Google News 
Despite a hard-fought battle that ended with a loss in Wednesday's FTW Championship clash, Rob Van Dam's fearless performance has earned him the admiration of wrestling luminaries, including current titleholder Jack Perry and WWE Hall of Famer Booker T.
Booker T Praises RVD's AEW Debut
In a recent installment of "The Hall of Fame" podcast, Booker T shared his candid thoughts on RVD's monumental match for the title, which also marked his much-anticipated debut on "AEW Dynamite." With evident appreciation, Booker articulated, "Seeing Rob out there doing his thing was a treat.
Let me tell you, Rob lives for the squared circle. It's where he thrives, and I truly commend him for going out there and delivering some of those classic moves." True to Booker's allusion, RVD showcased a medley of his signature maneuvers during the championship encounter—Rolling Thunder, Five-Star Frog Splash, his iconic spin kick, and even a daring attempt at the Split-Legged Moonsault.
At 52 years of age, however, Booker noted that RVD was judiciously prudent in executing these high-risk feats. "I must say Rob put on quite the show. But you could sense that, at that stage, every move requires meticulous calculation.
It's not just about impulsively diving in; you say a little prayer to the heavens for some assistance," Booker wittily remarked. Following RVD's departure from Impact Wrestling in 2020, wrestling enthusiasts were hopeful for the triumphant return of "The Whole F'N Show" to the WWE ring.
In his insightful commentary, Booker shed light on the industry's evolving landscape, indicating that companies like WWE are progressively shifting their gaze toward a burgeoning cadre of youthful performers. "WWE has embraced this trajectory—once you cross a certain age threshold, the spotlight shifts to nurturing a younger constellation of stars.
And I understand the rationale behind it... It's unmistakably a realm tailored for the youth," Booker sagely explained. In this era of metamorphosis, as wrestling stages embrace fresh talents, Rob Van Dam's venture into AEW at 52 stands as a testament to both his enduring passion and his adaptability within an evolving sport.
And as conveyed by the eloquent Booker T, it's a dance in the squared circle that retains its rhythm, no matter the changing beats of time.