RVD returns to the WWE

During the Payback pay-per-view, a video package aired to announce the return of former ECW, WWE, and TNA champion, Rob Van Dam at the Money in the bank PPV. The reaction was immediate, as the fans in attendance at the PPV started an "RVD" chant and many fans also posted on Twitter about the return, but will the WWE audience get the Rob Van Dam that was featured in the video package? It was reported that Van Dam will be working a limited schedule for a short term deal so it's possible Van Dam might make a few PPV appearances, rather than an actual run in the company.

On the surface, RVD's return could provide some interesting scenarios, but after his TNA run, you can't expect much in terms of match quality, at least until RVD proves otherwise with some good performances in a WWE ring. When Van Dam debuted in TNA, there were many possibilities for some great matches, but after three years wrestling in TNA, how many classic RVD matches were there? It seemed like Van Dam mailed it in during his TNA run, as one of the most innovative competitors of the past decade was reduced to a few signature spots each match with nothing memorable at the Impact Zone. Basically, RVD did the same thing a lot of former stars did when they signed with TNA, work an easy schedule and get a paycheck. You can't really blame him for not risking too much in TNA, considering that the way the company booked him was inconsistent and they actually minimized his value to the promotion when the major "dream match" with AJ Styles where Van Dam won the title was booked on free TV instead of a PPV.  Don't get me wrong, quality TV matches can get more viewers, but it just didn't make sense to book a "dream match" on an episode of Impact. Speaking of Van Dam's value to the company, the ratings didn't increase and he didn't really establish any of the younger talent, so was it worth the investment? Obviously, the ratings can't be placed directly on Van Dam, but the younger talent, specifically in the X Division could have become more established during matches with him and as was mentioned previously, there weren't too many great matches for RVD in TNA. On the other side, there's a performer such as Chris Jericho, who can take time off, return to the WWE, and make the younger talent look good in the ring. That's one of the reasons Jericho is such a great competitor and he remains relevant when he returns to the company because he can adapt to the current WWE product.

As far as Rob Van Dam returning to the WWE, it was announced on Raw that he would be a participant in the WWE Money in The Bank match, but I doubt RVD wins it at the PPV. I've said it before and I will say it again, Van Dam had a chance to be a main event wrestler in the WWE and he  made irresponsible choices after he won the WWE title so he can only blame himself for the abrupt conclusion to his main event run. That being said, it seems doubtful that the WWE would book him to win the title, especially with Wellness policy and the emphasis on the wrestlers safety, which is great because there will be less injuries. However there are some matches that have potential including, CM Punk, Dolph Ziggler, and even Ryback. It will be interesting to see what happens at the Money in The Bank PPV and also the feuds for RVD after he returns. Regardless of his lack luster run in TNA, RVD is one of the greatest athletes in the history of pro wrestling and hopefully he will have a good run in the WWE.

TNA signs Rampage Jackson

A few weeks ago, TNA president, Dixie Carter, tweeted that the company signed a free agent, which caused a lot of discussion among fans as to just who was the latest signing for the promotion. Former World Heavyweight champion, Dave Batista responded to the rumor on twitter, saying he was a "WWE guy" and he also mentioned he was filming a movie. There was also speculation that former WCW world champion, Bill Goldberg might have signed with TNA, but he said that he would not sign with the company, while taking a cheap shot at the promotion. Most fans thought the announcement would take place at the most recent pay-per-view, but it was actually last week that it was announced that mixed martial arts fighter and former UFC Light Heavyweight champion, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson signed by the company.

Along with the TNA deal, Jackson also signed a deal to fight for the Bellator promotion, which is similar to the deal Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal signed last year. Rampage made his TNA debut last week and according to online reports, made another appearance that was taped to air this week, but there's a few things to consider about the Rampage deal. Most importantly, is Rampage still relevant? Don't get me wrong, Rampage has notoriety from his time in the UFC, but his profile has declined in recent years, including some bizarre incidents outside of the octagon and a rather disappointing conclusion to his UFC career so will people still pay to see Rampage? In 2008, Rampage was involved in a hit and run incident and was arrested, but later the charges were dropped after he completed community service. The following year, Jackson posted on his website that he would "retire" after the conclusion of his UFC contract and he was scheduled to fight Rashad Evans in his hometown of Memphis, TN at UFC 107, but Rampage declined the fight to film a role in "The A-Team" movie. It was announced in 2010 that Jackson resigned a contact with the UFC, but he went 2-4 during his most recent run in the organization and he had some public disagreements with UFC president, Dana White in the media the past few years. The bottom line is, with any major signing by TNA, is will it generate revenue for the company?

The other major piece of the puzzle here, is will the 35 year old Jackson be able to successfully transition to pro wrestling? One of the major criticisms of Rampage during his MMA career is his lack of training for major fights so it seems doubtful that he will be motivated to train for both MMA and pro wrestling. Also, King Mo has reportedly only wrestled a match in Ohio Valley Wrestling and despite signing a TNA deal last year, hasn't actually wrestled in TNA so if Rampage trains to wrestle, will he actually have a match? Again, I will say that Rampage Jackson has a name and it's quite possible that he could draw for TNA, but considering his lack of training for MMA fights and his lackluster fight record recently, I don't think people will pay to see Rampage on TNA PPV and he probably won't have a major pro wrestling career. It will be interesting to see if Rampage actually wrestling a match and this will probably be another case of TNA paying a lot of money for a former star that won't draw for the company.