All the facts and details about Rob Van Dam’s wife, his net worth, and biography

All the facts and details about Rob Van Dam’s wife, his net worth, and biography

Ciku Njuguna
updated at January 10, 2024 at 5:20 AM

American pro wrestler Rob Van Dam is a WWE household name. The 21-time title holder has had significant success in the ring with a unique fighting style said to include multiple martial arts disciplines. Discover details about the life of Rob Van Dam, his personal and career achievements, as well as all details about Rob Van Dam’s wife.

Rob Van Dam
WWE Raw Superstar and six-time Intercontinental Champion Rob Van Dam arrives at the See No Evil premiere on May 08, 2006. Photo by John Sciulli/WireImage for Lionsgate.
Source: Getty Images

How popular is Rob Van Dam? With over twenty championships, including three World titles, Van Dam held audiences captive with his performances. Sports Brief dives into the life of the former Pro Wrestling Illustrated's No. 1 pro wrestler in the world.

Rob Van Dam's profile summary

Full name

Robert Alex Szatkowski

Nickname

Rob Van Dam, Mr PPV, The Whole F'n Show, Mr Monday Night, RVD, The Whole Dam Show, Mr Thursday Night

Gender

Male

Date of birth

18th December 1970

Age

53 years old as of January 2024

Zodiac sign

Sagittarius

Place of birth

Battle Creek, Michigan, United States of America

Current residence

Rancho Palos Verdes, California, USA

Battle Creek, Michigan, USA

Ethnicity

Belgian-Polish

Nationality

American

Weight

107 kilograms (235.8 lbs)

Height

183 centimetres (6'0")

Hair colour

Brown

Eye colour

Blue

Relationship status

Married

Spouse

Katie Forbes

Education

Pennfield Senior High School

Maartenscollege Haren

Profession

Professional wrestler, actor

Trainer

Original Sheik

Wrestling debut

1990

Years active

1990 - 2023

Net worth

$5 million

Social media pages

X(Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Website

How old is Rob Van Dam?

Born on the 18th of December 1970, RVD is 53 years old as of January 2024. Based on Rob Van Dam's age, his zodiac sign is Sagittarius.

How many times has RVD been WWE Champion?
Rob Van Dam gestures during day two of the Wizard World Los Angeles on March 21, 2004. Photo by Albert L. Ortega/WireImage.
Source: Getty Images

How tall is Rob Van Dam?

The WWE pro wrestler and entertainer is six feet tall (183 centimetres). According to Wrestlingdata, his billed weight is 235.8 pounds (107 kilograms).

Rob Van Dam's biography

Mr. Pay Per View is an American wrestler of Belgian and Polish descent. Unlike many famous personalities, the multitalented entertainer has not revealed much about his parents and siblings.

He was born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan, in the USA, where he returned for an appearance in the Battle In The Creek 3: The Whole Dam Show, a wrestling event at Kellogg Arena on the 9th of October 2022. The event drew thousands who flocked to see one of their own who had risen from a local grocery bagger to global stardom.

What is Rob Van Dam doing now?
Rob Van Dam (right) and William Regal (left) fight during their Wrestlemania X8 bout on March 17, 2002. Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage.
Source: Getty Images

Who is Rob Van Dam's brother? Despite the similarities in their names, Ron Van Dam and famed movie star Jean-Claude are not related.

At the start of his career, Szatkowski graced the ring with his actual name. It was not until the early 90s that he began to use a Belgian accent and adopted a new name, Rob Van Dam. Speaking during an episode of WWE Icons chronicles the Hall of Famers, he explained the origin of his stage name, saying,

"In 1991 and 1992, Ron Slinker was running the Tampa Sportatorium. He said I looked like this actor, Jean-Claude Van Damme, and told me to tell people I was his cousin. He wanted me to sound like I had a Belgian accent. I did my best, and it stuck.”

Who is Rob Van Dam's wife?

Rob Van Dam and his wife, Katie Forbes, met in April 2016 during a WrestleCon event in Dallas. In his narration, their seemingly chance encounter was the beginning of a five-year courtship that culminated in their nuptials on the 11th of November, 2021.

Who is Rob Van Dam's wife?
Professional wrestler Rob Van Dam and his wife, Katie Forbes, pose after she won her match at Sapphire Las Vegas Gentlemen's Club on February 14, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo by Ethan Miller.
Source: Getty Images

Katie Forbes is a female professional wrestler who fights for IMPACT Wrestling. Like her husband, Forbes is an accomplished wrestler who has previously held two CWE Diva's and RCW Women's titles.

Career

Since the 1980s, Mr Pay Per View has risen to the top of wrestling ranks while growing careers in stand-up comedy and the film industry. Here are details of RVD’s career trajectory.

Wrestling career

The Battle Creek-born fighter wrestled independently at the start of his career in the 80s. In 1991, he made his WWE debut, marking the beginning of one of the most successful wrestling careers as a heel and face.

He trained alongside Sabu, his longtime wrestling partner under the Sheik, honing various moves used today. These include the Van Daminator, the Five-star Frog Splash, and the Top Rope Splash, among others.

How many times has RVD been WWE Champion?
Rob Van Dam (right) prepares to toss Rene Goguen (left) during a Wrestle Mania XX bout at Madison Square Garden in New York City on March 14, 2004. Photo by KMazur/WireImage.
Source: Getty Images

Until 2023, he played for several promotions, including World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), and IMPACT Wrestling, with equal success in each. In 2023, Rob Van Dam made his debut on All Elite Wrestling.

How many times has RVD been WWE Champion?

Van Dam is undoubtedly one of the most famous decorated wrestlers ever. Dig in to discover what belts and titles Rob Van Dam has had.

  • SAPW Tag Team Champion (1992)
  • NWC Tag Team Champion (1995, 1998)
  • Two-time ECW World Tag Team Champion (1998 - 1999)
  • ECW World Television Champion (1998 - 2000)
  • Ten-time WWF Hardcore Champion (2001, 2002)
  • WWF Intercontinental Champion (2002)
  • WWE European Champion (2002)
  • Five-time WWE Intercontinental Champion (2002)
  • Three-time World Tag Team Champion (2003, 2004)
  • Fifteen-time Intercontinental Champion (2003, 2006)
  • WWE Tag Team Champion (2005)
  • WWE Heavyweight Champion (2006)
  • ECW World Heavyweight Champion (2006)
  • NLW Heavyweight Champion (2009)
  • AWR Heavyweight Champion (2009)
  • TNA World Heavyweight Champion (2010)
  • TNA X-Division Champion (2013)
  • PCW Heavyweight Champion (2017)
  • BCW Heavyweight Champion (2018)
  • WSW World Heavyweight Champion (2023)
Is Rob Van Dam a Grand Slam Champion?
Professional wrestler Rob Van Dam at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center on September 16, 2022, in Edison, New Jersey. Photo by Bobby Bank.
Source: Getty Images

Acting career

According to his IMDb profile, the legendary bad guy is an actor, writer, and producer who has appeared in over 80 TV series, documentaries, and movies. Here are details of Rob Van Dam's movie career and some TV and movie appearances.

  1. Spooky Ninja Kitty Pizza
  2. Assault on VA-33
  3. 3-Headed Shark Attack
  4. Saints Row: The Third
  5. ECW on Sci-Fi
  6. WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain
  7. Black Mask 2: City of Masks
  8. WWE Confidential
  9. City Guys
  10. WCW Worldwide
Did Rob Van Dam retire?
Professional wrestler Rob Van Dam hosts a pool party at Sapphire Pool and Day Club on August 20, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo by Gabe Ginsberg.
Source: Getty Images

Stand-up comedy

Van Dam began showcasing his talent in comedy in 2006. He mixed his appearances on the ECW with stand-up routines that cemented his persona and name, The Whole Dam Show. One of his most famous televised comedic acts is Extreme Championship Comedy.

What is Rob Van Dam's net worth?

As of 2024, the World Champion is $7 million rich. His financial success can be attributed to his 30 years in the ring, film appearances, comedy tours, and a CBD business.

Details of Rob Van Dam’s AEW contract have been scanty. His financial compensation from the short-term contract has not yet been revealed.

Quick facts

Robert Alex Szatkowski is one of the most successful wrestlers of his time. Have a look at interesting facts about his life.

Is Rob Van Dam related to Claude Van Damme?
Rob Van Dam (front) and William Regal (back) tussle during their Wrestlemania X8 fight on March 17, 2002. Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage.
Source: Getty Images
  1. Van Dam’s interest in wrestling developed early in his boyhood. Over the years, he has trained in various martial arts disciplines, including tae kwon do, karate, aikido, kendo, and kickboxing.
  2. The WWE Champion has been married before. In 2016, Rob Van Dam's ex-wife, Sonya Delbeck or Sonia Van Dam, filed for a divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.
  3. Jean-Claude Van Damme and Rob Van Dam have met once. According to reports, the two met at the Gold Gym in Venice.
  4. Rob is a comic book enthusiast. The self-described geek has written a comic book, RVD's Twisted Perception: Soldiers of Karma, and owned a comic book store, RVD's 5 Star Comics and Wrestling in Lakewood, California.
  5. Concussions are some of the most common injuries in contact sports. In a 2023 interview, he revealed that he had had hundreds of concussions throughout his career.

Final word

Rob Van Dam is a multitalented sportsman who has accomplished global fame and success. With a possible return to the ring, fans are eager to see a second era of ring domination.

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Authors
Ciku Njuguna photo
Ciku Njuguna
Ciku Njuguna is a journalist with 3 year’s experience in content creation based in Kenya. She currently covers sports personnel as well as team biographies.