The story of Zack Ryder is a tragic one. A young star with a legion of fans, a unique character and tremendous marketing and merchandising appeal, Ryder should have ridden a wave of momentum to the top. Instead, he saw his one push disintegrate before his very eyes. He became a damsel in distress in the storyline involving John Cena and Kane and was portrayed as a complete buffoon in the process. Unable to change a tire or defend himself against the Big Red Monster, the program was WWE Creative and management's way of reminding fans that there is, in fact, a glass ceiling and Ryder belonged nowhere near it. Ryder was not the product of the WWE machine. He was not a performer Vince McMahon and the company's brain trust ever foresaw as a major player in the industry. As a result, they found it difficult to justify pushing him over guys they deemed the future of the industry. It was one of the most blatant instances of those in power not listening to the fans that support the product. Today, Ryder wallows in the deep, dark abyss of insignificance that is the WWE undercard. He is a complete afterthought who has made more appearances on the company's YouTube exclusive "JBL and Cole Show" than any of its television programs.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
