TNA wrestler Rob Van Dam says he does not believe his character has been "utilized to the fullest" since coming to TNA in 2010.
"I don’t want that to come off as a complaint because I really like my deal with TNA. I’m very professional and there for whatever they need me to do. Having said that, I still care about my character and my career, and I’m very easy to get along with," Van Dam told Scott Fishman of the Miami Herald in a lengthy interview.
"I’m not one guy to complain that they should be doing this with me or that. I will offer some ideas up, and at the same time, give my opinion to the writer and stuff like that. It doesn’t do any good to throw out that negativity out there. Everyone has a job do."
part of the interview receiving the most attention is RVD saying he feels like there's a lack of respect toward him from younger wrestlers in the locker room. RVD singled out the Young Bucks (formerly Generation Me in TNA), who have since responded.
“I feel like I get respect, but not in that way (seeking advice),” Van Dam said. “I’m open to it. Most of the guys, I don’t know if they don’t feel welcome to ask me or any of the other veterans or what. That is probably an issue that we have is the young guys should ask some of the older guys. They should be saying, ‘Hey, watch my match. Let me know what I can improve on,' Van Dam said.
“That never happens enough. Some of the young guys who are or were there, I don’t want to mention any names. There were two young guys who just left and looked like they were out of high school. The whole time they were there, they never introduced themselves or shook my hand. Things are way different than they used to be.”