Rob Van Dam made his in-ring debut during the August 9 episode of AEW Dynamite, but he failed to pick up the win.
The WWE Hall of Famer challenged FTW Champion Jack Perry for the title on Wednesday night. The match marked RVD’s first time competing in an AEW ring. In a chaotic bout that called back to ECW, as Van Dam showcased his signature offense.
However, Perry picked up the tainted win. After he accidentally knocked out the referee with a chair, Van Dam hit the champion with the Five-Star Frog Splash. Aubrey Edwards ran down to count the pin, but Perry kicked out. The champion then hit RVD below the belt, slammed him into a chair, and rolled him up, using the tights for extra leverage to clinch the win.
Van Dam first appeared on AEW TV on the August 2 episode of Dynamite. Jack Perry was set to have a confrontation with former ECW star Jerry Lynn, who is now a coach with AEW. Lynn brought out Van Dam instead, and the fan-favorite challenged Perry to a match for the title.
The veteran has remained somewhat active in the wrestling world since he left IMPACT Wrestling in 2020. Van Dam is a former WWE Champion and a former TNA World Heavyweight Champion, among other accolades. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2021.
Catch up on our coverage of the August 9 episode of AEW Dynamite here.
