Ryback Still Has Untapped Potential as a Babyface in WWE

Shortly after WrestleMania 28, a man by the name of Ryback arrived on the scene in WWE. The artist formerly known as Skip Sheffield spent time on WWE Tough Enough in 2004 as well as NXT in 2010 before suffering a serious ankle injury that summer.

With his in-ring future in question, some fans were doubtful that he'd ever make his return to TV. Others weren't even aware he was still employed by the company.

Still, Wrestling Edge reported that WWE officials had high hopes for Sheffield as one of the top babyfaces in the company. It seemed silly on paper given where he was on the card before being sidelined, but it'd become a much more realistic possibility over time.

Ryback grew more popular by the week in 2012 with each dominant victory.

Although he never had much direction, he embarked on an undefeated streak in singles competition as fans got behind his unique "Feed Me More" catchphrase.

John Cena's abrupt injury that fall opened up a vacant spot atop the roster, and with so few worthy contenders to the WWE Championship, Ryback was pushed into the picture. He and CM Punk had a fun feud going into Hell in a Cell, but Ryback ultimately suffered his first loss at the hands of The Voice of the Voiceless at the event following interference from referee Brad Maddox.

Despite that, Ryback remained over with audiences for the rest of 2012 and going into 2013. From there, he went on to lose every pay-per-view match he was a part of.

One night removed from coming up short against Mark Henry at WrestleMania 29, Ryback executed a heel turn after attacking John Cena. It was all downhill from there for the former NXT competitor.

The heel turn hindered his momentum rather than helping it. He was unsuccessful in winning the WWE title from Cena that spring and spent the summer bullying people in catering. Seriously.

His failed partnerships with Paul Heyman and Curtis Axel haven't done him any favors, either. Before suffering an injury in late August, Ryback was engaged in an on-and-off feud with Gold and Stardust as part of Rybaxel.

However, the injury could very well be a blessing in disguise for "The Big Guy."

Ryback as a villain had potential, but the reason it never panned out well for him was because it was too soon to turn him. WWE had a great thing going with him and his "Feed Me More" gimmick, so why ruin that?

Prior to the injury, fans were already starting to warm up to Ryback again. He would even play to the crowd during his matches at times, acknowledging the chants. It seems as if he, too, is ready to embrace the WWE Universe again.

Remember, Ryback's initial push came at a point in 2012 when the depth of the roster was at its weakest. With so many top stars out of the picture for the foreseeable future, there's no better time to re-push "The Human Wrecking Ball" than right now.

I'm not at all saying that Ryback should be headlining pay-per-views or contending for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship again, but lord knows WWE needs all the help it can get when it comes to star power.

There are few faces atop the WWE food chain at the moment aside from Cena and Dean Ambrose, and Ryback would be a welcome addition.

It's also possible Ryback could feud with the unstoppable Rusev upon his return. Ryback wasn't exactly a credible competitor the last time we saw him, but neither was Jack Swagger before he feuded with The Bulgarian Brute, and he's flourished as a face since turning.

It'll be interesting to see how Ryback is utilized when he eventually makes his comeback, but if one thing is for sure, it's that he still has a lot left to offer as a babyface before his in-ring days are over.

Thanks for reading and be sure to drop a comment below with your thoughts on a potential face turn for Ryback.

Graham Mirmina, aka Graham "GSM" Matthews, is a journalism major at Endicott College. Visit his website at Next Era Wrestling, and "like" his official Facebook page to continue the conversation on all things wrestling.

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