10 Wrestling Facts We Didn't Know Last Week (May 15)

By Jamie Kennedy /

9. Zack Ryder Turns 30

The story of Zack Ryder is a pretty crazy one, and a sobering reminder that if World Wrestling Entertainment's power players don't think you're a star, they will point blank refuse to present you as such, regardless of how much fans cheer for you. At one point several years ago, Ryder was one of the most over guys on the roster, but that didn't matter a hill of beans to those in charge, they just didn't see it. This week, Ryder turned 30, and by now the guy should be celebrating all that hard work years ago, getting himself noticed through an online presence and turning himself from jobber-to-the-stars into a genuine featured attraction. Instead, he's in limbo, rarely seen on main WWE programming and flirting with the whole 'future endeavour' thing every time potential releases are discussed. Seeming like an upbeat guy in general, it's unlikely Zack didn't enjoy his birthday, but man, what might have been for the 'Long Island Iced-Z'. Amassing millions of views on YouTube, his videos launched him into the public eye, but it's absolutely perplexing that instead of capitalising on this, WWE elected to eventually bury the man. Turning 30, is Ryder closer than ever to being released?