Former WWE Superstar Rob Van Dam has been on a roll on Twitter lately, reacting to fan comments regarding the independent contractor status that most wrestlers face. The comments came after a fan brought up John Oliver’s “Last Week Tonight” segment where he called out WWE for classifying their talent as independent contractors and not providing health insurance coverage.
RVD says it’s a good thing because the talent can “make more money and take care of yourself.” He also said that wrestlers can negotiate whatever terms they want into their contracts, including health insurance.
You can check out some of his tweets below:
I love @VinceMcMahon
It’s @iamjohnoliver that’s an asshole https://t.co/T7urgP45II— Rob Van Dam (@TherealRVD) May 18, 2021
You mean take away my independent contracting status? Which gives me the freedom to buy any insurance I need or want? Ever thought about that? https://t.co/t8pVkGEqWM
— Rob Van Dam (@TherealRVD) May 18, 2021
We all have it. We buy it because it’s better to make more money and take care of yourself than have an employer that pays you less to give you coverage. https://t.co/aUeFj9TkbD
— Rob Van Dam (@TherealRVD) May 18, 2021
This is why fuck @iamjohnoliver ‼️
This is a one-sided story from an outsider. I obviously disagree but what would I know? https://t.co/izBF49sDwI— Rob Van Dam (@TherealRVD) May 18, 2021
Or if we don’t have it, it’s because we choose to keep the money instead of spending it, or having it spent for us. https://t.co/DbofB0ZU7C
— Rob Van Dam (@TherealRVD) May 18, 2021
By who’s fault ?
Sorry to make you think. https://t.co/sdw1YFgEGx— Rob Van Dam (@TherealRVD) May 18, 2021
Independent contractors negotiate EVERYTHING in their contract. If insurance is important enough to them, they can demand that. Just like hotel rooms and car rentals. It’s those with no leverage that wish to have terms of someone in demand. #facts https://t.co/In1wuLvw35
— Rob Van Dam (@TherealRVD) May 19, 2021
We don’t have to sign contracts. When we do, the terms are all negotiable. If we don’t want to be locked into a 3 year deal, we don’t. Also, WWE kept us too busy to ever work for anyone else. Sounds like you and John Oliver are both ignorant on this, my friend. https://t.co/XR8H4a2Jfu
— Rob Van Dam (@TherealRVD) May 19, 2021
Murat … you can sign an agreement with a contractor to paint your house, and stipulate he doesn’t work on any other houses until he’s finished with yours. Same thing. Nothings wrong with it. https://t.co/g6szOahoci
— Rob Van Dam (@TherealRVD) May 19, 2021
Wrong. Everything spent towards our job is a tax write off. Again, what would it know?
I’ve only worked both as an employee and a independent contractor. https://t.co/pnTU6Il3cQ— Rob Van Dam (@TherealRVD) May 19, 2021
You don’t the freedom of choices I have now do you ?
keep punching the time clock and wearing that apron and if you want to pretend you have it best, feel free to do so. Don’t fuck with my status tho. https://t.co/lwvGmlgSDa— Rob Van Dam (@TherealRVD) May 19, 2021
Well… perception is reality…which means it’s real to you, other outsiders and broken down hustlers looking for a pay day- especially the ones who worked for WWE less than 10% of their careers. https://t.co/uzxw8MdOjl
— Rob Van Dam (@TherealRVD) May 19, 2021
For the record, I am self employed and have been since 1992. https://t.co/dtncSrpskT
— Rob Van Dam (@TherealRVD) May 19, 2021
You’ve all been “conditioned” to feel that way. As a nonconformist, I consider things before I take them as fact. If I swallow 50 somas & wash it down with vodka this afternoon at home, on the road, even in an arena, don’t any of you dare blame @WWE or Vince. #ridiculous #think https://t.co/rXO4C6SUuz
— Rob Van Dam (@TherealRVD) May 19, 2021
I’m guessing you’re not a lawyer and aren’t familiar with the word “Terms”. All right.
Enjoyed the convo guys. You’re starting to dumb me down &it’s time for fans to start reading my words in angry voices. 😆😆
Have a great day! https://t.co/lcoRTOttU4— Rob Van Dam (@TherealRVD) May 19, 2021
Good. It was through ECW, and it covered the jet ski accident situation. Thanks for asking. https://t.co/LDlpfu50Fn
— Rob Van Dam (@TherealRVD) May 19, 2021
