10 Short-Lived WCW Runs You Totally Forgot About
2. Rob Van Dam
Period in WCW: 11 January 1993 to 6 June 1993
For those who suffered through the crushing disappointment of the Invasion, Rob Van Dam was a shining beacon of wrestling brilliance. Van Dam is the best of ECW personified, the melding of in-ring talent, a fearless nature, and an innovative mind for violence. Of the titular Invasion pay-per-view, Van Dam and Jeff Hardy’s Hardcore Championship match was the standout bout.
Van Dam made a stop at ECW’s Invasion ally in the early days of his career. Though he was signed to WCW in 1992, he wrestled his first match during an episode of Saturday Night on 23 January 1993. He was repackaged as Robbie V due to WCW head honcho Bill Watt’s dislike for the Rob Van Dam name.
Van Dam had eight televised matches with the company. The highlight was defeating Shanghai Pierce (a.k.a. Henry O. Godwinn) in the first round of the WCW World Television Title Tournament. He was knocked out by Vinnie Vegas (a.k.a. Kevin Nash) but received a shot at eventual champion Paul Orndorff in a losing effort on Saturday Night. He also teamed with Brad Armstrong taking the L to the duo of Flyin’ Brian Pillman and Stunning Steve Austin.