Do You Still Want Ryder?

[Evenflow DDT]

Zack Ryder who became an IWC Darling last year was finally giving a chance on "The Show". It all started after guys like CM Punk and John Cena went to bat for him and the popularity of his YouTube show continued to rise. This is a guy who took it upon himself to find a way to get himself over before he got himself fired and it worked. Week after week we would here chants of "We Want Ryder". People wanted to see him on tv. The creative staff gave in and they finally got what they wanted.

He went from jobbing on Superstars to Raw main events with Cena and Punk. Hell he even got a pinfall victory on Michael Freakin' Cole!!! He started a email campaign to get a US Title shot and won the title from Ziggler and got the largest crowd reaction a new champ had got since Punk at MITB '11.

Shortly after that he is interjected in a main event storyline featuring Cena and Kane and becomes Teddy Long's assistant on SD giving him more tv time. But one night he is choke slammed onto a pile of wood suffering an "injury" and drops his newly won title to Jack Swagger the following week, but that's ok because he is still involved with Cena and Kane. He falls for Eve, has his back "broken", pushed off a stage, confronts Cena about stealing his girl, and hasn't been seen in weeks.

There were rumors that it would be Ryder vs Kane at WM but after the events of last weeks SD it doesn't look like that will happen because let's face it, is Kane/Ryder gonna put asses in seats?

It looks like the WWE gave the IWC what they wanted but the rest of the 90% lost interest after a few months. I wasn't a Ryder fan in the beginning, didn't watch his shitty YouTube show, or "Want Ryder". But he eventually grew on my and I was all about the Long Island Iced-Z. But for me now the bloom is off the rose.

So do you still want Ryder or are you like me and think he was grossly over exposed and run into the ground?

 

[AwesomeRko]

I think you make some good points, I supported Ryder from the off as I appaulded his commitment in making what was a fairly entertaining youtube show (I've only seen a few episodes) as a means of getting his charcter over.

I was delighted when he began to get his push and the crowd response he drew was pretty incredible, the fans were louder for him than Cena or Punk for around a solid two months in my book. In saying that I think that with his massive push and exposure on television it became evident that his character wasn't quite 3-dimensional enough, beyond all the "woo woo woo's" and "are you serious bro's" there just wasn't enough there. I also felt he looked a little uncomfortable in some of the latter backstage segements especially involving Eve where he had to react to a different situation in character.

Having said that I actually think some time out is the best thing that could have happened to Ryder. The crowd you could sense was beginning to lose interest, possibly for the reasons mentioned above and it was looking like he may fade slightly. With this time off however, he can work on further developing and tweaking his character which fundamentally is good into something more well-rounded. I think that Ryder is a great young talent and I really think hes onto something with the "Long-Island Iced Z" gimmick, he's good in the ring, knows how to work a crowd and has a natural charisma that isn't easy to come by.

So yeah I still want Ryder, although hes by no means the full package yet he seems like the kind of down to earth guy thats always striving for improvement and if he works at it then I think he could be onto something special.

 

[Kenneth]

Yes I myself personally do still want Zack Ryder. He is good in the ring and has a large fanbase. The SS night at MSG was a huge moment in his career with everyone chanting his name. With the correct amount of tweaking he could be huge.

 

[TempestH]

What I would actually like to see is for Zack Ryder and John Cena to form an official tag team after Wrestlemania. It would be very beneficial to both of them.

 

[Matth3w]

Yes. I still want Ryder, and so do the WWE Universe despite his absence with a 'We Want Ryder' chant on Smackdown last week and chanting 'Hoeski' at Eve.

Ryder is actually one of the young talents with Charisma that I enjoy watching with the likes of Cody and Dolph. It saddens me that they are taking a backseat to other ***** that bore me to death if I don't change the channel that are getting huge pushes in Daniel Bryan, Wade Barrett and Shaemus. But that's for another conversation.

When/if he returns, his pop will be huge, guaranteed. I think he definitely got over exposed I think it was in late November/early December when he was constantly on RAW for 3 weeks straight leading up to the TLC PPV in a majority of the backstage segments. It also didn't help his cause that he has been constantly getting beaten up by Kane and lost his US title to *ugh* Jack Swagger . They should've let him run with that title.

I'm curious to see where they go with him when he returns. He seemed to be taking a more serious character change before getting taken off screen, whilst remaining entertaining. I feel bad for the guy not being able to participate in this years Wrestlemania; but who knows, he might run out and attack Kane with a chair if he's in a match. The crowd would love that.

 

[Loveless]

Let's see

A guy works his ass off, on his own, to gain popularity and support

The IWC campaigns and pushes him for months until the WWE take notice

The WWE in all their infinite wisdom decide to pair him up with the one guy the IWC hate more than any other

They then ruin the moment when he should win the belt at Survivor Series by not even putting him on the fucking card

Then they turn him into a sadsack loser who is constantly getting his ass handed to him

* Slow clap *

Way to fuck it up WWE. I couldn't have done a worse job if I had tried.

 

[The 1-2-3 Killam]

Let's see

A guy works his ass off, on his own, to gain popularity and support

The IWC campaigns and pushes him for months until the WWE take notice

The WWE in all their infinite wisdom decide to pair him up with the one guy the IWC hate more than any other

They then ruin the moment when he should win the belt at Survivor Series by not even putting him on the fucking card

Then they turn him into a sadsack loser who is constantly getting his ass handed to him

* Slow clap *

Way to fuck it up WWE. I couldn't have done a worse job if I had tried.

You probably could have. But by all means, continue whining about how you could make better million-dollar decisions, decisions that effect the lives and livelihoods of hundreds, if not thousands of people on a daily basis, better than a company that's been doing it successfully for several generations.

I never wanted Ryder, he never really grew on me, and I still don't want him. I'm a John Cena, I'm a CM Punk fan - that doesn't mean I have to fall head-over-heels for whatever they're told to promote on Raw. The only time I wanted him to win was at TLC, when he fought and defeated Dolph Ziggler for the United States Championship. And even then, the only reason I wanted him to win was because he had overwhelming crowd support and the PPV would have felt flat if they started out with him losing.

Of course I have respect for him because he came from nothing and made it using an iPhone, the internet, BLAH BLAH BLAH. That sentiment is way too over-used to have any meaning. Of course you respect him, he fought "the machine" and won...sort of. Ryder's only real usefulness was in reigniting IWC support for John Cena and helping to execute a heel turn for Eve. It used to be "cool" to cheer for Zack Ryder, but now that the big bad corporation is using that support the fans will lose interest and the "I never really liked him..." threads will pour in.

Don't take any of this to mean I don't think Ryder will come back and make a name for himself. It used to be that only the strong and exceptional survived in pro wrestling. Now, the WWE is filled with average ring workers with below average mic skills - he'll fit right in.

 

[theadmiral63]

I think was good in sense i just believe his character could have been further developed they way over did with the over exposure and I think wwe realized which is the Kane kill him off for the time being but when he comes back he should be alright he will still have his fan base I just think he shouldn't be shoved down our throats simultaneously you know

 

[slice_of_life]

He definitely lost a lot of steam after winning the US Title. It was one of those things where the chase was better than the catch. but he definitely still has value and is very entertaining. WWE just needs to keep finding ways to make him interesting.

 

[xavyer]

Well, Ryder was smart enough to get himself over using his internet show, because of that he gained tons of fans, and that's great, but is he really good in the ring? I can go either way with or without Ryder in the ring, he is a good entertainer, but so is Santino Marella, and i think he's better in the ring than Zack Ryder, i got mixed reactions to be honest, i'm not exactly anxious to see him back in the ring, but i wouldn't mind his backstage segments.......

 

[Foshinzo]

I still want Zack Ryder because he's a wrestler in 2012 that still has a clearly defined gimmick.

In short, I want characters. What I mean is that I am sick of, "reality." I like Punk for his character, the whole thing about having a sharp wit and knowing how to burn your ass in a personal way. But, when he starts bringing in real backstage politics, I feel like the novelty has worn off. I'm sure I'll get heat for saying that, but when you constantly break kayfabe every show, it ruins what makes kayfabe special, and it's the whole backbone of pro wrestling. It worked for the one promo, and now he needs to develop his character more if he wants to be bigger than Cena.

I feel the same way about Randy Orton. He's really a good wrestler, and I like him more now than I ever did when he was, "the Viper," but his personality has lost all development since going face and moving to Smackdown. Sure, he did the, "loose cannon," deal when he was feuding with Christian, like when he lost his shit on him at Money in the Bank after the match, but this whole, "I'm a great guy who is a badass in the ring," is just too predictable. I'd pretty much prefer it if he never spoke, ever. At least then, he might actually leave you guessing as to what he was going to do, and we'd never have to suffer another monotone, predictable promo, again.

Zack Ryder's gimmick is undeniably stupid, but it has a charm. That's what I like about him. He's not the best wrestler, he's not the most entertaining guy, but he seems like someone who's actually a nice guy, in real life, and it makes you want to cheer for him. He's a true babyface, at least in that respect. I'll be happy to see him back.

 

[trashboy]

Uh, nope. Thank You! I never wanted Ryder. I hate his "woo woo woo" gimmick. It's annoying as hell. I still can't figure out why everyone likes him. I may be one of the few people that actually laughed every time this idiot got his ass handed to him by Kane. Especially when he got thrown off the stage in the wheelchair. That was hilarious.

 

[IHW]

I Want Ryder!

How are people already over him?

He just hit his climax with the US Title win, and now hit the resolution with the Kane/Cena storyline. That chapter of his career is complete.I want to see his next chapter!

 

[Dmbfantomas]

I want Ryder, so fucking bad, its not even funny. The way they buried him is beyond ridiculous. He was getting better crowd reactions than everyone. People chanted for HIM while Rock was speaking in the most famous arena in the world. They drowned out the Rock.

Ryder should have had a long run as US champ, as opposed to Swagger who has done damn near nothing with the belt.

 

[Dmbfantomas]

Uh, nope. Thank You! I never wanted Ryder. I hate his "woo woo woo" gimmick. It's annoying as hell. I still can't figure out why everyone likes him. I may be one of the few people that actually laughed every time this idiot got his ass handed to him by Kane. Especially when he got thrown off the stage in the wheelchair. That was hilarious.

Oh, that spot that was so irresponsible and dangerous that I'm shocked he didn't fucking sue?

That was one of the most shameful things I've seen in a while. Kane should have known better to throw him off the stage IN the chair at that speed, from that height. Ryder could have died.

 

[brighamosity]

People keep questioning whether people have turned on Zack Ryder or not, but who are these people that have turned on him? I personally miss seeing him on my TV every week. And I would love to see him face Kane at Wrestlemania. Would Ryder lose? Very likely. But even lasting more than five minutes with him would gain him massive credibility and would surely send his character in a new, more serious direction.

 

[ThisIsLCS]

Eh Not really. He is a Great performer and all but that LI Gimmick has GOT to go.


I Respect the Hell out of him for getting the Popularity he got, ALL On his Own, But I personally can do Without that gimmick of his. I Believe He can be a Big Mid card guy, But the whole Shore thing has run its course.

 

[Dmbfantomas]

I don't think if Ryder faced Kane at WM that he would lose. Kane, above all else, loves doing jobs to put over young talent. I have a feeling that if Ryder were to go on to Wrestlemania against Kane, Ryder would win and it would catapult him into being a legitimate singles star. A strong midcard talent for years. It'd be good for him to have a feud down the line with Swagger, hell, maybe even Regal if done quickly enough.

 

[Azane]

I want Zack Ryder.

I could go without the WWE's crap that he was given in the last couple months.
I'm embarrassed for the company with what they did with him.

 

[Evenflow DDT]

The cynic in me tells me much like when fans constantly chanted ECW, that Vince took notice and brought ECW back and in the begining it is good, but slowly its watered down and the fans turn on it and then the chants go away. I think he felt the same way about Ryder.

He didn't create Ryder so the fans shouldnt like Ryder, but since they do he will give them what they want, then ram it down our throats, book it horribly and then the fans will stop. He feels that if a McMahon, Gerwitz or Hayes created it, it has no buisness on tv.

 

[vampirek]

The cynic in me tells me much like when fans constantly chanted ECW, that Vince took notice and brought ECW back and in the begining it is good, but slowly its watered down and the fans turn on it and then the chants go away. I think he felt the same way about Ryder.

He didn't create Ryder so the fans shouldnt like Ryder, but since they do he will give them what they want, then ram it down our throats, book it horribly and then the fans will stop. He feels that if a McMahon, Gerwitz or Hayes created it, it has no buisness on tv.

Nor did he create CM Punk yet where he is? You mention ECW, the argument is flawed but that should be saved for another thread. As for Ryder, he hasn't been rammed down our throats, in fact the last month or so we've had very little of Ryder. Its simply a case of bad booking but that happens to other wrestlers that were created by Vince/WWE.... just look at Kane.

 

[Cats Pajamas]

I'll be all too willing to admit that I wasn't part of the "Ryder Revolution" and I wasn't one of the fans who had wanted him in the first place. Does that mean I want him gone? Well let's not go crazy...

Ryder is a shameless self promoter (no shit, SleepingPowder) and no doubt he's found his formula for success. I understand he takes some slack for his "lack of in ring skills", but, I just don't make that connection. From what I've heard, he's been booked terribly, too. That sucks, but not something I can relate too, either. How in the hell would I know?

For the "pros" column, Ryder's soaring popularity has been a good excuse to keep Eve Torres on screen, which from a booking standpoint this viewer always approves. So keep the bandwagon rolling for all I care; it's not like I'll ever buy a purple headband but I do hope he goes out there and "wins one for the gipper". Don't let the bed bugs bite and as always, best regards wrestling fans.

 

[Headman]

I see a lot of excuses about Ryder failing because he was booked poorly. Seriously bro? (Sorry, I had to.) I don't think they could have done any better. He was placed in high profile storylines with WWE's biggest stars. What more could you ask for? I really don't know what some fans were hoping for. Was this guy who got over by being funny supposed to suddenly turn into a serious contender? His matches aren't very good and even the funniest joke gets old.

 

[Azane]

I see a lot of excuses about Ryder failing because he was booked poorly. Seriously bro? (Sorry, I had to.) I don't think they could have done any better. He was placed in high profile storylines with WWE's biggest stars. What more could you ask for? I really don't know what some fans were hoping for. Was this guy who got over by being funny supposed to suddenly turn into a serious contender? His matches aren't very good and even the funniest joke gets old.

He was basically booked as Zack Gowan 2012, his matches suck because the matches are there to push an agenda, not to show off him or his opponents ability. We get a horrible storyline that buries (nearly litterally) Ryder, and we get to see a man with a "broken back" walk down a ramp (instead of wheelchairing), while limping on both feet alternatively, then walk into the ring, no problems, then limp back. (sorry, I needed to push off the steam of how awful that entire promo was written).

But the booking Ryder received on the 2nd half of his push killed him for casual fans. Pretty sure WWE was planning to make Cena more edgy, but *****ed out halfway through and the whole story changed to an Eve heel turn (although we haven't seen a pure **** bitch gimmick in a while), which left Cena being Cena, Eve being an automatic superheel, and Ryder breaking his back 6 weeks in a row.

Ryder's opening booking and push was really great, minus the fact they just kept pairing him with Cena to try and make him instantly relevant.

Ryder's US title reign could've been solid, and made for some really fun jabs at the IWC (Let's be honest, the IWC is always so giddy when the business throws us a bone).

 

[sTyLnK]

It's not hard to figure out. They did this on purpose so you people wouldn't get tired of him so fast. The IWC jumps on bandwagon to bandwagon. If the WWE gave you guys what you wanted and continued with him getting shoved down your throats, within a few months you would have bitched and whined about how tired of him you are and move onto some other flavor of the month. The WWE is smart for doing this because when he comes back from "injury", everyone will be happy he's back on tv and kicking ass.