WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam has weighed in on the conversation surrounding the age of performers in professional wrestling. The topic often surfaces when veteran wrestlers return for high-profile matches, and RVD took the opportunity to share his unique perspective on the subjective nature of being considered “old” in the demanding industry.
The discussion was prompted by the criticism sometimes directed at performers like Goldberg, whose recent returns to the ring have been met with debate among some WWE fans about his age and position on the card. This recurring fan discourse often questions whether older athletes should be featured in main events, creating a divide in the audience. RVD offered a defense for his fellow veterans and a look into his own mindset.
Speaking on his 1 Of A Kind podcast, Rob Van Dam challenged the very definition of “old.” “It sounds like he, I think he said it well. People, it’s subjective. It really is. Like this should be just a line, okay, if you’re whatever, I don’t know, 50 and under, no, if you’re under 50, then you’re whatever, not old, is almost old. 50 and over, you’re old. And then it’d be like, doesn’t matter if you’re Billy Gunn and you give me the s–t out of someone, it’s like, okay, I’m old, because that’s how I say it.”
RVD pointed to current AEW star Billy Gunn as a prime example of his point. At over 60 years old, Gunn has had a career renaissance in AEW as a member of The Acclaimed, holding the AEW World Trios Championship and remaining a popular, top-level television performer who is widely praised for his physical condition.
The former WWE Champion elaborated on his personal feelings about his own age and why he finds it strange when younger people use it as an insult. “It’s weird that it’s subjective, because people look at me just like, you’re only as old as you feel. And I just like, is that a question? When it’s a weird subject, I think people act weird around it, the way they dance around it, because if you’re in your 20s, then you probably consider me old,” RVD stated.
He continued, explaining that he values the experience and wisdom that comes with his 54 years and would not want to go back to being a younger man. “It’s weird to me that they think they’re one up, like I’m sub choice because of my age. I would never want to be 23 instead of, or 24 instead of 54. I mean, I would never trade back. And maybe I’m rare in that, a lot of people probably would, but because of that, it’s just funny if people try to use that insulting, and be like, dude, man, come on.”
Recently on his podcast, Rob Van Dam and his wife, fellow wrestler Katie Forbes, announced that they are expecting their first child. The news marks a significant new chapter in the life of the WWE Hall of Famer, who continues to make sporadic appearances for promotions like AEW while managing his podcast and other ventures.
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.
