Rob Van Dam (RVD), WWE Hall of Famer, has recently sparked a firestorm of controversy among wrestling fans after publicly weighing in on two contentious issues involving Raja Jackson and Matt Riddle. RVD showed support for Jackson following his violent attack on independent wrestler Syko Stu, and defended former WWE star Matt Riddle amid severe backlash over Riddle’s failure to appear at a UK charity wrestling event and his inflammatory comments on social issues. Meanwhile, Natalya has expressed optimism about AJ Lee’s anticipated return to WWE, reassuring fans of Lee’s readiness to perform.

RVD’s Support for Raja Jackson Sparks Fan Outrage

The controversy began after Raja Jackson, son of a former UFC fighter, violently attacked Syko Stu at a KnokX Pro wrestling event in the UK, leaving Stu unconscious and hospitalized. In the aftermath, RVD tweeted, “So far, I got Raja’s back,” which many fans interpreted as siding with the aggressor. This sparked a wave of backlash, claiming RVD was condoning the violent act[2][3][5].

Clarifying his stance on his podcast “1 Of A Kind With RVD,” RVD emphasized that he wasn’t picking sides. He stated, “Best wishes to f***ing Syko Stu Smith. Hopefully, he will regain his health and do it quickly. He definitely didn’t deserve what happened.” RVD explained that his “got Raja’s back” comment reflected understanding the circumstances that led to the incident rather than excusing Raja’s actions. He pointed out that Raja, as an MMA fighter, “shouldn’t have been part of this at all” and highlighted the complexity behind the incident[3][4][5].

An insider familiar with WWE backstage sentiment shared, “RVD’s comment was misunderstood by many fans. He was trying to allude to more nuanced issues around Raja’s involvement, but the phrasing backfired in the public eye” (sources close to WWE).

Defending Matt Riddle Amid Charitable Event Controversy

RVD further fueled controversy by publicly defending Matt Riddle after the former WWE star no-showed a charity wrestling event in Barnsley, England, which aimed to raise funds for domestic abuse survivors and homeless veterans. Riddle’s absence led to harsh criticism, exacerbated by his subsequent offensive video rants attacking those who called him out, including dismissive remarks about the Me Too movement. His statements prompted SiouxperCon to cancel his upcoming appearances, citing his “public statements regarding the topics of SA and DV” (sexual assault and domestic violence)[1].

Showing allegiance to the embattled wrestler, RVD tweeted, “So far, I got Matt Riddle’s back,” signaling continued support despite Riddle’s declining public image. This move also attracted significant trolling, especially when RVD conducted a fan poll about tuning into an upcoming livestream featuring Spike Dudley. Nearly three-quarters of respondents expressed anger and disapproval towards RVD, with many replying with profanity and criticism[2].

Fightful reports that “RVD’s support for Riddle has divided the wrestling community, with many questioning RVD’s judgment given Riddle’s recent controversies” (Fightful Wrestling).

Natalya Confident About AJ Lee’s Return

Amid the turbulence surrounding RVD, another notable WWE personality has offered a more hopeful note. Natalya recently spoke on the “Busted Open Radio” podcast about AJ Lee’s possible return to WWE, which is expected soon, potentially at WrestlePalooza. While Lee’s comeback has not been officially confirmed, speculation continues to grow.

Natalya expressed no concerns regarding AJ Lee’s ability to perform at the highest level upon her return. “AJ will be just fine. She’s a fantastic wrestler and has the heart and talent to make a strong return,” Natalya said during the interview, encouraging fans to stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting chapter[2].

Sources close to the WWE locker room confirm that conversations about AJ Lee joining upcoming events are ongoing behind the scenes, with many excited about the prospect of her fresh impact on the women’s division.

What This Means for WWE Fans

The recent incidents involving RVD’s public commentary highlight the ongoing challenges WWE personalities face when engaging with controversial topics, especially on social media. Fans have demonstrated that they hold wrestlers accountable not just for their actions in the ring but their statements outside of it. Meanwhile, the anticipation around AJ Lee’s return provides a glimmer of positivity for WWE’s programming landscape.

According to WWE.com, the company continues to focus on talent inclusivity and maintaining positive community engagement, which could influence how stars approach sensitive subjects in the future.

Summary

• WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam faced heavy criticism for supporting Raja Jackson after a violent attack on Syko Stu and for defending controversial former WWE star Matt Riddle following a no-show at a charity event[2][3][4][1].
• RVD clarified on his podcast that while he wishes Syko Stu a speedy recovery, his support for Raja was nuanced, focusing on understanding rather than condoning the violence[3][5].
• Matt Riddle’s hostile social media responses to criticism, including dismissive remarks about the Me Too movement, led to convention cancellations and widespread backlash[1].
• Natalya expressed confidence in AJ Lee’s ability to perform if she returns to WWE, highlighting Lee’s talent and readiness[2].
• Backstage sources note that WWE is attentive to how talent handles public controversies amid ongoing efforts to uphold its corporate values.

This situation remains fluid as RVD continues to participate in online discussions and AJ Lee’s potential return generates excitement among fans. Stay tuned for updates on these evolving stories.