WWE Raw: 10 Things You Might Have Missed (May 9)
3. A Better Use Of Zack Ryder
Zack Ryder was talking to Shane McMahon about the incredible high of winning the Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania when he was interrupted by Kevin Owens. Owens compared Ryder to Sami Zayn, calling them both losers who complained and whined to get title shots. That prompted Shane to book Ryder versus Owens for later in the show, with Owens's spot in the IC Title fatal four-way on the line.
The match wasn't too long, but it was a good contest while it lasted. Owens started off in control, but Ryder came back, hit his signature spots, and nearly scored the win off an elbow drop. In the end, Owens hit the Pop-Up Powerbomb for the victory.
While it would have been nice to see Ryder pick up a win in a match, at least he got to be on TV. WWE would be served well to use "Long Island Iced Z" as their version of Tomoaki Honma - an ultra-popular underdog who may not win very often, but who gets to have good matches, hit his trademark moves, and appear on TV regularly. Given that Ryder always gets a good reaction, it would be a win-win for the company, especially in front of some quieter crowds.