The 411 Wrestling Top 5 07.15.13: Week 227 – Top Desired RVD Opponents

Hello everyone and welcome to 411 Wrestling’s Top 5 List. We take a topic each week and all the writers here on 411 wrestling will have the ability to give us their Top 5 on said topic, plus up to three honorable mentions.

So, onto this week’s topic…

TOP 5 DESIRED RVD OPPONENTS

RVD made his return to the WWE at the MITB PPV, and the one thing that is for sure is that the landscape in WWE has changed since he was last a full time performer. The job of the writers, name the five desired opponents for RVD that they want to see with his WWE return.

Ryan Byers
5. Hunico – This is probably an odd pick to a lot of people, but hear me out. RVD is a high flyer, but I typically don’t like him in matches with other high flyers, mainly because Van Dam can occasionally be pretty clunky mechanically and, when you put him with a higher flyer with similar tendencies, the problems get compounded. (That’s why you won’t see a Kofi Kingston or a CM Punk on this list.) If you want a flyer vs. flyer match with RVD to be its best, you need a high flyer who also is very smooth in the ring and proficient technically, and that’s why I’ve selected Hunico. I think he’s one of the most underrated performers on the entire WWE roster, and he’s got the technical prowess to go along with his flashy spots that would make him an ideal opponent for Mr. Monday Night. It might not be the biggest “star power” match in the world, but, from a purely in-ring action standpoint, I’d put money on them being able to have a hell of a battle if given an appropriate amount of time.

4. Big E Langston – Some of my favorite RVD matches in WWE have been when he’s gone up against huge guys who are good bases for him to post off of with his flashy offense. (See, for example, the battles that he had with Brock Lesnar shortly after Brock’s debut.) That’s why I’d be interested to seeing what Rob can do with Big E Langston, who has shown a ton of potential for a big man wrestler with his relatively limited level of experience. It could be entertaining as hell to see Van Dam bounce off of this brick wall of a man, and Big E would likely be ready, willing, and able to test out all sorts of interesting power spots with the former ECW Champion. In fact, I’d much rather see this match than RVD against Big E’s pal Dolph Ziggler (which I have a feeling will be on some other writers’ lists) because the strengths of Dolph and Van Dam are almost too similar to produce a great match, whereas Langston and Van Dam are a far more complimentary pair.

3. Dean Ambrose – Everybody has raved about the ascension of the Shield, and the main reason that they’ve gotten over as well as they have as quickly as they have is that they have, right out of the gate, been portrayed as the equals of top wrestlers in WWE, particularly those with some substantial tenure. Ambrose and company have gone toe-to-toe with the Randy Ortons, John Cenas, Sheamuses, and Kanes of the world, and, even though they haven’t won every time out, they’ve always been competitive enough to be a threat, and the matches they’ve won have been booked to be far more memorable than the matches they’ve lost. Unfortunately, the Shield has almost run out of things to do with guys who can give them additional credibility. That’s where a Dean Ambrose versus Rob Van Dam feud could come into play. RVD is enough of a name that Ambrose wrestling and beating him would mean something for Ambrose, and it also wouldn’t come off as a “step down” for the US Champion like his recent feud with Christian has. I don’t know if the match would be as technically good as some of the others on this list, but it makes a ton of sense from a booking standpoint.

2. Alberto Del Rio – It’s not every match, and it’s not even something that gets picked up on all that much by the announce teams, but Alberto Del Rio (particularly as a heel) has had several matches in which his offense has largely been based around some really good looking kicks. I’d like to see ADR take on RVD in a “battle of the educated feet,” with Van Dam’s top rope Ryder kick going up against Del Rio’s top rope enzuigiri, the Van Daminator against Del Rio’s Shining Wizard variant, and so on down the line. Yes, RVD can fly, and, yes, Alberto can do some flying moves as well, but I’d almost prefer to see the two engage in a ground battle based around their strikes . . . so long as Van Dam doesn’t throw any punches. I’ve never cared for RVD’s punches.

1. Antonio Cesaro – Cesaro may very well be the perfect opponent for Rob Van Dam, due in large part to his freakish strength. As I noted in an earlier entry, my favorite RVD matches have often involved him wrestling bigger guys who can be used as a base for his flashy spots. Cesaro isn’t necessarily a bigger guy than Van Dam. Yeah, he’s got a few inches on him, but with Antonio being taller and more cut and Van Dam being shorter and more squat, I’d imagine they’re pretty close to the same weight. However, the sheer power that is stored in Cesaro’s deceptive frame allows him to be a GREAT base for lucha based wrestlers and other flying opponents, as he’s able to catch them, toss them, and otherwise easily absorb blows from them or manipulate their bodies as they move through the air. Unfortunately, oftentimes what a wrestler loses when he has the ability to be that “base” is speed and mobility. That’s not the case with Cesaro, though. While he has the strength to be the base, he is simultaneously still small and flexible enough that he can keep pace with even the fastest of opponents, oftentimes busting out his own eye-popping maneuvers as opposed to relying solely on his opponent’s. In other words, when it comes to providing the two types of opponent who work well with Van Dam, Cesaro is the best of both worlds, and I have a feeling they could have a classic match if sufficient time is allotted for that purpose.

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RORY JAMES
5. Sheamus – Sheamus has had some great matches with smaller opponents, with his two out of three falls bout with Daniel Bryan coming to mind. Like the guy I’ve listed below, Sheamus could benefit from good RVD could make his offence look. This might not be a ‘money’ match, but it would be a good one.

4. Ryback – Aside from the fact that they shop at the same ring gear superstore, I think that Ryback is currently in need of rebuilding (Terminator/machine analogy accidental). He’s been put up against Jericho, but I feel that RVD is the perfect veteran to make Ryback look mean again. RVD takes a beating really well, and if this was done in a way that made RVD look tough for refusing to stay down, it could benefit both guys.

3. Randy Orton – One thing that irritates me about WWE is the way in which they ignore their own history. For those that don’t remember, Randy Orton is the one who took out RVD in the storylines back in 2007. It would be cool to see this picked up on, and maybe even used for a much-needed Orton heel turn.

2. Daniel Bryan – The match would be awesome. Simple as that. I’m not suggesting a feud here, but a nice, extended television contest between these two would surely give RAW a little ratings boost, or at least ‘put a smile on people’s faces’, as WWE love to say they do.

1. CM Punk – It might be a boring, even obvious choice, but sometimes the most obvious choice is the best. Both are Paul Heyman guys. Both are cult favorites. Both are former ECW guys (in different ways, admittedly). Hell, if WWE really wanted to give it something extra, bring up the straight edge versus 420 element of the story. In ring, this would deliver, and with Heyman helping out, RVD’s average mic skills wouldn’t matter.

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Matt O’Connell
5. Antonio Cesaro Historically, RVD’s best opponents have either been other high-flyers (Jerry Lynn, Eddie Guerrero) or extremely talented utility grapplers (Christian). Cesaro falls squarely into that second category, and he brings a power game and distinctly European style that is rarely contrasted with RVD-style acrobatics. Cesaro’s powerful frame can weather the impact of Van Dam’s strikes and splashes, while RVD’s rubber-like body can absorb some of the damage from Cesaro’s monstrous strength. A mid-card title feud between these two would be immensely entertaining, especially since RVD never stays in the main event for too long.

4. Alberto Del Rio As noted earlier, Eddie Guerrero was one of Van Dam’s best opponents during his first WWE run. ADR is the closest thing WWE has to an Eddie Guerrero these days. I don’t mean to slight Del Rio or to make a facile comparison based on their Mexican heritage; both are extremely well-rounded competitors with a background in lucha libre and a smarmy heel persona that really works. Where there are differences, they suggest a greater compatibility with Van Dam. Alberto, while he can fly, generally places more emphasis on his strikes and his ground game. This would serve him well in wars against Van Dam, whose Frog Splash always outclassed Eddie’s in the first place.

3. CM Punk It really is a shame that Punk and RVD have not crossed paths earlier in their respective careers. Punk as a young, hungry Straight Edge heel would have been a perfect foil for the notoriously laid-back Van Dam. At this point in their careers, both men have likely entered permanent face territory, which would make for an interesting crowd dynamic in the Northeast and nowhere else really. Still, devoid of any storyline context and past Rob’s physical prime, I feel the two could put on some pretty good matches given the opportunity.

2. Daniel Bryan It remains to be seen whether the decreased athleticism of RVD’s last few years can be chalked up to a lack of motivation or of sheer ability. If Rob’s TNA-era ring rust makes a return engagement, it might take a guy like Daniel Bryan to really get the best out of him. There isn’t anyone in WWE today that can match Rob’s striking and high flying pedigree quite like Daniel Bryan, and he is far better at masking the shortcomings of his opponents than CM Punk, who sometimes evinces a clunkiness all his own.

1. Damien Sandow Damien Sandow has really made the most of his WWE run, taking what could have been a one-note joke character and built himself a nice following on strong promo work and an impressive physical presence. Like Cesaro, his style would contrast nicely with Van Dam’s flying, but more important is the fact that RVD is, finally, a perfect foil for Sandow’s intellectual vitriol. RVD is a all about flash over substance, ease over vigor, and he is relentlessly popular. A rivalry with someone like this would provide Sandow with a feud that MEANS something, as well as provide much entertainment for the folks at home.

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Justin Watry
5. Ryback – Okay, let’s just get this out of the way now. Yes, they wear the same gear. The same person designs their outfits. There! The cat is out of the bag. Ryback asked RVD for permission, and boom! No problem. Now though, it does make you wonder if the similar clothes will be noticeable…or changed slightly in a few weeks. For that reason alone, a one-off match does seem intriguing.

4. The Shield – My assumption is that RVD will be cheered upon his return. Therefore, there had better be a line of ‘bad guys’ right around the corner waiting for him. The Shield are some of the best in the business inside that squared circle. If Rob is looking to impress the WWE Universe, look no further than Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns.

3. CM Punk – For some reason, I seem to recall these two facing off before. Maybe not though? They were in an Elimination Chamber match together back in 2006. Either way, this match could headline a ‘big’ episode of Raw in late 2013. I doubt this ever happens on pay-per-view. However, for the sake of this list, count me in the camp of wanting to watch them go at it.

2. Daniel Bryan – Let’s be clear. Bryan can have a great match with just about anybody…or anything. There does not need to be any explanation here. The Yes Man! Mr. Monday Night! WWE ring! Sign me up.

1. Antonio Cesaro – This was the first name that jumped out at me. Can you imagine his ridiculous upper cut nailing RVD off the top rope? RVD can ‘bump’ like a mad man and does it very well. Of all the new guys on the roster (Cody Rhodes, Wade Barrett, Jack Swagger, Dolph Ziggler, Damien Sandow, etc.), I like the possibility of seeing Cesaro vs. RVD! In the end, that is the beauty of it all. Rob Van Dam is going to make a splash in WWE once again. Yes, it will be on a part-time basis. Yes, it won’t last forever. Yes, it will be weird seeing him in WWE during 2013. I don’t care. RVD will be motivated and ready to prove once again why he is and always will be…

…one of a kind.

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Michael Benjamin
5. John Cena – Put them back in Philadelphia for a rematch to their epic One Night Stand encounter. Cena is FAR more polished in the ring than he was in 2005 and I’d imagine that their rematch would be better in quality and substance than their original match. Though it wouldn’t have the same unique atmosphere of the Ballroom, it’d still be a sight to see.

4. CM Punk – Yep, this is a pretty easy one. He’s one of the best wrestlers on the roster and the build up would be great. It’s a forgone conclusion that Punk would steal the show with Rob Van Dam in 2013 or 2014 no matter what else was on the card. This is something we HAVE to see during RVD’s run.

3. Seth Rollins – This would be a ridiculously fast paced and frenzy filled match. Both men would bring out the best in each other. Throw this on any Raw for two segments and you’ll blow the roof off the place. Hopefully RVD is wrestling TV matches because I can’t see this making a Pay-Per-View. Hopefully we get the chance to see this sooner rather than later.

2. Daniel Bryan – Daniel Bryan literally gives nearly every wrestler their best match possible. RVD has proved that he can work a hard hitting yet technical style in his classic series with Jerry Lynn. Even with RVD’s age in consideration, I’d be willing to bet that a few matches with D-Bry could outshine those matches with Lynn.

1. Dean Ambrose – Dean Ambrose can work the hardcore style better than anybody on the active roster. He’s been in some brutal matches on the independent circuit and he’s hung with the best of his generation in that genre of wrestling. RVD can wrestle a spotastic style that would compliment Dean’s vicious style perfectly. Slap on a stipulation and put these guys on PPV. This type of match/environment could go a long way in cementing Ambrose as a true singles star, akin to Orton/Foley in 2004. This match is a must see for me.

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YOUR TURN KNOW IT ALLS

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