10 Future WWE Champions That Would Be A Sign Of The Apocalypse
3. Ryback
When Ryback burst onto the scene in 2012, he drew immediate comparisons to Bill Goldberg -- not just because they both boast heavily-muscled physiques and shaved heads, but because "The Big Guy" was also booked as an unstoppable monster with an undefeated streak.
An injury to John Cena forced WWE to book Ryback opposite champion CM Punk at Hell in a Cell 2012, presenting the company with a difficult decision -- should they beat Ryback, sacrificing his streak, or beat Punk, abandoning their long-term booking plans?
The plans prevailed, and Punk was given a cheap victory. Ryback lost his edge as a draw, and, mind-bogglingly, WWE continued to beat him. He turned heel in 2013 and feuded with John Cena for the WWE Title, but could not wrest the belt from the champion.
His stock fell further and further until he was losing matches on Superstars with regularity. After an injury put him out of competition in 2014, WWE seemed interesting in rekindling the Ryback fire. He returned as a valiant babyface, but it was clear that the company did not see big things in his future, as he failed to pick up any important wins and was not protected the way he was on his initial ascent.
Today, Ryback is the Intercontinental Champion, but he's worlds away from being a contender to WWE's top prize.