To follow up on a story from earlier today, Pro Wrestling Insider is confirming that Rob Van Dam has turned down the latest contract extension offer from WWE.
According to Mike Johnson, RVD’s deal expires late this summer, and while there’s always a chance that the two sides will agree to a deal before then, the WWE creative team has been told to focus on CM Punk and Elijah Burke in storylines just in case.
Since RVD has owned his ring name since 1992, Johnson is speculating that — unlike the Dudleyz and others — he would be able to keep that name should he leave WWE and decide to join TNA, Ring of Honor or other independents (or compete overseas). We’ll have more on this as it’s available.
