Editing Rob Van Dam (section)

=== Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2010–2013) ===

==== TNA World Heavyweight Champion and EV 2.0 (2010–2011) ====

On March 8, 2010, Van Dam made his debut for [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA) at the promotion's [[TNA Impact!'s move to Monday nights|Monday night episode]] of ''[[Impact! (TV series)|Impact!]]'', defeating [[Sting (wrestler)|Sting]]. Then just seconds after his debut victory Sting attacked him and later [[Hulk Hogan]] with his signature baseball bat.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_39660.shtml|title=TNA Impact Results 3/8: Keller's live ongoing report covering the historic beginning of Monday Night War II|last=Keller|first=Wade|author-link=Wade Keller|date=March 8, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=March 9, 2010}}</ref> Van Dam got his revenge on Sting the following week by attacking him during his entrance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_39854.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Report 3/15: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV show - A.J. Styles vs. Jeff Hardy|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=March 15, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=March 24, 2010}}</ref> Van Dam teamed with [[Jeff Hardy]] in a tag team match, where they defeated [[Beer Money, Inc.]] ([[Bobby Roode|Robert Roode]] and [[James Storm]]) on the March 22 episode of ''Impact!''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_40040.shtml|title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact Report 3/22: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast|last=Wilkenfeld|first=Daniel|date=October 22, 2009|access-date=October 24, 2009|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following week the two of them teamed with [[Eric Young (wrestler)|Eric Young]] and defeated [[New World Order (professional wrestling)|The Band]] ([[Kevin Nash]], [[Scott Hall (wrestler)|Scott Hall]] and [[Sean Waltman|Syxx-Pac]]) in a six-man tag team steel cage match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1269919705|title=Impact Results - 3/29/10|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=March 29, 2010|publisher=WrestleView|access-date=March 30, 2010}}</ref>  At [[Lockdown (2010)|Lockdown]] on April 18, both Van Dam and Hardy became members of Team Hogan (joining [[Abyss (wrestler)|Abyss]] and [[Jeff Jarrett]]) for the annual [[Lethal Lockdown match]], where they defeated Team Flair (Sting, [[Nigel McGuinness|Desmond Wolfe]], Robert Roode and James Storm).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_40725.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Lockdown Results 4/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of PPV - Styles vs. The Pope, Team Hogan vs. Team Flair, Angle vs. Anderson|first=James|last=Caldwell|date=April 18, 2010|access-date=April 18, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

The night after Lockdown he first defeated Jeff Hardy in a number one contender's match and then, in the main event of the evening, [[A.J. Styles]] to become the new [[TNA World Heavyweight Championship|TNA World Heavyweight Champion]].<ref name=Impact04192010>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_40756.shtml|title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact Report 4/19: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast--Whole F'n New Champion|first=Daniel|last=Wilkenfeld|date=April 19, 2010|access-date=April 20, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> After succeeding in his first televised title defense against Desmond Wolfe, Styles attacked Van Dam, announcing the invocation of the rematch clause for [[TNA Sacrifice (2010)|Sacrifice]] on May 16.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_41070.shtml|title=TNA Impact Results 5/3: Keller's ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live show from Orlando|first=Wade|last=Keller|author-link=Wade Keller|date=May 3, 2010|access-date=May 8, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At Sacrifice Van Dam defeated Styles in a rematch.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_41360.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Sacrifice results 5/16: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of PPV - RVD vs. Styles, Jeff Hardy vs. Mr. Anderson|date=May 16, 2010|access-date=May 16, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following month at [[Slammiversary VIII]] on June 13 Van Dam retained his title against Sting in a rematch of his TNA debut.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_41923.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Slammiversary results 6/13: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - RVD vs. Sting, Hardy & Anderson, "nice surprise"|date=June 13, 2010|access-date=June 13, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Van Dam defeated Abyss, Jeff Hardy and [[Mr. Kennedy|Mr. Anderson]] in a four-way match to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship at [[Victory Road (2010)|Victory Road]] on July 11.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_42443.shtml|title=TNA Victory Road results 7/11: Keller's ongoing "virtual time" coveage [sic] of live PPV event|date=July 11, 2010|access-date=July 11, 2010|last=Keller|first=Wade|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Impact!'' Van Dam aligned himself with fellow ECW alumni Tommy Dreamer, [[Raven (wrestler)|Raven]], [[Stevie Richards]], [[Terry Gerin|Rhino]], [[Devon Hughes|Brother Devon]], [[Pat Kenney]], [[Al Snow]] and [[Mick Foley]], who saved him from a beating at the hands of Abyss.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_42456.shtml|title=TNA News: TNA Impact TV taping "virtual-time coverage" for Thursday's episode|date=July 12, 2010|access-date=July 13, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1279001038 |title=Spoilers: TNA Impact for this Thursday |date=July 13, 2010 |access-date=July 13, 2010 |last=Martin |first=Adam |publisher=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120428050636/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1279001038 |archive-date=April 28, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1279252015 |title=Impact Results - 7/15/10 |date=July 15, 2010 |last=Martin |first=Adam |work=WrestleView |access-date=July 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100719090613/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1279252015 |archive-date=July 19, 2010 }}</ref>

The following week, TNA president [[Dixie Carter (wrestling)|Dixie Carter]] agreed to give the ECW alumni their own reunion pay–per–view event, [[Hardcore Justice (2010)|Hardcore Justice]] on August 8.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_42665.shtml|title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 7/22: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast|date=July 22, 2010|access-date=August 5, 2010|last=Wilkenfeld|first=Daniel|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At Hardcore Justice, Van Dam defeated former tag team partner and rival Sabu in a non-title Hardcore Rules match, after his originally planned match with Jerry Lynn was scrapped due to Lynn suffering a back injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_42979.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Hardcore Justice PPV results 8/8: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of ECW-themed PPV headlined by RVD vs. Sabu|first=James|last=Caldwell|date=August 8, 2010|access-date=August 8, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> After successfully defending the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Abyss in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Weapon-based variations|Stairway to Janice match]] on the following special edition of ''Impact!'', named ''[[The Whole F'n Show]]'', Van Dam and the other former ECW wrestlers were assaulted by Abyss and {{Not a typo|[[Fortune (professional wrestling)|Fourtune]]}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_43008.shtml|title=TNA News: Spoilers - detailed Impact TV taping report for "Whole F'n Show" featuring new angle, MOTY candidate?, three title matches|first=Kevin|last=Tomich|date=August 9, 2010|access-date=August 10, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/12/15010951.html|title=TNA's 'The Whole F'n Show': Beer Money, Machine Guns put on match of year candidate; Fortune makes statement|first=Matt|last=Bishop|date=August 12, 2010|access-date=August 13, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629172343/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/12/15010951.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> In the attack Van Dam suffered multiple serious [[Kayfabe|storyline]] injuries at the hands of Abyss including the need for stitches, spinal trauma and possible acute brain damage, which would force him to vacate the TNA World Heavyweight Championship on August 10 at the taping of the August 19 episode of ''Impact!''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/17074/|title=TNA title vacated - spoiler|date=August 10, 2010|access-date=August 10, 2010|work=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_43030.shtml|title=TNA News: Spoilers - big news & notes from today's Impact TV taping for Aug. 19 episode, management's reaction to EV2.0 angle|date=August 10, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=August 11, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_43238.shtml|title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 8/19: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast|first=Daniel|last=Wilkenfeld|date=August 19, 2010|access-date=August 19, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> In reality, Van Dam was running out of dates per year on his contract and was therefore taken off television.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1282779729|title=Update on RVD's contractual status with TNA|last=Gerweck|first=Steve|date=August 25, 2010|access-date=August 26, 2010|work=WrestleView|archive-date=August 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805171859/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1282779729|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Matt Hardy v RVD.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.13|Van Dam (left) taking on [[Matt Hardy]] in 2011]]
Van Dam returned via telephone interview on the September 16 episode of ''Impact!'' and announced that he would return to the Impact! Zone the following week, against his doctor's orders.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_43829.shtml|title=Keller's TNA Impact report 9/16: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV show with Jeff Hardy vs. Kurt Angle|last=Keller|first=Wade|date=September 16, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 17, 2010}}</ref> Van Dam returned the following week, confronting Abyss and demanding a match against him at [[Bound for Glory (2010)|Bound for Glory]] on October 10, which Eric Bischoff agreed to give him.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_44002.shtml|title=Keller's TNA Impact report 9/23: Ongoing coverage of Spike TV cablecast including Bound for Glory hype|last=Keller|first=Wade|date=September 23, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 24, 2010}}</ref> At Bound for Glory Van Dam defeated Abyss in a [[Monster's Ball match]]. At the end of Bound for Glory it was revealed that [[Hulk Hogan]] and Eric Bischoff had sent Abyss after Van Dam in order to get the TNA World Heavyweight Championship on their own representative, Jeff Hardy. Van Dam confronted the group, later named [[Immortal (professional wrestling)|Immortal]], after Hardy had won the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, only to get hit with the title belt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_44417.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Bound for Glory PPV results 10-10-10: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Angle vs. Anderson vs. Hardy, "they" reveal|date=October 10, 2010|access-date=October 10, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the October 21 episode of ''Impact!'' Bischoff claimed that someone from EV 2.0 had been calling him, trying to get to be a part of Immortal, which led to Van Dam getting paranoid about his stablemates, first accusing Raven of being the traitor. Later, he and Sabu were defeated in a tag team match by Beer Money, Inc., after Sabu accidentally hit him with a chair. After the match Van Dam and Sabu began shoving each other and had to be separated from each other by the rest of EV 2.0.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_44696.shtml|title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 10/21: Complete "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV's live broadcast|date=October 21, 2010|access-date=October 22, 2010|last=Wilkenfeld|first=Daniel|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> After two more weeks of dissension between Van Dam and the rest of EV 2.0, Tommy Dreamer challenged him to a match at [[Turning Point (2010 wrestling)|Turning Point]] on November 7.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_44882.shtml|title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 10/28: Complete "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV's live broadcast|date=October 28, 2010|access-date=November 4, 2010|last=Wilkenfeld|first=Daniel|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_45047.shtml|title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 11/4: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast|date=November 4, 2010|access-date=November 4, 2010|last=Wilkenfeld|first=Daniel|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At Turning Point Van Dam defeated Dreamer and afterwards made peace with him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_45110.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Turning Point PPV results 11/7: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Hardy vs. Morgan, EV2 vs. Fortune, Team 3D "retirement" match|date=November 7, 2010|access-date=November 7, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Impact!'' Rhino turned heel by attacking Van Dam and Dreamer, revealing himself as the traitor Van Dam had been looking for.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_45232.shtml|title=Keller's TNA Impact results 11/11: Styles vs. Stevie, Turning Point fallout, New TNA belt introduced by Hogan|date=November 11, 2010|access-date=November 12, 2010|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[Final Resolution (2010)|Final Resolution]] on December 5 Van Dam defeated Rhino in a [[Professional wrestling match types#First Blood match|First Blood match]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_45809.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Final Resolution PPV results 12/5: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Hardy vs. Morgan II, several title and stipulation matches|first=James|last=Caldwell|date=December 5, 2010|access-date=December 5, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

==== Championship pursuits (2011–2012) ====
On January 4, 2011, Van Dam traveled to Japan with other TNA wrestlers to take part [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]'s (NJPW) fifth annual ''[[January 4 Dome Show#Wrestle Kingdom V in Tokyo Dome|Wrestle Kingdom in Tokyo Dome]]'', where he defeated [[Toru Yano]] in a hardcore match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=132|script-title=ja:レッスルキングダムV ｉｎ 東京ドーム|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=January 4, 2011|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_46511.shtml|title=TNA News: Tokyo Dome Show results - Jeff Hardy defends TNA World Title, Beer Money challenges for IWGP Tag Titles, RVD vs. Yano|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=January 4, 2011|access-date=January 4, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[Genesis (2011)|Genesis]] on January 9, Van Dam was defeated by Immortal's surprise opponent, the debuting Matt Hardy, when referee [[Garett Bischoff|Jackson James]] missed Van Dam's foot under the ropes, thus failing to earn a shot at his brother Jeff's TNA World Heavyweight Championship. During the main event Van Dam prevented Matt from interfering in Jeff's match with Mr. Anderson, which led to Jeff losing the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_46645.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Genesis PPV results 1/9: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Morgan vs. Anderson #1 contender, four title matches, RVD mystery opponent|date=January 9, 2011|access-date=January 9, 2011|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following month at [[TNA Against All Odds (2011)|Against All Odds]] on February 13, Van Dam defeated Matt Hardy in a rematch.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_47702.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Against All Odds PPV results 2/13: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Anderson vs. Hardy, Genesis re-matches, fluid X Division situation|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=February 13, 2011|access-date=February 13, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Impact!'', Van Dam finally received his shot at Jeff Hardy and the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, but was unable to regain the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_47818.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact report 2/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Impact on Spike TV - Against All Odds fall-out, Flair's TV return, TNA World Title match|date=February 17, 2011|access-date=February 18, 2011|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On March 13 at [[Victory Road (2011)|Victory Road]], Van Dam wrestled Mr. Anderson to a double countout in a TNA World Heavyweight Championship number one contender's match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_48441.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Victory Road PPV results 3/13: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Sting vs. Hardy TNA Title match|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=March 13, 2011|access-date=March 13, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On April 17 at [[Lockdown (2011)|Lockdown]], Van Dam failed in his attempt to regain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship from Sting in a three–way steel cage match, which also included Anderson.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_49368.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Lockdown PPV results 4/17: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live all-cage match PPV - Sting vs. Anderson vs. RVD, Angle vs. Jarrett|first=James|last=Caldwell|date=April 17, 2011|access-date=April 17, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following month at [[TNA Sacrifice (2011)|Sacrifice]] on May 15, Van Dam again failed to regain the title, this time in a singles match with Sting.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_50080.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Sacrifice PPV results 5/15: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Sting vs. RVD, four title matches, Chyna PPV return|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=May 15, 2011|access-date=May 15, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

Van Dam represented TNA at Mexican promotion [[Lucha Libre AAA World Wide|AAA]]'s [[Triplemanía XIX]] pay-per-view on June 18, 2011. In the main event of the show, Van Dam was defeated by [[Dr. Wagner, Jr.]] in a match to determine the first ever [[AAA Latin American Championship|AAA Latin American Champion]].<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/3-news/21056-full-aaa-triplemania-results-from-last-night-courtesy-kris-zellner | title= Full AAA TripleMania results from last night courtesy Kris Zellner | author=Zellner, Kris | date=June 19, 2011 | access-date= June 19, 2011 | work=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> At [[Destination X (2011)|Destination X]] on July 10, Van Dam defeated longtime rival Jerry Lynn in a singles match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_51335.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Destination X PPV results 7/10: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Styles vs. Daniels, Ultimate X, RVD vs. Lynn|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=July 10, 2011|access-date=July 11, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On August 7 at [[Hardcore Justice (2011)|Hardcore Justice]], Van Dam, at the time ranked number two in the [[Bound for Glory Series#2011|Bound for Glory Series]], faced [[Tommy Mercer|Crimson]], ranked number one, in a tournament match. Van Dam lost the match via disqualification, when Jerry Lynn entered the ring, costing him not only the match, but also several places in the tournament's standings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_51958.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Hardcore Justice PPV results 8/7: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Sting vs. Angle, five title matches, BFG Series matches|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=August 7, 2011|access-date=August 7, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Lynn cost Van Dam another Bound for Glory Series match against A.J. Styles in similar fashion on the August 18 ''Impact Wrestling''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/18/18573331.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629070454/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/18/18573331.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2012|title=Impact: Flair finally returns to show|date=August 18, 2011|access-date=August 19, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Lynn turned on Van Dam on the September 1 ''Impact Wrestling'', costing him his match with [[Gunner (wrestler)|Gunner]] and, in the process, eliminating him from the finals of the Bound for Glory Series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_52654.shtml|title=TNA News: Impact Wrestling spoilers 9/1 - Bax's in-person results for next Thursday's episode|date=August 27, 2011|access-date=September 2, 2011|last=Baxendell|first=Matt|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following week Lynn explained his turn by claiming that he was tired of being in Van Dam's shadow.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_53099.shtml|title=Keller's TNA Impact report 9/8: Jeff Hardy returns, Anderson gets his title rematch against Angle, No Surrender final hype|last=Keller|first=Wade|author-link=Wade Keller|date=September 9, 2011|access-date=September 9, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Van Dam defeated Lynn in a [[Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match#Total Nonstop Action Wrestling|Full Metal Mayhem match]] at [[Bound for Glory (2011)|Bound for Glory]] on October 16.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_54312.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Bound for Glory PPV results 10/16: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Angle-Roode, Hogan-Sting |date=October 16, 2011|access-date=October 16, 2011|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

On the October 27 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Van Dam defeated [[Christopher Daniels]] by disqualification after Daniels hit him with a toolbox.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/artman/publish/TNATVreports/article10021526.shtml|title=10/27 Kester's TNA Impact Wrestling Live Coverage Review: James Storms' first night as TNA Champion, number one contender's match for the TNA title, Jeff Hardy vs. Bully Ray, Christopher Daniels vs. Rob Van Dam, and more|website=prowrestling.net}}</ref> Two weeks later, Van Dam prevented Daniels from using a screwdriver to illegally defeat A.J. Styles in a singles match which would cost Daniels the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_55052.shtml|title=Keller's TNA Impact Wrestling report 11/10: Sting grants Storm a rematch against gloating heel Roode, plus Ronnie from Jersey Shore wrestles|last=Keller|first=Wade|author-link=Wade Keller|date=November 10, 2011|access-date=December 14, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[Turning Point (2011 wrestling)|Turning Point]] on November 13, Van Dam defeated Daniels in a No Disqualification match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_55119.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Turning Point PPV results 11/13: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Roode-Styles, five title matches|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=November 13, 2011|access-date=December 14, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> In retaliation, Daniels cost him his match for the [[TNA Television Championship]] against [[Rob Strauss|Robbie E]] on the December 1 episode of ''Impact Wrestling''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_55657.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Wrestling report 12/1: Roode vs. Hardy vs. Styles main event, TV Title match, Consequences|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=December 1, 2011|access-date=December 14, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Van Dam defeated Daniels at [[Final Resolution (2011)|Final Resolution]] on December 11 again to end their feud.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_55904.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Final Resolution PPV results 12/11: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Roode-Styles, five title matches|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=December 11, 2011|access-date=December 11, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

After wrestling to a double countout on the January 5, 2012, edition of ''Impact Wrestling'', Gunner made a failed attempt to piledrive Van Dam into the concrete floor after Van Dam back body dropped him onto it.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_56657.shtml|title=McQuade's TNA Impact Wrestling report 1/5: Review of final Genesis PPV hype, six-man tag main event, tournament finals|last=McQuade|first=Jay|date=January 5, 2012|access-date=January 8, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On January 8 at [[Genesis (2012)|Genesis]], Van Dam was defeated by Gunner and was afterwards stretchered backstage, after taking a DDT onto the concrete floor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_56739.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Genesis PPV results 1/8: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Roode-Hardy, Angle-Storm|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=January 8, 2012|access-date=January 8, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> After a near three-month absence Van Dam resumed working live events in late March.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_59324.shtml|title=RVD returning to TNA on weekend tour|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=March 20, 2012|access-date=March 27, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_59433.shtml|title=TNA News: Weekend Tour preview - RVD returns, Storm & G. Bischoff main event, two title matches, Reports Wanted|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=March 23, 2012|access-date=March 27, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Van Dam returned to ''Impact Wrestling'' on April 12, being revealed as the fifth member of [[Garett Bischoff]]'s team at [[Lockdown (2012)|Lockdown]] on April 15.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_60330.shtml|title=Turner's TNA Impact Wrestling results 4/12: Storm-Roode confrontation, ODB & Eric Young married in steel cage, final Lockdown hype|last=Turner|first=Scott|date=April 13, 2012|access-date=April 15, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At Lockdown, Team Garett defeated a team led by Eric Bischoff.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_60411.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Lockdown PPV results 4/15: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Roode-Storm main event, Angle-Hardy, Lethal Lockdown opener|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=April 15, 2012|access-date=April 15, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Van Dam defeated Jeff Hardy and Mr. Anderson in a three-way match to become the number one contender to the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_60315.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Wrestling results 4/19: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of Lockdown fall-out, Hogan's "big announcement"|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=April 19, 2012|access-date=April 20, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Van Dam received his title opportunity in a ladder match on May 13 at [[TNA Sacrifice (2012)|Sacrifice]], but was defeated by the defending champion, Bobby Roode.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_61356.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Sacrifice PPV results 5/13: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Roode-RVD main event, Angle-Styles, Hardy-Anderson |last=Caldwell|first=James|date=May 13, 2012|access-date=May 13, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[Slammiversary (2012)|Slammiversary]] on June 10, Van Dam was defeated by Mr. Anderson in a three-way number one contender's match, also involving Jeff Hardy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_62289.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Slammiversary PPV results 6/10: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Roode vs. Sting headlines 10th Anniv. PPV|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 10, 2012|access-date=June 10, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Later that week on ''Impact Wrestling'', Van Dam entered the [[Bound for Glory Series#2012|2012 Bound for Glory Series]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_62447.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Wrestling results 6/14: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - TNA World Title match, Ultimate X starts the show|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 14, 2012|access-date=June 14, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[Hardcore Justice (2012)|Hardcore Justice]] on August 12, Van Dam defeated [[Magnus (wrestler)|Magnus]] and [[Ken Anderson (wrestler)|Mr. Anderson]] in a Falls Count Anywhere match. He wrestled his final match in the tournament on the September 6 ''Impact Wrestling'', losing to [[Mark LoMonaco|Bully Ray]], thus finishing fifth and narrowly missing the semifinals of the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_64933.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact results 9/6: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - BFG Series finale, "Championship Thursday" launch|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=September 6, 2012|access-date=September 6, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the October 4 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Van Dam unsuccessfully challenged [[Samoa Joe]] for the TNA Television Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_65719.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact results 10/4: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - King Mo's TV debut, Aries-Hardy latest PPV hype|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=October 4, 2012|access-date=October 4, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

==== X Division Champion (2012–2013) ====

The following week, Van Dam was allowed to pick his opponent for [[Bound for Glory (2012)|Bound for Glory]] on October 14 and opted to challenge [[Zema Ion]] for the [[TNA X Division Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_65888.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact results 10/11/12: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - final PPV hype, triple main event|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=October 11, 2012|access-date=October 11, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Van Dam defeated Ion to win the X Division Championship for the first time at Bound for Glory.<ref name=BFG2012>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_65938.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Bound for Glory PPV results 10/14: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Aries vs. Hardy, Storm vs. Roode|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=October 14, 2012|access-date=October 14, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the October 25 ''Impact Wrestling'', Van Dam made his first successful title defense, defeating Ion in a rematch. Following the win, he would be attacked by [[Matt Morgan (wrestler)|Matt Morgan]] and [[Joey Ryan (wrestler)|Joey Ryan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1351217787 |title=Impact Results - 10/25/2012 |last=Boutwell |first=Josh |date=October 25, 2012 |access-date=October 25, 2012 |work=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028214716/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1351217787 |archive-date=October 28, 2012 }}</ref> The following week, Van Dam was defeated by Ryan in a non-title match after an interference from Matt Morgan. Afterwards, he would again be attacked by Morgan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_66341.shtml|title=Caldwell's TNA Impact results 11/1: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - Open Fight Night|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=November 1, 2012|access-date=November 1, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On November 11 at [[Turning Point (2012 wrestling)|Turning Point]], Van Dam defeated Ryan to retain the X Division Championship, after which, he would be attacked by Matt Morgan for the third consecutive time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_66565.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S TNA TURNING POINT PPV RESULTS 11/11: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Hardy-Aries, top titles at-stake|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> Four days later on ''Impact Wrestling'', he successfully defended the title against [[Kid Kash]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_66663.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 11/15: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of post-PPV episode - Storm vs. Roode|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> Van Dam retained the X Division Championship against [[Austin Aries]] on November 29 after losing to him via disqualification, following interference from Bully Ray.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_66909.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 11/29: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Championship Thursday - X Title in main event, Hogan Knows Best?|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref>

Van Dam made another successful title defense on December 9 at [[Final Resolution (2012)|Final Resolution]], defeating [[Kenny King (wrestler)|Kenny King]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_67111.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S TNA FINAL RESOLUTION PPV RESULTS 12/9: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Hardy vs. Roode in the main event, Aries vs. Bully|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Van Dam lost a non-title match to King, when King pinned him with his feet on the ropes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_67224.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 12/13: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of PPV fall-out episode|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> On January 13, 2013, at [[Genesis (2013)|Genesis]], Van Dam defeated [[Christian York]] to retain the X Division Championship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_67844.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S TNA GENESIS PPV RESULTS 1/13: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV - Hardy defends TNA Title against two foes, two title matches, #1 contender matches|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> On the February 7 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Van Dam successfully defended the X Division Championship against Kenny King and Zema Ion in a three-way match.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_68494.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 2/7: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Impact in the U.K. - Tag Title change, Sting & Bully main event, Aces & Eights lose again, Nash weighs in|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> Two weeks later, Van Dam defeated King again to retain his title.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_68834.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT REPORT 2/21: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Impact in the U.K. - new KO champ, Hogan's "decision" early contender for worst angle of the year (updated w/Box Score)|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> Van Dam lost the X Division Championship to King on the February 28 ''Impact Wrestling'', ending Van Dam's reign at 137 days.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_68961.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT RESULTS 2/28: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - TNA & Jeff Hardy return to Orlando; Angle unmasks A&E member, but cameraman misses the shot|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> In March 2013, Van Dam's TNA contract expired and he did an interview about his future with TNA, stating that he would return to television in WWE or TNA, saying that he was negotiating with both companies.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_69393.shtml|title=TNA NEWS: Update on RVD's TNA standing, talks TNA vs. WWE|website=www.pwtorch.com}}</ref> According to Van Dam, he lost his passion for professional wrestling during his work in TNA due to the attitude of his coworkers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rob Van Dam: 'He perdido la pasión y la ambición que tenía por el wrestling' |url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/56167-rob-van-dam-he-perdido-la-pasion-y-la-ambicion-que-tenia-por-el-wrestling |access-date=September 29, 2020 |work=Solowrestling |date=October 26, 2016 |language=es}}</ref>