WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam (RVD) has recently sparked considerable controversy by publicly defending two polarizing figures in the wrestling world: Raja Jackson and Matt Riddle. His comments have divided fans on social media and led to a significant trolling incident on a poll he launched. Meanwhile, WWE star Natalya has weighed in on reports about AJ Lee potentially returning to the ring, expressing optimism about Lee’s readiness and performance.

RVD Supports Raja Jackson Despite Violent Incident

RVD first ignited debate after publicly reacting to the altercation involving Raja Jackson and independent wrestler Syko Stu. At a KnokX Pro event, Jackson—son of former UFC fighter Quinton “Rampage” Jackson—jumped into the ring and aggressively attacked Stu, leaving him hospitalized. RVD’s initial tweet stating, “So far, I got Raja’s back,” quickly drew ire from many fans and wrestlers alike who viewed it as taking Jackson’s side in a violent attack.

However, on his podcast “1 Of A Kind With RVD,” he clarified his position, emphasizing that he was not condoning the attack or victimizing Jackson. RVD explained he sympathized with the circumstances leading up to the incident rather than endorsing the violence itself. He also stressed the need to respect the hospitalized wrestler and wished Syko Stu a fast recovery. RVD acknowledged that Jackson, primarily an MMA fighter and not a professional wrestler, should not have been involved in that wrestling match, agreeing with opinions from established talents like Mark Henry.[3][4][5]

Defending Matt Riddle Amid Charity No-Show Controversy

RVD’s support of Raja Jackson followed his defense of Matt Riddle, who has been embroiled in his own controversy. Riddle was scheduled to appear at the Global Wrestling Kingdom (GWK) charity event in the UK to raise funds for survivors of domestic abuse and homeless veterans but failed to show up. His absence prompted backlash and accusations of ripping off the charitable cause.

The former WWE star then uploaded a heated video rant responding to these accusations, disparaging fans, and attacking the Me Too movement, which led to cancellations of his bookings such as the SiouxperCon appearance. Despite this, RVD voiced his support on Twitter simply stating, “So far, I got Matt Riddle’s back,” which intensified fan criticism directed at him.[1][2]

Poll Backfires: Fans Troll RVD on Raja Jackson/Matt Riddle Support

Attempting to engage fans positively, RVD recently conducted a Twitter poll asking who would tune into an upcoming livestream featuring Spike Dudley. Contrary to expectations, the poll became a platform for fans to express their frustration at RVD’s controversial stances. Approximately 71% of voters responded with explicit negative messages to RVD’s support of Jackson and Riddle, while only 28.9% showed continued support for him. The trolling demonstrated the high level of dissatisfaction among wrestling fans over RVD’s recent endorsements.[2]

Natalya Optimistic About AJ Lee’s Return

Meanwhile, WWE veteran Natalya offered an encouraging update regarding AJ Lee, who has long been rumored to make a comeback to WWE, possibly at the upcoming WrestlePalooza event. Speaking on the “Busted Open Radio” podcast, Natalya emphasized that she has no concerns about Lee’s ability to perform in the ring after her hiatus. Natalya’s confident remarks suggest that if AJ Lee does return, fans can expect her to be physically and mentally prepared to entertain at the highest level.[2]

Behind the Scenes: Industry Responses to RVD’s Support

Sources close to WWE and independent wrestling insiders reveal that RVD’s support of controversial figures is seen as divisive backstage. While some veterans admire his candidness and willingness to speak out, others believe aligning with figures like Jackson and Riddle at critical moments harms the industry’s reputation and risks alienating fans. A WWE insider told Wrestling Headlines:

“RVD has always been outspoken, but this time, many see him crossing a line. Backing Raja after that brutal attack and standing by Riddle despite his comments isn’t sitting well in locker rooms or with fans.”

Experts also highlight that in today’s social media age, public figures in wrestling must navigate complex reputational risks carefully. RVD’s outspoken approach reflects his decades of experience but appears increasingly unpopular amid the evolving cultural climate within wrestling and society overall.

What’s Next for Rob Van Dam?

Despite the backlash, RVD continues to maintain an active presence online and via his podcast, using his platform to discuss current wrestling topics. Whether he will recalibrate his messaging or double down on controversial opinions remains to be seen. His upcoming livestream with Spike Dudley aims to engage wrestling fans in a more positive light, but the recent poll results suggest RVD may face an uphill battle regaining favor with some segments of the audience.

AJ Lee and WrestlePalooza Buzz

AJ Lee’s potential return adds an exciting storyline amid the recent turbulence surrounding RVD’s comments. If signed for WrestlePalooza, her comeback could be a major draw for WWE, especially with Natalya’s public vote of confidence in her abilities. Fans will be watching closely to see whether Lee appears and how she performs after several years away from the squared circle.

In summary, Rob Van Dam finds himself navigating a storm of fan criticism after defending Raja Jackson and Matt Riddle amid contentious incidents, reflecting the challenges wrestlers face when speaking out on divisive issues. Meanwhile, positive news from Natalya about AJ Lee’s potential WWE return offers a hopeful contrast for the wrestling world, signaling fresh excitement on the horizon.

This evolving situation exemplifies the complex interplay between wrestler personas, social media, and fan engagement in today’s wrestling industry.

Reported by Wrestling Headlines, with additional sourcing from WWE.com, Fightful, Wrestling News, and related podcasts.