There is a simple question driving this one…but is an extreme icon retiring?
And, yes, the notion of an extreme icon is somewhat vague.
But, keep in mind the icons that dominated Paul Heyman‘s Extreme Championship Wrestling have been in the business for quite a while.
For perspective, I spent my high school and college years driving to the then-ECW Arena at the corner of Swanson and Ritner.
I graduated high school in 1995.
At that time, guys like The Sandman, Sabu, Shane Douglas, Terry Funk and this other Extreme icon regularly put on great performances in that old bingo hall.
And yes, some of those men are still involved with wrestling, some even still active in the ring.
But now…
Is An Extreme Icon Retiring?
OK, enough hemming and hawing. The man in question is none other than Rob Van Dam.
The former ECW and WWE Champion (at the same time!) was perhaps ahead of his time.
Amazing to watch in his prime, could you imagine his prime happening now? Back in the late 90’s and early 2000’s, certain promoters still favored a look…one that RVD did not have.
What he did have, however, was amazing athletic talent and a willingness to do some insane moves.
And, while the former Mr. Monday Night isn’t nearly as active as he once was…he is still climbing into the ring every once and a while.
However, he did recently sit down to discuss his career and whether it is finally coming to an end.
While some extreme icons, like Terry Funk, have had more retirement matches than other talents have had…matches…RVD has something in mind.
That is, while things wind down, and maybe he isn’t working as often…he still enjoys it. So he may never officially be retired…just not as busy.
What was not discussed was if he could see himself showing up for some fun in AEW.
After all, his former partner and sometime nemesis, Sabu, just did have a cup of coffee for Tony Khan.
It wouldn’t be a shock if RVD became All Elite…and in his case, I wouldn’t fear for his health and safety in a match.
