RVD: Why Wrestling Retirements Don’t Matter – The ECW Legend’s Fresh Take

One Big Thing

Rob Van Dam believes wrestling retirements are meaningless, citing the frequent comebacks that follow retirement announcements. The WWE Hall of Famer shared his perspective on his “1 of a Kind” podcast, offering a practical view on career longevity in professional wrestling.

Why It Matters

RVD’s stance challenges the traditional wrestling retirement match concept, highlighting a growing trend of wrestlers extending their careers through selective bookings rather than definitive endings.

Key Points

• RVD doesn’t plan to announce retirement, preferring to naturally reduce his schedule
• He criticizes the pattern of wrestlers returning after retirement announcements
• His last match was in April 2024
• He focuses on maintaining his market value rather than frequent bookings

Direct Quote

“I don’t think I am retired, and I don’t think I will retire… Because when wrestlers retire, they often end up coming back anyway, saying, ‘No, I want one more match.’ They are meaningless.”

By the Numbers

• RVD’s career spans over 30 years
• He’s performed in major promotions: WWE, ECW, AEW
• Inducted into WWE Hall of Fame in 2021

Business Strategy

RVD emphasizes value preservation over frequent bookings:

• Maintains higher booking rates
• Accepts fewer matches
• Avoids the common pattern of reducing rates as career progresses

The Bottom Line

RVD’s approach represents a shift in how veterans manage their wrestling careers, prioritizing longevity and value over traditional retirement narratives.

Go Deeper

What’s your take on wrestling retirements? Should the industry move away from retirement matches and focus more on gradual career transitions? Share your thoughts in the comments below.