WWE Capitol Punishment 2011: Zack Ryder, John Cena and Crazy Speculation

The general consensus among pro wrestling fans online is that no one is listening.

We complain about the programs, that our favorites are not getting the proper push. We believe that we know how the championship match at the last pay-per-view should have ended. We think we know what heel or face turn is needed to put a guy over the top.

We gripe, we cry, we moan and we scream. But no matter how much noise we make, no matter how many editorials I, or any other writer posts on Bleacher Report, or anywhere else, many are left with the sickening feeling that no one is listening. No one is listening and no one cares.

But, what if they did?

Zack Ryder’s name is mentioned among those WWE Superstars who is not getting what many fans feels he deserves. He’s not getting a chance.

The guy has personality. He’s unfortunately been saddled with a somewhat goofy gimmick, but his ring work is deserving of a second look. He is young, in shape and his YouTube program, Long Island Iced Z, is getting him over with fans of all ages.

There is no reason why he should not be given a shot.

Despite how much is said of Zack Ryder, no matter how many times fans sing his praises, nothing ever seems to be happening for him.

Enter John Cena.

John Cena, WWE’s resident Captain America, is THE guy. Period. It does not matter who he faces, or what the circumstances are, he is the big dog with the loudest growl. He is the man.

For several weeks now, Cena has been seen in the back of various arenas around the country, having a friendly chat that is not easily heard by fans watching. He’s smiling, bumping fists, apparently in the midst of a budding bromance.

The object of his attention? Zack Ryder.

Now for a little speculation.

John Cena’s much hyped WWE title defense at next year’s WrestleMania against The Rock is also accompanied by his promise that he will keep the strap for a full year. If WWE creative holds true to his statement, then there is virtually no drama in any defense he will have until that time.

Basically, R-Truth doesn’t stand a chance.

But, Vince McMahon is not blind. He may or may not ever surf the wrestling Web sites online, but he is fully aware of the attention that Ryder is getting. He knows about Ryder’s Internet following, and his statements on YouTube and Twitter. How does he know?

Because he’s the one pulling the strings.

He considers Zack Ryder an experiment, to see just how strong the online collection of wrestling fans is. He wants to know, “Can I build a Superstar mainly online, with little exposure on TV?”

He sees the response that Zack is getting. He heard the chants of “we want Ryder” during Monday Night RAW. He knows that fans are begging to see more, and want their guy to have an opportunity.

He’s listening.

Some may ask, why? Why do all of this, when Vince has every opportunity to push Zack Ryder on the air, to feel out the crowd the way it’s always been done, and push him accordingly?

Simple. Because he’s Vince McMahon and he can do anything.

The shadowy work being done prepping Ryder to make a splash on WWE programming is subtle, and is often times, not even seen by fans. Everyone assumes that Zack Ryder is acting on his own, perhaps in an effort to expand his character, and get over.

But, this is professional wrestling. Everything’s a work.

Fast forward to WWE Capitol Punishment. John Cena is mere moments from putting away R-Truth, his ever present status as the number one guy on RAW firmly intact. He has weathered the storm stirred by Truth, and is on his way to ending the match.

Suddenly, from out of nowhere, Zack Ryder comes through the crowd, sneak attacks John Cena and lays him out. R-Truth makes the cover, and gets the one-two-three.

R-Truth gets his shot at being top dog, and Zack Ryder gets his opportunity at finally becoming relevant in WWE. The fact is, Ryder could give any reason he wanted for turning on Cena, perhaps idol worship, reminiscent of Mickie James and Trish Stratus.

Whatever the reason, WWE could take RAW in a different direction, if only for a short time. Truth could feud with other Superstars, while John Cena, still the main event on the program, could continue to be the top draw.

It would be a win-win situation, for the workers involved, and for the fans who want to see something new happen on the company’s flagship program.

At some point, WWE will have to begin moving ahead to the next generation of Superstars. Rey Mysterio, Undertaker, Triple H and Shawn Michaels, are either done with active competition, or possibly nearing the end. The future must begin to happen soon.

Of course, all of this is one man’s opinion, a different look into possibilities for Zack Ryder, and the potential voice that we as fans truly feel we have.

Is anyone listening? Perhaps. Or perhaps this column, like so many written before it, is based solely on wishful thinking, and falls on deaf ears.