In Japanese puroresu, below the watchful eye of the revered Big Baba, Rob Van Dam underwent a change that will redefine his profession trajectory. Baba not solely sharpened RVD’s in-ring acumen, however catalyzed the evolution of his visible persona. On his “1 of a Form” podcast, RVD not too long ago peeled again the curtain on this formative interval, revealing how Baba’s eager eye for presentation sparked the genesis of his signature airbrushed apparel. This shift marked a pivotal second in RVD’s ascent from promising rookie to bona fide worldwide sensation.
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“The concept [for airbrush] got here from when Big Baba wished to vary my look … I used to be getting over actually younger. Followers actually appreciated me, so he wished me to look skilled, as a result of I used to be wrestling with the identical outfit however no paint in any respect. So I simply had like a black one and a pink one. You already know, low finances. It is all I might afford on the time.” The Japanese promoter nudged RVD in direction of a extra holistic reinvention. This included a transition from boxing footwear to extra conventional wrestling boots, and an embrace of a extra vibrant shade palette.
“Baba wished me to put on boots. And he talked me into carrying boots. … He stated possibly vivid colours or one thing. I pictured on the time that possibly he was considering of like The Rockers. ‘Trigger Marty Jannetty and Shawn Michaels I bear in mind on the time have been actually over as high-flying babyfaces,” RVD recalled. “In Japan, I used to be kinda, I assume, the American model of a high-flying babyface.” Within the twilight of his in-ring profession, it’s clear that Van Dam’s affect on wrestling holds sturdy. His continued recognition on the unbiased circuit, in addition to in AEW, serves as a reminder of his enduring attraction.
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For those who use any quotes from this text, please credit score “1 of a Form” and supply a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for transcription.
