On his “1 of a Kind” podcast, Rob Van Dam predicted that WWE Raw’s upcoming move to Netflix, and the likely reduction in language censorship, will lead to the normalization of swearing in mainstream wrestling, forcing some fans to adapt.
RVD, often considered “extreme” partly for his use of adult language, argued against censoring words over intent. “Shouldn’t it be the intention that you would want to control, if anything, not the words?” he asked, noting words have different meanings across languages. “…If I say ‘I’m gonna smack the crap out of you’… that should come across more offensively than if I say, ‘Man Dom I really F’ing enjoy your company’…”*
He acknowledged his reputation: “I know that a lot of people think that one of my lesser qualities is vulgarity… I get that. But it’s real world talk to me. I don’t have much of a filter…”
He then connected this to Raw’s move: “But now that Raw is on Netflix, they’re able to swear… Now they’re going to learn all the other wrestlers swear too because I’m seeing it. They’re allowed to say that on Netflix. And guess what? That’s going to normalize it.”
His message to easily offended fans was blunt: “So I just want to point that out. Kids and people that choose to be offended by adult language, they’re going to have to get used to it being normalized… as the thought of having censored language diminishes, And that’s the way that it should be… when you’re watching Netflix, the guy that you thought might be your favorite because he’s so clean cut… Cody Rhodes… Jey Uso, whoever you might hear them say shit or f* or dam, and I’m just warning you… Is that going to crack some people?… Tough enough, Buttercup, that’s it.”**
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit 1 of a Kind with Rob Van Dam with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
