10 Future WWE Champions That Would Be A Sign Of The Apocalypse
1. Zack Ryder
There are fewer stories in WWE history more infuriating than that of Zack Ryder. An underutilized -- but talented -- midcarder, Ryder created his own YouTube show, and in so doing, his own legions of fans online. This following carried into arenas, where Long Island Iced Z began receiving some of the biggest reactions of anyone on the roster -- even on shows where he wasn't present.
Common logic would dictate that WWE capitalize on Ryder's self-made popularity, but after giving him a very brief run with the United States Title, the higher-ups beat and humiliated Ryder in such a drastic manner that it seemed vindictive. As he was assaulted repeatedly by Kane and made a fool of by Eve Torres, WWE tried to remove all reason fans would have for supporting the superstar.
And still, fans continued to cheer him. Perhaps it was because the WWE Universe saw something of themselves in Ryder, or maybe it was just because they put little to no stock in the company's booking decisions -- either way, Ryder seemed bulletproof.
WWE's only recourse (unless they wanted to make money) was to keep Ryder off TV entirely, and that's what they did. His storylines and soon, his appearances, came fewer and further between, and before long, Ryder was out of sight and out of mind.
Ryder seldom makes it to Raw these days, but when he does, he receives a respectable reaction -- fans still remember the faith they had in the man. He'll never be WWE Champion, though, and that's a shame.