Rob Van Dam, the iconic professional wrestler known as RVD, has captivated audiences worldwide with his innovative in-ring style and charismatic personality. Beyond the squared circle, his romantic life has also been a subject of public interest, marked by significant long-term relationships and a journey that has evolved over the decades. His romantic history reflects a progression from a lengthy marriage to a more recent, publicly acknowledged unconventional partnership.
Rob Van Dam's first significant public relationship was with Sonia Delbeck, whom he married on September 6, 1998. Their union spanned nearly two decades, a considerable duration in the often tumultuous world of celebrity relationships. Sonia, who sometimes accompanied RVD to wrestling events and was known to fans as his long-time partner, maintained a relatively private life despite her husband's fame. The couple's marriage lasted for seventeen years, a period during which they built a life together away from the most intense glare of the wrestling spotlight. During their time together, Sonia was a consistent presence in RVD's life, offering support through his various wrestling promotions, including ECW, WWE, and TNA.
However, their long-standing relationship eventually came to an end. Reports indicate that Rob Van Dam and Sonia separated in December 2015, with Sonia filing for divorce citing irreconcilable differences in Los Angeles. The divorce was finalized, though some reports indicate the formal end of their marriage was in 2018. While the exact reasons for their split were initially private, Rob Van Dam later publicly stated that the relationship ended due to Sonia's infidelity, specifically mentioning an affair with someone who painted their green room. This revelation came years after their separation, providing a candid glimpse into the personal struggles behind the public split. Despite their lengthy marriage, the couple did not have any children together. The conclusion of this chapter marked a significant turning point in RVD's personal life, leading him to explore new romantic horizons and publicly reflect on the lessons learned from his first marriage. He later commented on the difficulties of that relationship, stating, "We always fought since the very first date... It was almost like that one didn’t deserve to be called — I wouldn’t refer to her as a soul mate, although at the time I thought that’s what it was."
Following the end of his marriage to Sonia, Rob Van Dam quickly embarked on a new relationship with fellow professional wrestler and model Katie Forbes. Their romance reportedly began in 2016, not long after his separation from his first wife. They reportedly met at WrestleCon during WrestleMania in Dallas. The couple quickly became a public item, often appearing together at wrestling events and on social media, showcasing a vibrant and open dynamic. Forbes, a charismatic personality in her own right, complemented RVD's public persona, and their relationship garnered significant media attention due to their outspoken nature and willingness to share their lives.
Their relationship took a notable and unconventional turn when they publicly acknowledged being in a "throuple" with model Jennifer Barlow. This polyamorous arrangement became a prominent part of their public image, particularly during their appearances in Impact Wrestling between 2019 and 2020. Segments on Impact Wrestling featured RVD, Katie Forbes, and Jennifer Barlow, often in provocative scenes that generated considerable buzz and, at times, controversy, even leading to a temporary suspension of Impact Wrestling's Twitch channel due to blurred nudity. The trio openly shared aspects of their multi-person relationship on social media, with RVD and Forbes frequently posting pictures with Barlow, embracing their unique dynamic and challenging traditional relationship norms. This period highlighted a significant shift in RVD's approach to public relationships, embracing a more open and less traditional structure, and demonstrating a willingness to live his personal life on his own terms.
Despite the public nature of their throuple, the primary romantic bond solidified between Rob Van Dam and Katie Forbes. The couple announced their engagement in early 2021, with Forbes proclaiming herself "MRS VAN DAM" on social media, much to the delight of their fans. Their relationship culminated in marriage in February 2021, solidifying their commitment to each other in a private ceremony. The wedding marked RVD's second marriage and a new chapter in his personal life, with Katie Forbes officially becoming his wife. Their union was seen by many as a testament to finding happiness and compatibility after a long and challenging previous relationship.
As of his marriage in February 2021, Rob Van Dam is married to Katie Forbes. Their relationship continues to be public, with both individuals often sharing glimpses of their life together on social media and making joint appearances at wrestling conventions and events. While the public "throuple" aspect with Jennifer Barlow was a significant part of their journey, the focus has since shifted to their marital bond, though their open-minded approach to relationships remains a part of their identity. RVD has consistently spoken positively about his relationship with Forbes, emphasizing their strong connection and the happiness they share. He has noted how well they "go along" and how people "love their energy," indicating a deep level of compatibility.
Rob Van Dam's romantic history, from his long-standing marriage to Sonia to his current union with Katie Forbes and the public exploration of a throuple, illustrates an evolving personal journey. His relationships have often been intertwined with his public career, reflecting both the challenges and unique dynamics of a life lived in the public eye. Through it all, RVD has maintained a distinctive approach to his personal life, marked by openness and a willingness to embrace relationships that align with his personal philosophy, cementing his reputation not just as a wrestling icon but also as a personality unafraid to live authentically.