10 Wrestling Facts We Didn't Know Last Week (Sept 2)
5. Ryback Was Originally Meant To Face AJ Styles At WrestleMania 32
If ever there was a sign that things have changed in WWE, Ryback's problems with management and eventual release mark a shift in mindset. Muscled beyond belief, Ryback is exactly the kind of prototypical star many believed Vince McMahon would drool over. WWE didn't do much to keep him around though when the performer aired grumbles about money and creative direction.
Launching his own podcast recently, the first episode of 'Conversation With The Big Guy' was eyebrow-raising. Chiefly, Ryback said he felt promises had been broken by McMahon in relation to a main event run. Later, he discussed his initial role at WrestleMania 32, one very different to the match he would end up having on the Kickoff show against Kalisto.
At 'Mania, Ryback was pencilled in for a bout opposite AJ Styles. Taking the story to new heights, the wrestler claimed that McMahon told him he was set to squash Styles - referred to as 'that little twerp' - easily on the pay-per-view.
Of course, that didn't happen, but it's interesting to hear what Ryback was told heading into the biggest show of the year.