Will Zack Ryder Ever Win The WWE Championship?

[Rated sj]

First off let me start by saying that I am a huge Ryder fan. I totally marked out for the guy when he won the United States championship at TLC it was one of those feel good moments, I was happy that all of Ryder's hard work had finally paid off. I am pretty sure Ryder must have felt like his dream had come true and that winning the United States Championship was the biggest achievement of his life. Now we all know that the U.S title is not the highest achievement in the WWE, becoming World champ is and when I say World Champ I don't mean the World Heavyweight Championship we all know the World Heavyweight Championship is a secondary title. The WWE Championship is , always has been and always will be the most valuable achievement in pro wrestling.
So my question to the IWC is will Zack Ryder ever become WWE champion?

Personally I would love to see Ryder become WWE Champ. I see him achieving this within the next two years. Maybe he will win MITB.

 

[Lion's Sacrifice]

It really depends on how he grows over the next year. Because he early on in his US Title run. He has to prove not only that he is over, but that he can wrestle and draw on that stage. The way WWE is booking things right now, I doubt that he will be there in the next year. Though if they give him a good run with the US title over the next couple of months I could see him moving up and begin to mix with the main event guys towards the end of the year. It just depends on if he's going to be as over next year as he is now.

 

[Johnny Scumm]

Already, Zack Ryder has been unlucky enough to face the "Ratings cut". He's been put in what will be a terrible storyline where he'll be chasing Eve for some romance. Now, do I believe he'll win the WWE Championship? I really don't. I do not believe Ryder would be a decent WWE Champion. He's just about a credible US Champion in my eyes. This gimmick that he has works, but it's not a gimmick for the Main Event champion. Do you want to hear, "I'm the WWE Champion... WOO! WOO! WOO!... You know it!" every time? I certainly don't.

I don't really want to see Ryder as WWE Champ, nor do I think he'll ever make it. He's destined to be midcard forever when it comes to titles and I think that's the perfect fit.

 

[Fire Marshall Bill]

I would say that with his current gimmick, probably not. That's not to say he can't go through development and slowly become less...goofy...is that the word I'm looking for? Either way, he's entertaining, but at the current time no one could take him seriously as the WWE Champion. He definitely needs ring work. He's not bad, he's just not that good either. His mic skills aren't bad either, but that's hard to judge giving that his gimmick limits his ability. Even when he tries to act serious he still acts a little goofy.

Don't get me wrong. I like Zack Ryder and the current push he has going for him. But unless he goes through some character development that changes him to a more serious, believable threat, he'll be nothing more than a US Champ.

 

[VinnieSunshine]

I would say that with his current gimmick, probably not. That's not to say he can't go through development and slowly become less...goofy...is that the word I'm looking for? Either way, he's entertaining, but at the current time no one could take him seriously as the WWE Champion. He definitely needs ring work. He's not bad, he's just not that good either. His mic skills aren't bad either, but that's hard to judge giving that his gimmick limits his ability. Even when he tries to act serious he still acts a little goofy.

Don't get me wrong. I like Zack Ryder and the current push he has going for him. But unless he goes through some character development that changes him to a more serious, believable threat, he'll be nothing more than a US Champ.

Agreed. I was going to say the same thing as soon as I saw the title of this thread.

I cant take Ryder seriously as WWE Champion in his current form. As soon as he is more developed and less goofy Jersey Shore, then he might have a chance.

Is it possible he could get it in the next 2 years? Yes. Bryan did it...but Bryan was more established in the ring than Zack is. I would say 3-4 is a better timeslot though, as there are so many others ahead of him in line.

 

[KoC417]

IN 6-8 years sure Ryder could get a run with the belt. Because by then everyone else will be out of his way. Woo Woo Woo You Know it!

Ok now time to be serious. No way in hell he gets to the top of the WWE. It took him this long to get where he is and guess what, he's already started that ultra quick road back down to the bottom of the ladder. Ryder would need a solid heel turn and maybe then he could be boosted up. I could see it now *puts fist up to do Woo Woo Woo* then turns, and gives the fans the middle finger and says "screw you all". If he could get decent heat from the fans he may be able to do something. Otherwise his one claim to fame aside from being a YouTube persona will be his US title win.

 

[Mustang Sally]

It would be like having Santino win the world title. WWE has pulled a lot of "different" strategies out of their hat over the years but they've resisted the temptation of making a goofball their titleholder. Under Zack's present persona, I can't see him turning the trick. Of course, I didn't see him winning a mid-card title, either.

He over-exaggerates his movements and facial expressions.....and he sells his opponents moves by looking like Wile E. Coyote after being hit on the head with an anvil by the Roadrunner.

If Zack could re-invent his persona in the future, making himself into a more serious performer, it might be a different story. But if he did that, would his fans still be interested in him?

Can't see a world title for him, 'Bro.

 

[One to Remember]

Already, Zack Ryder has been unlucky enough to face the "Ratings cut". He's been put in what will be a terrible storyline where he'll be chasing Eve for some romance.

A girl friend shows the lad is growin up.. and that interaction with her might get a little more adult making him a lot less goofy.

Now, do I believe he'll win the WWE Championship? I really don't. I do not believe Ryder would be a decent WWE Champion. He's just about a credible US Champion in my eyes. This gimmick that he has works, but it's not a gimmick for the Main Event champion. Do you want to hear, "I'm the WWE Champion... WOO! WOO! WOO!... You know it!" every time? I certainly don't.

Did you want to hear your WWF champ yelling out "OHH YEAHHHH", "Whatcha gonna dooo", or a single "Woo" period?

Hes kinda like Cena when he started out and they both started with the U.S. title barely being able to work with that. His over the top persona reminds me of Savage in his '80s prime, his demeanor reminds me of Cena c. 2006. Hes as green and as goofy as Rocky Maivia circa 1997. Hes as mature as Christian was c. 2004.

I don't really want to see Ryder as WWE Champ, nor do I think he'll ever make it. He's destined to be midcard forever when it comes to titles and I think that's the perfect fit.

I could see it in my mind easier then some guy in 1990 could had seen Slaughter as champ in 1991. He needs tweaking, a heel turn, perhaps not that much. He needs to do things to show hes a fun guy but still a tough guy. Run interference, cheat a little, adjust his tone of voice. "Woo woo woo" could be a whole new statement when its used after a win to gloat. an assholish smirk would also need to follow. He could be used to generate region momentum for WWE in the Jersey area.. He might get a Tommy Rich reign that way.

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[Notorious718]

As with just about anything when it comes to pro-wrestling, I'll say never say never. But perhaps unlikely. If reports are true, then WWE is already sour on Ryder due to the whole low ratings stuff and will be pulling him out of the main event scene. So at the very least, don't expect to see Ryder wearing a world title at any point in the foreseeable future especially with his current gimmick. His gimmick is entertaining and over the top, something that you don't really see much of these days but also doesn't really scream world champion. I think he'll have a better chance of becoming champ if he reinvented his persona so he can transition from goofy midcarder to serious main eventer. That said, it also brings up a good question. Like Sally said, if he were to tweak his gimmick like so would his fans still be as behind him as they are now? Sometimes it's best to not fix what isn't broken.

 

[Ding_Dong_#2]

Five years ago, I would have said it was an impossibility.

Now, with Jack Swagger, Dolph Ziggler, Mark Henry and now Daniel Bryan as former World Champions, anything, and I mean anything, is possible.

Ryder is someone who could do with the title to build upon what he has achieved so far but if he becomes the latest in their "pass-the-parcel" attitude to the world belts, then it's relatively pointless.

 

[Ubiquitous]

I would much rather Zack Ryder work to be a root of the midcard. But nowadays being part of the midcard is basically a sink or swim for the main event, and in his current form I'd never like to see him as WWE champ. I'd really like to see him mature as a performer much like Ziggler did in his most recent US title run.

 

[Dagger Dias]

Anything can happen in the WWE. With that being said, Ryder's popularity has skyrocketed in the last year or two and WWE has capitalized on that by giving him a chance with a United States Championship reign. The fans are supporting him, which is extremely important. They WANTED Ryder to win and practically begged for this push. If Ryder is able to generate enough interest in his matches then he will surely see a promotion further up the card in the future. That's long term and should be built up to, much like his midcard title win was. For now he needs a strong reign by retaining the title for a few months while having good matches in the process. I can see him winning the WWE Championship some day but it will not be for a very long time due to him needing to be ready and built up properly. His popularity does make him a candidate for the future. We'll see what happens.

 

[Trance Metaphor]

I don't see Zack Ryder as the WWE Champion right now and it's not because he's goofy. Hell, Santino Marella won two Intercontinental Championships. It's a matter of selling merchandise and drawing viewers just like John Cena. If you can surpass John Cena in that department, then I don't see why he shouldn't win the WWE Championship. Sure, a lot of people probably can't take him seriously as the top Champion let alone the US Champion, but how many people honestly took John Cena seriously when he was the WWE Champion for the first time? He had a rapper gimmick. The only problem I see is that Zack's popularity might slowly go down the drain if he goes the same route as John Cena and ultimately gets stale. A character change would do him good, but what could you possibly see other than his current gimmick? We've already seen glimpses of his previous gimmicks (ex. Edgehead and Major Brother). Those didn't go over well. Now he's finally got something that works for him. It's a matter of evolving while retaining charisma.

 

[gwarren]

I honestly think that if he gets a more serious character, serious moveset and a less goofy finisher, he could be the next Edge. He's got the likability factor, but could also play an amazing heel (I think). His mic work is good and with some improvement in the ring, who knows? Don't forget he's part of the "youth movement" too...

 

[James]

Chavo never became WWE Champion. Davey Boy Smith never became WWE Champion. Ricky The Dragon never became WWE Champion.

There's no way in hell he will become WWE Champion. Vince won't allow that garbage to happen.

 

[Colt]

Zack Ryder is going to be the new John Cena.

People can sit here and say what they want but when John Cena came out you all never thought he'd be where he is now. This guy is #2 in sells right now and that's only because John Cena is consider #1 in Vince's mind.

Sure , a new gimmick would do the trick . Oh wait didn't Cena do the whole thugin and buggin stuff.

We all also have to remember that the Miz was WWE Champ. Now look at him. The WWE will use anyone to get ratings.

Also , keep in mind that Zack is only 26 years old. Which gives them a few years to figure it out.

 

[TheLastHorsemen]

Did anyone catch the WWE.com exclusive after Ryder and Eve won their tag match? Ryder seems to always give a nod to Curt Hawkins whenever he has a chance.

Root for this guy, he not only made his own star, but he's immediately trying to get the rub over to his former tag partner too.

 

[trashboy]

Chavo never became WWE Champion. Davey Boy Smith never became WWE Champion. Ricky The Dragon never became WWE Champion.

There's no way in hell he will become WWE Champion. Vince won't allow that garbage to happen.

Yeah, but we had Miz as champion. And someone mentioning Cena and Macho Man up above and everyone's catchphrases, well, they all looked like champions. Zack Ryder looks like a midcarder or tag team wrestler for life. God, I hope he never wins either heavyweight title. It was bad enough when Miz won one of them. I still just don't understand the fascination with Ryder, all because of a stupid, irritating youtube show. Before that damn show, no one gave a damn about Ryder. And people saying he made himself a star. Actually no, WWE made him a star. They didn't have to push him whatsoever, they didn't have to give in to the annoying fans and put the guy on TV. And what makes everyone think the youtube show was Ryder's doing? What if WWE was secretly behind it the whole time? You never, never know.

 

[caseyle2010]

i think he will. i think he resembles Cena. Cena's first title was the US Championship, and he has a huge fan following. im not sure how long it will be before it happens, but im sure it will. i think a good storyline could be Cena turning heel and feuding with Ryder. since Cena helped Ryder get to the US title.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

Not with his current character. Ryder's current character is fun, energetic and loaded with personality. He can deliver the goods on the mic and he's good inside the ring.

That's all well and good but when you look at the main event picture, most of the guys that make it into the main event scene are characters that are taken more seriously by the fans. Ryder doesn't come off as a tough guy, or a wrestling specialist, or boast about his athletic prowess, or seem like a rebellious soul, or a patriotic hero. He comes off mostly as just this fun, kinda harmless guy that looks like he'd be fun to just hang around with. That's just not someone that most fans see as the face of a big wrestling company.

 

[Suibon]

Zack Ryder as world champion? With his current gimmick?

If he shows up with that fire that he showed when he started his Z! True Long Island Stories, if he keeps connecting to the crowd and keeps his gimmick fresh and entertaining? Sure, why not? But that all depends on whether Zack Ryder wants to be anything more than a very over mid-carder. If he decides to go Santino on our asses, well, let me remind you that I LOVE SANTINO MARELLA.
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[Twocenter]

Zack Frickin' Ryder and as a world champion? #AreYouSeriousBro? No. Not with his current gimmick. God forbid Ryder fist pumping with the big gold belt or the WWE championship. It will hamper the title's prestige.The title won by the greats like Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan, Macho Man etc. shouldn't be even near him with his current goofy gimmick.Ryder is entertaining. I like him but he is a mid card champion at best. Maybe if he changes his gimmick to something serious we can consider but now, NO in big letters (lol).

 

[Da Muddaship]

I second that, Twocenter. Besides, Vince won't have the Holy Grail made a mockery of, except by the First Family. I could actually see Ryder go through two makeovers before he would even sniff the strap, once as a heel, then a second repackaging as a face without all the frilly trinkets. I enjoy his schtick as much as everyone right now, but he's got a bright future these next 2-3 years being dominate in the midcard: 18 months around the US Title, and 18 more around the I-C title after his Smackdown drafting, which WILL happen to try to help bulk up the sagging ratings there.

 

[The Crock]

I seriously doubt Zack Ryder will ever advance past the midcard. It's not that I don't like Ryder -- I think he's great -- but he's just not on that level as a performer. He could very easily try to progress with his gimmick, but will it work? He got over on a fad, on something that will probably only work in one specific area or for a specific amount of time. I don't see his gimmick, as of right now, having the longevity required to stick around for a decade, much less ever reach the World Title. Ryder is going to have to change, there's no way around that, but will he be able to keep the fans on his side through that? That's going to be the biggest speed bump Ryder will ever face, I mean, do you honestly think that this gimmick is going to be anything more than a flash in the pan? You can only go so far with "broski" and whatnot.

I won't completely dismiss the possibility of Ryder becoming World Champion down the line, but as of right now, it's a laughable thought. I've seen him compared to the likes of Swagger, Ziggler, Henry, and Bryan in this very thread, but him winning the World Title -- at this point -- would be like Santino winning it. Ryder is a comedy character, the others are not. Henry was a monster waiting to happen, Bryan is a brilliant performer who had been built up for it, Swagger is the prototype (in terms of his body, looks, etc.) of a WWE performer and what they look for, and Ziggler might be the hottest up and comer in wrestling today. None of those guys should be paired with Ryder, he's in a different category. He needs to prove he's more than just that, that he has more than just one dimension... Once he does that, I'll be more open to the idea.

 

[SniperQue1911]

The Zack and Eve storyline might not be the most popular but at least it will keep him busy for the time being. Give him this along with his U.S. title run and it will build a good foundation for him to one day contend for the WWE title.