Author: Today in Pro Wrestling History: On April 4th, 1998, wasn’t just another day in the wild world of Extreme Championship Wrestling. It was the day Rob Van Dam, the high-flying innovator, shocked the world by defeating the monstrous Bam Bam Bigelow for the ECW Television Championship. Little did anyone know, this was the start of a reign that would shatter records and change the game.
Today in Pro Wrestling History: (April 4th) – RVD Rules Your TV
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For 700 days – that’s nearly two years – RVD ruled as ECW’s TV champ. He wasn’t just a champion; he was THE champion. Every match was a thrill ride: Five-Star Frog Splashes, insane kicks, and a whole lot of attitude. Jerry Lynn, 2 Cold Scorpio, Taz – RVD laid them all out, proving he could brawl, fly, and defy gravity better than anyone in the business.
Even when injury tragically forced him to relinquish the title in 2000, RVD’s legacy was already sealed. His reign wasn’t measured just in days, but in the countless moments of sheer brilliance. He made the Television Championship matter in a way that no one had before or ever will again.
These stories may also interest you:
- Rob Van Dam: The Arrest That Changed RVD’s Career
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- William Regal: His Secret, Inspirational Story
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou-04BJEczQ
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"Evan Ginzburg’s stories are a love letter to wrestling, filled with heart, humor, and history. A must-read for any true fan." — Keith Elliot Greenberg
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"Evan Ginzburg’s stories are a love letter to wrestling, filled with heart, humor, and history. A must-read for any true fan." — Keith Elliot Greenberg
Wrestling Rings, Blackboards, and Movie Sets is the latest book from Pro Wrestling Stories Senior Editor Evan Ginzburg. 100 unforgettable stories—from sharing a flight on 9/11 with a WWE Hall of Famer to untold moments in wrestling history. A page-turner for fans of the ring and beyond. Grab your copy today! For signed editions, click here.
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