As a WWE Hall of Famer and a veteran of the industry, Rob Van Dam has seen his fair share of behind-the-scenes moments that have shaped the world of professional wrestling. In a recent interview, Van Dam discussed a common production decision that used to get under his skin during his first run with the company.
A Decision That Frustrated Van Dam
According to Van Dam, one of the production decisions that would often frustrate him was the lack of time allowed for wrestlers to make their entrances. Van Dam explained that the production team’s focus on getting the matches to start on time often resulted in wrestlers being rushed to the ring, which would impact the overall flow and atmosphere of the event.
“It would piss me off, because I would be sitting there, waiting to make my entrance, and they’d be like, ‘Okay, Rob, you’ve got 45 seconds to get to the ring,’ and I’d be like, ’45 seconds? That’s not even enough time to get my music to start playing, let alone get to the ring and get in character,'” Van Dam said in the interview. “It’s those little things that can make a difference in the overall product, and it’s frustrating when you feel like you’re being rushed through it.”
The Impact on the Wrestler
This lack of time to make entrances not only frustrated Van Dam but also affected his ability to connect with the audience. As a wrestler who was known for his unique entrance, complete with a trampoline and a massive stage dive, Van Dam felt that being rushed through his entrance took away from the excitement and energy of the performance.
“When I’m making my entrance, I’m not just walking to the ring, I’m creating a spectacle,” Van Dam said. “I’m trying to get the crowd pumped up, and if I’m rushing through it, it’s going to affect the energy of the match. It’s like, you’re trying to build this momentum, and if you’re cutting it short, it’s like you’re putting the brakes on the whole thing.”
Changes Over Time
As Van Dam’s career progressed, he noticed changes in the way the production team approached entrances. The amount of time allowed for entrances increased, and the focus shifted from getting the matches to start on time to creating a more immersive experience for the audience.
“I think the production team has gotten better over the years,” Van Dam said. “They’ve realized that the entrances are a part of the show, and they’re not just something to get out of the way. They’re an opportunity to create a spectacle, to get the crowd excited, and to set the tone for the match. And I think that’s something that they’ve done a better job of in recent years.”
The Future of Entrances in WWE
As the landscape of professional wrestling continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how entrances fit into the overall product. With the rise of social media and the need for content, the production team is under pressure to create engaging and shareable moments.
“I think the production team is going to have to strike a balance between getting the matches to start on time and creating a more immersive experience for the audience,” Van Dam said. “They’re going to have to find a way to make the entrances a part of the show, rather than just something to get out of the way. And I think that’s something that they’re capable of doing.”
A Backstage Perspective
According to a WWE insider, the production team has been working hard to improve the overall experience for the audience.
“The production team is constantly looking for ways to improve the show,” the source said. “They’re aware of the importance of entrances and are working to make sure that they’re not just something to get out of the way, but a part of the overall experience. It’s a delicate balance, but I think they’re capable of finding it.”
The WWE has come a long way in terms of producing high-quality matches and storylines, but the importance of entrances cannot be overstated. As Van Dam’s experiences have shown, being rushed through an entrance can be frustrating and affect the overall flow of the event.
As the world of professional wrestling continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how entrances fit into the overall product. With the rise of social media and the need for content, the production team is under pressure to create engaging and shareable moments.
One thing is certain: the production team will have to strike a balance between getting the matches to start on time and creating a more immersive experience for the audience. As Van Dam said, “It’s those little things that can make a difference in the overall product, and it’s frustrating when you feel like you’re being rushed through it.”