think about RVD’s ability to work with both WWE and AEW? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
