Rob Van Dam surprised everyone by appearing on the 200th episode of AEW Dynamite to confront Jack Perry for the FTW Championship on behalf of Jerry Lynn. It led to a match on the Aug. 9 episode of Dynamite, which Perry won.
However, it seems some fans took exception to Van Dam showing up at a non-WWE wrestling television show.
Taking on social media, the former ECW star commented on fan criticism, indicating that WWE gave him permission to appear on Dynamite.
Some fans are saying I did WWE wrong by appearing on AEW. I wonder if they would all eat s**t f I revealed that I had permission to do it? Or would they just move on to puke out the next meaningless bulls**t that comes out of their mouths?
Yeah, I figured. I’ll keep it to my self for now.
Some fans are saying I did WWE wrong by appearing on AEW. I wonder if they would all eat shit f I revealed that I had permission to do it? Or would they just move on to puke out the next meaningless bullshit that comes out of their mouths?
Yeah, I figured. I’ll keep it to my self…— Rob Van Dam (@TherealRVD) August 15, 2023
Earlier this year, Van Dam featured on WWE Draft programming, and WWE has been promoting him for WrestleMania events in Philadelphia. Especially if WWE permitted him to appear on Dynamite and wrestle Perry, it seems both sides have no issues, which should silence fan backlash.
WWE talent have long been appearing on other wrestling television shows, especially those who jumped to TNA during its heyday, Ring of Honor, or any other popular show. In fact, numerous WWE legends have popped up on AEW, including Bret Hart and William Regal, so Van Dam’s presence did not reinvent the wheel.
Look at all the ex-WWE stars who work full-time with AEW, too. Whether it’s CM Punk, FTR, Samoa Joe, Saraya, Miro or someone else, they dominate Dynamite or Collision.
If anything, at 52 years old, Van Dam impressively pulled off a vintage performance, proving he can still work a match in front of thousands of fans and put on a good show.