After reports of Ryback being sent home from WWE Raw at the beginning of May, rumors have been swirling about the Big Guy’s status within the company. So just what’s the deal with Ryback right now? Here’s what we know so far.
According to PWInsider, Ryback was kept off of television due to contract negotiations. WWE is currently cleaning house, releasing people like Christian, Santino, and the Brooklyn Brawler from their performer contracts as they were collecting money while not being active in the ring. Other major contracts were renewed, like Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and — of course — Triple H.
Ryback made it clear in a lengthy open letter to WWE on his Tumblr account that he thought his financial compensation and position in the company weren’t where he wanted them to be, and that performers should be paid equally with the differences being determined by merchandise sales.
According to the performer contract figures sent by our sources, prior to recent re-signings, Ryback was making as much as Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns. He was only making slightly less than Daniel Bryan was prior to his retirement.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is currently adding further details to the public story, saying that not only was it the contract figures that were in contention, but further requests made by Ryback. These included having his road expenses and hotels paid for when traveling with WWE, as well as having his contract guaranteed for its full term, meaning he would still get paid in full even if he was released at any point.
The general consensus seems to be that Ryback will be kept off of television until his contract expires on August 8, 2016. Our sources tell us that upcoming television plans that were circulated today do not have Ryback listed anywhere on the talent rosters.
Though there will be further releases coming, it appears that Ryback will be waiting out the next few months with WWE as they probably won’t cave in negotiations any time soon. Until then, snag some discounted Ryback merchandise at the WWE Shop, and know that ultimately, Ryback’s pretty okay with leaving:
WWE may very well release me, which if it is the case so be it. If we can work things out a lot needs to change as I am not living in fear and creatively cannot continue to live a life that limits me creatively. I have many other interests and passions and have been very smart with my finances over the years.
The world is an amazing place and there is more than just a WWE universe there is The Universe and I will prove one way or another over time I am the greatest big guy in the universe!
