Rob Van Dam on retirement and succeeding in WWE ‘in spite of’ Triple H

At the intersection of a couple topics which have come up a lot lately - veterans returning to WWE, and how/if the company’s Creative & Talent Relations efforts crush wrestler’s spirits - comes some sound from a recent Rob Van Dam Q & A in the United Kingdom.

The latest Buzzards Wrestling Podcast features highlights of RVD’s session with RAW Events UK.

Van Dam says he has not been contacted by WWE about returning for the brand split shows, but that may be because they contacted him last Fall to work TLC with the Dudleyz (a spot which eventually went to Tommy Dreamer, who claims to have passed on another comeback himself) and the two sides couldn’t agree on a figure.

That could also be because, as this discussion of retirement shows, RVD isn’t exactly working for the love of the business at this point - and maybe hasn’t ever been one of those guys Ryback would say WWE takes advantage of:

I’m not looking to do much more in wrestling, but at the same time, I don’t really see a big advantage in retiring.

Don’t know, really, if you are gonna see the end of my wrestling career real soon. I know, physically, I still feel as good as I have in like the last 20 years. But, honestly, everyone else in the dressing room wants it more than me. They do, and that’s an issue. Because they’re all 22 and they’re all so excited to be there - and I can’t wait to get out of there and get some dinner afterwards. It’s been like that for a long, long time.

In answering a question about going into the company’s Hall of Fame, the ECW legend isn’t sure, but he has his doubts. And they’re rooted in thinking one of WWE’s head guys isn’t a big fan of his:

The fans say, “when are we gonna see you in the Hall of Fame?”

First off, it’s not up to me. I mean, I have no inside information. Second off, Hunter - Triple H - is the boss of WWE, and I really can’t tell you if that’s in his vision. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s not. I don’t think he’s ever seen me as someone he thought should be pushed forward. I think every achievement I got was in spite of him and people that think like him. And like I said, I’m an exception. I’m not the traditional, stereotype that they’re looking for. I get that. I get that.

These are quotes that some are gonna take issue with, but you can’t blame him for not being honest.

Do you see RVD as a Hall of Famer, or coming back to WWE in any capacity ever? Did the company support him? Or were they right not to given his approach?

Sound off, Cagesiders.