Ex-WWE Champion’s In-Ring Career Over At 44

A former WWE champion has confirmed that they won’t be returning to in-ring competition.

Ryback was one of the superstars destined for greatness in the Stamford promotion, but lackluster bookings and related frustrations resulted in him parting ways with the company in 2016.

Though he wrestled in the indies over the next couple of years, he hasn’t stepped back into the squared circle since late 2018.

Ryback was introduced as part of the Nexus faction before being rebranded as Ryback, a singles competitor, going on a 38-match win streak. His war cry, “Feed Me More,” became a rage among fans.

He subsequently entered an alliance with John Cena, before turning on him and starting a feud between them. During this period, he unsuccessfully challenged Cena for the WWE Championship multiple times.

‘The Big Guy’ was then brought into the Intercontinental Championship picture and would win the vacant title at the 2015 Elimination Chamber. His reign ended after 112 days, after losing to Kevin Owens at that year’s Night of Champions.

After almost another year with the promotion, he left. He was later involved in a legal case with the company surrounding the ownership of his name.

Despite often speaking harshly about his time in WWE, Ryback eventually mended fences.

Former WWE Star’s In-Ring Career Has Ended

At 44 years old, Ryback has no intention to return to the squared circle.

The former WWE star laid the blame upon the myriad of injuries he suffered over the years.

A botched ankle surgery during Nexus caused permanent nerve damage in my left leg and peroneal nerve. That injury led to five discs in my back rapidly degenerating throughout my Ryback run. My right shoulder was wrecked from cortisone injections I was told were safe — they ate away the cartilage and created massive scar tissue.

Doctors told me that if I stayed on that schedule for six more months, I’d likely need a five-disc fusion and a shoulder replacement, losing any chance at a normal physical life. So I walked away to save my life. That’s the truth.

Also read: Ryback Opens Up About The Wrestler Responsible For His Worst Match