The Big Guy is a lifelong WWE fan and began lifting weights when he was just twelve years old in order to make his wrestling dream a reality. And to get chicks. Lots and lots of chicks. In high school, Ryback was a baseball and American football star because of course he was. After suffering a broken leg in college and this having to miss much of the baseball season, Ryback entered a fitness management programme at the University of Navada before trying out for the Million Dollar Tough Enough in 2004. He didn't win but did impress enough to earn himself a WWE contract. WWE was full of jocks back then so Ryback fit in well, even though it took him ages to make it to the main roster. Since arriving on WWE TV proper, Ryback has made a name for himself as one of the most spectacularly muscular wrestlers on the roster. We should expect nothing less from this bench press loving, football throwing jock-of-all-trades. The Silverback was given a new, jock-like gimmick in 2013 when he became a bully, intimidating puny good-for-nothings backstage. Reports that the gimmick was inspired by his own high school persona are unconfirmed.
