I read this article on www.examiner.com (12/31/12). Let me know what you think
Has WWE's Ryback jumped the shark?
Pro WrestlingDecember 17, 2012
By: Ryan DrewSubscribe
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Ryback drew a lot of criticism when his character debuted earlier this year. Crowds would chant Goldberg, Goldberg every time the former NXT contestant entered the ring. But as the raging bull conquered all challengers, the comparisons started to disappear. No longer were fans chanting for Bill Goldberg, the former WCW champion of the world. Instead, they were chanting feed me more, the catchphrase of Ryback. Just as Ryback was beginning to hit a stride and make a real solid name for himself, the live Brooklyn spectators at last nights TLC pay per view pulled him back down to earth.
When Ryback made his entrance at last nights WWE event, the crowd was noticeably quiet. Sure, there were some screams of joy, but not he did not receive the reaction one would expect of a babyface who just headlined two previous pay per views. Which leads to the question, has Ryback jumped the shark?
The term jump the shark means to be on the downswing of popularity. It stems from an episode of Happy Days when the super cool character Fonzie jumped a shark tank on his motorcycle. The show thereafter lost momentum and popularity. And thus, a metaphor was born.
In wrestling, a fast rise in popularity can lead to a quick fall from grace. Take Zack Ryder as an example. The Jersey Shore character hit a plateau of popularity due to his acclaimed internet series Z! True Long Island Story. Crowds were excited to see him and roared loudly when his entrance music hit. But just as quickly as he came, he went. The gimmick is still around, but fans became tired of the goofy and silly superstar. His stock soared as high as it could go before it came crashing down.
Of course, for every Zack Ryder, there is a guy like Kane. The superstar came into World Wrestling Entertainment with a lot of fanfare and hoopla. And more than 15 years later, the character and wrestler are still a major part of the program and merchandising.
Whether Ryback has jumped the shark or not is yet to be determined. Some live crowds, like the one last night in Brooklyn, lean heavy on the heels and love to jeer the babyfaces. Theres not necessarily a rhyme or reason to it. Just some crowds enjoy going against the grain. It makes them feel smart to the business. So one cant predict whether or not Ryback has jumped the shark based off on one nights trepid reaction. That being said, live crowds have swayed the judgment of home viewers before, so its not impossible that Rybacks days on top are numbered. Only time will tell.
Has WWE's Ryback jumped the shark?
Pro WrestlingDecember 17, 2012
By: Ryan DrewSubscribe
.
Ryback drew a lot of criticism when his character debuted earlier this year. Crowds would chant Goldberg, Goldberg every time the former NXT contestant entered the ring. But as the raging bull conquered all challengers, the comparisons started to disappear. No longer were fans chanting for Bill Goldberg, the former WCW champion of the world. Instead, they were chanting feed me more, the catchphrase of Ryback. Just as Ryback was beginning to hit a stride and make a real solid name for himself, the live Brooklyn spectators at last nights TLC pay per view pulled him back down to earth.
When Ryback made his entrance at last nights WWE event, the crowd was noticeably quiet. Sure, there were some screams of joy, but not he did not receive the reaction one would expect of a babyface who just headlined two previous pay per views. Which leads to the question, has Ryback jumped the shark?
The term jump the shark means to be on the downswing of popularity. It stems from an episode of Happy Days when the super cool character Fonzie jumped a shark tank on his motorcycle. The show thereafter lost momentum and popularity. And thus, a metaphor was born.
In wrestling, a fast rise in popularity can lead to a quick fall from grace. Take Zack Ryder as an example. The Jersey Shore character hit a plateau of popularity due to his acclaimed internet series Z! True Long Island Story. Crowds were excited to see him and roared loudly when his entrance music hit. But just as quickly as he came, he went. The gimmick is still around, but fans became tired of the goofy and silly superstar. His stock soared as high as it could go before it came crashing down.
Of course, for every Zack Ryder, there is a guy like Kane. The superstar came into World Wrestling Entertainment with a lot of fanfare and hoopla. And more than 15 years later, the character and wrestler are still a major part of the program and merchandising.
Whether Ryback has jumped the shark or not is yet to be determined. Some live crowds, like the one last night in Brooklyn, lean heavy on the heels and love to jeer the babyfaces. Theres not necessarily a rhyme or reason to it. Just some crowds enjoy going against the grain. It makes them feel smart to the business. So one cant predict whether or not Ryback has jumped the shark based off on one nights trepid reaction. That being said, live crowds have swayed the judgment of home viewers before, so its not impossible that Rybacks days on top are numbered. Only time will tell.
