Ryback Is the Right WWE Superstar in the Wrong Era

Ryback is the right WWE Superstar in the wrong era.

This monster went to Extreme Rules and fought in a draw against John Cena for the WWE Championship. Throughout the Last Man Standing match, Cena tried valiantly but couldn’t overcome Ryback’s monstrous attack.

Their battle only proved why Ryback came in the wrong era. Granted, this “PG era” brings a more friendly approach to the WWE fans. More kids watch wrestling as opposed to the late 1990s, where the controversial Attitude Era was only beginning.

However, Ryback doesn’t belong in the PG era. It’s a weird realization, considering he has the look of a 1980s prototype wrestler. Where he stands out is the attitude.

Ryback’s heel persona shows more of who he is than his babyface run. He cuts straightforward promos; it's no humor and all business for Ryback. His explanation for why he turned on Cena in the first place made sense.

After the April 15 edition of Raw, Ryback stated how Cena didn’t have his back, even though Cena supported him when Ryback first challenged CM Punk in October for the WWE Title.

The attitude matches his physical, smash-mouth style. In the 1980s, that style would rarely be seen. The Attitude Era brought on the physical style on a daily basis. Ryback would have fit in just fine.

It’s no secret that Vince McMahon loves Ryback. Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer (via AllWrestling.com) first reported this last June. That standing hasn’t changed, as Ryback is still a prominent figure in the WWE.

It makes sense, as Ryback’s build is reminiscent of the 1980s Superstar. But that is where it stops.

Ryback would have been better suited as a monster in the Attitude Era. He would probably have a manger to help with the promos, while he would’ve destroyed his opponents.

Ryback is the right Superstar in the wrong era. If he had debuted in the Attitude Era, things would have turned out a lot differently for Ryback: He would have been the Superstar the WWE needs right now.