WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam worked with just about every major talent during his five-year tenure in ECW, having legendary rivalries with names like Jerry Lynn, Sabu, and Rhino. Known for its eclectic and diverse roster, the ECW locker room was filled with unique personalities, earning it the nickname “The Land of the Misfit Toys.”
During a recent episode of his “1 Of A Kind” podcast, RVD was asked to share his favorite big guys and small guys from his ECW run, and he didn’t hesitate to offer his praise.
Big Guys: Bam Bam Bigelow
When it comes to big guys, RVD’s top pick is the legendary Bam Bam Bigelow. Despite working with many larger-than-life competitors, Bigelow stood out to RVD for his blend of size and agility in the ring.
“I’m going to probably go with ‘Bammer,’ Bam Bam Bigelow for the bigger guy,” RVD said. “I had some really good matches with him, and I also — well, I mean, I had really good matches with everybody, but also he was in a special place in front of my eyes because I grew up seeing him. Then to meet him, like, I thought he was really cool, and I respected the guy.”
RVD’s respect for Bigelow goes beyond the in-ring work. Bigelow was the man RVD defeated to become the ECW Television Champion, a title he held for an impressive 23 months, before he was forced to vacate it after breaking his ankle.
Small Guys: Little Guido & Spike Dudley
For the smaller guys, RVD found it difficult to choose between two of ECW’s most beloved talents: Little Guido (Tony Mamaluke) and Spike Dudley.
“Smaller guy? Man, that’s a toss-up between two people, it’s hard to make a decision between Little Guido and Spike Dudley,” RVD admitted.
Both Guido and Dudley played pivotal roles in RVD’s ECW career, and he continued to cross paths with them in WWE. However, RVD has especially fond memories of working with Spike Dudley, known for his ability to absorb punishment in the ring.
“I loved beating up Spike, he was so good at taking a beating and making me look awesome,” RVD recalled. “He was tough, and we had great chemistry.”
Legacy and Influence
Rob Van Dam’s time in ECW helped elevate the promotion, and his matches with diverse talent like Bam Bam Bigelow, Little Guido, and Spike Dudley showcase his ability to work with all kinds of wrestlers. His career continues to be remembered for his high-flying, innovative style and respect for the business, as well as for those he worked alongside.
Please credit “1 Of A Kind” when using quotes from this article and provide a H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.