Ryback, the former WWE superstar, has recently shared his thoughts on a pressing issue that has plagued both Vince McMahon and Triple H’s tenures in WWE. Despite the company setting revenue records and improved weekly products, Ryback believes that wrestlers are still being booked in the wrong roles.
Speaking on his show, Ryback TV, the former Intercontinental Champion addressed the consistent problem of misbooking, where wrestlers are given opportunities based on their athletic move sets rather than their suitability for specific roles. Ryback, who performed as both a babyface and heel during his 12-year stint with WWE, expressed his concerns about modern-day wrestling deviating from its traditional approach.
In the 1980s and early 1990s, WWE was renowned for its “land of the giants” era, where larger-than-life characters like Andre the Giant, Hulk Hogan, and The Ultimate Warrior dominated the main event scene. Smaller competitors, on the other hand, were relegated to mid-card storylines. Ryback argued that the opposite is true today, with lighter wrestlers receiving opportunities solely because of their high-flying abilities.
Ryback’s comments are particularly noteworthy given his own experiences in WWE. During his main-event run in 2012 and 2013, he was often touted as a top contender, but ultimately struggled to find consistency in his booking. His spell with the Nexus faction remains one of the most memorable periods of his career, but he has since spoken out about the creative frustrations he faced during his time in WWE.
In a candid conversation, Ryback also shared his thoughts on his interactions with Vince McMahon, the WWE’s former creative director. While Ryback’s comments were cryptic, they hinted at a deeper dissatisfaction with the creative process during his time in WWE.
As WWE continues to evolve under Triple H’s direction, Ryback’s comments serve as a timely reminder of the importance of nuanced booking. With WWE’s next creative direction hanging in the balance, it remains to be seen whether the company will address this persistent issue and find a better balance between wrestler bookings and storyline development.
