Rob Van Dam and Jean Claude Van Damme are two famous names in the world of entertainment. Rob Van Dam, also known as RVD, is a legendary professional wrestler who has worked for several major wrestling promotions, including WWE, ECW, and Impact Wrestling. Jean Claude Van Damme, also known as JCVD, is a Belgian actor, filmmaker, and martial artist who is best known for his action movies, such as Bloodsport, Kickboxer, and Universal Soldier.
Both men have a lot in common. They are both skilled in martial arts, they both have impressive physiques, and they both have the surname Van Damme. But are they related? And how did they get their names? Let’s find out.
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The Origin of Rob Van Dam’s Name
Rob Van Dam was born Robert Alexander Szatkowski on December 18, 1970, in Battle Creek, Michigan. He started his wrestling career in 1989 under his real name, but soon adopted the ring name Rob Van Dam after a promoter in Florida named Ron Slinker gave it to him in 1991.
According to Opera News, Slinker chose the name Rob Van Dam for Szatkowski because of his martial arts experience and his resemblance to actor Jean Claude Van Damme. Slinker thought that the name would help Szatkowski get more attention and popularity among the fans.
Rob Van Dam liked the name and decided to keep it throughout his career. He even trademarked it in 2001 to prevent other wrestlers from using it. He also added his own initials RVD to his ring attire and signature moves, such as the Five Star Frog Splash and the Van Daminator.
The Origin of Jean Claude Van Damme’s Name
Jean Claude Van Damme was born Jean-Claude Camille François van Varenberg on October 18, 1960, in Brussels, Belgium. He started his martial arts training at the age of 10 and became a successful karate competitor in his teens. He also studied ballet for five years and worked as a bouncer and a taxi driver before pursuing an acting career.
He moved to Hollywood in the early 1980s and changed his name to Jean Claude Van Damme to sound more appealing to American audiences. He also used other stage names, such as Frank Cujo and Jean-Claude Vandamme, before settling on Jean Claude Van Damme.
He got his breakthrough role in 1988 when he starred as Frank Dux in the martial arts film Bloodsport. He went on to star in many other action films, such as Cyborg, Double Impact, Hard Target, Street Fighter, Timecop, and The Expendables 2.
The Relationship Between Rob Van Dam and Jean Claude Van Damme
Despite their similar names and appearances, Rob Van Dam and Jean Claude Van Damme are not related at all. They have never met each other in person and they have no family ties or blood connection.
According to Fresherslive, RVD has stated that he has zero-connection with JCVD and that he is not a fan of his movies. He also said that he does not mind being compared to him because he respects him as an entertainer.
On the other hand, JCVD has not commented on RVD or their resemblance. However, he has expressed interest in working with other wrestlers-turned-actors, such as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and John Cena.
Conclusion
Rob Van Dam and Jean Claude Van Damme are two successful entertainers who share a lot of similarities but are not related. Their names are a result of coincidence and marketing strategies. They have never crossed paths or collaborated on any project. However, they have both inspired millions of fans around the world with their talents and charisma.
