Rob Van Dam vs. Chris Jericho on the October 11, 2001 episode of SmackDown delivered another strong example of why both men were considered elite television performers during WWE’s post-Invasion era. The match emphasized pace, creativity, and momentum shifts, with both competitors treating the contest as an opportunity to prove superiority rather than simply survive a TV bout.br br RVD leaned heavily into his trademark explosiveness, using sharp kicks, springboard offense, and sudden bursts of athleticism to keep Jericho off balance. Jericho countered with experience and ring awareness, targeting openings, slowing the tempo when necessary, and using crisp counters to neutralize RVD’s high-risk style. Their chemistry allowed the match to flow smoothly, with quick reversals and near-falls that kept the crowd engaged throughout.br br The bout felt competitive and evenly matched, reinforcing the idea that either man could win at any moment. While the match didn’t rely on excessive interference or gimmicks, the intensity and execution made it stand out as a high-quality SmackDown contest.