Why WWE Must Give Zack Ryder a Major Push

WWE needs to, and should, give Zack Ryder a major push.

With Raw expanding to three hours, superstars should have more opportunity to shine. They should get the exposure they so desperately crave and deserve.

They have a chance to establish a mid-card division. Why not start with a wrestler who got over with the crowd by himself?

Fans cheer Zack Ryder every time he steps into the ring. His merchandise and YouTube show, Z True Long Island Story, are still successful.

Why is he still on WWE Superstars?

Here’s why the WWE must give Zack Ryder a major push.

Social Media

The Long Island Iced Z started filming himself with a flip camera in an attempt to become popular with the WWE, and it worked.

Z True Long Island Story took off and catapulted Ryder’s career. On his show, he proclaimed himself the Internet Champion and even had a belt made for himself. Ryder became an Internet sensation and launched a new era for the WWE.

Without Ryder, the WWE’s social media campaign might not have gotten off on the right foot.

Ryder was the first WWE Superstar to use social media as a way to expose his name.  Now, the WWE is utilizing social media engines to bring in new fans and connect with the WWE Universe. YouTube, Twitter and Tout are heavily used by the WWE.

Ryder should be credited for getting the WWE social media train rolling. Why not reward him with a push?

Popularity Rising

Zack Ryder still gets a great reaction from the crowd.

Whether it’s backstage segments or when his music hits, the fans love Ryder.

His popularity peaked when he took the United States title from Dolph Ziggler at last December’s TLC pay-per-view. Fans were disappointed at Ryder’s one month reign after he lost the title to Jack Swagger.

Ryder has over 700,000 followers on his Twitter account and his YouTube show is still viewed by many. It’s no wonder that Ryder is still a fan favorite with the WWE Universe.

Additionally, he’s not just popular with fans. Ryder has support from John Cena and CM Punk, two of the WWE’s big guns.

Ryder’s popularity with fans and his fellow superstars is another big reason why the WWE should give the superstar a push.

The Merchandise Phenom

Thanks to his popularity, catchphrases such as, “Take care, spike your hair” and “Are you serious, bro?” and his YouTube show, Zack Ryder is a merchandise maniac.

Long Island Iced Z’s merchandise includes t-shirts with his catchphrases, sunglasses, headbands and wristbands for kids. He also has a wig with his trademarked “Broski” headband for both adults and children. Ryder also has foam hands of his fists for fans to chant “Woo woo woo” with him during his matches.

His merchandise is still popular with the crowd. Many fans can be seen with the Broski headbands and Ryder t-shirts.

According to Nick Pagliano of Wrestlezone, Ryder’s merchandise became a top-ten best seller last year. Using the Internet has benefited him greatly as he maintains his popularity.

The WWE needs to capitalize on the cash cow Ryder has become.

It’s shocking that Ryder hasn’t gotten a huge push yet.

Ring Work

Zack Ryder can work in the ring with the best of them.

He may not be the best wrestler in the company, but he can put on exciting matches.

Ryder worked with Dolph Ziggler and provided good matches for the United States title in three different pay-per-views, culminating in a great opener at TLC.

Ryder’s also worked with former WWE Champions The Miz and Kane, and he even teamed up with John Cena and CM Punk in main event tag matches.

Ryder just needs the opportunity to shine against great wrestlers in quality matches. He can work with the best of them, and now, he needs the opportunity to prove it.  

Charisma

All of Ryder’s accomplishments wouldn’t have been possible if he wasn’t entertaining and charismatic.

It’s his charisma that has caused WWE fans and his peers to take notice of Ryder.

His catchphrases have become staples in the WWE, which have helped him transcend his popularity.

Ryder has unofficially become a spokesperson for the WWE, making appearances and being interviewed by many major news outlets.

It’s been a long journey for the Long Island Iced Z.

Now is the time to give Ryder his way overdue, long-awaited push.