WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam Reflects on Iconic Match with John Cena at ECW One Night Stand 2006
WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam recently looked back on his legendary WWE Championship match against John Cena at ECW One Night Stand 2006, calling it the pinnacle of his career and a unique night unmatched since.
In a fresh interview on “The Toronto Star’s No Holds Barred” podcast, RVD praised the electric atmosphere at New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom, where a rabid ECW crowd turned Cena into a villain and propelled Van Dam to victory. “There’s been times where they were 100% for me and for my style and against the other guy, but it still didn’t compare to everybody buying a ticket just to see me win and to see John lose,” RVD recalled.
The June 11, 2006, main event saw RVD cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase, defeating Cena for the WWE Title after Edge’s interference and a Five-Star Frog Splash. It remains one of WWE’s most memorable crowd reactions, with fans hurling insults and even throwing back Cena’s merchandise.
RVD credited his persistence in staying true to his extreme style for making the moment possible. “It was me sticking to my guns, always being extreme and hardcore, always listening to the right people and ignoring the right people,” he said. He noted how he advocated for ECW’s revival, positioning himself as the perfect opponent to draw that historic response from the crowd.
At the time, RVD was highly competitive and watchful of rivals, but he’s since gained perspective. “I knew Cena was really good the first time I saw him,” he shared, recalling spotting a young Cena years earlier. Now, with maturity, RVD expresses more appreciation for peers: “So now? I have a lot more love for everybody, especially the wrestlers… I’m more happy to see them! And ‘Hey, I’m glad you’re still alive and healthy!'”
This reflection comes amid RVD’s recent appearances tied to Cena’s 2025 retirement tour, where he sat ringside for Cena’s final match against GUNTHER at Saturday Night’s Main Event. RVD has repeatedly named the 2006 clash as his career highlight, emphasizing its vindication after years of defying traditional molds.
Fans on X echo the sentiment, often ranking it among Cena’s top bouts and celebrating the ECW energy. For U.S. wrestling enthusiasts, the match symbolizes a rare crossover triumph for hardcore styles in mainstream WWE, influencing crowd dynamics and title stories for years. Its legacy endures on streaming platforms, reminding viewers of a night when the underdog—and the fans—truly won big.
By Mark Smith
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