WWE have finally beaten down the 'WWE Universe' when it comes to Zack Ryder. Once one of the most over stars in the entire company, Ryder now finds himself plying his trade on NXT. There was a time when fans would brazenly chant, 'We Want Ryder', but that seems to have dried up now. In 2011, it really seemed that management were pushing the man more out of spite than anything else. Ryder had managed to get himself over on YouTube, but those in charge clearly didn't see him as a star. He did become engaged in storylines alongside the likes of John Cena, but Ryder was always portrayed as an underdog punching above his weight. Even a run as United States Champion couldn't change that, WWE just weren't interested in taking things further. NXT is one of the most exciting parts of the overall WWE brand currently, but it represents a demotion for Zack Ryder. Forming a team alongside Mojo Rawley won't reinvent the man's career, he badly needs repackaged.
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.
