10 Precise Moments Wrestling Fans Rejected Internet Darlings

1. Zack Ryder - February 13, 2012

Bray Wyatt Spooky Lil Kid
WWE.com

"So you want Zack Ryder to get a push, huh...?"

Stephanie McMahon was once roundly criticised for the hilarious idea that WWE was "no different to" the works of William Shakespeare, and while the playwright was rather fond of exposition, that's not what she meant. However, Dante himself would have marvelled at the ironic hell punishment that WWE served Zack Ryder for...

...getting over to a level that might have made WWE money.

Ryder tried to pave his own way to stardom via the 'Z! True Long Island Story' web series, in which he played an endearing, self-deprecating character very well, but because it wasn't in the plans, he was almost resented for it. And while the gimmick was deeply midcard, the endeavour should have been rewarded. It wasn't. He received a push, all right, but that push - after a token United States title win over Zack Ryder that was, if anything, a cruel taste of the good life - was literal. He was put in a wheelchair and pushed off the stage by Kane when playing a multifariously injured incel.

This was such a clear and explicit "Don't support this geek lol you a**holes" message that even the "Let it play out!" crowd gave up on Ryder that instant.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!