Rob Van Dam Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / September 8, 2024
Rob Van Dam Then
Rob Van Dam, born Robert Alexander Szatkowski on December 18, 1970, in Battle Creek, Michigan, is a renowned professional wrestler known for his distinctive style and charisma.
Growing up in Battle Creek, Szatkowski attended Pennfield Senior High School, where his journey into the world of wrestling began.
His initial foray into the limelight occurred in 1987 when he made a memorable appearance on WWF television.
At just 16 years old, Szatkowski was featured in a skit with “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase.
In this segment, DiBiase, known for his lavish and condescending persona, selected Szatkowski from the audience and offered him $100 to perform a humiliating act—kissing DiBiase’s foot.
Szatkowski complied, and this early interaction with the wrestling world was later highlighted in WWE’s “Before They Were Superstars” DVD and in “Rob Van Dam: One of a Kind,” showcasing the beginnings of his connection with professional wrestling.
In addition to this early television appearance, Szatkowski, later known as Rob Van Dam, was also present at WrestleMania III, a landmark event in WWE history.
His attendance at this grand event was noted in “The Hulk Hogan: The Ultimate Anthology” DVD, further cementing his early ties to the world of professional wrestling.
These early experiences laid the groundwork for what would become a storied career in wrestling, where Rob Van Dam would go on to become a celebrated and influential figure in the industry.
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Rob Van Dam Wrestling Career
Rob Van Dam, began his professional wrestling career in 1990, marking his debut with a victory over Dango Nguyen.
Initially wrestling in various independent promotions throughout Michigan, including the United States Wrestling Association (USWA) and South Atlantic Pro Wrestling (SAPW), he quickly made a name for himself.
In SAPW, he secured his first championship by winning the SAPW Tag Team Championship in July 1992 alongside Chaz Rocco.
Van Dam also made appearances in All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), where he competed for the World Junior Heavyweight Championship on several occasions.
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In 1992, Van Dam signed with World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he was rebranded as “Robbie V” by booker Ron Slinker, due to Bill Watts’ disapproval of his original ring name.
His WCW debut came on January 23, 1993, on “WCW Saturday Night,” where he defeated enhancement talent Pat Rose.
Robbie V participated in a tournament for the vacant WCW World Television Championship but was eliminated in the second round.
His stint with WCW was short-lived; he left in May 1993 after feeling overshadowed by new booker Ole Anderson.
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From 1993 to 1997, Van Dam toured Japan with All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), solidifying his reputation internationally.
In early 1996, he joined Paul Heyman’s Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), where his unique, laid-back persona and stoner-like mannerisms quickly won over fans.
Van Dam’s debut match at House Party was a victory over Axl Rotten, and he soon captured the ECW World Television Championship by defeating Bam Bam Bigelow on April 4, 1998.
Van Dam held the title throughout 1998 and into 1999, successfully defending it against notable wrestlers like Spike Dudley and Jerry Lynn.
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After ECW’s closure, Van Dam joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 2001, initially appearing as a heel alongside Tommy Dreamer.
He later turned face but faced challenges such as losing the Hardcore Championship to The Undertaker and engaging in a rivalry with William Regal over the Intercontinental Championship.
Van Dam’s involvement in high-profile storylines included competing in the World Heavyweight Championship scene and forming a tag team with Kane in October 2002.
In 2003, Van Dam’s feuds with Christian and Chris Jericho over the Intercontinental Championship highlighted his versatility and continued popularity.
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His return to ECW came in 2006 when he was awarded the ECW World Heavyweight Championship and became the first wrestler to hold both the WWE Championship and the ECW World Heavyweight Championship simultaneously, a feat that made him the 15th WWE Triple Crown Champion.
Rob Van Dam continued to make an impact in various wrestling promotions over the years.
In December 2007, he defeated Booker T at Pro Wrestling Alliance’s Christmas Chaos.
His TNA debut came in March 2010, where he defeated Sting, and he returned to WWE in June 2013 for the Money in the Bank ladder match.
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Van Dam’s career also saw him appearing in independent circuits, such as facing Pentagón Jr. at PCW Ultra in 2016 and participating in ICW’s Fear & Loathing X in 2017.
In recent years, Van Dam made notable appearances with Impact Wrestling in 2019 and returned to WWE for special events, including the Raw Reunion episode in July 2019.
His legacy in wrestling continues as he remains a respected figure in the industry, with his recent involvement in WWE’s draft picks announcements in 2023.
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Rob Van Dam Wrestling Competition
- Independent Promotions (1990-1992)
- United States Wrestling Association (USWA)
- South Atlantic Pro Wrestling (SAPW)
- All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) (1993-1997)
- World Championship Wrestling (WCW) (1992-1993)
- Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) (1996-2001)
- World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (WWF/E) (2001-2004, 2006-2007, 2013, 2019)
- Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) / Impact Wrestling (2010-2013, 2019)
- Pro Wrestling Alliance (PWA) (2007)
- Insane Championship Wrestling (ICW) (2017)
- PCW Ultra (2016)
- 5 Star Wrestling (2017)
Rob Van Dam’s Wife
Rob Van Dam, born Robert Alexander Szatkowski, is of Belgian and Polish heritage, reflecting a diverse background that contributes to his unique persona in the wrestling world.
His personal life has also seen notable developments. Szatkowski married Sonia Delbeck on September 6, 1998.
However, their relationship faced challenges, and the couple separated in December 2015. In July 2016, Delbeck filed for divorce, which was eventually finalized in May 2018.
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Following his separation from Delbeck, Szatkowski began a relationship with fellow professional wrestler Katie Forbes in 2016.
Their relationship blossomed over the years, and in 2021, they tied the knot, marking a new chapter in Szatkowski’s personal life.
His relationship with Forbes has been notable not only for its impact on his personal life but also for its public visibility within the wrestling community.
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Rob Van Dam Now
As of 2024, Rob Van Dam, currently 53 years old, continues to make significant contributions to the world of professional wrestling.
Known for his extensive tenures in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), Van Dam has solidified his legacy as one of the industry’s most dynamic and enduring performers.
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His mainstream popularity surged during the late 1990s with ECW, where he became a standout star known for his high-flying, innovative style.
In August 2023, Van Dam made a notable debut in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), appearing on “AEW Dynamite” to challenge FTW Champion Jack Perry on behalf of his longtime rival Jerry Lynn.
Despite a high-profile introduction, Van Dam’s initial challenge for the FTW Championship ended in defeat.
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He continued to make several appearances, teaming up with Hook and engaging in various storylines.
Van Dam returned to AEW on January 31, 2024, in a hardcore match against Swerve Strickland.
Although he lost this match, it sparked some debate among fans regarding his ability to compete at a high level given his age.
Van Dam responded to these criticisms with determination, reaffirming his capability and resilience in the ring.
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On February 21, 2024, Van Dam teamed with Hook and “Hangman” Adam Page in a match against AEW World Champion Samoa Joe and Mogul Embassy members Swerve Strickland and Brian Cage.
The team faced defeat, but Van Dam’s involvement continued to highlight his active role in AEW.
A significant milestone in Van Dam’s recent career came on April 20, 2024, during the “AEW Rampage” episode.
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He achieved his first singles victory in AEW by winning a “High Flying 4/20” four-way elimination match against Isiah Kassidy, Komander, and Lee Johnson.
This victory showcased Van Dam’s enduring prowess and his ability to compete at a high level, even in his early 50s.
Rob Van Dam’s Net Worth
Rob Van Dam, an American professional wrestler known for his successful careers in ECW, WWE, and TNA, has accumulated a net worth of $5 million dollars, reflecting his significant impact and enduring popularity in the wrestling world.
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FAQs
No, Rob Van Dam is not related to Jean-Claude Van Damme. Despite the similar names, they are not connected by family.
Rob Van Dam’s ring name was derived from his real name, Robert Alexander Szatkowski. The “Van Dam” portion was suggested by fellow wrestlers and promoters, reflecting a more dramatic persona.
Rob Van Dam’s ex-wife is Sonia Delbeck. They married in 1998 and divorced in 2018.
As of 2024, Rob Van Dam is wrestling in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he has made several appearances and participated in various matches.
Rob Van Dam’s current wife is fellow professional wrestler Katie Forbes. They married in 2021.
Rob Van Dam made his return to WWE on June 30, 2013, at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view event.