RVD Instructed to Say He Was Actually Related to Jean-Claude Van Damme

RVD remains one of the most technically-gifted pro wrestlers to have ever competed inside the squared circle. The pro wrestling legend has competed in several promotions such as ECW, WCW, WWE, and IMPACT Wrestling during his career that has lasted over thirty years.

RVD became a fan of the pro wrestling world in the 80s and realized he wanted to do it all his life. While speaking on his WWE Icons special, RVD recalled how promoter Ron Slinker instructed RVD to lie to people that he was Jean-Claude Van Damme’s cousin.

“When I’m down in Florida in ’91 and ’92, Ron Slinker is running the Tampa Sportatorium. Ron Slinker said that he thought I looked like this actor, Jean-Claude Van Damme, who was very over. Ron Slinker told me to tell people that I was his cousin. He wanted me to sound like I had a Belgian accent. I was just like, ‘[in accent] I’m very excited to see these people. All of you people, your love for me.’ I was embarrassed and shy and I just did my best, but it stuck.”

Jean-Claude Van Damme was an extremely popular action movie star who acted in movies such as Bloodsport, Kickboxer, Lionheart, Death Warrant, Double Impact and many others. Rob Van Dam was also inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year and fans will always remember his contributions to the pro wrestling world.

h/t to Fightful for the quotes.