John
03-09-2010, 05:57 PM
On his official twitter, WWE World champion Chris Jericho wrote, "The beat down of RVD 20 seconds into his debut in TNA was mind boggling. I dont understand how so many talented people can be so clueless."
****
Based on response we received to how RVD was used last night, I think it's safe to say Jericho was speaking for a lot of fans last night. I am sure TNA management will see it from the point of view that RVD surprised everyone and pinned Sting, but it was a win that was completely forgotten immediately. Think about this: RVD was then beaten down for a long, LONG time and even worse, once Hulk Hogan showed up, all the focus was on Hogan with Van Dam never being shown or mentioned again...and he took a far worse beating than Hulk, who everyone was concerned about.
I can totally see why RVD fans, who have been waiting for him to return to a national stage, were ripping their hair out last night. Van Dam went from being the hottest "free agent" to being a plot device in Hogan vs. Sting in one appearance. Compare that to how RVD was booked in his WWE debut (major angle to set up his role in the Invasion storyline) or even his ECW debut (win to introduce him to the company) and you can see why fans are unhappy.
It's certainly possible TNA will book RVD to be stronger going forth (and I certainly hope so, because he's a hell of an asset to any roster and if they aren't going to use RVD as a major player, why even sign him?) but it wasn't a good first impression in my opinion and in the opinion of a lot of readers.
****
Based on response we received to how RVD was used last night, I think it's safe to say Jericho was speaking for a lot of fans last night. I am sure TNA management will see it from the point of view that RVD surprised everyone and pinned Sting, but it was a win that was completely forgotten immediately. Think about this: RVD was then beaten down for a long, LONG time and even worse, once Hulk Hogan showed up, all the focus was on Hogan with Van Dam never being shown or mentioned again...and he took a far worse beating than Hulk, who everyone was concerned about.
I can totally see why RVD fans, who have been waiting for him to return to a national stage, were ripping their hair out last night. Van Dam went from being the hottest "free agent" to being a plot device in Hogan vs. Sting in one appearance. Compare that to how RVD was booked in his WWE debut (major angle to set up his role in the Invasion storyline) or even his ECW debut (win to introduce him to the company) and you can see why fans are unhappy.
It's certainly possible TNA will book RVD to be stronger going forth (and I certainly hope so, because he's a hell of an asset to any roster and if they aren't going to use RVD as a major player, why even sign him?) but it wasn't a good first impression in my opinion and in the opinion of a lot of readers.