Editing Rob Van Dam (section)

==== 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>