rVD Argues That Being An Independent Contractor Benefits Pro Wrestlers
WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam has been engaged in an argument with fans on Twitter over the past few days, giving his two cents on why being an independent contractor is actually beneficial to pro wrestlers.
The conversation began after one fan brought up John Oliver's rant from 2019 when the Last Week Tonight host slammed WWE for classifying wrestlers as independent contractors and not providing them health insurance.
RVD said wrestlers prefer to buy their own health insurance "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."
When one fan brought up a lot of deaths in the business, RVD said: "By who's fault? Sorry to make you think."
RVD was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame last month.
Below is a timeline of his tweets:
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