Well-muscled and possessing more than a passing resemblance to Batista, Mason Ryan was widely regarded as WWE's own personal pet project to replace the former member of Evolution. On the surface, the big Welshman looked exactly like a prototypical WWE superstar, but would never really experience any main roster success. The closest Ryan would come to a featured position within WWE was when he was placed alongside CM Punk in the second Nexus faction, but the massive grappler was used as little other than a henchman by Punk, looking out for others in the stable when they were physically overwhelmed by larger wrestlers. Signing a five year deal in 2009, by the time that contract elapsed in 2014, WWE showed very little interest in renewing, and it was off to the independents for Mason Ryan. Many felt the man would show up in TNA, but outside of a few dark match appearances, he has largely stayed clear of the Orlando-based company. At 33 years old, it doesn't seem likely that WWE would be interested in using Ryan again, and it seems he just didn't live up to expectations Vince McMahon and company had for him.
Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.
