WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam, in an exclusive Games Hub interview, placed WWE ahead of AEW and TNA based on online conversations and perceived audience interest. He expressed concern that expanding retirement tours, like John Cena's in 2025, might diminish their significance within the industry. Van Dam also reflected on his early video game experiences and TNA's steady operation amid partnerships with WWE.
Early Gaming Memories and Modern WWE Immersion
Van Dam recalled playing Atari 2600 extensively as a child, collecting games and mastering arcade titles like Mania Challenge alongside friends at bowling alleys. Systems evolved rapidly from Pong on Panasonic to ColecoVision, Sega, and PlayStation, though he stepped away during adulthood. Seeing his likeness and signature moves, such as the 360 dropkick, in the WWE 2K series impresses him, highlighting advances in graphics that capture performers' styles faithfully.
Peak Audience Energy at ECW's WWE Return
Van Dam described the 2006 One Night Stand event as the most vibrant audience response of his career, with the venue's design trapping sound for an immersive "pool of hardcore energy." This ECW showcase on WWE's platform made him feel invincible, riding collective enthusiasm like a wave. The moment revived his preferred ECW style for a broader audience, amplifying its cultural impact.
TNA's Consistency and New WWE Alliance
Twice employed by TNA—in 2010-2012 and briefly in 2020—Van Dam observed stable attendance of 900 to 1100 in the US, contrasting larger UK draws akin to WWE. Despite rumors of closure during the Hulk Hogan era, the company maintained operations without chasing explosive growth. Its 2025 WWE collaboration elevates credibility, signaling industry acknowledgment that bolsters TNA's legitimacy and potential expansion.
Debating Promotion Hierarchies and Hidden Gems
Responding to Chris Jericho's claim of TNA as wrestling's second-largest entity, Van Dam cited greater online chatter around AEW over TNA, which he views as reliably steady yet overshadowed. Vocal internet communities amplify perceptions, potentially skewing views from quieter majorities. He nominated JCW, founded by Insane Clown Posse's Violent J, as globally underrated, citing its packed tours, original characters, and recent buzz from Vince Russo's involvement.
