Last week, Curt Hawkins and a list of other WWE talents were released from their contracts. Most of these stars were rarely used on WWE programming. Hawkins is best known for his time in a tag team with good friend Zack Ryder, who was not released.
Ryder is another wrestler in WWE who is not used very often on WWE programming, yet his job remained safe last week. Why? How did WWE determine that Ryder was someone they wanted to keep. With budget cuts being a main reason behind the firings, how did WWE choose who to let go and who to keep?
Ryder had been used more often than Hawkins, but not nearly as much as Drew McIntyre and Jinder Mahal who were let go. McIntyre and Mahal were part of the 3MB group who often were seen on WWE Superstars and pay-per-view pre-show matches.
What makes Ryder different?
There are a number of reasons why WWE didn’t and for the foreseeable future won’t fire Zack Ryder.
– Vince Russo will be Steve Austin’s latest Steve Austin Show podcast guest, which drops this Tuesday.
– Zack Ryder did not appear at Saturday ngiht’s WWE Live Event from Long Island, New York, Instead, he was wrestling at the other WWE show in Reading, Pennsylvania, where he lost to Bo Dallas. Ryder tweeted that he was upset he couldn’t perform in front of his home town crowd.
Dolph Ziggler paid tribute to Ryder at Saturday night’s show from Long Island, hitting a Broski Boot and doing his “Woo, Woo, Woo” hand motion during a match against Alberto Del Rio.
– With Sunday’s WWE Money in the Bank pay-per-view taking place from Boston, MA, it’s interesting to note that WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan will be in Boston on Saturday for two live appearances.
The following news was revealed during tonight’s post-WrestleMania XXX edition of WWE RAW:
Big Show vs. Cesaro will take place on this week’s edition of WWE SmackDown.
The Wyatt Family will take on The Shield in a six-man tag-team match on this week’s edition of WWE Main Event.
NXT stars Alexander Rusev and Paige debuted. Rusev defeated Zack Ryder with his “Accolade” submission finisher, while Paige defeated AJ Lee to become the new WWE Divas Champion.
Vignettes aired hyping the pending WWE main roster debuts of NXT stars Bo Dallas and Adam Rose. The Rose vignette featured the NXT star on an “Erotic Express” bus.
Rob Van Dam made his return to WWE. He returned in a match against Damien Sandow, which he ended up winning.
Cesaro was revealed as the newest “Paul Heyman guy.” Cesaro turned on Zeb Colter, aligning himself with Heyman and defeating his former “Real American” tag-team partner via count out.
– WWE is holding a “Dress Like A WWE Superstar” contest where they are encouraging fans to come to the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City — the site of the official WrestleMania XXX press conference — this Tuesday. The 30 grand-prize winners will receive admission to the press conference.
A few weeks back, Hulk Hogan announced the first-ever Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. At first it seemed like it would be a one-off gimmick simply designed to get more guys onto the WrestleMania card.
Since then, it was announced that it would be a yearly event where the winner would carry around the trophy until the next year’s contest. As of now, there are only four open spots remaining, with some of the most notable entrants including Big Show, Goldust, Sheamus Alberto Del Rio, Big E, and the Miz.
With the field all but set, I thought it would be interesting to look at which superstars could benefit the most from winning the battle royal and sporting the shiny new Andre the Giant trophy for the next 365 days.
Titus O’Neil
Titus O’Neil
Following the breakup of the Prime Time Players, O’Neil turned heel and it seemed like they would finally give him the push many believe he deserves. That hasn’t really been the case, however, as he has pretty much jobbed since parting with Darren Young. Putting O’Neil over at WrestleMania and having him carry around the trophy for the next year could be the push he needs to solidify his spot in the middle of the card.
Damien Sandow
Damien Sandow
It seemed like Sandow was finally going somewhere after winning the Money in the Bank briefcase last year. Any hopes were quickly gone though after he lost pretty much every match while holding the briefcase and unsuccessfully cashed in against Cena as the WWE attempted to gain a few points in the ratings while going up against the World Series. Sandow would be the perfect guy to hold the trophy, as he would certainly talk himself up (think Owen Hart with his Slammy Awards) while occasionally expressing contempt toward the trophy.
The following are highlights of a new Q&A update from WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On Zack Ryder’s new YouTube show: “I have not but if he’s getting more serious then I feel that ‘s a good thing. Ryder is a good hand who I think still has a bright future but the time is now.”
On WWE buying out companies and acquiring their libraries: “The theory of buying them rather than beating them is inaccurate. The libraries were from companies that were already defunct. We were laying the foundation to build a WWE Network someday. Obtaining content was a key. Seems like the vision worked out well based on my experience with the WWE Network.”
On his trademark black cowboy hat: “I wasn’t crazy at first about the black hat but over the years I feel incomplete without it. It was another Vince McMahon good idea.”
On teaming up with Mick Foley for a live show: “I’m sure at some point we will play San Francisco or the Bay Area. Mick and I have casually discussed teaming up for a show or two down the road. TBD.”
– Dolph Ziggler paid tribute to Zack Ryder in his hometown of Long Island at the WWE live event. Although Ryder was not used on the card, Ziggler defeated Damien Sandow by using Ryder’s “Ruff Ryder” and “Broski Boot” finishers, following them up with his own “Zig-Zag” for the 1-2-3.
– Speaking of Ziggler, he is featured on the latest “SmackDown Slam of the Week” video, which you can check out below:
– Cesaro has been added to the Andre The Giant 30 Man Battle Royal at WrestleMania XXX.
– WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos and The Great Khali will be working at tonight’s NXT TV tapings from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida.
– Zack Ryder filmed an appearance for Travel Channel’s Toy Hunter series this week. Hulk Hogan appeared on a recent episode.
– WWE has made several changes to the post-WrestleMania live event rosters. Following the changes, one group will feature Daniel Bryan, The Shield, Randy Orton and Kane. The other will include John Cena, The Wyatt Family, Big Show, Sheamus and the Rhodes Brothers.
– Zack Ryder has been getting a lot of positive Twitter feedback from other wrestlers for his new “Last Rezort” video series. Ryder tweeted that he’s got “nothing to lose” and that he’s not hungry for success, he’s “starving.”
Zack Ryder has launched a new web series titled, “Zack Ryder’s Last Rezort.”
The Long Island Broski is sick and tired of being sick and tired. After finally achieving some success in WWE back in 2011 following the success of his previous “Z! True Long Island Story” show, Ryder’s career has been in free fall ever since. Instead of remaining off the radar and sitting on the sidelines until his WWE contract expires, Ryder is taking matters into his own hands one again.
Call him the “Bulking Broski” – In this recent photo, Zack Ryder is looking a lot heavier than we’ve ever seen him:
Ryder says he’s received some tweets from fans about his expanding waistline, but says he’s “220 and #ZACKED” – and it must have been a bad photo. You could say that!
– In the latest issue of WWE Magazine (cover dated January 2014, featuring John Cena on the cover), Kaitlyn pays tribute to fellow Texan “Stone Cold” Steve Austin in a photo shoot. In an accompanying interview, the Hybrid Diva reveals that she would like to bring back memories of the legendary wrestler’s feud with Vince McMahon by going one-on-one with Stephanie McMahon.
Responding to a question asking her who her ideal WrestleMania opponent would be, Kaitlyn said, “Stephanie McMahon! I’d love to see our names in lights together because she seems untouchable now, and it would be epic if we could bring back memories of the Austin vs. McMahon rivalry with Kaitlyn vs. McMahon.”
Elsewhere in the interview, Kaitlyn says she is most proud of helping change the general view on the preferred mold for female wrestlers. She states, “I made it acceptable to be something other than a cookie-cutter prototype for the women in this business. I know there are a few who claim something similar, but do those ladies also look good with two different colors in their hair?”
– On Sept. 10 via Twitter, Zack Ryder revealed a goal to gain fifteen pounds by Oct. 1. “Got a lot of down time this month…gonna use the time wisely…training hard & eating A LOT…I want to gain 15 pounds by October 1st. #carbs,” he remarked. The New York native, who has sparingly appeared on WWE programming since early October (he has only appeared in two televised matches in the past sixty days, both of which aired on WWE Superstars), has indeed gained weight as he’s now up to 220 pounds (an increase from a billed weight of 214 pounds). However, not all of it is muscle.
In response to a person on Twitter calling him “fat” and a “pudgy boy” (based on a photo from a recent live event of him appearing heftier), Ryder responded, “220 and ZACKED. You must have seen a bad picture. #bulking.”
– WWE.com has published a gallery of the “WWE App’s Best Backstage Photos.”
– A fan on Twitter congratulated Zack Ryder for reaching 1.5 million followers. Continuing to show frustration with his spot in WWE, Ryder responded, “thanks but it doesn’t mean anything.”
– This Sunday at Tables, Ladders and Chairs, John Cena and Randy Orton will battle in a TLC match to crown a new Unified Champion. It’s a feud that’s spanned over a decade, dating back to their time in Ohio Valley Wrestling back in 2002. Looking back at their rivalry when both men were on the WWE roster, their match this Sunday will be the eighth time they’ve wrestled each other on pay-per-view. John Cena currently leads the series, with 4 wins to Orton’s 3. Here’s a look back at their WWE PPV matches:
* SummerSlam 2007 (Winner: John Cena)
* Unforgiven 2007 (Winner: Randy Orton)
* No Way Out 2008 (Winner: John Cena)
* SummerSlam 2009 (Winner: Randy Orton)
* Breaking Point 2009 – I Quit Match (Winner: John Cena)
* Hell in a Cell 2009 – Hell in a Cell Match (Winner: Randy Orton)
* Bragging Rights 2009 – Anything Goes 60-Minute Iron Man Match (Winner: John Cena)
Aside from these singles matche, Cena and Orton have also faced each other in nine additional PPV matches involving others (Elimination Chamber matches, Fatal Fourways, Six Pack Challenges).
– In a fallout match from the Survivor Series, Jimmy and Jey Uso take on the Real Americans on this week’s episode of WWE Superstars. Plus, Zack Ryder squares off against Fandango. Courtesy of WWE’s YouTube account, here are highlights from both matches.
– WWE rookie Diva Summer Rae celebrated her thirtieth birthday on Thanksgiving Day.
“Being home & being able to spend time with my family made today a great birthday & Thanksgiving,” she wrote on Instagram. “Laying on the couch with the pups, watching movies with the fam, & eating a great meal. Oh & it wouldn’t be complete without my birthday candles in the pumpkin pie!”
– According to WrestlingFigs.com, Rob Van Dam will appear at the Frank & Son’s Collectibles Show tomorrow from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event takes place at 19649 San Jose Ave. City of Industry, California.
Here’s the latest installment of “The YES! & The NO! of WWE RAW.” I may have a different perspective than you since I was live at Raw this week at The Nassau Colosseum! Comment below and tell us how you like the column and if you agree with this week’s picks.
Daniel Bryan & CM Punk cut a promo before facing The Wyatts
The obligatory rematch between The Wyatts and Daniel Bryan & CM Punk, took place on Raw. First a promo from “The Beard & The Best” CM Punk discussing team names, and asking questions allowing Daniel Bryan to answer them with a “Yes!”. Daniel Bryan got a chance to say more than just the three letter word that will follow him for the rest of his career.
I love Daniel Bryan, and so does the crowd. In fact you could hear Daniel Bryan chants during the opening segment, proving once again that this demotion was not “Best For Business” But more on that in the “NO!” section.
Any match can be enhanced with the crowd behind you. When you have top stars like CM Punk and Daniel Bryan, the two most over Superstars at Raw, it can add just that little more energy to the match.
CM Punk made a comment about Triple H and the authority in the opening promo, and wouldn’t know it after Daniel Bryan was “Kidnapped” by the Wyatts. CM Punk was laid out by The Shield. I wonder if that marks the end of Daniel Bryan and CM Punk together, because I was enjoying that. Time will tell.
Who would have thought Goldust would be having great matches alongside his brother in 2013!
The Shield vs The Rhodes and Rey Mysterio
I have never been a fan of Tag Teams growing up watching the WWE. I must say however, though all the missteps, and bad booking since SummerSlam, The WWE has a great tag team division. This, of course includes The Shield and The Wyatt factions. Day in and day out these teams from The Veteran Golddust, to newer WWE talent in The Shield and The USO’s, are having great matches. I am thoroughly enjoying watching these teams work.
The Kosher Butcher!
The Kosher Butcher Superstars for Sandy Relief Auction winner, ” Charlie Tebele was interviewed by Jerry “The King” Lawler. When asked if he were to be a WWE Superstar, what would his name be. Charlie was prepared, with a blue T-shirt and a great gimmick “The Kosher Butcher” He even went as far to come up with his finisher, The Circumcision! At first the crowd didn’t know what to make of this. Not sure if this was shown on TV, but The Kosher Butcher had at least a dozen of his friends and family at Raw, all wearing their Blue shirts! Great stuff. Half way during the Xavier Woods match, and some further thought, the crowd broke out into chants of both “Kosher Butcher” and “Circumcision”, add that to the list of most bizarre Raw chants.
Great Stuff.
Hit up Page 2 below for the “NO!” of this week’s WWE RAW:
WWE Superstar Zack Ryder has been rocking a goatee during his recent appearances on the WWE European tour. You can check out a photo of Ryder’s new look below:
WWE taped matches in Greenville, South Carolina on Monday night prior to WWE RAW for this week’s edition of WWE Superstars. The following are quick results of those matches.
-Naomi defeated Alicia Fox in a Divas match to open the show. This was said to be a typical Divas match, so basically it was exactly what you would expect.
-Zack Ryder defeated Jinder Mahal. The Long Island native picked up the victory via pinfall over the 3MB member in the main event of this week’s WWE Superstars show.
– The latest issue of WWE Magazine features an interview with Zack Ryder, who is asked whether he feels he receives credit for launching WWE’s “social-media revolution.”
“The members of the WWE Universe give me credit and always have. They know the deal. That I worked so hard to get myself where I was and didn’t give up. If other people are in denial, that’s fine with this Internet champion,” said Ryder.
Ryder, who is now 28-years-old, also reveals that he is looking for a change of scenery. In response to what he definitely wants to do before he turns 30: “Buy a house. I need a big boy home because the college dorm/bachelor pad that I’m in now isn’t doing it for me anymore. And not to be predictable, but it will definitely be in Long Island.”
– In this week’s edition of 30 Seconds “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes and his infamous “Bionic Elbow” is highlighted.
– John Cena revealed on Twitter that his new “Never Give Up” clothing line for boys is now available at Kmart stores.
– Zack Ryder revealed on Twitter that his Internet Championship belt will be featured in the WWE 2K14 video game.
– WWE is working on new merchandise for Goldust.
– Brodus Clay will be appearing at Friday’s WWE NXT live event in Largo, Florida. He will participate in a pre-show signing with Paige and Mojo Rawley.
– Natalya and other WWE Divas have been doing media for international versions of E!’s Total Divas that will begin airing in those countries soon.
-Kendall Skye has officially been added to the roster for the WWE NXT developmental territory.
-2K Games will be holding a live-stream showcase of their Universe Mode 4.0 for the upcoming WWE 2K14 video game on Monday at 3:00pm E.T. on their official Twitch.tv online channel.
-Speaking of the new WWE 2K14 video game, the WWE Games website has added profiles and videos for JBL and Zack Ryder. You can check those out online at 2K.com.
– Ken Shamrock revealed on Twitter last night that he would be open to returning to WWE.
A fan remarked to Shamrock that he would love to see him back in the organization. Shamrock responded, “@VinceMcMahon is the man who can set it up brother @WWE.” The 49-year-old was then asked if he would like to return, and replied, “yes.”
– WWE highlights CM Punk’s devastating GTS in this 30 Second Fury video.
– The official website of WWE 2K14 has added profiles on John “Bradshaw” Layfield and Zack Ryder. Layfield has a game rating of 89 while Ryder comes up at 85.
– The official WWE website has issued a poll asking fans which member of The Shield is most likely to become the first WWE Champion. Roman Reigns is currently leading the poll with 51% of the vote, with Dean Ambrose (35%) and Seth Rollins (14%) trailing.
– This week on WWE Superstars, The Real Americans take on Tons of Funk in the feature match. Plus, Damien Sandow teams up with Big E Langston to take on the team of Justin Gabriel and Zack Ryder. Highlights from both bouts are available below.
– Tonight on SmackDown, Dolph Ziggler faces Dean Ambrose in a Night of Champions rematch for the United States Championship, while WWE COO Triple H will address fans at the top of the show. Click here to read WWE.com’s “SmackDown Five-Point Preview.”
The official WWE website has added an article featuring quotes from the WWE Superstars who made the decision to help Daniel Bryan in the main event of Monday’s post-Night Of Champions edition of RAW.
Dolph Ziggler, Kofi Kingston, Zack Ryder, The Prime Time Players and R-Truth were among those, in-character, who provided responses as to why they got involved. Absent from the article were Rob Van Dam, The Usos and Justin Gabriel, who were also part of the group of Superstars who were involved on Monday.
As noted in a previous article posted on the website today, WWE COO Triple H will be addressing the aforementioned Superstars in a segment planned for next Monday’s edition of WWE RAW.
