This match at ECW A Matter of Respect on May 11, 1996 was a hard‑hitting, high‑spot “Respect Match” between Rob Van Dam and Sabu, with the stipulation that the loser had to shake the winner’s hand at the finish. Both men put on an 18–minute barnburner that blended high‑risk offense, inventive chair spots, counters, big aerial maneuvers, and near‑falls that kept the crowd roaring throughout. Sabu used his daredevil arsenal — including triple jump planchas to the crowd, springboard attacks, and top‑rope offense — while RVD countered with his speed, mat wrestling, power moves and risk‑taking dives over chairs and rails. After numerous dramatic spots and exchanges, RVD ultimately scored the win with a split‑legged moonsault for the pinfall. Following the match, as required by the stipulation, Sabu attempted to shake RVD’s hand, but RVD slapped it away, declared “not only do I not respect you, you’re a piece of shit,” and walked off with Taz and Bill Alfonso, turning heel in the process and extending their feud.
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