10 Exact Moments Great Wrestlers Jumped The Shark

9. Zack Ryder's Push Gets Thrown Off The Stage

Austin McMahon WM17
WWE.com

Zack Ryder got himself over in a major way back in 2011, and he did so without the company's help.

Tired of WWE's lack of support, his Z! True Long Island Story YouTube series became a huge viral hit, and "we want Ryder" chants soon took over WWE shows. Eventually, Zack's fans were too loud for the company to ignore, and while Ryder drifted on and off television for the rest of the year, he peaked with a United States Title win at TLC in December.

It didn't last. Tangling with John Cena was the end of Zack as a pushed commodity, and while Ryder's downturn started when he lost the US Title to Jack Swagger, the 13 February 2012, episode of Raw provided the real turning point.

A wheelchair-bound Zack was forced to witness his girlfriend, Eve Torres, kiss Cena that night, before Kane wheeled him right off the stage. Ryder and his push hit the concrete with a thud. His brief spell in the spotlight ended with that miserable scene, and while Ryder remained on television for a few more weeks, it was impossible to take him seriously after such an emasculating night.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.