WWE Opinion: Could Zack Ryder Be to New York What CM Punk Is to Chicago?

Everyone has a hometown in wrestling.

Beth Phoenix is from Buffalo and the fans cheer her on. CM Punk is treated like a god in the Windy City. Rey Mysterio is from San Diego and the fans in the 619 are all over him when he makes a tour stop to show of his acrobatic skills.

The WWE has been like that since its inception. The McMahons have worked over the years to make their wrestlers not only national stars, but also regional stars. Vince Sr. was a master of making champions find their rhythm with the cross-culture of the company.

Pedro Morales was an icon with the Hispanic community. Bruno Sammartino was a favorite not only as the lead "face" but in the Italian community and so forth.

So what if the WWE comes up with one of its own to find love in New York City of all places? And could Zack Ryder be "that guy"?

Ryder, whose moniker is the "Long Island Ice Z," would be an ideal fit. With the recent rise of the "Internet Champion" of the WWE, he is quickly becoming the ideal candidate to take Gotham by storm.

Even John Cena has worked with the talented youngster to make his rise more credible than just an Internet sensation.

If the WWE is still in the business of marketing its competitors to reach great heights with sales, tickets and recognition, then Ryder should be the next great superstar to be added to that mix.

If Survivor Series is any indication of what is to come from the WWE, then Ryder is well on his way, and the superstars like a Dolph Zigger will sell for him like he did during the PPV event. When Ryder hit the ring and assaulted the US Champion, a true star was born in his hometown. It was perfect and it set the tone for Ryder not only as a future champion, but as a "face" that can grow with the population of the IFC and the fanbases in the arenas.

If John Cena does finally make the move and take a "turn," as expected and as we hope, then someone with charisma and growth needs to fill the void. A face turn by Mark Henry does nothing if he cannot carry his weight with the crowd.

Ryder can do that. And in New York, where the biggest matches in the WWE have taken place, it is a no-brainer to make him the focal point of that challenge.