* According to PWInsider.com, Rob Van Dam is reportedly experiencing internal heat from management over his decision to refrain from going on the tour of Iraq. His reason for not attending is not yet known, but it likely involves a combination of not wanting to sacrifice time with family to visit a war zone.
All WWE wrestlers were told the tour was optional, but at the same time, it was implied that Vince was "expecting" them to attend. WWE considers this one of its more important PR efforts and wants to bring as many wrestlers as possible.
Luther Reigns, for instance, did not initially want to go, but after being convinced by management that he would experience heat from McMahon, reconsidered.
In RVD's case, management tried, on several occasions, to convince him to attend. WWE never threatened any financial punishment, but strongly implied its desire for his presence on the tour. RVD, unlike Reigns and some other wrestlers who might not have been too comfortable going, chose not to back down. Management is not at all thrilled with his decision.
Although some feel RVD should not suffer for his decision not to attend, the reality is that Van Dam knew all along that he turned down an 'expectation' of WWE management and Vince McMahon and would not make new friends in the front office with his decision.
