8 Ups & 6 Downs From WWE Hall Of Fame 2020 & 2021

2. RVD Speaks From The Heart

Rob Van Dam
WWE.com

Given his recent shagger run in IMPACT Wrestling and fondness for a certain medicinal herb, one may have expected a light-hearted, jovial speech from Rob Van Dam as he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

This wasn't the case. Instead, RVD was down to earth and grounded. Refusing to incorporate a single gimmick until he popped his catchphrase and thumb pose right at the end, Van Dam came off extremely well here, talking about the mutual exchange of positive energy between himself and his audience.

The crux of RVD's speech was a story surrounding the death of his father. He had an autograph session pencilled in less than 24 hours later and though he thought about cancelling, he didn't, opting instead to tap into the love he felt at the event. This helped him get through a tragic situation - and build the foundation for the rest of his career.

Rob Van Dam is a good, good dude, was the overwhelming feeling coming away from this.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.