The Whole F'n Blog

Yay! Pollution!

2008-07-05T03:00:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July everyone! Feeling independent? Maybe spiritually?

First off, Sonya is doing great. She recently had surgery to get a catheter implant for chemo therapy treatment, which we’ll be starting next week. It takes a lot of mental strength to subject oneself to 6 months of taking this poison, especially when you’re told that the cancer has been removed.. The thing is-they give you a 50% chance of it returning when it’s stage 3. That’s a flip of a coin, and a gamble we’re not willing to take. Every two weeks she’ll be hooked up to a machine for two days at a time.

In the mean time, she’s incredibly awesome!

Sonya and I took a trip to the Canary Islands for a pre-chemo get-away. I took a booking to get us there and I wrestled 4 matches in four days. I have to admit, being back in the ring didn’t suck. I’m not ready to live full-time out on the road again, but I’d like to see the NWE take off. Along with myself, the talent consisted of Rikishi, Orlando Jordan, Chris Masters, John Heidenreich, Ultimo Dragon, Juvetude, Vito and many wrestlers you might not know, with many more stars on the way. After I left for home, Raven and Booker T hit the shows. NWE sold out huge WWE size arenas and that along with the first class treatment made me forget the things I don’t enjoy about the business.

This week we flipped our calendars to July, which means here in California, it is officially illegal to talk on your cell phone while driving- unless you have a hands-free situation like a head set or speaker option. Now, this is something that everybody probably agrees “Sure, that seems like a good idea.” I know it bothers me to see some 16 year-old driver turning across traffic at a busy intersection with a phone stuck to the side of their head. Even more, sometimes I’m ashamed at being that idiot myself. Have cell phones caused a lot of traffic accidents? I don’t know, but let’s think this through, as long as we’re giving up more freedom. We should probably outlaw eating while driving, too. Wouldn’t that be at least just as dangerous? In fact, let’s also ban putting on chap stick or lip stick, definitely flossing, and probably smoking while we’re driving. Those of you who are saying “ None of those sound like good ideas anyway-except maybe smoking” let me remind you that we’re not talking about making judgement calls, we’re giving up the right to do just that. In fact, I was driving the day the law went into effect and wondered if I would be breaking the law by plugging one ear with my finger. I drove around for a few minutes with my one finger plugging my ear and I felt extremely shady, like I must look suspicious as fuck! It shouldn’t be illegal to stick a finger in your ear, should it? Can they take that away from you? I guess they can, since extending your middle finger is prohibited. Believe it or not, I heard you can tape a phone to your head! I’m just imagining all the new gimmicks that the phone companies can cash in on now to capitalize on this situation. That means big money for big businesses, and they keep us under their control.

The gays think they have freedom, now that California is allowing them to get married. If they have to find out what medical marijuana patients find out all the time...the Federal Government doesn’t give a shit about State laws. How’d you like to be enjoying life with your spouse to find out one day that Big Brother doesn’t accept your commitment so they decide you’re single all of a sudden? At what point is it none of their fucking business? When we blindly accept that things are either legal or against the law and use that knowledge to base morality on, we are disconnected from reality.

I’m sure you’ve heard that sodomy is against the law in many official books, right? You might have even giggled about it. Have you ever thought about the condoned and expected anal raping that would occur if you were locked up for doing the same thing without their control?

On the way back from Spain I couldn’t help but notice the junkies, all over the airports. In the rest rooms at the departure terminal, they’re getting their last fix before boarding an international flight. In the arrival rest rooms, they’re at it again because they can’t wait until they get outside at the bottom of the escalator. They know it’s against Federal law but somehow it’s ok. Outside, as we walked from one terminal to another, we literally have to zig-zag to avoid the bodies all over the side walk using their drugs. Any hope of catching some fresh air is always quickly put to rest as soon as those doors to the outside open and the cigarette smoke rolls in. Mmmmm. Yummy! Doesn’t reading this make you want a delicious roll of cyanide and formaldehyde right now? Why shouldn’t you? As long as you’re standing near 4 1/2 other people, they have just as much of a chance as you do of dying from the smoke. Besides, you can’t stop because you’re addicted, so what does anybody expect?

On a recent episode of RVD TV, I discuss the power of the mind with Warrior and Chris Nowinski. My position is that there is no mental addiction. It’s just an excuse for a weak mind. I realize this may inspire some argumentative feedback from some of you, which is fine, but I doubt that you will change my opinion. Physical addiction I can understand, although I do believe the power of the mind can over come it. If your body chemistry is altered and becomes dependent on a foreign chemical to keep in balance, and the chemical is removed I can understand where some physical “freaking out” can occur. Still, a strong mind has all the answers within it. Most people that smoke cigarettes say that they don’t want to, but the addiction is stronger than their will power. I don’t mean to offend, but I call bull shit. It’s socially acceptable to be addicted to something so you have an excuse for being “out of control” of the situation. It’s still bull shit. They’ll tell you you’re a victim. You have a disease. That’s why you cheat on your spouse, you’re addicted to sex! Don’t blame yourself! You’re addicted to sabotaging good things in your life, you poor, helpless victim. Personally, I have gone months and months of doing massive amounts of recreational drug use and still quit on a dime when I wanted to. I have gone more weeks then a calendar year consuming cannabis 24-7 and still had no problem taking time off when I decided. It’s in the mind. We have a good friend who insisted for years that she couldn’t quit smoking and was willing to “try” anything. She just didn’t want to quit. If you light up, it’s because you want to. I have friends who tell me they enjoy smoking cigarettes and have no desire to quit. I can respect that. I don’t care what anyone else tells you-you are in control. The minute our friend that couldn’t stop smoking found out she was pregnant she stopped smoking-just like that. They will tell you that you are addicted so they can control you and you’ll let them because it’s easy. It’s big business. Get sent to rehab for any other issues and find out how quickly they will get you hooked on cigarettes while you’re there. In rehab! You will get hooked on nicotine, the most “addictive” drug we know of... in rehab...while you’re sent there to find out why you enjoy porn so much.

Are you comfortable with them in control of your life like that? I’m not.

So, back to Warrior. You may have heard some rumors about me training him recently. Here’s the scoop. He called with that request, and I was honored to get the call. He hadn’t been in the ring for ten years or so and he said he would be honored if I had the time to help him out. Because of our situation with Sonya’s health, I was only able to get in the ring with Warrior one day. We didn’t do a lot- mostly running the ropes, locking up and talking about what made Warrior so exciting to watch back in the day. I was ready for my outrageous Warrior moment. I had cameras standing by ready to capture the craziness that everyone has come to expect but instead, I spent the day with a hell of a cool guy that I shared a lot with. He showed me nothing but respect and appreciation, and at the end of the day I was amazed by how much we had in common. You may have seen the video I recorded of me imitating the Warrior on you tube.. I knew that people would see right away that he has a sense of humor, which is probably way different than your previous opinion. I have had nothing but good things to say about Warrior from my experiences with him and if I told you something bad, I’d be lying-which I don’t do. I remember watching that WWE video on him just like you did, and it just made me remember how exciting and intense he was. I listened to the WWE’ers claiming that Warrior was just detached from reality and couldn’t do a promo to save his life and I just thought “ How could that be true? I used to buy tickets to go see this guy so I know what he did worked!” It’s cool how things come around full circle and I’m glad we connected on a professional and even more so, a personal level.

Send your positive vibes to our boy Justin “the Insane One” McCully. He’s been in fight mode for awhile in preparation for his big return to the UFC octagon on Saturday, the 5th. His match with Gabriel Gonzaga isn’t scheduled to be broadcast, but from what I understand, if the fights run short on time we might still see the match so keep your fingers crossed for some quick knock-outs! Kick ass JMC!

While in Spain, I finished Brett Hart’s autobiography. Damn good book! Ever time I picked it up, I wanted to keep turning the pages to see what was happening. I had a hard time pulling away from it and when it was all over, I feel like I understand a friend much more. I’m amazed at how much I have in common with Brett, seeing as how he comes from a family of wrestling and I just followed a far-fetched dream to get into the business. He prides himself on things that I pride myself on and shares the same views on specific wrestlers, wrestling moves, and the ingenuousness of the whole industry, not to mention life. No wonder we get along so well. We sat in the same dressing rooms at different times and saw the same shadiness. Read his book.

I am planning to be at Comic Con in San Diego. I told some people that I wouldn’t be there but plans have changed so check the “news” page on this site at the end of the week to get the signing schedule.

Damn, this blog is long. Guess I should hit it more often. In the mean time, let me kick this out of my head. Did Santa deliver my Weeble Wobble Playset? Did the Son of a Virgin walk on water? Did an inventor attract lightning with a key tied to a kite? I have no fucking idea. It all sounds worth questioning, though- and if you wonder about shit like this or anything else that you feel you’re not supposed to think about...I don’t hate you. I think you’re fine.

Bye everybody. Live as if it was your birth right to enjoy each day to its fullest- because it is.

RVD TV Watchers

2008-05-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody. Hope the weekend's great for you.

Technical difficulties prevented Friday's show from being posted on time, but relax. The RVD TV editor is replacing his crashed hard drive and everything will continue smoothly. I expect the show to be up tonight ( Sunday) and it goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway-sorry for the inconvenience. That's coming, and of course a new episode on Friday.

RVD 5 Star Comic ( episode # 21) is the footage you've been waiting to see from my stand-up comedy shows. To date, I've been up on stage 4 times and this show has highlights from all of them, including footage of Jay Mohr, Eric Bischoff, Justin McCully, Daniel Puder and more. I'll get back on stage when the energy is right but we've been plenty busy at the Casa de Van Dam.

Sonya is feeling good and has really appreciated all the support. We'll be finding out more information about her chemo treatments at the beginning of June.
I do have a lot of other stuff going on but it all takes a back seat at the moment. Fill you in on that later.

Keep watching RVD TV for some awesome episodes that I've already got waiting to show and the kick ass episodes I'll continue to film.

You want Warrior? We got Warrior. Believe it or not...we got him in Friends in High Places! With head of Sports Legacy Institute Chris Nowinski!

Also coming is footage from the comic conventions, the Portugal trip, Jack Herer, Shelly Martinez, and much, much more that I hope you enjoy as much as I do!

Have an outstanding day!
RVD

Here's the Deal

2008-05-15T14:52:00.000-07:00

Stage 3 colon cancer. Laparoscopic surgery to remove it. 6 months of chemo ahead of us. You know what she tells me?

She says she’d rather be going through this than a divorce with me!
Just to let me know how good of a job I’m doing as a husband. She’s so awesome!
I’ve always said this, but- what an amazing wife!

The incredible strength we have as a team provides us with great power to cope with great and unpleasant times. Our love for life is filled with wonderful memories and an unstoppable desire to have many more. We are grateful for our past and our future, so we’ll do what we have to today to keep us healthy for tomorrow.
As you know, this is all new to us. What should we expect from the chemo treatments? I’ve heard of people getting treatments in the morning and going straight to work. I’ve also heard of it wearing people down. I understand they’ve come a long way in recent years, but what should we expect? Is traveling in between rounds an option? I’m asking you.

Sonya and I probably won’t know much more about what we’ll be going through until June, so we’ll keep you posted, as always.
We appreciate the support coming in-from prayers to cards to even running in her name T.?

You fans rock. Enjoy life. It’s there for you.

update on Sonya

2008-05-06T14:12:00.002-07:00

Hello everybody. We want everyone to know that Sonya’s surgery went well and she’s back home recovering now. I’ve had her home for one week and after a few miserable days, she’s making her comeback. The misery was due to what they called “post-operation illis”. After the surgery to remove part of her colon and attach the loose ends, her body took a few extra days to swell intensely, which caused bruising and a lot of discomfort- to say the least. We got her checked out and soon afterwards, swelling went down and everything has been getting better day by day. At this point, we don’t know what kind of therapy treatment we’re facing but whatever they say to do-we’ll do it. We really appreciate all the support that you have been sending our way. The love, prayers, and positive energy made it all the way, as Sonya and I read every comment on my Myspace together and received the attended lift.

All the phone calls, texts, emails and other genuine, straight hearted messages mean a lot to both of us.

Now let me grab Sonya for you. SONYA...?

“Once again you fans have been amazing during challenging times. I still have the cards that I received from the jet-ski accident and I can never forget all the kind wishes. Your personal stories have given me strength in the knowledge that I am in no way alone in this battle, when it can be difficult to keep spirits up. I want to thank all the friends, family and fans that are going through this with us.”

---SVD

We will have an update for everyone at the end of the week. Cards can be sent in care of:

Dominion Distribution

7224 Muholland Drive

Los Angeles, Ca 90068

Please do not send flowers to this address.

2008-05-06T14:12:00.001-07:00

The C word

2008-04-23T15:30:00.000-07:00

One good thing about spreading positive energy and encouraging an optimistic approach to life- when it comes time to get a taste of my own medicine, it’s good. Still, it may not be fun to be put to the test. It may be quite unpleasant.
After thinking of several ways to put this, I decided to give it to you straight- just like we got it. After months of chasing down the origin of stomach cramps, we got the news that Sonya has cancer in her colon. Obviously, this was not something we wanted to hear, and were not at all prepared for it. This is the kind of thing that we hear about happening to other people. Us? Really?

I’m sure that a lot of you realize that cancer is way too common. In fact, I know that many of you are all too familiar with what we are experiencing.

This is very personal and I understand if you would choose to keep it on the down-low. One of Sonya’s first thoughts was that if she could have colon cancer (being a 32 year old, lean, active, and healthy eating female that barely hits 3 digits on the weight scale), “We need to tell everyone it could be them!”

Months of testing showed nothing of this nature. The blood tests and everything else they did could not detect the cancer until the dreaded colonoscopy. Sonya wants everyone to know that you HAVE to get checked. We found a huge research center where we are getting this taken care of. They have a lot of information about the subject, in case you might be searching City of Hope.

Keep in mind, this is curable and Sonya has surgery scheduled for the end of the week to get this thing taken out. We’re totally kicking its ass. We got this. We know that we have a lot of people praying and sending positive energy, and we appreciate it. Keep it up. And don’t tell Sonya’s dad, if you know him. We’ll do it when the time is right.

This will soon be a thing of the past. Sonya is amazingly strong and ready to fight.

This will be a squash match!

Anyone wondering what we’re up to...it’s this. Nothing else matters.

I’ll update you soon.

Take care of yourselves.
Enjoy life.
RVD

I'M BACK!

2008-04-11T19:17:00.000-07:00

Hello readers. I hope everyone is well. Let’s catch up.

SVD and I had a great time in Portugal. I wrestled Raven on Friday in Santa de Maria Feira, frog splashed Joey Mercury in Elvas, and then we spent a couple of extra days in Lisboa to absorb its beauty. What a gorgeous place this was! Two highlights that stand out from the trip for me follow. In Elvas, everyone was hungry so we all left the arena before the show and traveled across the border to SPAIN to crowd a McDonalds counter with McWrestler Meals. Good thing we had the camera, right RVD TV watchers? The second memorable moment for me was the worst bump of the tour by far, and it was in my hotel room shower. My feet slipped out from under me, the curtain and curtain rod came down, I nailed my head on the sink counter on the way down and the shower hose broke and flooded the bathroom. It was pretty awesome. I’m just glad SVD didn’t have the camera on when she opened the door to see me lying in the water, covered in soap! I recommend visiting Portugal to anyone. Just be careful in the shower.
The weekend we were gone, Ron Slinker passed away. Ron gave me the professional name- that stuck with me throughout my career- back in 19991. Ron also got me my job with Bill Watts in WCW in 1992, and when Bill refused to let me use my professional name, Ron came up with Robby V. Of course, if you watched the show back then, you saw Robbie V, or Robbie Vee, or -well, who noticed anyway. I met Ron in Tennessee when I wrestled for USWA when he was there to see his son-in-law, Tex Slazenger. He was the first promoter to tell me that I was going to be a big star. Part of paying my dues involved driving down to Florida to sleep on this guy’s floor when I wasn’t even old enough to drink. You’ll read all about it some day in the big book. For more info=Ron Slinker - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Wow! From what I understand, WWE has added a concussion management program. I think that’s great news. I have recently joined Chris Nowinski’s program to learn and help educate with proper information about head trauma. Concussions have always been a pig part of my job, and I’ve had dozens of them myself. I laughed at them. Now, Chris has told me about common traits among different athletes who have suffered brain damage, and I find the whole subject very interesting. I have friends who live with “blanking out” and headaches and just like me, consider it part of the job. Let’s look into this more. WWE is apparently going to reexamine the wrestlers on a regular 6-month basis to test their memory, cognitive skills, and reaction time along with other appropriate measures. This is excellent. I wish similar tests were used to determine the cause and effect of drugs on people with different variables but of course, that would give us too much truth! For more info click here The Sports Legacy Institute -

Speaking of truth, I met with the legendary Jack Herer last week, which was way cool! Jack is responsible for exposing the truths about the corrupt war on pot with his book “The Emperor Wears No Clothes”, as well as “Grass” before that. “The Emperor” should be read in every public school, but it is not conducive to the governments plans. This was where I first learned that marijuana is basically non-toxic and no one’s ever died from it being in their body. I also learned here that cigarettes kill over 450,000 Americans a year but the government has huge interest in Alcohol, Tobacco, Pharmacy, Paper, Plastics, Oil and other enormous conglomerate businesses that would suffer if Cannabis was utilized the way it was intended. In the last ten years I’ve done a lot of research that-along with common sense- supports the truths I read in Jack’s book. The other day, he taught me a couple new things. He said that Budweiser sponsored the Reefer Madness movie campaign in 1937 and has paid for 50% of the governments war on pot since then, until around 1991 when the pharmaceuticals took over the responsibility. Hmm..makes sense, since I know what the war’s really bout. He also said that Hemp was used for 80% of everything until about 100 years ago. Not just the lumber in the walls, but the primer, the paint, the carpet, everything! Welcome to Jack Herer's Home on the Web

I often get asked why I speak so freely. How can I not? I reach a lot of people and I have a conscious!I recently watched nicotine junkies taking their last sucks before the International flight like they were baby puppies getting milk from their mother. It was pathetic, but I’ll fight for your right to make stupid decisions, because it is your right.

Our government outlawed hemp by prohibiting “marijuana” and enforces the position that it is a dangerous, addictive drug with no medicinal properties. They arrest and kill people to enforce this and at the same time they give it to patients of theirs, to help with their ailments. Why do I speak out?

People consider murder an option to make their lives better, and people think everyone should own a gun! The gift of life has always been over looked and often considered surplus when power comes from destroying it.

Where’s the respect for life lost? Let’s see.If you’re attracted to the same sex you’re likely brought up to believe God hates you. In fact, if you’re Christian or Catholic or whatever, there’s a pretty good chance that you are taught that God does not accept you. Kill people that don’t share your beliefs or live on the same piece of land, and you may be seen as a hero. Die from fighting against people from other countries and your life will be honored from the perspective of the U.S.government. As long as it’s part of their agenda. We live in a world where people throw cigarette butts on the ground and are convinced that my choice to use “fucking” instead of their acceptable “fricking” or “frigging” or “freaking” has done them harm. People look at Global Warming like people used to react to claims that the world wasn’t flat.I live in a world where a fantastic story book is respected as the exact word of God, and murderers are expected to tell the truth in court because they swore on the Bible.

Some priests fuck little boys and others are looked up to as if they have God’s ear before he goes to bed every night.Policemen murder their wives as if they were gang-banging target practice, but hide the body instead of fabricating evidence.
With past Presidential scandals and constant hypocritical assholes getting busted in politics all the time, how can we not acknowledge that we are -and always have been- lied to?

“A foolish man simply accepts what it is that he thinks, while a wise man thinks about what it is that he accepts.” This came from a story I read recently by Alex Shane, a man who shares my message. HHH Black Magic I live in a world where irresponsible junkies that are hooked on drugs are thrown into a cage like criminals. Our rights as human beings to freedom are over looked for big business.

Good friend and very smart writer - Jimmy Palmiotti- quoted Abe Lincoln in a book I read that really stuck in my mind. “Those who would deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves, and under a just god, can not retain in for long.” MySpace.com - jimmy palmiotti -

No doubt I make myself a target by speaking so freely, but we , as people, have a right to seek the truth. Now, here’s the reason that most people don’t understand my willingness to speak the truth, even when facing undesirable consequences. Are you ready for this? I have integrity.“Having integrity means I’d rather go down for what I believe in, then go up for what I do not.”

That’s an RVD original. Now check yourself.

YOU'RE EXCEPTIONAL

2008-03-19T12:49:00.000-07:00

Hello and Happy Holiday everybody! Hope all is well. For St. Patrick's Day this year, how about we all think green and do something friendly for the Earth? Maybe throw that empty bottle in the recycle bin instead of the trash, just once. Maybe, just for the holiday, you can refrain from throwing that cigarette butt down on the ground, and actually throw it away! Yay! St. Patty's Day!
Watch Lil' Bush! It's very, very funny.

I had fun at the Wonder Con in San Fran, and then at the BTW convention the following week. I actually got to mark out a bit hanging with the stars of the 80's I used to watch. The Hart Foundation, Honky Tonk Man ( He can sing and he can dance), Harley Race, and Damn- it was so good to see Dr. Death Steve Williams!
Thanks to everyone I saw at Wizard World Convention last weekend in Los Angeles! It was a good show, a great time and we got some awesome footage for RVD TV with friends Mic Foley, Ray Parks, Daniel Logan, Scott Schwartz, Fat Momma and other celebrities, and of course, the extreme fans of California!

As you know, I'm not traveling too far these days. That fact remains, in spite of all the offers I get every day to wrestle or sign autographs in different parts of the world. Having said that, there is something on the horizon I should tell you about. At the end of March, I am scheduled to pull my suitcase out of the closet yet again, and this time...I need to pack my singlet and boots! Ready for this? March 28 and 29, RVD returns to the ring...in Portugal!!! Since you saw my last match in WWE in June, I have only wrestled twice. You saw the blink-of-an-eye return on the RAW 15 year anniversary show. My match with Booker T in PWA is this week's episode for RVD TV. Now, I'm getting ready for my return, and my first time in Portugal. Can't make it to the show? That's all right, RVD TV members, you know I'll bring it to you. I have been having a blast with RVD TV and from the feedback of the members, so has everyone else. I don't know how many times we've filmed an episode and said "This is our best one yet!" but it does keep getting better and better. Through RVD TV, fans have been inspired to grow, think outside the box, question authority, be positive, take care of their health-physical, mental and spiritual, improve their relationships, and enjoy life! I feel like it's serving it's purpose!

While some negative people will say I claim to be perfect, I claim the opposite. I know that I like me better today than I did last year, and I know that this pattern will continue as I go through life, learning and growing inside. I urge others to follow this way of life, but not to agree with everything I say or do. That's your choice, which I encourage you to realize, and to own. No one can take that from you. It's always about making sensible choices.

Here's something I run into a lot, when using my personal experiences to draw from as examples for motivation. Well, you're an exception. Now, I realize that most of you have not been World Champions, but some of you have been champions of different passions. Some of you never wanted to be. Whatever the case, you are exceptional, too. There's never been another you before. Unless they specifically surveyed you for the statistics, they aren't talking about you specifically when they give the intimidating numbers. When I was 18, I entered a contest to win a t-shirt at the Battle Creek Toughman Contest. Out of every one in the arena, who ever punched the target the hardest got the shirt at the end of the night. My "why not" attitude justified a chance, and although the odds were against me, I still have that t-shirt. Somewhere. Anyway, I trained hard, and entered the next contest in Kalamazoo 3 months later. Against all odds, I made it to the main event and took runner-up to a seasoned veteran of the ring. That was me though, and I'm an exception, right? I dreamed of being a professional wrestler, as a child, and made it happen. Yeah, but-I'm an exception. I wanted to be different than all the other wrestlers and stand out instead of copying someone else. Yeah, but-I'm an exception. I was a huge fan of martial arts movies and wanted to be in them. I found out how to make it happen. I'm an exception. Okay, so maybe I just have mad fighting skills. Is that it?

I love being married, even after ten years, and miss my wife when we're apart. Yeah, but-I'm an exception. If you keep telling yourself that- maybe you'll feel better about yourself-falling short of your dreams. Hey-I'm all for living the exciting life so you guys can live through me, but I'm a happy person and I want everyone else to be happy too so we can all enjoy the gift of life. Do you remember when the WWE sent the boys to Iraq for that "volunteer" trip that I didn't go on a few years ago? So many of my peers didn't want to go but didn't have the ball to say so. They felt like they wouldn't get away with saying "no" to the boss and decided they respected me for doing it. Guess what they told themselves? RVD's an exception.
I told them what I'm telling you. Anyone can do the things that they think only I can!It's called "going for it".

You can sit in the audience and talk about how good you'd do on stage, or you can go for it, and show us. Usually, when you think about the worst that could happen, it's not enough to keep you from going for it. The first time I remember being "exceptional" was when my second grade teacher wanted my parents to consider putting me in an advanced class and to skip third grade. Didn't know that one, did you? Academically gifted, was what she said. There's where that sense comes in to play to make good choices. You know what that tells me? I've been very good at paying attention- to school, to life, and to people. THEY may have you feeling like dreams aren't worth chasing, but I know better.It's your life. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise. So, you just don't feel like it's worth it? Remember that commercial "Someone's going to win the lottery- Why not you?" I'll second that question, and there are a lot of rich lottery winners that will agree.
Don't sell yourself short. Really. Who wants to be another statistic?

Off to the Wonder Con!

2008-02-22T15:18:00.000-08:00

Greetings everybody! I hope your energy is up!

Are you guys following Kimbo Slice? I have been for awhile and his fight with Tank Abbott went just about as I expected. Damn, Kimbo hits hard! Look him up on youtube and watch the street fights that made him famous and got him to where he is in MMA!
Congratulations to Frank Mir. That is one hell of an expert and master of his style! I'm even more impressed with him after seeing that beautiful knee bar he executed on Brock. Everyone seems to be saying the same thing about that fight. Brock was completely dominating and out of no where, it seems, he was caught in the submission.

Let's not forget, with no disrespect to Mir, the referee made a shitty, shitty call by standing both guys up and even taking a point away from Brock for striking to the back of the head. Brock did, while Frank was rolling around, but that happens every fight and you never see a point being taken away, especially with no warning! I bet many of you are remembering now, huh? I'm just saying that we will never know what would have happened if that horrible call wasn't made when Brock was pounding on him.

Did you guys catch Paul Heyman's new web site show "Heyman Hustle"? From what he says, he wants to show the real side of celebrities who are known for their game face. Sounds a lot like the inspiration behind RVD TV from that perspective. Anyways, it's Paul-so check it out! The Heyman Hustle

By the way, the response to RVD TV has been awesome! The members support started out great and has grown continually , which rocks because I've been having a lot of fun with this project. You'll see a lot more of Justin McCully, as he’s so behind RVD TV he's all over it- planning, filming, directing, editing and kicking ass, with a LOT of laughs.

You might have seen the article I wrote in this month's Cannabis Culture Magazine. This book is exactly the right place and the right time to tell it like it is. I do have something to share with you, to help you understand the "gateway " theory. Masturbation leads to rape. Ten out of ten rapists were asked if they tried masturbating first and they all said yes. This is a stupid formula, right? Thank you.

I'll be in San Francisco this weekend at the Wonder Con. Stop by Friday-Sunday and get your geek on! WonderCon :: What's New

People have been asking for some proof of authenticity with the autographed items from other wrestlers, available at 5 Star Comics. We obtained those photos and things back when the physical store was open and I had monthly guests in there. There's no tracking down proof for you, but if it comes from my store...C'mon! Do you gotta ask these stars if they know me?

I get asked what I drive, sometimes, and I realize that you could benefit from knowing that I drive a hybrid. I love my car. It's a 4 door with plenty of room. It doesn't look funny. It looks just like the other Camrys. The difference is- I drove it off the lot for 465 miles before it needed gas. It feels like driving other cars and I forget that it's a hybrid and still love it. Take that for what it's worth.

Here's what I'm leaving with you today. I recently watched a special on women trapped in slavery in the U.S. Of course it's even worse in other countries sometimes but there are slaves here that feel hopeless to their circumstances. They arrive expecting a job as a waitress. After they are told to surrender their passports and identifications, they are sent to a place where they passed around the room, repeatedly rapped and broken down. Then they are rented out or sold to pay back the enormous debts they are told they now owe for the flight and accommodations. They work, afraid to tell anyone in fear of their families being murdered. It's pretty bad. While I was watching this, and comparing it to men I know who think being a "pimp" is cool, I felt angry. I also couldn't help but entertain the thought of how impossible it would be to control men this way. Men would fight and run and protest.
Here's a question for all males reading this. Have you ever...ever, really wondered what it would be like going through life as the weaker sex? Can you imagine knowing that most likely, you could be taken advantage of if the men around you were not decent people?

I know, some of you ladies are strong, and some guys are pretty weak. If this is the case with you, just own it and stop trying to steal people's energy. On the tv show Blind Date, you always see guys wrestling with women they just met, and they're serious! Whether they're rolling on the ground or boxing or whatever, the guy REALLY wants the girl to know that he is the dominate one! Quit being such an a-hole and help the lady up! Establishing dominance is a control factor used to take someone's energy to make up for a lack of self-esteem. When you're in balance, you don't need to take people's energy. You even try to give them energy, which raises your energy by doing so. Awareness is the key. Notice next time you're trying to take someone's energy...and stop it. Ladies who want to beat guys up because they got some masculinity where others have feminine qualities -this goes for you too. Competition is different. That's where you exercise your challenges and grow from it. Some ladies might be offended by being called the weaker sex. Face it, men are designed to be physically stronger and unless you are an exception, you live your life knowing this.

When I have a problem with an individual, I naturally think of physicality as a means to solve the issue. This is so natural, that I’m surprised when I’m reminded that not all men think this way. Now, to think of being a female, and never thinking from that perspective, seems very unnatural to me. Females must live their entire lives viewing the world from a woman’s point of view. Personally, I pull over to help push cars out of intersections when I see that a female is at the mercy of the stalled vehicle. I do the same for a dude if he needs help. I’m not saying you should all go to this extreme, but if you don’t feel like you should have to hold the door open for her, just check and make sure it’s not because you resent her for getting special treatment. If you’re hating on women because nothing would ever come between you and your bro’s, you should probably check and see if you’re gay.
Men who beat women are as tough and respectable as men who beat children.

Okay, I’m off to the Wonder Con. Feel good everybody!

No Formula for me, Thanks.

2008-02-07T15:37:00.000-08:00

Greetings everybody. I hope 2008 is treating you great!

You may have caught one of my interviews I’ve done recently, to promote RVD TV. Fans that don’t read my blogs and only know the man with all the moves might be surprised at my honesty. That will be consistent, as I don’t lie. I’m not saying that I’ve never told a lie in my life, but that’s what growing is all about-looking back always shows a lesser you. If I enjoyed lying, I could have delivered the promos that the wrestling business wanted to here-about how my championship match next week meant more to me than anything else in the world and blah, blah, yawn. I couldn’t have cared less. Oh. don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that the wrestlers are lying to you. They are that excited to be there and it really does mean a lot to them. They’re just marks! I was more of a black sheep, so when I talked about something I really DID care about- like ECW’s return at One Night Stand, or inducting the Sheik into the Hall of Fame, I delivered. Then, I was the mark. While my close friends appreciated the speeches, most of the others up there were shocked because they don’t know me. Work environment, pretentious place, untrust-worthy co-workers, homesickness, depression, resentment- sometimes you have a little guard wall around your true self, don’t you? I know what you’re thinking. You think I’m going to transition into how the only place to catch the real RVD is RVD TV but I’m not. Not yet.

I’m going to give you some insight above what most fans and wrestlers realize, because I have the brain to lay it out for you. Most wanna-be-wrestlers pattern themselves after their favorites. To that I’ve always said “why bother?” There’s already someone like that, and that position is filled. Maybe once your hero is inactive you can steal his position in the minds of the new fans that didn’t know him, but unless you have something special to offer the business, why do you think the business needs you? Okay, now there IS an answer. Ready for it? I think it’s fair to say that around 80 percent of the wrestlers in the dressing room don’t sell tickets. I’m not saying that they are unimportant, but their job is to fill up spots on the card. Ouch! That honesty probably hurt a lot of the boys, but here’s a way to check yourself. If no one has ever bought a ticket, just to see you (your cousins that you couldn’t get comp passes for don’t count) than how can you complain about not being paid enough or treated right? That makes it very hard to justify. Of course, these wrestlers still have to do business and like I said, they are important even if they are interchangeable. Here’s the formula they use. Put in enough time, put enough guys over, and your time will come and they’ll be putting YOU over. Of course, pushing an unmarketable identity is bad business so what happens when their time doesn’t come around? They become bitter. They feel that the business missed the boat with them. Next is the part of the formula that so many of my peers tried to apply to me when I was leaving, that it annoyed me. They meant no harm. They’re used to the formula. They don’t know what it’s like to be a legend. They’d say “Well, you have about 2 or 3 months after TV where you’ll hold your value and be able to get paid decent for bookings.” Those poor clueless bastards. Don’t they l know that nobody remembered them while they were still on television every week? That’s what relying on the formula does for you instead of thinking for yourself. I left WWE in June. In July, I heard wrestlers that had been gone for a long time equating time-since-tv directly to personal value! I’d hear “ You’re still like 4 weeks off TV so you got awhile to capitalize on it. I’ve been off for almost a year so I what I need is to get on TV again so I can make another run afterwards.” Uhh…yeah, sure. That’s all you need. It's not like you should bother learning how to work. Hey, I’m glad the formula is there for so many who need it. For those that stand out and know how to be superstars-may you inspire all who admire you!

See how that ended up being positive? Remember- everyone’s a teacher. Who do you want to learn from?

Hey-did I already move on from talking about my interviews? Nuts. I wanted to tell you about an upcoming…live…online…video stream interview I’ll be doing that you can all watch and even participate in…all…over…the world! That’s right! February 5th! Let’s make this TheStream.Tv ‘s biggest show ever!!! theStream.tv -

How’s the writer’s strike treating your favorite shows? I know. Still, we found some good ones to tune in to. The Sarah Conner Chronicles kick ass. Medium is back. We’re fans of the L Wod. Shut-up! We are! Lost is days away. Just found Breaking Bad and-wow! That’s set for season pass! Hogan looks awesome on American Gladiators. Yes, I love Ninja Warrior, too! Here’s a reality show for you that’s hard to look away from. I’m talking train wreck with bodies lying around, ya know? Celebrity Rehab. Oh my God! Watch Celebrity Rehab.

Anyone planning to go to my favorite vacation spot, Hawaii, stop and see my good friend Tommy Rogers at his new surf board rental booth at Waikiki-right behind the concession stand- and tell him you miss watching him and Bobby Fulton, tearing it up as the Fantastics.

RVD TV is membership based, and not everyone can see it, so I won’t be pushing it to death here on my blogs. However, you have to set aside at least a paragraph for it, especially when I creatively bring it up like this…

Several nights ago, Justin McCully (JMC), SVD and I went up to Big Bear to the Punishment Palace in stealth mode, with a night-vision camera. We thought it’d be a good idea to prank Kendall Groves while he’s up there training for his big fight. Plans fell apart- one after another, we got stuck in the snow, Tito – our inside man- left, and still, we persevered. Kendall, Solomon, Rude Boy, and the other Punishers all gave their stories of the night to our camera for a future episode of RVD TV and we are all laughing our asses off. That’s LMAO’ing for all you keyboard kats. We also filmed my friend ( not lover-no matter what he says) Jay Mohr at the Improv for an upcoming episode of RVD TV and were fortunate enough to get a cameo by his beautiful wife Nikki Cox!

I can’t believe anyone is doubting Brock Lesnar. Maybe they don’t know first-hand that Brock is ten times as strong as he looks. Maybe they just think of him as a pro wrestler, when in fact, he only did that for a few years of his life, maybe? He’s a shooter. He’s a physical freak of nature. Just because he doesn’t have a long MMA record does not mean he suffers from lack of experience. I saw him pummel that poor bastard at his MMA debut here in Los Angeles. I wasn’t surprised. Frank Mir is no push-over, but my money’s on you, Brock.

The blog’s getting kinda lengthy, but I want to leave you thinking about something. Obviously, it’s inhumane and sadistic to want to watch someone being tortured, right? To get pleasure from hearing someone scream in pain and maybe even enjoy seeing that person die is not a nice thought. We can all agree with that, right? So, what if this person caused you great harm and pain? This person killed someone you love, carelessly. You experience grief beyond imagination and have someone to point a finger at. Is it wrong to want to see that person get what they have coming to them?

I admit that when I watch America’s Most Wanted (best show on television) I want these ass holes- who rape little kids and then hide the bodies in hopes of getting away with it- to suffer so bad that I personally want to punish them. Are thoughts of brutal dismemberments okay in the name of justice? When I watch some idiot trying to escape a police car chase on tv, risking or hurting the lives of innocent people unfortunate enough to be in this idiot’s way, I often hope to see them crash into a tree or off the road. That’s not very zenful of me, is it? Is it okay that these thoughts come from a dark place if someone is held accountable? An eye for an eye isn’t always such an easy equation. It could be two positions on a cycle that never ends, but we can’t see the other side. Explore your thoughts. Do you wish people harm? Anybody? How do you feel about that? While you’re kicking this around in your head, remember- all actions have consequences.

Have a Vantastic week everybody!

IT'S ALIVE! RVD TV LIVES!

2008-01-04T04:25:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everybody! I’m excited about 2008 and all the good things it’s bringing.

Many of my projects will be coming into play over the next few months, so I look forward to filling you in as they come to pass. Of those projects, one that we’ve all been waiting for has reached its moment.

RVD TV is open!!! Check it out and sign up for a membership to get a new episode every week! This is how to keep up with my current situations and projects, how to get my workouts with personal instruction, and how to grow inside on a spiritual level so that you may inspire others. Hang around with me and just see if I don’t rub off on you. Once a month you’ll see me in various genuine conversations with my many celebrity friends. Go to robvandam.com to learn all the facts and be among the first official members, which means you’ll also get an autographed kick-ass 8x10 photo like the one on the front page-made out to you.

While part of the site is still under construction, keep a few things in mind. To get the new RVD’s Dojo T shirt, and the RVD TV T shirt, click here Holland's Windmill Airbrush

To check out the merchandise in the 5 Star Comics Store, including a bunch of autographed items, RVD 5STAR STORE: RVD's 5Star Home

So, I had a big match with Booker T. in Texas last week. Thank you to everybody that made it, driving in from all over the map! PWA has a lot going for them. Official Booker T. Web Site The promotion and the wrestling school are very professional- as if you’d expect anything less from Book. It was also great to see Scorpio, Boogie and Shelton who were in the house. It was fun wrestling Booker T, but not fun enough to live back on the road again, in case you’re wondering. I do appreciate the booking offers from all over the country and also Japan, England, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Portugal, Ireland, Spain, and any other country I may have forgotten, but I’m still not looking to leave home.

Traveling to Houston and back did remind me how much I dislike flying. Many of you can relate to the pain-in-the-ass security lines and privacy violations, and probably even the delays and cancellations. I’m giving myself a headache just thinking about all that crap, let alone the constant, unnecessary announcements on the airplane that have to be a deliberate attempt by the captain to keep me from getting any rest. I don’t want to look out the window. I’m trying to sleep! I don’t care that we’ll be starting our descent in 25 minutes. For the love of God, just do it! They even wake me to try to get me to eat their “food”, but if you ever put your tray down you are trapped like baby in a high chair and that’s what they want. Now, here’s a perspective from a frequent flyer. That’s right- I qualify. Spending hundreds of days a year going through airports, you learn the system. A couple weeks ago, I went from my car to boarding my airplane in 7 minutes in Long Beach. LAX is a lot bigger. I usually do it in 20, I’ve done it in much less.

Even when a frequent flyer can deal with the challenges set forth by the system…you know what else they face? They still have to deal with you! You cock-blockers that don’t make a living from flying make traveling as hard as you possibly can for us. I use the word cock-blocker because I think it sounds funny-but here’s what you do. Let’s just start at the gate, shall we? You know that we’re boarding by group numbers and you know you’re in group 4. Why do you have to stand in front of the passage way, cock-blocking us passengers who get to board ahead of you? I’m sorry you don’t have credentials to pre-board and they won’t let you on until they call your group number but dude, get out of the way! Once inside, I can wait to pass until you’ve stored your luggage but when we are deplaning, after the flight, don’t stand beside me or sneak up to try to pass from behind so I can’t get out of my seat. We do it by rows, starting at the front, cock-blockers! After we get off the plane, you cock-block on the moving sidewalk like it’s a freakin’ ride at Six Flags. You cock-block at baggage claim because -why should anyone else get their bags if yours hasn’t come down yet, right? I have no doubt that you drive home slowly, in the passing lane. If I’ve offended any of you cock-blockers-hey- no hard feelings. Just think of someone else once in awhile. Hey wasn’t that a funny use of the word cock-blocker?

We have to be careful to not let our pet peeves get the better of us. I bet I know one of yours. How do you like people who talk on cell phones while they’re driving? I heard that they’re going to outlaw it here in California this year. Do you think we should enforce laws based on “good ideas”? Or do you think we should use statistics? I’m all for making a change for the better, but I know we don’t all have the same views on logic. I think texting while driving is potentially dangerous, but do I know that it causes many accidents? I don’t know. This should be a factor, when we’re taking people’s freedoms. Maybe we should outlaw eating while driving. Dipping your French fries in ketchup at 60 M.P.H. has to be dangerous. Anyone looking into that? Seems like it would cause the same kind of danger. I’m just saying, for instance, if they’re going to say a substance kills-shouldn’t they have an actual case or two to prove it before they ban it? Maybe cell phones really do cause accidents. Maybe the almost-silent-noise of the hybrid cars really do cause blind people to get hit often when they’re crossing the road. Maybe selling or buying alcohol on Sundays really…hey-what IS up with that? I just want to enforce my opinion that real-life cases should be required before we surrender our quick feelings on a subject that sounds good based on “common sense”. Look around. Our senses aren’t all that common.

You know me- I’m just trying to have you thinking.

As always, I look forward to reading your feedback. Have a great day!

PLAY BALL!

2007-12-23T00:00:00.001-08:00

Blog time everybody. Greetings to all. Thanks for the many, many kind wishes for my birthday.

Glad everyone seemed to enjoy my brief appearance on RAW. Of course, even though it was a reunion for the 15 year anniversary, many of you refuse to believe that I’m not back. Hold on to whatever you need to, but I’ll be chillin’ in Southern Cali while you’re doing that. It was a fun experience, being there for one day and knowing I’m going home instead of on to the next spot on the map. Some of the other wrestlers jokingly said goodbye with “ See ya at Wrestlemania”. We’ll see.

Making an exception to my plans of California dreaming, I’ll be in Houston on December 28th for PWA’s one year anniversary show. RVD vs Booker T headlines this huge event in Texas, which is sure to have a record breaking crowd. If you’re able to make it, know that this is a rare opportunity to witness those RVD moves actually being done by RVD and not an impressionable wanna-be. Sweet, one-of-a-kind action! Official Booker T. Web Site

I’m stoked for Lost to be returning for another season in a few weeks. I just finished watching season 3 on DVD, and damn- that’s a hard one to walk away from when I have time to keep watching. Good stuff.

Anyone caught Lil Bush on Comedy Central? Dude, this is something to laugh at. We keep a few episodes on Tivo and re-watch them sometimes for good medicine.

I’ll be writing blogs more often once RVD TV is up and running. I’ll be wanting to give you a heads up on each episode as it’s released, and I’ll be damned if it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen real soon.

In fact, it appears that RVD TV will be open Christmas week, with parts of the web site still under construction- so wear your hard hats. You and I have both been waiting a long this to come, so plan on having another reason to celebrate over the holidays.

I got some new RVD T shirts. They totally kick ass. Featuring the legendary art work of Joe Holland, my in-ring outfit airbrush artist, I predict that these shirts are going to be top picks for all time favorite RVD T shirts for many people. The good news…you can order them online now! Check them out and let me know what you think!-Holland's Windmill Airbrush

Remember, for more merchandise, including RVD's secret stash ( like ring-worn boots and outfits) and collectible items from RVD's 5 Star Comics click here eBay Store - RVD 5STAR STORE: RVD's 5Star Home

So, baseball wants to take the heat off of pro wrestling, huh? When the major news about the almost 100 ball players that have taken steroids hit the press, it became the subject to talk about. As always, not wanting to disappoint, allow RVD to offer a different perspective. First off, let’s acknowledge the legitimacy of “roids” as medicine. Testosterone replacement therapy is recommended by many credible doctors to increase health. The fact is, as we grow older, our testosterone levels drop, causing aging factors that are detrimental to our well being to occur. That's a fact for us all- athletes or not. Steroids were invented to increase aggression in soldiers during the war, but we know all’s fair in love and war, right? That’s another blog all together! If a professional athlete wants to be the best he can be, why not consider a medicine that promotes his chances? I think this is one point where the views get distorted. People want to compare their heroes to themselves. Just because Bob the banker plays softball on the weekends, doesn’t make him a pro, does it? Regular people can and do play football, lift weights, race and even compete in dangerous sports…like fishing and poker! People don’t wrestle for a hobby. It’s entertainment. Take cheating off the table with that one and let’s stick to the other competitions. You want to compare your batting average to your heroes and let’s face it- that’s not fair. These athletes have followed their dreams and sacrificed everything to be where they are. You just want to play for fun when you have time. These athletes make their living off of competing at the highest level, full time! They want to get as far as they can possibly get and have devoted their lives for it. Let the pros be pros and don’t stop them because your ego won’t let go of your college days when you could have taken a different path.

I’ve heard people say that it’s not fair that Babe Ruth’s record could be broken today only because of drug use. Isn’t it a fact that we have better arthritic medicine and pain and joint tension relievers today then Babe could have had? Don’t we have better education on physical fitness and health and well being? Better equipment for athletes to exercise on? Better supplements? I’ve even heard people claim that the weight of the bat, and the size of the playing field have been altered. What’s wrong with progressing with the times?

I love how the media puts their twist on everything. I saw some young kid on television respond when he was asked what he would do next time he saw his busted “hero” on the pitcher’s mound. The kid simply stated that he would “Boo”. This may strike an emotional cord with you, but not me. “Oh, how heart- breaking that a child feels that way about his role model!” “ We must do something”. That’s what they’re hoping to inspire, but I’m looking at this 7 year old kid and laughing at the attempt to brain wash me. I remember when I was that young and my mom would say “ Robbie, I think it’s gross when people don’t wash their hands after they go to the bathroom, don’t you?” I’d say “ Uhh…yeah.”

She’d then tell others “ Robbie think’s it’s gross when people don’t wash their hands.” there by making it appear as if it was my own thought, to me and to others. That’s what adults do for kids, which is great, but let’s not forget that when we hear the ”shocking” opinions of children. The opinions are not their own, but their parents.

What about the danger? As with everything, there are dangerous levels of abuse. Are the dangers exaggerated? More than you could possibly imagine. In fact, I believe that most of you reading this are under the impression that the reasons you are hearing about so many wrestlers dying are from steroids. That is what most people seem to think. You too?

How is it, that certain facts are completely over-looked in favor of feeding the fear monster? Many of you read about the 64 wrestlers who have died since 1997 under the age of 50, in Maxim Magazine. Did you happen to notice that steroids were mentioned as possible fatal contributions in only 3 of those deaths? That’s if you agree with them that GHB is a steroid, which it is not. You may read about the drug over doses and think maybe it’s steroids. It’s not. It’s almost always, 100 percent, always, always, the muscle relaxer called Soma. Soma, often mixed with other drugs in what we call the “wrestlers cock tail”, is what sends my friends and peers to the grave.

One factor I admit is questionable is the common enlarged heart. It is referred to as “athletes heart” by the medical profession which implies that it is common with those involved in sports. Many people have this without being involved in any competition. I don’t know why it’s so common but it’s not something you can just blame on steroids. Maybe it's related. We should look into that.

So, what do we do? Is it feasible to have separate leagues for athletes who use and those who do not?

Have you ever heard of natural body building contests? They’ve been doing it for years, haven’t they?

I think we should be grateful for modern medicine for all it has achieved. Longer, healthier, more productive lives have been possible since the invention of penicillin and everything that has followed.

Is it really worth putting all this negative energy on America’s favorite pastime? Are the players cheating or are the rules holding them back? How many of you would take a pill if you were guaranteed a world championship reign that would put you in the history books? A lot of folks would trade in their lives for a guarantee like that. Some folks would trade their lives in just for the chance, with very small odds of making it to the top. They want it that bad. It means that much to them. Is it their line to draw, or yours because you want to compare their batting average to yours?

Agreeing to play by given rules and secretly breaking the rules to win is always cheating. If there’s room for flexibility, it’s in the rules. How about we learn more, instead of giving in to the fear that makes us seek comfort in the form of appeasing bull shit? That sounds like a good idea to me. Medicinal value is golden for survival. There are levels of usage and abuse with anything you can put into your body.

Be smart about that, and acknowledge that others may not be as smart as you.

Merry Christmas everybody!

Happy Horus Day?

2007-12-03T19:24:00.000-08:00

The wait is over. The blog is here. Get to reading.

Quick question for you -- who has had more World Championships (not title reigns) than any other wrestler in history? Someone get back to me on that. I was trying to put two and two together and want to see what you come up with.

I’ll be doing an interview you can catch live this week, on Friday at World Talk LIVE!, and even ask me a question on the air or just remind me how cool I am if you wish. This isn't an invite for interview requests; it’s just one that I agreed to, hoping RVD TV would be ready to push. It’s taking longer than we expected, but we should be there very soon. Hopefully, you can be enjoying it for all it’s worth before Christmas -- which is rapidly approaching, isn't it? In the meantime, I'm going to hook you up with a new trailer on my site to show you what we're doing with the concept. I'm waiting for the website to be finished that will contain RVD TV and then I'll be waiting for your feedback.

Fans in the Los Angeles area -- put “Photo taken with RVD” on your Christmas list and make it happen on Saturday, December 8th at Frank and Sons. Get there early enough and be one of the first to get the new kickass RVD t-shirt!

I'll also have that new shirt in the 5 Star Comics store in a few days so keep that in mind and checkout eBay Store - RVD 5STAR STORE: RVD's 5Star Home over the next couple of weeks. We'll have some one-of-a-kind items up at RVD's Secret Stash for you to checkout, too.

Grab the Maxim Magazine on the shelves right now to read the latest published story on Chris Benoit. They really put you in the moment, which I found quite eerie. I learned a couple things I wasn't aware of, as well. Thanks to the fan that wrote in and told me about the issue. In fact, everyone who wrote in to tell me that they closed their eyes to try to feel the energy around them -- awesome! Everyone requesting my workouts -- it’s coming. As for the Ghost Rider movie -- for taking 20 years worth of the dark, hellish, spiritual story and turning it into 90 minutes of fun for all ages, they did a good job and made a fun movie. Oh, and the waiter that doesn’t think Roxxy is hot -- gay! And I’m sorry that wrestling sucks but what makes you think I could save it? Why do you think I don’t want to be there? Also, thanks for the birthday wishes. Unlike many of my fallen brothers, I’m happy to make it another year.

If you hear rumors about RVD planning on making an appearance at Booker T’s one-year anniversary show for his Texas-based promotion at the end of December -- it’s true. I’ve been telling interested wanna-be wrestlers that Book has the best school I know of for a long time and now, with my personal, physical endorsement, you can all assume that Book must be a pretty good friend to get me to come to Texas!!! More info when I get it.

A long-time friend of mine has to pay his bills so check out Funny Employee Awards and see if his creative book is something you can use. Good luck, Larry. If you make so much money that you want to buy me a Christmas gift, just send cash, dude.

Have you guys seen Boondocks? I recommend it, if you are not easily offended by rough language. I watched season one on DVD, uncut, and I think it’s brilliant! Knowing that I live in a country where a shock jock can get fired for calling the wrong people “nappy headed hos,” I warn you that if you watch the cartoon Boondocks uncut you will hear some adult, or as I like to call it, real language. Censorship has always been strange to me. Today, I heard Offspring calling someone a "dick" in the "get a job" song. It made me wonder why I got bleeped for saying "penis" on the Mancow Show. Strange.

Are you ready for a brain-stimulating movie that aims to open up even the tightest of minds?

Dude, watch Zeitgeist - The Movie. If you can't sit in front of the computer for that long, you can watch it on YouTube in 13 parts. They cover three different subjects of controversy that are sooooo worth talking about. It took awhile to get around to watching this after it was recommended but it was so good I watched it again to show someone. Have you heard of the B.C. deities Horus, Attis, Mithra, or Dionysus? They were from different cultures but had a lot in common. For instance, all were born on Dec. 25 to a virgin, and were resurrected 3 days after their demise. See if this quote from the website doesn't grab you...

“They must find it difficult, those who have taken authority as the truth, rather than truth as the authority.”

I know -- pretty awesome, huh?

The number one fan comment I receive is “When are you coming back?” My answer is everywhere, but no one wants to hear it. That’s cool. I’ll probably cash in on that return run, maybe, some day. Right now, I’m getting to know me in a way that I couldn’t while someone else owned me. My growing inner connection is invaluable, and it makes me stronger every day. Scrambling through hectic, stressful days will distance you from your true self. Get to know that person. That is your spiritual self, underneath the layers of environmental influence. Look at what self qualities you are truly proud of. One of the qualities I take the most pride in is being genuine. In fact, I can get quite offended when I’m accused of the opposite. I guess that’s because I believe we are all trying to figure life out, and today is tomorrow’s history. You want to fuck up history forever? I want everyone to know what I live by, and exactly what the fuck I die from. I don’t say anything behind anyone’s back that I wouldn’t say to their face. That’s genuine.

Guys who lie to the ladies so they can use them, for instance, are not genuine. They should know that. We all know people that appear fake or ingenuine and they are comfortable being that way. They just aren’t genuine people. I guess they admire other qualities about themselves.

Do you ever wonder where good morals come from? I used to think that it was something you were born with, that bad people resisted. Is it just what family and society gives you? We all have a general understanding of what’s right and what’s wrong, don’t we? Actually, there’s quite a range of opinions. Here’s a scenario for you -- I’d like to think that if I lived pre-Civil War, I would know that slavery was wrong. Would I know? What if everyone else that I ever met, including my family, taught me that slavery was fine? What if I grew up, owning a slave? Bull shit. How the hell could I not know that it’s uncompassionate to have a human being chained up to the dog house? I think that I would have to know how wrong it was, regardless of what society taught me. Actually, since you read my blogs, you know that I am not a conformist so I would never let society think for me. But what if I never had the option of free thinking because society was such? We’re still individuals, whether they try to take that away or not. In fact, that’s probably why human slavery still exists today in the U.S., Thailand, and other places where compassion seems to be absent. I’m just using that as an example. My topic here is good morals. If you are indeed born with your own set of morals, can they be taken away from you? Maybe replaced with whatever the standards are? If Mom and Dad are bad, does that mean you have to be bad? Would you have to witness good to know the difference? Personally, I don’t think I do anything if I feel like it’s wrong. My bible-quoting friend disagrees with me, but I trust my own judgment. I may be aware of others who will not approve of my actions, but if they aren’t God, chances are -- they're wrong. That’s because I don’t think I approve of things that God disapproves of. I do not live with that conflict. That must be what smoking cigarettes and wanting to quit feels like. I don’t know. Well, okay, one questionable thing comes to mind. I do eat murdered animals because society has taught me that nothing beats a delicious, tender filet mignon. MMMMMM...steak!

We process a lot of info in life, and some of it sticks. Pay attention to what you are attracted to -- to what gives you energy. Those are hints of your intended path and it feels so right to be on that path. It’s the most reassuring feeling you can have; that you’re living life as you are supposed to. Everybody needs this security, but they don’t all get it and they don’t all know they need it. The more you are able to be connected, the more you realize when you are not connected. It’s what’s on the other side of that connection- the Universe, Life, God, that energy -- whatever you want to call it -- that has all the answers.

We’re just the castaways of Lost, stuck on an island, and we know we’re being watched and tested, but we just blindly follow instructions left for us by our predecessors and wait for night to come. That’s not good enough for me. I say we live in the magic of life!

Either way -- happy shopping for the holidays everyone. Cough. Cough. Pegan parties. Pardon me.

The Price is Right

2007-11-11T04:19:00.000-08:00

Greetings, everybody. I hope you all had a great weekend.

I understand the appreciation from some of you, when I don’t mention the good herb in my blogs. This, however, will not be one of those blogs. Hold on, before you go anywhere, I just want everyone who enjoys having a planet to live on, to take a look at this oldie -- but too often forgotten -- goodie Oaksterdam News - Ford's hemp car. Usually, people are surprised when I tell them that Henry Ford made an automobile out of hemp fibers, that actually ran on hemp seed oil in 1941. Even my friends at the Hemp Store in Auckland didn’t know this and while the car was a third lighter in weight than the standard car, it was 10 times as strong! Ford introduced this to the World Fair and if it wasn’t for the greed of his sponsor, Dupont, looking for higher profitable plastics, there’s no telling what could have became of this. It damn sure should be in our history books, but then, that’s what they want us to think about. In case you’re a bit confused about the hemp plant, it’s not the same plant as its relative, marijuana and it does not contain the stuff to get you high. We don’t utilize it because its been purposely interchanged with pot in our misguiding educations. To watch Drew Carrey's efforts to educate you on the same truth you consistently get from here, click here: reason.tv. Spreading the truth doesn’t seem to hurt the career of the new Price is Right host. Kudos to you Drew, for helping draw awareness where it’s needed. Drew’s got a lot more integrity than I realized. If you’re up for some more viewing on the subject, Marc Emery’s story is huge. I don’t know if anyone has done more for the cause. His movie Prince of Pot is now showing here- YouTube - Prince of Pot - Part One. If you have not seen the movie Reefer Madness, you should make this a personal goal. I highly recommend the Showtime musical remake, which is fucking hilarious. The pun’s there if you want it. Keep in mind that the original movie -used to successfully demonize the reputation of the weed in the 1930’s- is every bit as ridiculous! I’m quite sure it would have the opposite effect today because people just aren’t that gullible anymore. Too bad Uncle Sam never corrected that one.

Anyone who watches Two and a Half Men and doesn’t laugh through the whole thing must be preoccupied during the show. It’s so funny. Here’s something I have to know. Since we watch our programs on Tivo- with the ability to pause and rewind- and most people probably don’t- how many of you totally miss Chuck Lorre’s quickly flashed vanity card at the end of each show? If you have no idea what I’m talking about, I guess that answers my question.

Sonya’s brother appreciates all the extra hits at MoodShuffle - Your music, your mood. Freedom from playlists and an endless ski. He’s looking to take that project to the big time, and offer you quality musical enjoyment the whole way. As Quagmire would say…Allllll riiiight!!

Take out your list of things you want to do when you come to California, and cross off “Visit RVD’s store”. All the merchandise is moving to its new location at eBay Store - RVD 5STAR STORE: RVD's 5Star Home. Keep checking back, as new items will be continually added every week, and we have a lot of stuff!

For your info, I do read all the comments on my front page and more enthusiastically, on my blogs. I won’t be able to respond to everyone but I am hearing what you’re telling me. The feedback from my last blog on pride was pretty awesome. Knowing that others agree with views or opinions feels like a shot of validity in the arm. Well, except for the stinging part. Some of you seem to question your own feelings on the subject of being proud of someone you don’t know because you feel connected to them. It’s always great to question, but I have some following information that has helped others, and I think it will shed some light on the subject. You cheer for your home football team. You vote for the American Idol from your state. You scream “USA” at the foreign wrestlers. This is all good energy, for and from you. This is a good place for your spirit to be, rather than focusing on the other team’s defeat. You applaud when you see a BMX biker pull off an amazing 720 degrees flip in the air, even though you don’t know him. You’re vibrating with him at a positive frequency. The more you learn to vibrate with others and celebrate their success, the more susceptible you become to receiving positive energy yourself. Practice this as oppose to being jealous of others or focusing on your beliefs that they don’t deserve what they have. These thoughts bring you down and you don’t want to be putting out bad vibes.

Everybody catch that Death Grip special on CNN? Yikes! Lots of stand-out moments here. Many good points and many not-so-whole truths. How about Dynamite Kid, huh? Karma is a mother fucker! I’m going to assume that, by now, most people are realizing that the life behind the scenes of pro wrestling is very demanding. It can be a great job if you love it more than anything in your life, but you still have to know how to take care of yourself. One thing I’ve always wondered, how does the death rate compare to the rock and roll touring industry, instead of football? Everyone wants to call it phony, choreographed, or whatever, and then they compare it to sports when they need defaming statistics. I’m not denying that I have lost many friends-fuck, every time I look at old pictures there are more and more to add to my list. Is it classified as a sport? If it’s entertainment on television, don’t you wonder why the Actor’s Guild has never claimed it? Wouldn’t that be something if the WWE writers went on strike with all these Hollywood writers all over the sidewalk here? Actually, one time- and keep this to yourself- the Guild came after me claiming that my work on a WWE video game was unsanctioned by them. I’m not making this up. If you belong to the union, you can’t do non-union work or you are in BIG trouble if you get caught. Somebody in their office, which I do belong to outside of wrestling, thought that the game, or even WWE, was considered “acting” and a conflict of union rules. They were incorrect, but one has to wonder where the mistaken lines are drawn. Wrestling unions will never take place, as I’ve often stated. Aftra owns the other high rated tv shows, but strangely, not Smack Down or Raw, or what was that other one? I’m pretty sure it has something to do with the live, traveling performances but we’ve all watched live sitcoms hoping for them to make a mistake. Obviously, there is an answer to this situation, but I have to believe there’s more room for change in this department than should be ignored.

By the way, even though you parents don’t want me telling the kids this: Mom and Dad do not know how pro wrestling works. Listen to them, because they are your parents. Listen to me, and I’ll talk about wrestling for a minute. I know…rarely done on this site. I have been in many matches where- not only did I not talk to my opponent before the match, I never met him. Sometimes we didn’t even speak the same language. Sometimes, we spoke the same language and dressed in the same room and didn’t care about talking about the match because we were both veterans that could go out there and tear it up! If I were to ask the Shiek if I should talk to my opponent before my match he would of said “What the fuck for?” There is no rehearsal required, no way to safely take those high falls, and we are definitely competing to get over in the ring. We want to be over with the crowd, over with the promoters, and hopefully, the most over guy or girl in the dressing rooms, because that’s how to get ahead. Well, that and holding everyone else down, if you’re that type of person.

Hope I’ve added insight. I heard Dog the Bounty Hunter (yeah, I know- I probably shouldn’t) say that there are words in the English language that we should never, ever use. Hmmm. Then, why invent them? I’m not referring to the word he used specifically, but censored words in general. I am saying people invented words. We give the power to the words. We can take the power away. What if we decided not to be offended by pronunciations and instead listened to intentions? I discussed my solution to profanity on a Friends in High Places episode with my friends; Tabu and one of my agents. You’ll see it soon, on RVD TV. I suggest- if we have an epidemic problem with cuss words out of control- ban all words from being profane, and what’s the worst that can happen? You’ll hear your kid say “Fuck Mom, I sure do love you.” and you won’t be brain washed to feel that negative energy attachment. You’ll feel as if your kid said “ Gee Mom, I sure do love you” And why not? It means the same…exact…thing! I can offend without swearing and I can swear without meaning offense. What a ridiculous idea it is to invent words that shouldn't be said. If your response to this is "I don't want to hear my kid talk like that", of course you don't, because society has deemed it inappropriate. That's my point. Why'd they do that? As always, explore your own thoughts before you except others as your own.

This feels like the longest blog ever! I gotta go.

So, they told us that Santa brought gifts down our chimneys, the Tooth Fairy deposited funds under our pillows, boobies are bad, weapons of mass destruction were found and marijuana is a dangerous drug that kills. At what point do we think for ourselves?

Be proud of who we are

2007-10-26T16:19:00.000-07:00

As you may know, I am spending much of my time trying to stay home in California, off the road, after years of living in hotels. I'm only a few months into my break, and I say only because I am enjoying my time away from traveling more than the thought of living out of my suitcase. If you are hearing this for the first time, believe it. That means if you are a "wrestling promoter", I put that in quotes because mostly these are fans trying to run a show, I'm not waiting for or wanting your phone call, but I wish you the best. I've never fit the stereo type and I'm not going to start now by prostituting myself out like the other wrestlers without contracts have to and want to do. Very few situations are worth considering leaving home.

Making an exception for just such a situation, I took Sonya over seas for the last couple weeks for an awesome trip where I appeared at the Armageddon Show. This was a big convention that ran for two days in Melbourne, Australia and then another three days in Auckland, New Zealand.

In Melbourne, I signed at the show with my brother-in-the-business, Sabu, and Jasmine St. Claire. Hopefully, I'll get a pic of us to post. The fans were awesome. We look forward to coming back when the opportunity presents itself.

Funny story-the local wrestlers asked me a few questions, and one was about what I do for my calves (RVD's calves are, like many outstanding qualities, not showcased in the ring) because I wasn't wearing my shin pads that usually cover them. I went on to explain that outside of the gym I also do all kinds of unorthodox shit throughout my day to challenge or train myself. One thing I mentioned was that I flush urinals with my foot. I didn't think they'd understand when I realized every urinal I used over there was automatic, but I heard the next day that a bunch of them went home and tried it on their toilets. Funny.

You've probably even tried standing with your eyes closed and maybe lifting one foot off the ground to test your balance. I walk with my eyes closed a lot, under my shades, when I know I have enough safe room. I challenge myself by going for a number of steps that looks short of a collision. Not that I'm suggesting it, but I even do it on my bike and count seconds. I fell once. I'm sure it looked hilarious. One of my first martial arts teachers, James Williams taught me that kind of training. We would spend a lot of time training the mind. I do recommend that.

So, I signed in New Zealand next to Christy Hemme for three days, and Raven for one. The Kiwi's are very nice people and the weather was just right for the most part. After lots of posing and Q and A sessions, and meeting thousands of very kind locals, Sonya and I stayed a couple days and chilled. We actually went on a real Hobbit Hike with Raven and some friends we made and climbed hills and crossed streams and went through caves to get to black sand beaches. It was crazy! I've never done anything like that and will remember the experience always. They filmed Xena, as well as many other projects there in the magical looking mist coming off the ocean.

We made it home to a very smokey Los Angeles. Don't worry about the Van Dam Casa, we're safe, but fuck- I heard on the news that over 1400 homes have been destroyed!

Try to always remember that there are always consequences. Every action has a reaction. Make good decisions...it's a good idea!

We've been catching up on Dexter( damn, I love that show), Heroes,Two and a Half Men, Robot Chicken, My Name Is Earl, Damages,Californication, and Weeds. Still got The Ultimate Fighter to check out, and I'll give Bionic Woman another look but I didn't think after the second show that it was going to be something for me after all.

Being home doesn't mean I can't leave my house to appear at the Shrine next Sunday, Nov. 4th! Fans in the Los Angeles area, Come see me from 12:00 to 3, I do believe. Los Angeles Comic Book and SciFi Convention. Bring some energy and of course, I expect everyone to tell me they miss my store :(

Sonya's genius brother invented something that may be of interest to you Ipod lovers. It's an add-on for Itunes called MOODSHUFFLE, and it picks music for you based on your moods so you don't have to shuffle around looking for different songs you want to hear, when you want to hear them. Or something like that. Check it out at MoodShuffle - Your music, your mood. Freedom from playlists and an endless ski.

As long as we're plugging, my good friend Shawn Stasiak has a documentary piece you can take a look at here --- Muscular Galore. I doubt many wrestlers or fans got to know Shawn like I got to know him. In fact, I appear in Shawn's film talking to him about spirituality and how we came across and applied what we've learned towards our lives. I haven't seen the whole film yet but it covers a lot of Shawn's motivational path, from Shawn's early days looking up to his famous father, Stan Stasiak to Shawn's current chiropractic career helping others where he can.

I've been talking about this research that Chris Nowinski is doing, concerning concussed athletes and the brain damage consequences. There's that word.
If you want to read an interesting article on it and learn a bit about how Benoit's dad dealt with everything, there's a good story at http://www.macleans.ca/science/health/article.jsp?content=20071022_110256_110256&page=1

My good friend and former high school class mate, Dory Funk Jr., has a new wrestling training center in Florida with all kinds of exciting things happening. Take at look at http://www.dory-funk.com

Well, I just got back and have a lot to catch up on.

What, not deep enough to measure up to RVD Blog standards?

Oh, don't even think I've run out of material. So not the case, ever.

How about we talk about this for a minute? Is pride a good thing or bad? Or maybe both? We grow up wanting to know that our shoes and jeans are better than the other kids' stuff, or at least we'll pretend we think our shit's better when we're arguing. What is that? My dad's job is cooler than your dad's...our house is better...my hair is better than yours....whatever.

I understand the need to like oneself and the problems that arise when this is not so. Okay. Soon it's school pride. Our team is better than your team. Our state is better than your state. My country is better than yours. We all want to cheer for the home town hero or heroes, even if we don't know them. Why is that? Is the person that made it far in life, and happens to be from your town more deserving of life than the guy that was born in Iraq? Is it the same formula of life, on a different scale? I'm just asking here.

I know the Australians want me to like Australian beer. I do. I know the Kiwi's really want me to enjoy their island. I do. Is that because my American endorsement adds value? Is it pride in their culture that they want to share with someone they like? Or is it wondering how they compare to the mighty U.S.A.? I always ask my friends from out of town if they like Los Angeles, because I want them to like it. I guess that's just to share some common emotion? Maybe? I'm just thinking with you...and jet lag! I'm all for "one love" and I am very grateful for experiencing many wonderful cultures.

Is the pride that makes Canadians proud to be north of the border the same thing I promote by telling everyone to embrace their individuality? Is this what eventually causes war? I think it's all good as long as you have balance. I know some people who don't know how to be proud of themselves without looking down at others. Don't be one of them. You don't have to waste time wishing you weren't someone else because you're not. You're you. Don't go looking for a point here, but imagine with me, just for once- What amazing progress we could accomplish if we were all just Earthling's, put here by the same creator, banned together in search of answers.

See ya.

RVD TV

2007-10-03T04:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all the feedback on the first RVD TV trailer that’s up at The Whole F'N Website...RobVanDam.com Yes, I do get some hang time on my back flips!

RVD TV is going to rock! This project is as close to the heart as it gets for me. I had Docu-dude film me hanging out at my house, running all over my wonderful city, and even archive personal video footage. You'll see a lot of random activities that are part of my normal every day life here in Los Angeles, as well as some special moments too.

Something that I find myself doing very often is having deep, thought provoking conversations that explore personal opinions and positions. Many a night, I've said “Damn, we should have a camera recording this!” as I pondered thoughts with friends over such subjects as organized religion, war, relationships, death penalty, censorship and other society imposed standards, as well as getting spiritual with the right people.

Just yesterday I was telling a friend who considers himself Catholic, but doesn't believe or apply any of the rulings that would define him as Catholic that no- he wasn't. He tells me he was born Catholic. I said that you could be born white or black, but not Catholic. That’s like saying you were born speaking English. A third party entered the amusing conversation and after ten minutes of back and forth, we ended up deciding that he was a lapsed-Catholic- which he wasn't too happy about. It was still pretty funny. I've never been one to believe what I'm told without question. How can you not question it? You have to sometimes, don't you?

This relates to RVD TV through a reoccurring episode I call Friends in High Places. They're not debates. They're not arguments. We just kick around some feelings on a subject and really open up to do it. Chatting with friends in the entertainment industry is going to draw attention and I hope someone will listen to what we have to say because a lot of important points are brought up.

When I had my good friend Taboo from the Black Eyed Pees on RVD TV to talk about language censorship he thanked me for giving him the opportunity to speak about something he cares about passionately. He gets his message across. He totally gets what I'm doing and I received outstanding support from him as well as many other Friends in High Places as we tackled the likes of gun control, violence in entertainment, and marijuana prohibition, to name a few.

Speaking of the good herb, check this out.

Nick Diaz has always been a kick ass fighter, but he just got major kudos from me for recent news. On February 24th, Diaz defeated Takanori Gomi at Pride 33 in Las Vegas by submission. It was considered one of the greatest battles of the night with Nick repeatedly winning stand-up exchanges and in the end, earning himself superstar status.

On April 10th, the Nevada State Athletic Commission announced that Nick had failed a post fight drug screening by testing positive for marijuana. Ready for this? They said that “his THC level was so high that he fought with an unfair advantage. So they overturned his victory and declared it a no-contest.”

WHAT? WHAT? All you conservative voters who agree pot should be illegal, let me ask you something. What happened to the stereotype of pot making you lazy, unmotivated, slow, and unable to function? Is that why it’s bad or does it give you an advantage in a mixed martial arts competition where reflexes, speed, stamina, precision and energy mean everything? You can't have it both ways.

Maybe everyone needs some truthful education, huh? Most people have misinformation about this center of controversy. Why do you think you've never seen me make excuses for my very famous mj bust with Sabu? Anytime a professional athlete, or actor, or musician, politician, or judge or anyone with a position of respect is attached to cannabis, it helps change the dishonest perception of the plant. Nick stands his ground on this. You can read his story at BOXING - CBSSports.com.

Anyone catch 60 minutes last week? They covered the subject of debate with DEA raiding medicinal dispensaries in California. That does nothing but justify their unessential budget for keeping weed illegal.

Anyone catch Real Sports on HBO? I don't remember Marcus Bagwell sounding so southern. Hmm. This was an interesting follow up to last years special on wrestlers dying young.

If you haven't heard any of my interviews on the subject of wrestlers being taken advantage of, I offer an honest but probably different opinion than most. Forget the wrestler’s union. It'll never happen. Wrestlers are all replaceable and have nowhere else to go anyway. Are you surprised when you hear that wrestler’s don't get insurance benefits? Big deal. We are independent contractors, just like the guy you paid to paint your house. If the painter signs a contract that says he will work for you for 3 years, and work for no one else and give ownership of any plans or ideas created or used on the job to you, and he gives you the right to amend the contract on your side to implement dress codes and fines and wellness programs and whatever else you decide along the way, that’s the deal he made. If you are paying him enough money so he can get his own insurance, set up his own retirement funds, and you take care of getting him to the job and back home, what’s the problem? He’s not an employee. He’s self-employed. Would he rather have less pay, but get insurance through you? Probably not, especially since he’s covered if he gets hurt on the job anyway. Make sense? I hope I cleared some questions up for you and gave you a different angle to see the situation from. I admit as quickly as anyone that the job is way challenging, but it’s a challenge we agree to. That’s why I finished the agreement that I made and now I'm done. For the moment, anyway.

Chris Nowinski is heading the research that discovered the brain damage in Benoit’s head from trauma. This offers the best possible scientific explanation for what could have happened. I'm talking with Chris about his discoveries and about ways to educate everyone. He’s findings show that many athletes who have experienced concussions share commonalities that can include paranoia and depression and ultimately, suicide. Some of my friends have other qualities that are consistent with concussions like headaches and inability to retain information, and even difficulty staying awake. We have to look at the whole situation differently now. Many times I've laughed at my own disability to regain balance and equilibrium after a good shot to the head. It seems that maybe some real damage could be taking place, and Benoit possibly having dementia is a scary enough reason to take notice. If these suicide victims all had former multiple concussions, and there could possibly be a pattern, I’m wondering if that could explain the loss of my good friend and old travel partner Mike Awsome. If you want to know more information and especially if you know someone who’s suffering from bumps to the head, you can email Chris Nowinski at nowinski@sportslegacy.org

My comic book store is no longer open; so don't plan your west coast trips around visiting it. We had a lot of fun, and brought a lot of fans together with their favorite wrestlers. The city of Lomita and the city of L.A. both contributed towards making it impossible to keep the doors open for business, but we'll have all the merchandise available for you at RobVanDam.com in the next couple of weeks.

I hope you caught Family Guy Star Wars. It was awesome! I also liked the Bionic Woman and think it'll be a great new action series for us this fall.

You’ve probably noticed that I’m not taking bookings and traveling all over the globe. That’s true and not going to change any time soon. However, taking SVD to Australia and then New Zealand is gonna be an awesome trip! Sabu will be in Australia too so bring your hardcore energy and see us at Armageddon Expo Australia and then at Armageddon Pulp Expo.

Something I've heard a lot from you fans when we'd meet in person is “Keep doing what you do”. When I knew I was going to take a break, this didn't feel good to hear. I didn't want to let anyone down and people were telling me they were counting on me to keep it up. Looking back over the years, I used to get fan mail pertaining to how I had inspired or motivated some people I had never even met. I didn't quite get it at first. How could I have helped these people get over heart operations and other surgeries, divorces, deaths of loved ones and more? Just by doing back flips? I convinced myself that watching me entertained them and brought them positive energy. I also decided that by being a public image, anyone could fill in their own blanks to feel like they know me. You can pretend that I drive a monster truck, or hunt in the woods, or tear it up the on the dance floor, whatever. The RVD that you might “know” may be different than the RVD you meet on RVD TV.

If you want to hold onto your memories and not know the real me, RVD TV may not be for you. If you want to know the guy behind every accomplishment that made you a fan, and want to possibly grow from life discoveries shared openly by that same person, tune in. I will continue to inspire like I did with those performances, but I'm reaching outside the box on a personal and honest level. With this in mind, you got it- I'll keep doing what I do.

Roll the credits.

"Purplexion" by Harry Slash and the Slashtones, hear the RVD TV theme song at MySpace.com - The Slashtones

Peace.