#2. ROB VAN WHO?
I was never a huge fan of Rob Van Dam, the gimmick. I'm a HUGE fan of Rob Van Dam, the person (and yes, I call him Rob or RVD when I talk to him in person). I do understand, however, that I'm in the minority. He has a ton of supporters and a cult-like following.
Ironically, that popularity stems from his ECW days and Paul Heyman's influence.
What's bothering me right now is TNA's decision to throw RVD into the title picture, knowing very well they have no long-term plans for him in that position. And I ask myself why. Remember when he won the World Heavyweight Title from AJ styles a couple of years ago? Fans accepted it.
Then, they had him vacate the title after suffering "severe injuries" due to an attack by Abyss and Fortune. Dirtsheet reports claimed Rob was running out of dates on his contract. Maybe, but he wasn't off television that long.
A year and a half later, his upcoming match with Bobby Roode is his fourth or fifth title shot since being forced to relinquish it. Still, TNA likely has no desire to put RVD back in that top spot.
RVD was never my favorite and he's not the most believable on the mic, but he's OVER. And until TNA can find ways to create legitimate superstars on their own, they need to take better care of the stars they do have.
Even if those stars were created by Paul Heyman.
