10 WWE Superstars Who Weren't Drafted (And Why)

9. Ryback

The Undertaker Raw Smackdown
WWE.com

Despite still being contracted to WWE, few fans expected to hear Ryback's name called when Shane and Stephanie selected their draft picks on the first Tuesday night edition of SmackDown Live.

The former Intercontinental Champion abruptly left the promotion several months back when contract negotiations soured. Rumors persist that Ryback was asking for lodging and travel accommodations while WWE was not willing to give the real-life Ryan Reeves this special treatment. Ryback then posted a very public blog voicing his displeasure and concerns with WWE's pay structure.

Still, Ryback has not been officially released, although his separation from the company seems to be imminent.

Some fans held out hope that WWE would surprise the audiences and draft Ryback to RAW or SmackDown. Such an announcement would've required some last minute, discreet negotiations, as well as one side to have acquiesced a significant amount from what they had been negotiating previously. Well, that didn't happen and Ryback wasn't drafted.

Though Ryback remains part of the WWE roster as of press time, the removal of The Big Guy seems to be simply a matter of time.

Contributor
Contributor

A former stuntman for Paramount Pictures, Matt enjoys sports, water skiing, driving fast, the beach, professional wrestling, technology, and scotch. At the same time, whenever possible. Having attended many famous (and infamous) shows including WrestleMania XV, In Your House: Mind Games, and the 1995 King of the Ring, Matt has been a lifelong professional sports and wrestling fan. Matt's been mentioned in numerous wrestling podcasts including the Steve Austin Show: Unleashed, Talk Is Jericho, and Something To Wrestle With Bruce Prichard. As a former countywide performer, Matt has been referred to as Mr. 300 for his amazing accomplishments in the world of amateur bowling. He is also the only man on record to have pitched back-to-back no hitters in the Veterans Stadium Wiffle Ball League of 2003.