While this is purely speculation, it’s a definite possibility for Ryback to sign with AEW. Especially given his recent tweet and Instagram post where he’s shaking hands with Cody Rhodes with the phrase, “#FeedMeMore” on Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6XQStYgZdS/
While we’ve all heard of or saw Ryback (His real name is Ryan Allen Reeves) at some point. He’s unforgettable in many ways. the Big Guy, and has been called a cross between Goldberg, the Ultimate Warrior, and Rob Van Dam’s tights. He’s a had a rapid rise to fame in the WWE, and a faster drop. As with all things WWE, it’s difficult to know what true or not as the promotion (ie Vince McMahon) bends, twists, and/or reworks the facts to suit their desired ends.
So, why would Ryback sign with AEW? Let’s look a little at his history.
Injuries seemed to follow him
While there is no avoiding injuries in professional wrestling, especially when maintaining the type of grueling schedule the WWE asks of their main roster. Things happen, and out of the hundred and thousands of holds we regularly see, the odds are high that something goes wrong.
On that note, there have been wrestlers that have gone out of their way to try to ensure a good to great safety record while others were more lax. With that in mind, a vast majority of people don’t want to see another person injured, especially someone they work with or know personally.
For Ryback, some of those involved Dolph Ziggler in 2014 with a stiff clothesline, and CM Punk’s assertion that he injured his ribs on purpose. Punk even went so far as to refer to Ryback as a “steroid guy” in November 2014 (Wikipedia).
Ryback denied these allegations, claiming he wouldn’t be wrestling with superstars like Punk, John Cena, and Dolph Ziggler if he were unsafe. Chris Jericho defended him, saying on his podcast that, “I’ve never seen those things… It was always fun.”
Given these accusations of recklessness and being a hazardous wrestler along with the sway some of the talent may have had in the company, it could be why Ryback’s push ended.
Departure from WWE
Ryback’s side of his departure with WWE was well documented in Sports Illustrated, and while it’s easy to say he’s disgruntled, his frustration is similar to what many have voiced. Like others, he’s grateful for the opportunity they gave him, but it also showed how one’s career can tank if Vince McMahon sours on someone for whatever reason.
In this case, it’s reasonable to assume it had to do with the string of injuries, real or claimed, by some of the promotion’s top talent that led to McMahon turning a cold shoulder to him despite allegedly telling Ryback he “was one of the hardest workers” there.
Given how McMahon and the WWE have twisted facts before, it’s easy to see and believe Ryback’s story the promotion’s.
No love lost — the WWE is costing him up to $60k
(Special thanks to awrestlinghistorian for chatting with me about this)
Back in May of 2019, Ryback released a letter to the public in which the WWE threatened him for using “WWE intellectual property” that included his social media accounts. While the letter didn’t intimidate him, he did point out his belief that this is a billion dollar company’s way of maintaining power over a former star.
Given his assertion that he was the second top money maker in the company before they tanked him, this brings up some questions about what goes on behind the doors of the WWE. Sure, it’s a company and there’s nothing wrong with making money, but to do everything in their power to strip someone of something they created before working there and after they allegedly sabotaged him raises some ethical questions the public hasn’t been aware of previously.
Of course, things took an interesting turn in the last few days.
In an effort to continue making money on something they didn’t create, the WWE filed for a trademark for Ryback’s name the day before he was set to get it back. And while he says his lawyer believes he’ll get it back, it’ll take 12 to 18 months and cost him anywhere between $45k and $60k to reclaim it.
Good reasons to join AEW
With all of this in mind, it puts a whole new light on the picture Ryback shared with him and Cody Rhodes shaking hands. It makes perfect sense why he’d want to go to AEW if indeed he does return to in-ring action as he’s stated. They offer creative freedom to the talent and their characters, their travel schedule isn’t as grueling, and probably most importantly, they offer a clean slate.
For many, AEW may be considered a place where disgruntled, former WWE talent goes, but it’s more than that. Entertainers need to reinvent themselves from time to time. It’s how they remain fresh and invested in what they’re doing as well as keeping the fans interested and entertained. Despite any disgruntlement that may be involved, AEW gives them a second chance to do what they love on large stage. It’s a second chance many deserve.
More than that, as I’ve said before, it also gives us as fans another option to enjoy when we grow tired of the WWE or I preferred promotion. More choices are a good thing, so let’s enjoy them for what they are.
If Ryback does sign with AEW, then they’ve added another proven star and only gives us another option to enjoy.
