10 Crazy Wrestling Social Media Meltdowns

1. Ryback Gets Himself Fired

ryback tweet me no more
WWE.com

Perhaps the most destructive of all wrestler social media meltdowns was the lengthy Tumblr post that got Ryback fired from WWE in 2016. One night after fighting for the United States Title at Payback, 'The Big Guy' decided the time was right to attack the company not only for the way he'd been treated while under their employ, but for their entire pay structure.

Ryback claimed that he'd asked Vince McMahon to take him off television while they were negotiating a new contract, but he was left hanging. They couldn't agree to terms, and the reason was simple: in WWE's eyes, 'the Big Guy' had grossly over-exaggerated his value to the company.

From there, Ryback made the ridiculous assertion that everyone on WWE television should be paid the same, regardless of their position on the card or relative worth to the promotion:-

“It blows my mind that in this day and age though we still adhere to this formula ... Why is it a guy who is told he is going to go out and lose and does everything he is told be paid not only less, but much less than said winner over a period of time."

As well as demonstrating a gross misunderstanding of how wages are determined in a labour market, Ryback incurred the wrath of his employers, who let him sit out the remaining four months on his deal. He has since entered the podcasting realm, where his daft outbursts continue.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.